Giftun Island National Park
Protected marine park with pristine beaches and spectacular coral reefs
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About Red Sea
The Red Sea Governorate offers some of the world's most spectacular underwater ecosystems, with crystal-clear waters teeming with coral reefs and marine life. The region stretches from just south of Suez to the Sudanese border, encompassing major resort cities like Hurghada, El Gouna, and Marsa Alam. Beyond the beach, visitors can explore ancient Coptic monasteries, dramatic desert landscapes, and traditional fishing villages. The region enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually and warm water temperatures year-round, making it one of the world's most accessible diving and snorkeling destinations.
- Capital
- Hurghada
- Largest city
- Hurghada
- Population
- 0.38 million
- Languages
- Arabic, English
- Currency
- Egyptian Pound
- Time zone
- Africa/Cairo (UTC+2)
Explore Red Sea by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Red Sea
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
St. Anthony's Monastery
World's oldest Christian monastery hidden in the Eastern Desert mountains
El Gouna
Upscale lagoon-dotted resort town with canals, golf courses, and a marina
Marsa Alam National Park
Vast protected area with pristine reefs and remote desert landscapes
Dolphin House (Shaab el Erg)
Famous reef where resident spinner dolphins are spotted daily
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Red Sea Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Red Sea, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Red Sea
- Days 1-2Red Sea city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Red Sea
- Days 1-3Red Sea comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Red Sea, departure
Where to stay in Red Sea
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $30
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $100
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $350+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh
The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh is one of the Middle East's finest resort hotels, set on a private crescent bay 20km south of Hurghada. The resort's 102 villas and suites are designed in a graceful Moorish-Egyptian style with private pools or plunge pools, and many have direct beach access. The Oberoi's commitment to sustainability — including coral reef restoration programs, solar energy, and reef-safe amenities — makes it a model for responsible luxury. The house reef is exceptional for snorkeling directly from the beach.
Check rates on Booking.comSteigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel
The Steigenberger Al Dau Beach is Hurghada's benchmark luxury resort, set on a long private beach in the upscale Al Dau area. The resort features 12 pools, six restaurants and bars, a world-class spa, and a highly regarded dive center. The rooms and suites are elegantly appointed in a contemporary style and many have direct sea or pool views. The hotel's location is convenient for both the marina and the city, making it ideal as a luxury base for exploring the wider region.
Check rates on Booking.comMövenpick Resort El Gouna
The Mövenpick Resort El Gouna is an elegant five-star hotel set amid the lagoons and canals of El Gouna, the exclusive resort town 25km north of Hurghada. The resort occupies a private island reached by a bridge, with beautifully landscaped grounds, multiple lagoon pools, a pristine private beach, and superb dining. It offers easy access to El Gouna's marina, golf course, and vibrant restaurant scene.
Check rates on Booking.comKempinski Hotel Soma Bay
The Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay is a grand five-star resort on the exclusive Soma Bay peninsula 45km south of Hurghada. The hotel offers 300 luxurious rooms and suites with Red Sea views, access to the award-winning Cascades Golf Course, and the renowned Soma Bay Thalasso & Spa — a 7,000 sqm thalassotherapy center using Red Sea water. The resort's location at the tip of the peninsula provides outstanding kitesurfing conditions and a private sandy beach.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Red Sea
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Moby Dick Restaurant
Moby Dick is a Hurghada institution, one of the oldest and most beloved restaurants in the city, serving fresh Red Sea fish and seafood in a relaxed setting near the marina. The daily catch includes grouper, red snapper, calamari, and prawns — all grilled to order over charcoal. The open-air terrace overlooking the Hurghada marina is a wonderful spot for a leisurely dinner watching the boats return from the sea.
La Plage
La Plage is El Gouna's most romantic restaurant, set on a wooden deck above the water at Abu Tig Marina with panoramic views of the lagoon and the marina. The menu focuses on fresh Mediterranean cuisine — grilled fish, pasta, risotto, and wood-fired pizza — using high-quality imported and local ingredients. The cocktail menu is excellent and the wine list features bottles from Italy, France, and Lebanon.
Abu Khadeiga
Abu Khadeiga is the local legend of Hurghada's Ad-Dahar neighborhood, a no-frills Egyptian restaurant serving authentic local food to workers, fishermen, and budget travelers since the 1980s. The menu includes koshary (Egypt's national dish of rice, lentils, and pasta), foul medames, grilled chicken, and fresh bread from the wood-fired oven. The prices are absurdly low, the portions generous, and the food genuinely delicious.
Jokers Restaurant El Gouna
Jokers is one of El Gouna's most popular and lively restaurants, set in the heart of the downtown area near the central square. The restaurant serves a broad menu of burgers, pasta, seafood, Egyptian dishes, and salads in a convivial atmosphere popular with expats, visitors, and local El Gouna residents. The terrace is particularly pleasant in the evening and the cocktail menu is extensive.
