Things to Do in Hurghada

Choose from 8 Fun Things to Do in Hurghada

Fantasia 1001 at Alf Leila Wa Leila

At the Alf Leila Wa Leila hotel property, “Fantasia 1001,” which refers to The Thousand and One Nights — or the Arabian Nights — is a celebration of Egyptian culture, color and dance with a variety of entertainment and dinner theater shows. Serving local food and drink, the many acts tell the history and folklore of Egypt through live music, a sound and light show, belly dancing and a pharaonic horse show that includes acrobatics and horsemanship. Each show tells the life of ancient Egypt and its pharaohs, the tribal history of the Bedouins, and other customs and traditions of the many regions of Egypt.

The shows are set in the largest theater of the area, with a seating capacity of 2,500. Other highlights include traditional Egyptian architecture including a large fountain and a performance of tanoura, an Egyptian folk dance in Sufi festivals. The whirling dance is unique to Egypt, performed by Sufi men in long, colorful skirts.

Practical Info

The Fantasia 1001 show takes place at the Alf Leila Wa Leila hotel, which is about a 15-minute drive from the airport and a 25-minute drive from downtown Hurghada. Shows begin around 10pm.

Qesm Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt, Egypt

Show Starts: 10pm

From ¥ 379

Giftun Islands

The Giftun Islands are a popular excursion from Hurghada, offering snorkeling, diving, sunbathing and a welcome retreat from the mainland bustle.

Offshore reefs provide spectacular drop-offs for experienced divers, hiding moray eels and fish in amongst the corals. Closer to shore, the coral reef snorkeling is superb.

The islands are famous for their pristine protected beaches, and a resort on the larger island provides all the facilities you need for a day by the sea, along with tours and windsurfing.

Practical Info

The Giftun Islands are in the Red Sea offshore from Hurghada, a 45 minute sail by day cruise from the mainland.

The islands are called Giftun Kebir and Giftun Sughayer (Big and Little).

Mahmya Beach, Hurghada 84511, Egypt

Free

From ¥ 117

Careless Reef

This reef is known as one of the best dive sites in Hurghada, both for sea life and beautiful reef gardens. An active underwater hotspot, octopus and rays, as well as turtles and dolphins, are common sights. Dense populations of fish, including jacks, tuna, barracuda and the occasional hammerhead shark make this a popular spot for viewing aquatic life. Many call this area of the Red Sea some of the most vibrantly colorful scuba diving on Earth.

The reef itself is composed of two coral pinnacles that extend up to the water's edge. The valley between these coral peaks is about 52.5 feet (16 meters) deep, offering many places for less experienced divers to explore. From this area, experienced divers can descend more than 130 feet (40 meters) and discover many underwater caverns and even more diverse sea life. The reef is most famous for an active population of moray eels. Average visibility is over 65 feet (20 meters) in the area's clear waters.

Practical Info

The dive site of Careless Reef is more often accessed as a day trip from Hurghada. It is about an hour's drive from the city. The reef lies 3 miles (5 km) north of Giftun island, south of Shaab Umm Qamar. Local dive shops in Hurghada arrange transport to the area.

Hurghada, Egypt

From ¥ 271

Port Safaga

The busy fishing and ferry Safaga Port is frequently visited by cruise ships and snorkeling day tours.

Excursions head off to dive the port’s unpolluted waters from long stretches of beach near Tobia Arba'a reefs.

Kite and windsurfing are popular here too, and nature lovers are intrigued by the town’s black sand dunes.

Practical Info

Port Safaga is 53 kilometers (33 miles) south of Hurghada on the Red Sea coast. It is also known as Bur Safaga.

Safaga Road, Port Safaga 84711, Egypt

Free

From ¥ 171

Mahmaya Island

This small island off the coast of Hurghada offers access to some of the clearest, bluest waters of the Red Sea away from the busy nearby shores. Accessed by boat, the island has food and lounge facilities and places to get snorkel gear. Snorkeling in this area is a must, as the underwater life is bright, colorful and active and it is less crowded than in other snorkel spots.

An abundance of marine life awaits in the many reefs just below the water’s surface. Dozens of tropical fish and a variety of coral types can be seen just off the island’s beach. Dolphins are a frequent sighting and a highlight for many visitors to this area. Soak in the Egyptian sun on a white-sand beach and cool off with a dip in the calm, turquoise waters.

Practical Info

Mahmaya Island is located approximately 45 minutes by boat from Hurghada. Most commonly accessed via tour, prices will vary, and most tours depart daily around 9 am. Snorkel gear is available on the island.

Mahmaya Island, Egypt

From ¥ 684

Old Hurghada

There’s much more to Hurghada than modern resorts and tourist facilities.

North of the resorts, you’ll find Old Hurghada, or Ad-Dahar. Most locals live in Ad-Dahar, and it’s here that you’ll find the most authentic restaurants and hotels.

The highlight of the old town is the souk, or market. It’s easy to while away several hours here, browsing the local produce and spices, and shopping for take-home souvenirs like rugs, water pipes and traditional clothing.

Practical Info

Hurghada’s old town is north of the resorts in Ad-Dahar, a short taxi ride.

Corniche, Hurghada 84511, Egypt

Free

From ¥ 171

Hurghada Marina

A forest of white masts poke up from the aquamarine waters along the redeveloped waterfront in Hurghada. While Hurghada has always been a bustling marine port, it wasn’t until 2008 that the city redesigned the Hurghada Marina as a place for locals and visitors to stroll in the sun, get some fresh air or grab a bite to eat with views of the sea.

The marina itself has 200 berths for sail boats and mega yachts, while the waterfront Hurghada Marine Boulevard is home to cafes, restaurants, shop and stylish bars, many hosting live music most nights of the week. Visitors can shop in a recreated Souk, dance the night away at a beach bar or board a glass-bottom boat to explore the colorful corals just offshore.

Insider’s Tip: The Hurghada Marina hosts special events and festivals throughout the year. Check their Facebook page for the latest.

Practical Info

Many Hurghada hotels offer a free shuttle service to the marina and back. If not, order a taxi to “New Marina, Sekkala.”

Hurghada, Egypt

From ¥ 284

Abdel Monaem Read Mosque (Big Mosque)

Once a small fishing village, Hurghada has grown into the most toured destination in Egypt. Though it sits beside the bright-blue waters that bring many visitors to the area, the Abdel Monaem Read Mosque stands tall on its own — offering visitors the chance to connect with the daily life and culture of the beach town.

The intricate design of the mosque’s classic Islamic architecture — combined with the scenic placement in the area between the main street and the ocean — makes this a unique mosque to visit. The minarets can be seen from long distances, and the call to prayer can be heard resonating from within its walls. Domes, arches and hallways are detailed with delicate carvings. Local citizens can be often seen heading to the mosque, with most visiting on Fridays for prayer.

Practical Info

The Abdel Monaem Read Mosque (Big Mosque) is located in the center of Hurghada off of El-Nasr Road. Out of respect, women may be asked to cover their heads before entering. Visiting hours depend on local religious services. Admission is free, though donations are accepted.

Hurghada, Egypt

From ¥ 171