Any holiday spot that comes with the opportunity to bask in the delights of both the ocean and the desert must be nothing short of magical and almost too good to be true. But Hurghada is certainly no dream and is actually the one place you can get to enjoy traditional Bedouin hospitality one moment and snorkel amid breathtaking shipwrecks, coral reefs and an abundance of colorful marine life, the next. One of Egypt's most loved and most visited holiday destinations, it sits right on the coast of the Red Sea, south of the Gulf of Suez, opposite one of its main rivals, Sharm El Sheikh. And you too can experience the profusion of wonders this coastal city has to offer. From the opportunity to ride in glass bottomed boats, with amazing views of the coral and the abundant wildlife below, to the option of swimming right among them and seeing it all up close, right through to getting to enjoy camel and quad bike rides across the rippling desert sands, there is no doubt that Hurghada promises to bring you the holiday of a lifetime.
Hurghada has certainly come a long way from its humble beginnings as a tiny fishing settlement on the Red Sea coast. Now a glamorous holiday hot spot with an abundance of hotels, it also boasts its very own International Airport which caters to both domestic and international flights. The capital Cairo is slightly over an hour away, while a flight from Aswan is approximately a five and half hour trip away. Sharm El Sheikh which sits on the opposite coast is also slightly over an hour's flight away. Buses are another popular option with journeys from Aswan lasting 8 hours on average and those from Luxor about 5 hours at the most. Microbuses and taxis are the most widely available and frequently used forms of transport in Hurghada and are quite effective in getting you to your required destination.
Hurghada is one of Egypt's most popular tourist destinations and it's quite easy to see why. Especially since there aren't too many other spots which provide the opportunity to experience the magic of the sea and the desert all at once. Diving enthusiasts will be able to visit Gota Abu Ramada and admire the colorful and vast array of marine life to be found there. The Straits of Gubal and Abu Nuhas are excellent spots for viewing mysterious wrecks and the beautiful coral, pipefish and lionfish which have made their homes in them. Once you have experienced the wonders of the sea, the desert is likely to be high on your list of priorities. You will be able to explore it in style thanks to rides on camel back, quad bikes and dune buggies. You will also be able to participate in tours which will take you to Bedouin villages where you will get to indulge in delicious dishes offered by your hosts.
