When you choose a vacation in Egypt for yourself, Hurghada in most cases may be a more attractive place than Cairo or Sharm El Sheikh. The fact is that this resort is more democratic. Because the prices here are much lower, and you can relax no worse than in other, more expensive cities in Egypt. When you arrive in Hurghada, you will have a wonderful vacation: the sea, the sun, pristine beaches, excellent service and good mood. The climate here is very mild, in Hurghada it is not as hot as in other resorts in Egypt, because you can spend as much time on the beach as you wish. And you can go on excursions in Egypt (Hurghada); prices for some of them will be described in the article.
A bit of history
The history of Hurghada is amazing because in just 50 years an unknown place has turned into a tourist mecca. Even before the mid-seventies of the last century, Hurghada was not even marked on the map of Egypt. It was a small settlement where search engine oil workers lived and worked, and the only attraction was the military airport. And in just fifteen years, a small village was able to become a leader among resort towns. In nineteen seventy-fourth, the first hotel was built, which was given the name Sheraton (now Le Meridien). But the real heyday of Hurghada began in the eighties, when it was allowed to foreign companies to charter flights. The first tourists from Russia flew here in the ninety-third year. And now this resort is called the winter all-Russian health resort.
Hurghada today
Now Hurghada is one of the twenty-six administrative centers of Egypt. The population is about forty thousand people. The city is conditionally divided into four parts: the old part of the city (El Dahar), located in the north of Hurghada; Sakala center, the area of popular hotels Le Pacha and Regina Style; the newest center with a long promenade; the southern part of the city, which is essentially a continuous series of hotels (15 kilometers) located along the sea. Why is Hurghada so attractive for tourists? Sights, fascinating excursions and, of course, the warm sea attract tourists from all over the world here.
What to see?
The most famous sights of Egypt are located far from Hurghada. But if you want not only to relax by the sea, but also to see the pyramids, the Sphinx and much more, then go on one-day excursions. During the trip you will be accompanied by Russian-speaking guides. This pleasure will cost about a hundred dollars. What else is interesting in Hurghada? The sights of the city will be described below.
Waterpark Titanic
This water park is located on the territory of the Titanic Aqua Park & Resort and is considered the largest not only in Hurghada, but throughout Egypt. The cost of visiting the water park for adults will be thirty-five dollars, and for children - ten. But it's worth it. Here you will have one hundred percent fun: water slides and towers, funny souls ... Adults will be offered pools with a whirlpool and waves, a river for rafting, a free-fall slide, a slide for family rafting. In a word, both children and adults will be delighted with visiting the water park. By the way, here you will be given free towels.
Ancient Roman settlement Mons Claudianus
Mons Claudianus is the largest surviving ancient Roman settlement. In addition, it is in excellent condition. The settlement was founded more than two centuries BC. Masons lived and worked here. They made magnificent columns of local granite, which were exported to Rome to decorate temples, palaces and squares. We can still see such columns in the unfinished temple of Venus, Villa Hadrian, Pantheon. This settlement is spread in the desert scorched by the sun between the Nile and the Red Sea. Here you can see the remains of the fortress: residential buildings, baths, stables, workshops and much more.
Monastery of St. Anthony
The monastery of St. Anthony is located forty-five kilometers from Hurghada, near the town of Zaafaran. He is active, seventy monks live in him. It should be noted that this is one of the first monasteries. It was founded in three hundred and sixty-fifth year BC. The main attractions of the monastery include the cave of St. Anthony and the ancient church. There is also a book depository in which there are about two thousand ancient manuscripts. Unfortunately, they are not shown to tourists. You can only look at the tower in which they are stored.
Monastery of St. Paul
Thirteen kilometers from Hurghada stands the ancient monastery of St. Paul. Outwardly, he is very similar to his neighbor, the monastery of St. Anthony. The building dates from the fifth century BC. According to legend, it was built on the spot where the cave of St. Paul was located. If you decide to go on an excursion with a guide, the cost of the trip will be fifty dollars. Together with this building you will also be shown the monastery of St. Anthony.