Kiki's Restaurant
Kiki's is El Gouna's most intimate fine dining experience, a small French-influenced restaurant tucked in the lagoon-side development with tables overlooking the water. The menu changes seasonally and focuses on classical French techniques with Red Sea fish and locally sourced produce. The duck confit, rack of lamb, and fish meuniere are outstanding. Reservations are essential — the restaurant has only 30 covers.
Papillon Restaurant
Papillon is a popular open-air restaurant at the Abu Tig Marina in El Gouna, known for its reliably good food, fair prices, and excellent waterfront location. The menu covers all bases from pasta and pizza to fresh fish and Egyptian mezze. It is particularly popular for lunch, when the marina terrace is buzzing with returning kite surfers, divers, and day-trippers.
Getting around Red Sea
Hurghada International Airport (HRG) serves the region with direct flights from Europe and the Middle East. Minibuses and taxis connect major resort areas. Private transfers are common between resorts.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EGP, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $12 | $50 | $200 |
| Food (per day) | $8 | $25 | $80 |
| Transportation | $5 | $10 | $30 |
| Activities | $5 | $15 | $40 |
| Daily total | $30 | $100 | $350+ |
Best time to visit Red Sea
Essential travel tips
- Book diving excursions in advance during peak season (December-February)
- Carry Egyptian Pounds (EGP) as many smaller restaurants and markets are cash-only
- All-inclusive packages are often better value than paying separately in resort areas
- Early morning dives have the best visibility and marine life activity
Safety information
Use only PADI or SSI-certified dive centers with valid certification plaques — unqualified operators do exist and present real safety risks
Never dive alone — always dive with a buddy and stay within sight of your dive guide
Respect marine life — do not touch, feed, or disturb coral, fish, or any sea creature; sea urchin spines and stonefish are venomous hazards near the reef
Negotiate taxi fares before entering any vehicle — agree on the price in EGP and confirm it covers the complete journey
Stay hydrated in the desert heat — the Red Sea region experiences temperatures above 40°C in summer and dehydration occurs rapidly
Use reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen only — traditional chemical sunscreens are prohibited or strongly discouraged in marine parks and are harmful to coral
Purchase travel insurance that specifically covers scuba diving activities — standard travel insurance policies often exclude diving
Drink only sealed bottled water throughout your stay — tap water is not safe for visitors
Do not enter the sea within 30 minutes of eating — strong currents and cramps are real risks in the Red Sea
Follow your dive computer and never ignore decompression stop requirements — the nearest hyperbaric (recompression) chamber is in Hurghada
Keep passport, credit cards, and bulk cash in your hotel safe — carry only what you need daily
Be aware of strong currents when snorkeling from boats — always stay within the designated snorkeling area and near the boat
Dress modestly outside resort areas — in Hurghada's old town and in smaller towns like Quseir and Safaga, women should cover shoulders and knees
Book monastery day trips through reputable operators — the desert road to St. Anthony's and St. Paul's monasteries is remote and requires a reliable vehicle
Photography of military installations, checkpoints, bridges, and government buildings is strictly prohibited in Egypt
Frequently asked questions
Is Red Sea safe to visit in 2026?
The Red Sea Governorate is generally safe for tourists and is visited by millions of European and Middle Eastern visitors annually without serious incident. The most common risks are diving-related injuries (from equipment failure or operator incompetence), heat-related illness, and petty scams near tourist areas. The tourist police maintain a strong presence throughout resort areas. Emergency services: police at 122, medical at 123.
What is the best time to visit Red Sea?
The best time to visit Red Sea is October to May. The Red Sea Governorate has a hot desert climate (Köppen BWh) with over 300 days of sunshine annually, virtually no rainfall, and extremely low humidity. The Red Sea moderates temperatures somewhat co
Do I need a visa to visit Red Sea?
Entry requirements follow Egypt rules. Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival for $25 USD or apply online via the Egypt e-Visa portal. Citizens of certain Arab countries may enter visa-free. Check Egyptian embassy requirements before travel. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Red Sea?
The currency in Red Sea is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Red Sea?
The main language(s) spoken in Red Sea: Arabic, English. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Red Sea?
The top attractions in Red Sea include Giftun Island National Park, Mahmya Island (Giftun), Elphinstone Reef, St. Anthony's Monastery (Deir Anba Antounius), and St. Paul's Monastery (Deir Anba Bola). Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
How do I get around Red Sea?
Taxis are the most flexible way to get around Hurghada and between resort areas. They do not all use meters — negotiate the fare before getting in or use a ride-hailing app.