Hurghada Holidays
Hurghada is GotoBeach’s most important Egypt destination — the one Paul Cowley visits most frequently and recommends most consistently to guests making their first Red Sea holiday. It has the broadest all inclusive hotel offer on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, genuine sandy beaches at many properties, world-class snorkelling and diving, and year-round sunshine that makes it one of the most reliable winter sun destinations available from the UK within a four-hour flight.
“Hurghada is the destination I recommend to most guests who are coming to the Red Sea for the first time. The hotel offer here is the strongest in Egypt, the beaches are genuinely good sandy beaches, the diving and snorkelling at Giftun Island is extraordinary, and the winter sun case is as strong as anywhere in the world within a four-hour flight. When people ask me where to start with Egypt, the answer is almost always Hurghada.”
Paul Cowley — GotoBeach Board Member & Egypt Specialist, 40+ years in travelGiftun Island — Red Sea at Its Finest
Giftun Island, approximately 10 kilometres offshore, is a protected national park with reef systems that Paul considers among the most beautiful he has encountered anywhere in the world. A boat trip to Giftun is the single experience he recommends to every Hurghada guest, regardless of whether they dive or only snorkel.
Sandy Beaches
Unlike Sharm El Sheikh where most hotels access the sea by jetty, many Hurghada hotels have proper sandy beaches — long stretches of fine sand directly on the Red Sea. For guests whose primary holiday requirement includes lying on a genuine sandy beach, Hurghada is the stronger Egypt answer.
Best All Inclusive Hotel Choice in Egypt
Hurghada has the broadest all inclusive hotel offer of any Egypt destination — properties ranging from solid four-star value to genuine five-star luxury. Paul has inspected properties across the full range and knows which ones consistently deliver on their promise.
Year-Round Winter Sun
In December, January and February — when Greece and Turkey are closed and Morocco is cooler — Hurghada delivers 24–28°C with year-round sunshine. One of the most reliable winter sun destinations available from the UK within a four-hour flight.
The SS Thistlegorm
The SS Thistlegorm, a British WWII cargo ship sunk in 1941, lies at 30 metres in the Red Sea and is one of the most celebrated wreck dives in the world. Motorcycles, trucks and railway carriages remain perfectly preserved in the cargo hold. Paul has dived it multiple times and considers it unmissable for any diver visiting Hurghada.
Direct Flights Year-Round
Hurghada International Airport (HRG) is served by direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh and other UK regional airports throughout the year. Flight time approximately 4–4.5 hours. Strong winter connections make Hurghada one of the most accessible year-round Red Sea destinations from the UK.
GotoBeach sells a carefully selected portfolio of Pickalbatros hotels in Hurghada. Pickalbatros Hotels & Resorts is one of Egypt’s most established all inclusive hotel groups with over 30 years of experience on the Red Sea coast. Every property below has been assessed by Paul directly. These are his honest recommendations.
Pickalbatros Aqua Vista Resort
A well-positioned all inclusive property on the Hurghada coast with direct Red Sea access. Paul recommends the Aqua Vista for guests who want a solid, reliable all inclusive experience at a competitive price point. Good beach access, a friendly atmosphere and the consistent quality standards the Pickalbatros group delivers across its portfolio.
Pickalbatros Aqua Park Resort
Paul’s top recommendation for families with children in Hurghada. A large aqua park, multiple pools, beach access and a comprehensive children’s entertainment programme make this the strongest family all inclusive hotel in the GotoBeach Hurghada portfolio. For guests who want maximum water-based activity alongside the Red Sea, this is the right choice.
Pickalbatros Alf Leila Wa Leila Hotel
One of Hurghada’s most distinctive properties — the Alf Leila Wa Leila (One Thousand and One Nights) is designed around an Arabian Nights theme that gives it a character unlike any other hotel on the Hurghada coast. All inclusive, directly on the Red Sea and with a genuinely memorable atmosphere. Paul recommends it for guests who want something visually different from a standard resort.
Pickalbatros Jungle Aqua Park Resort
Neverland by Pickalbatros — one of the largest entertainment and aqua park complexes on the Hurghada coast. For families who want the Red Sea all inclusive experience with the scale of entertainment infrastructure, this is the most ambitious family offering in the GotoBeach Egypt portfolio. A genuinely unique option in the Egypt market.
Pickalbatros Dana Beach Resort
A large, well-established beachfront all inclusive resort with direct sandy beach access on the Red Sea. The Dana Beach is one of the most consistently popular Pickalbatros properties on the Hurghada coast — a well-maintained resort with good facilities, reliable food standards and a pleasant beach that works well for both families and couples.
Pickalbatros Citadel Resort
Located in Sahl Hasheesh, approximately 18 kilometres south of central Hurghada — a quieter, more upmarket resort enclave away from the main hotel strip. The Citadel Resort offers the Pickalbatros all inclusive standard in a more secluded setting. Paul recommends it for guests who want the Hurghada all inclusive experience alongside a calmer, less crowded atmosphere.
Visa
UK passport holders require a visa for Egypt. Apply online at visa2egypt.gov.eg before travel or obtain a visa on arrival at Hurghada Airport. Check gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt before booking.
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP). USD and EUR widely accepted in hotels and tourist areas. Credit cards accepted at most hotels. Carry some local currency for taxis and smaller purchases outside the resort.
Best Time to Go
October–April for most guests. November–March is Paul’s recommendation for UK winter sun — 24–28°C, uncrowded and excellent value. June–August is very hot (35–40°C) but diving remains excellent and prices drop.
Flight Time
Approximately 4–4.5 hours to Hurghada International Airport (HRG) from London. Direct flights year-round from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh and other UK regional airports.
Is Hurghada good for families?
Yes — one of the most family-friendly destinations in the GotoBeach portfolio. The Red Sea is warm, calm and very clear. The Pickalbatros Aqua Park Resort and Jungle Aqua Park Resort are Paul’s top family recommendations — combining waterpark facilities with direct Red Sea access.
Does Hurghada have sandy beaches?
Yes — many Hurghada hotels including the Pickalbatros Dana Beach Resort have direct sandy beach access on the Red Sea. This is one of Hurghada’s key advantages over Sharm El Sheikh, where most hotels access the sea by jetty.
Is Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh better?
For most first-time Egypt visitors, Hurghada — broader hotel choice and sandy beaches. For serious divers who specifically want Ras Mohammed National Park, Sharm El Sheikh. Speak to Paul before deciding — the right answer depends on what you want from the holiday.
Is Hurghada a good winter sun destination?
One of the best from the UK. November to February delivers 24–28°C with year-round sunshine, uncrowded conditions and excellent value. Paul specifically recommends this period for UK guests wanting winter warmth.
What deposit is needed for Hurghada with GotoBeach?
Full flight cost at time of booking plus £30 per person deposit. All Egypt package holidays booked through GotoBeach are ATOL-protected under licence #11211 held by Caria Holidays Ltd.
Browse our full Hurghada hotel collection or speak to Paul directly about the right property for your holiday.
All Hurghada holidays booked through GotoBeach are ATOL-protected · Caria Holidays Ltd · ATOL #11211 · +44 208 211 00 01 · info@gotobeach.co.uk