5 days in Hurghada

Day by day

1. Day 1: Giftun Islands and Hurghada Marina

   Giftun Islands, Hurghada Marina and El Mina Mosque, then El Dahar souq in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Giftun Islands

      Choose a boat that limits passenger numbers; the big party boats get crowded at the most popular reefs. (Full day, mid-priced).

   2. Late morning

      Hurghada Marina

      Come for sunset and dinner; the boardwalk is at its liveliest after dark. (1–2 hours, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Grilled Red Sea fish

      Fish restaurants in El Dahar and around the marina, where you choose the fish and pay by weight.

   4. Afternoon

      El Mina Mosque

      Photograph it from the marina boardwalk after sunset; dress modestly and ask permission before entering outside prayer times. (30 minutes, free).

   5. Evening

      El Dahar souq

      Visit in the early evening, when it is cooler and busiest, and haggle politely.

2. Day 2: Dolphin House reef and Abu Tig Marina

   Dolphin House reef, Abu Tig Marina and Hurghada Museum, then Eastern Desert safari in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Dolphin House reef

      Stay calm in the water and let dolphins approach; do not chase or touch them, and choose an operator that respects the no-chase rules. (Full day, mid-priced).

   2. Late morning

      Abu Tig Marina

      Combine a dinner here with a stroll around the lagoon bridges of downtown El Gouna. (2–3 hours, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Sayadeya

      Seafood restaurants in El Dahar and Sekalla.

   4. Afternoon

      Hurghada Museum

      Visit on a windy day when boat trips are cancelled, or in the afternoon heat. (1–1.5 hours, mid-priced).

   5. Evening

      Eastern Desert safari

      Choose a sunset trip in summer to avoid the midday heat, and bring a scarf and sunglasses for the dust.

3. Day 3: Hurghada Grand Aquarium and Sahl Hasheesh sunken city

   Hurghada Grand Aquarium, Sahl Hasheesh sunken city and Makadi Water World, then Hurghada Marina in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Hurghada Grand Aquarium

      Combine it with a resort day; it is a good option for very young children before a snorkelling trip. (2 hours, mid-priced).

   2. Late morning

      Sahl Hasheesh sunken city

      Go in the morning, when the water is calmest and visibility is best. (1–2 hours, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Koshari

      Local koshari shops in El Dahar.

   4. Afternoon

      Makadi Water World

      Check whether your hotel includes access before buying a ticket. (Half a day, mid-priced).

   5. Evening

      Hurghada Marina

      Bars, lounges and restaurants along the boardwalk, busy until late.

4. Day 4: Day trip to Luxor

   About 4 hours each way by road each way. Getting there: Organised tour or private driver.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Luxor

      About 4 hours each way by road (Organised tour or private driver); about 300 km.

   2. Day

      Luxor

      A long day from Hurghada covers Karnak Temple and the West Bank highlights — the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon — usually with a Nile crossing by boat. Best for culture, first-timers and families.

   3. Evening

      Back in Hurghada

      Dinner: try Ful and ta'ameya.

5. Day 5: Kitesurfing and windsurfing

   Kitesurfing and windsurfing, then Sheraton Road in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Kitesurfing and windsurfing

      Learn with a school that uses radio helmets and a rescue boat, and book a course over several days to allow for wind changes. (2–3 hours per lesson, expensive).

   2. Lunch

      Lunch: Ful and ta'ameya

      Street stalls and cafés in El Dahar; often on resort breakfast buffets too.

   3. Evening

      Sheraton Road

      Bars and clubs in Sekalla near the marina, popular with visitors.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 nights, Sekalla and Hurghada Marina keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, El Dahar ($) suits budget, solo travellers, food lovers and culture. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 29–42 hours of visiting over 5 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 10.4 hours in December to 13.8 hours in June.

More or fewer days

• One day in Hurghada
• 2 days in Hurghada
• 3 days in Hurghada

Questions travellers ask