Beaches · Hurghada · Egypt
The best beaches in and near Hurghada
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Hatem Moushir, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Mahmya, Giftun Kebir (About 45 minutes by boat from the marina). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in January–December.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 5
- Swimming season
- January–December
- Warmest sea
- 28°C (82°F)
The beaches
About 45 minutes by boat from the marina · Island beach day
1.Mahmya, Giftun Kebir
A white-sand beach on the protected Giftun Kebir island with turquoise shallows, shade umbrellas and a reef for snorkelling, reached only by boat.
About 20 km south of the centre · Clear water and snorkelling
2.Sahl Hasheesh
A sweeping bay with clearer water than central Hurghada, long resort beaches and a pier that gives access to the reef and the sunken city.
About 30 km south of the centre · Families
3.Makadi Bay
A sheltered bay with sandy resort beaches and house reefs reached from pontoons, popular with families.
About 25 km north of the centre · Kitesurfing
4.Mangroovy Beach, El Gouna
A broad, windswept beach in El Gouna that is home to kitesurf and windsurf centres, with shallow water for learners.
About 45 km south of the centre · Quiet resort stays and watersports
5.Soma Bay
Long beaches on a quiet peninsula with steady winds, house reefs and a few large resorts.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 22°C (72°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| February | 21°C (70°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
| March | 22°C (72°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| April | 23°C (73°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 33°C (91°F) |
| June | 27°C (81°F) | 35°C (95°F) |
| July | 28°C (82°F) | 36°C (97°F) |
| August | 28°C (82°F) | 36°C (97°F) |
| September | 28°C (82°F) | 34°C (93°F) |
| October | 27°C (81°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| November | 25°C (77°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| December | 23°C (73°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$ · Best for families, beach and budget
Village Road
South of Sekalla, Village Road and the coast beside it are lined with big beach resorts, many all-inclusive, with sandy beaches, pools and shops and restaurants along the road behind. It is the classic Hurghada package-holiday base, a short taxi ride from the marina.
- Good
- Wide choice of beach resorts; Close to the airport and the marina; Good value packages
- Watch out
- Little local character; Taxi needed for most outings
- Nearby
- Hurghada Marina, Hurghada International Airport
Getting to the beaches
- Bus — Shared microbuses run along the main roads between El Dahar, Sekalla and Village Road; they are very cheap but informal.
- Boat — Day boats for the Giftun Islands, Dolphin House and dive sites leave from Hurghada Marina, El Gouna and resort jetties, usually with hotel pick-up.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in March–November. None of them is peak season, so beaches stay manageable.
Beach safety
Check your own government's travel advice before travel. The main issues are persistent touts and unagreed taxi fares, strong sun and heat, and sea urchins, coral cuts and wind-driven currents on boat trips; listen to crew briefings and use buoyancy vests if unsure. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Hurghada have beaches?
Yes: Mahmya, Giftun Kebir, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Mangroovy Beach, El Gouna and Soma Bay.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Hurghada?
Usually January–December, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Hurghada?
Mahmya, Giftun Kebir: A white-sand beach on the protected Giftun Kebir island with turquoise shallows, shade umbrellas and a reef for snorkelling, reached only by boat.