10 Best Things to Do in Hurghada — From Island Days to Desert Nights

Hurghada is more than a beach. Within an hour of your hotel there are coral reefs, empty desert, island lagoons and a real Egyptian town — and Luxor's temples are a day trip away. These are the ten experiences we recommend most.

1. A boat day to the Giftun Islands

The classic Hurghada trip: white sand at Orange Bay, shallow turquoise water and two snorkelling stops on the reefs around the islands. If you only take one boat trip, take this one. (Read our full Giftun Islands guide.)

2. Snorkelling on the reefs

The Red Sea has some of the most colourful coral in the world, and much of it is shallow enough for beginners in a life jacket. Boat trips take you to the best spots, with equipment and a guide.

3. A first dive

Hurghada is one of the best places in the world to try scuba diving. A beginner "try dive" with an instructor needs no experience — just a short briefing and a calm reef.

4. A desert safari at sunset

Quad bikes, buggies or a jeep into the mountains behind the town, tea at a Bedouin camp, the sunset over the desert and, on evening tours, dinner under the stars. (See our desert safari guide.)

5. Dolphins in the wild

Several boat trips head to areas where wild dolphins are often seen. Choose operators who keep their distance and never chase the animals — responsible tours give the best encounters anyway.

6. A glass-bottom boat or submarine

For anyone who would rather stay dry — small children, grandparents, non-swimmers — a glass-bottom boat or a semi-submarine shows the reef from below the surface without getting wet.

7. A day trip to Luxor

The Valley of the Kings, Karnak and the Nile in one long, unforgettable day. It starts very early, but nothing else on this list compares for history. (Read our Luxor day trip guide.)

8. El Gouna

A lagoon town just north of Hurghada, with canals, a lively marina, cafés and some of the best kitesurfing on the Red Sea. A relaxed half day or evening out.

9. The old town of El Dahar

For a taste of everyday Egyptian life, walk through El Dahar: the market, spice shops, street food and tea houses. Go in the late afternoon, when the heat eases and the streets come alive.

10. A traditional hammam and massage

After boats, desert and sun, a Moroccan or Turkish hammam — steam, a deep scrub and a full massage — is how many visitors end the week. It is also the perfect remedy for a sunburnt back or a long day on a quad.

How to fit it into one week

• Day 1: rest, beach and a walk through El Dahar
• Day 2: Giftun Islands boat day
• Day 3: sunset desert safari
• Day 4: Luxor day trip
• Day 5: a slow morning, then hammam and massage
• Day 6: dolphins or a first dive
• Day 7: El Gouna, and dinner by the marina

Book your Hurghada days

Compare the best-rated things to do in Hurghada, all with real traveller reviews. Our own hammam and massage includes free pickup from your hotel, and you pay in cash on the day.