Egypt’s Red Sea coast is one of the easiest warm-weather beach escapes from the UK, with sunshine most of the year, coral reefs close to shore and a wide choice of resorts, from simple hotels to some of the most luxurious beach properties in the region. The hard part is choosing where to stay. This guide explains the main beach areas, who each one suits, and how to add a beach stay to a tour of Egypt.
Sharm El Sheikh
On the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm is known for some of the best snorkelling and diving in the Red Sea. Ras Mohammed National Park, with its coral walls and clear water, is a short boat ride away. Resorts are spread along several bays, including Naama Bay, Sharks Bay and Nabq Bay, and range from family all-inclusives to high-end properties such as the Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh.
Best for: snorkelling and diving, families, an easy flight-and-flop holiday. Try our Ras Mohammed and White Island boat trip.
Hurghada
The largest and longest-established resort town on the mainland coast, with a lively marina, plenty of restaurants and a huge range of hotels. Hurghada is also the best base for visiting ancient Egypt from the coast: Luxor is around four hours away by road.
Best for: value, choice, nightlife, and day trips to Luxor or Cairo. Read is a Luxor day trip from Hurghada worth it? or see our Hurghada day tours.
El Gouna
A purpose-built lagoon town just north of Hurghada, with canals, a marina, small beaches and a relaxed, car-free feel in places. It is popular with couples and kitesurfers, and has a good mix of boutique and upscale hotels.
Best for: couples, a quieter but still sociable stay, kitesurfing.
Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay and Soma Bay
South of Hurghada, these resort bays are calmer and more spread out, with large hotels set on their own stretches of beach. This is where you find some of the coast’s most luxurious resorts, such as The Oberoi Beach Resort in Sahl Hasheesh and the Kempinski in Soma Bay, alongside golf courses and big spas.
Best for: luxury and peace and quiet, honeymoons, golf and spa breaks.
Marsa Alam
Further south again, Marsa Alam is quieter and more natural, with reefs that start right off the beach. It is known for snorkelling with turtles and, if you are lucky, dolphins. The trade-off is fewer restaurants and a longer transfer from Hurghada if your flight lands there.
Best for: nature, snorkelling and diving, escaping the crowds.
When is the best time for a Red Sea beach holiday?
The Red Sea is warm enough for the beach most of the year. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable, with hot days and warm sea. Summer is very hot but breezy on the coast. In winter, days are usually in the low twenties °C and the sea is cooler, so a short wetsuit is useful for snorkelling.
Combine the beach with Cairo, Luxor or a Nile cruise
Most people who fly to the Red Sea want to see the Pyramids or the temples too. Two easy ways to do it:
- Beach first, then sightseeing: stay on the coast and take a Luxor day trip or a Cairo day trip from Hurghada.
- Sightseeing first, then the beach: a package that starts in Cairo, adds a Nile cruise and finishes with a few nights by the sea, such as our 9-day Cairo, Nile cruise and Red Sea holiday.
See all our beach holidays, or tell us your dates and we will suggest the right area and hotels for your budget.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada better?
Sharm is generally better for snorkelling and diving straight from the beach and boats to Ras Mohammed. Hurghada has more choice and value, and is closer to Luxor for day trips.
Where are the most luxurious resorts?
The calmer bays south of Hurghada, such as Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay, and the high-end resorts around Sharm El Sheikh.
Can you visit the Pyramids from the Red Sea?
Yes. From Hurghada it is a long day trip by road; from Sharm El Sheikh most people fly. For a relaxed visit, add one or two nights in Cairo.