Oceanarium Red Sea (Hurghada)
The attractions of this resort will delight and surprise even the most demanding tourists. Very lucky for those who are not afraid to go diving: in front of such daredevils all the beauty of the underwater world of the Red Sea is revealed. But do not despair for those who still do not dare to take such a desperate step. Look at the inhabitants of the southern seas in the Red Sea Aquarium. Here you will see sea turtles, hedgehogs, water snakes. Also, stingrays, moray eels and many motley coral fish will swim above you. Due to the variety of tourist facilities, travelers love Hurghada. Attractions here are for every taste.
Giftun Island
This island is rich in caves and canyons. And in the waters washing it, a lot of corals. You will not find such underwater beauties anywhere else. The island is famous for its diverse marine life. This is a real paradise for divers. But due to the constantly cruising boats with tourists, the ecological situation of the island was disrupted. Because now they made entry to it paid. The money collected from tourists goes to maintain and restore the ecosystem of the island.
Safari Center
Want some extreme sports? Then ride an ATV to the Bedouin village, which is located in the heart of the desert. The safari center will give you an unforgettable adventure.
Hurghada Christian Coptic Church
Here is another attraction - the Christian (Orthodox) Coptic Church. It is located in downtown (the old city). Entrance to the church is free.
How to have fun in the evening?
Having a rest on the sea during the day or going on an excursion, you will certainly want to continue the entertainment. But even at night, Hurghada (Egypt) is beautiful - the sea, the stars set in a romantic mood. And you will certainly want to sit somewhere in a cozy cafe or restaurant. And there are plenty of them in the city, for every taste and budget. The most famous of them is the Felfela restaurant, which specializes in meat cuisine. "El Mina" - the best fish restaurant. El Joker is also a fish restaurant, where the seafood selection is so huge that it can even confuse you. But experienced waiters can always offer a dish to your taste. After having lunch in a good restaurant, head to the disco. The most popular disco in Hurghada is the club "Calypso". Entrance to this entertainment facility is paid. Sinbad is an equally popular club. This is the oldest disco. Entrance is also paid. And if you want something unusual, then go to the foamy disco in the hotel "Ali Baba". But, unfortunately, it works only on Tuesdays. Paid entrance.
Hotel "Riviera Festival"
Of course, any tourist has a question: “Where to stay?” There are a lot of hotels in Hurghada: both expensive and not so expensive. If you don’t want to pay a lot for your stay, then you should pay attention to the Festival of the Riviera hotel. This hotel complex is located in the Dahar district. The hotel building was built in two thousand eight. This hotel has four hundred thirty four standard rooms. The rooms have private bathrooms. But slippers and bathrobes are provided only to newlyweds and regular customers. Meals - all inclusive. Wi-Fi is available only in public areas. Free parking is available on site. Be sure to come to Egypt (Hurghada). "Riviera Festival" is always glad to guests.
Travel Tips
Before leaving, make sure that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued a warning about unwanted visits due to the situation in the country. It should be noted that in Egypt it is difficult to buy alcohol and cigarettes. Therefore, you can buy a block of cigarettes and three bottles of alcohol in a duty-free shop within a day after the flight. Do not buy papyrus, as there may be problems when leaving! Trade in the markets. Remember that when you fly to a Muslim country, you find yourself in a completely different world. Therefore, before traveling, take the trouble to learn etiquette rules that may seem strange to a European. Respect local traditions, otherwise you will be detained by the police. Do not drink alcohol in public. Do not wear open clothing. Natural fabrics are the best option and you won’t be hot.
Do not interfere in the affairs of the religion of the Egyptians. If you are already talking to an Arab, be prepared for a long introductory conversation about nothing. And do not neglect the invitation to visit! There you will be received very warmly and fed to the dump. Try not to speak with unfamiliar women, so as not to offend their honor. In a cafe, pay a lot of tips, but it's still better to hide your wallet. Of course, many people come here for relaxation and service. Please observe the rules of decency! From somewhere, after all, stereotypical ideas about Russian tourists come from, which are scary to let into the country. And excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks will not add to local respect for you.
If you follow the rules of decency and follow the instructions of a guide when visiting Egypt (Hurghada), the sights will remain for many future generations - we will keep them!