Once similar to many of the other little sea ports and fishing villages along the eastern coastline, Hurghada has developed into Egypt's major Red Sea resort, catered by a growing number of hotels and self-contained beach-side holiday villages, with a wide and excellent variety of facilities The warm shallow sea with its numerous coral reefs and abundant variety of fish attracts countless diving and fishing enthusiasts to Hurghada. The brilliant marine life can be explored by all, from casual snorkeling to experienced diving. Both national and international diving instructors are on hand to provide introductory, courses and to take the more seasoned campaigners to deep drop-off zones and under-water caverns.

If you are not a diving enthusiast, you can nevertheless enjoy the view of the fascinating coral reefs and the abounding marine life on board one of the numerous bottom glass boats. Due to unmatched sea clarity Hurghada also attracts a lot of both professional and amateur underwater photographers. Besides diving, Hurghada, with its perfect weather all year round, is also an international centre for water sports : swimming, sailing, water-skiing, and windsurfing. Other than water sports, hotels and resorts offer a full complement of sports activities, from tennis and squash to beach volleyball and basketball. Hurghada is also home to the International Hurghada Squash Championship, hosting the top squash players in the world.

There are around 25 small islands around Hurghada offering excellent getaways to travelers wishing to escape to private, secluded beaches. Excursions can also be made into the desert hills to Roman Mons Poryphyrites remains at Gebel Abu Dukhan ( Mountain of the Father of Smoke), 65 km north of Hurghada. Adventure seekers should try the thrill of dune driving, by taking four wheel drive vehicles to the countless sand dunes and try to put their driving skills to the test. Sand-surfing is also one of the experiences not to be missed! To get a more intimate feel of the beauty of the desert, go on a safari by four wheel drive vehicles or by camels and camp overnight in the heart of the majestic Red Sea mountains.

With guaranteed sunshine all year, golden sandy beaches, and warm turquoise water, Hurghada is an ideal place for travelers wishing to unwind and recharge their batteries. Hurghada is serviced by regular flights to and from Cairo and is accessible by a 528 km road journey Via Suez. A good road connects Hurghada with Luxor. This 280 km journey takes about four hours and combines the spectacular scenery of the eastern desert with the lush rural setting of the Nile.