Sakkala (also spelled Sekalla) is the central district of Hurghada on Egypt's Red Sea coast, lying between the older Dahar quarter to the north and the Marina area to the south. Sakkala Square and the old fishing harbour form its core, and the district is the main hub for restaurants, cafes, dive centres and hotels in the middle of the city. It offers a more relaxed, walkable alternative to the resort strips along the Villages Road.
Visitors can wander the square and the surrounding streets, watch fishing boats and small vessels in the harbour, and browse small shops selling souvenirs, swimwear, spices and clothing. The district is known for its dining: seafood restaurants, Egyptian grill houses, shawarma stands, bakeries, Lebanese and Italian restaurants, and pavement cafes serving tea, coffee and shisha. Many places stay open until about 01:00. Dive shops and tour desks in Sakkala sell snorkelling cruises, desert safaris and diving courses, so the area is also a practical place to compare prices on excursions.
A visit takes one to two hours for a walk and meal, though many visitors return several times during a stay. The area is free to walk, and food prices are lower than in the marina or resort restaurants. Taxis from the Marina or Dahar cost EGP 50 to 100 (about $1 to 2).
The best time is late afternoon through dinner, when the heat eases, the harbour is active with returning boats, and restaurants fill with a lively crowd. Photographers can capture fishing boats against the low sun from the harbour edge, and the square at dusk. Midday is hot and quiet. Weekend evenings and holiday periods are the busiest. Visitors should negotiate taxi fares first and confirm menu prices before ordering, as with any tourist district.
| Admission | Free to walk |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily; restaurants and cafes about 10:00-01:00 |
| Typical visit | 1-2 hours |
| Best time | Late afternoon through dinner |
| Getting there | Taxi EGP 50-100 (~$1-2) from the Marina or Dahar |
| Address | Sakkala (Sekalla), Hurghada, Red Sea |
Location
Sakkala (Sekalla), Hurghada, Red Sea
27.2196, 33.8321 View on map
Highlights
- Old fishing harbour with working boats
- Wide choice of seafood and Egyptian restaurants
- Dive centres and excursion desks for comparing trips
- Walkable central district between Dahar and the Marina
Tips for visiting
- Visit from late afternoon for cooler weather and the busiest atmosphere
- Compare excursion prices at several desks before booking
- Confirm menu prices before ordering at tourist-facing restaurants
- Agree taxi fares first; rides to the Marina cost about EGP 50-100
- Dress modestly when walking beyond hotel areas
- Keep valuables secure in crowds
When to visit
Late afternoon through dinner, when the harbour is active and the weather is cooler. Midday is hot and quiet.
Accessibility
Pavements are uneven in places with kerbs and traffic, so wheelchair access is mixed. The central square and main streets are flatter than side lanes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
One to two hours for a walk and a meal, though many visitors spend a full evening.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the square and harbour are easy to explore and restaurants are family-friendly, though traffic requires care.
Is photography allowed?
Street and harbour photography is generally fine, but visitors should ask before photographing people and avoid military or port-security areas.