Zeytuna Beach, El Gouna

Zeytuna Beach is a beach-club stretch within El Gouna, a resort town about 20 km north of Hurghada in Egypt's Red Sea Governorate. Unlike the long open beaches to the south, El Gouna is built around lagoons and channels, and the shoreline here combines sand with calm, shallow water that ranges from pale green to turquoise. Visibility is usually good, and the sheltered lagoon areas are suited to relaxed swimming, while the open-sea side can pick up wind, particularly from April to October when the area is well known for steady breezes that attract kitesurfers and windsurfers elsewhere in the town.

The beach is organised around a club with sun loungers, umbrellas, a restaurant and bar, showers and toilets. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, with a mix of residents, holidaymakers and day visitors rather than a secluded or wild feel. Water sports in the lagoons are available nearby, including stand-up paddleboarding and wind-based activities, with equipment hire and lessons usually charged separately. Entry for non-guests is commonly about EGP 300-700 (roughly $6-14), though prices change by season and by the day's package, so it is sensible to confirm what is included before settling in. Lifeguard coverage and hours depend on the venue and are not guaranteed, so swimmers should ask on arrival.

Access to El Gouna is straightforward by road from Hurghada. A taxi costs roughly EGP 400-700 (about $8-14) one-way, and microbuses on the main highway run to El Gouna for about EGP 30-50 (around $1), after which a local tuk-tuk, taxi or the town's shuttle can cover the final leg. Parking is generally available for car visitors. The town itself offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes for food away from the club, and its compact layout makes it easy to combine a beach visit with a stroll around the marina and downtown areas. Sea urchins and sharp coral can be present at some entries, so water shoes are advisable.