Comparison · Hurghada vs Sharm El Sheikh · Egypt
Hurghada vs Sharm El Sheikh
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Michael Botros, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Hurghada for Red Sea diving and Giftun Islands; choose Sharm El Sheikh for Coral reefs and Scuba diving. Hurghada is generally less expensive, and the two are about 89 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 89 km
- Less expensive
- Hurghada
- Best time for Hurghada
- March–May and October–November
- Best time for Sharm El Sheikh
- March–May and October–November
Side by side
| Hurghada | Sharm El Sheikh | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Egypt | Egypt |
| Known for | Red Sea diving, Giftun Islands and All-inclusive resorts | Coral reefs, Scuba diving and Ras Mohammed National Park |
| Best time to visit | March–May and October–November | March–May and October–November |
| Ideal stay | 7 days | 7 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $90–$180 | $100–$200 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | July, 36°C (97°F) | July, 37°C (99°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 22°C (72°F) | January, 22°C (72°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 4 | 4 |
| Day trips in our guide | 4 | 4 |
| Beaches | Mahmya, Giftun Kebir | Naama Bay |
| Airports | HRG | SSH |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Hurghada for…
Red Sea diving and Giftun Islands. Hurghada stretches for some 40 km along the Red Sea coast of mainland Egypt, from the lagoon town of El Gouna in the north through the old district of El Dahar and the marina at Sekalla to the resort bays of Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi and Soma Bay in the south…
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Choose Sharm El Sheikh for…
Coral reefs and Scuba diving. Sharm El Sheikh is a resort city spread along about 30 km of coast at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Red Sea. Its draw is underwater: fringing coral reefs start a few metres from the shore, and boats reach the…
Top sights compared
| # | Hurghada | Sharm El Sheikh |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giftun Islands | Ras Mohammed National Park |
| 2 | Dolphin House reef | Strait of Tiran reefs |
| 3 | Hurghada Marina | SS Thistlegorm wreck |
| 4 | El Mina Mosque | Naama Bay promenade |
| 5 | El Dahar souq | Old Market |
Food compared
| Hurghada | Sharm El Sheikh |
|---|---|
| Grilled Red Sea fish | Grilled Red Sea fish |
| Sayadeya | Sayadeya |
| Koshari | Bedouin tea |
| Ful and ta'ameya | Bedouin flatbread |
Which is cheaper?
Hurghada is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $90–$180 per person there, against $100–$200 in Sharm El Sheikh (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Hurghada on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are about 89 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 7 days in Hurghada and 7 in Sharm El Sheikh.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh cheaper?
Hurghada is usually less expensive: about $90–$180 a day mid-range against $100–$200 (estimates).
+Is Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh better for a first trip?
Pick Hurghada for Red Sea diving and Giftun Islands, or Sharm El Sheikh for Coral reefs and Scuba diving.
+How far is Hurghada from Sharm El Sheikh?
About 89 km in a straight line.