The Red Sea Resorts along Egypt's mainland coast offer a classic sun-and-sand holiday with world-class marine life. Unlike the historical intensity of the Nile Valley, this region is dedicated to relaxation and recreation. Hurghada is the busiest hub, featuring hundreds of all-inclusive hotels with elaborate swimming pools and water slides. Just north lies El Gouna, a gated resort town built across a series of lagoons; its pedestrian-friendly marina, tuk-tuk transport, and calm beaches make it exceptionally safe and convenient for families with young children.
The main attraction is the Red Sea itself. The water is warm and clear, and the coral reefs are often accessible directly from the beach (house reefs). For families who don't dive, snorkeling is spectacular, with high chances of seeing clownfish, butterflyfish, and blue-spotted rays in shallow water. Marsa Alam, further south, is quieter and famous for sea turtle sightings and the rare dugong (sea cow). For those traveling with toddlers or non-swimmers, glass-bottom boats and yellow semi-submarines provide a dry window into the colourful reef ecosystem.
Away from the water, the Eastern Desert offers rugged adventures. Families can book jeep safaris or quad bike tours to visit Bedouin camps, ride camels, and watch the stars in the unpolluted desert sky. These trips usually include a traditional dinner and are tailored to be family-friendly. Practicality is high in this region; the resorts are well-equipped with pharmacies, supermarkets, and international dining options, ensuring a stress-free stay for parents.
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Activities & Best Times
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
A global pinnacle for diving and snorkeling, featuring world-class coral reefs and exceptional marine biodiversity. Peak months offer a perfect climate for families, whereas extreme summer temperatures exceeding 39°C and cooler winter waters are less ideal for discerning travelers with children.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Home to sophisticated luxury enclaves like El Gouna and Soma Bay, offering high-end spa retreats and a tranquil atmosphere for experienced travelers. Moderate seasonal temperatures allow for outdoor yoga and wellness activities that are impossible during the scorching summer months.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Renowned internationally for consistent thermal winds ideal for kite surfing and windsurfing, alongside championship-level golf courses. The spring and autumn provide the most comfortable active temperatures, while the intense summer heat makes high-exertion sports unsuitable.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Offers unique desert exploration, mountain trekking in the Eastern Desert, and world-class stargazing away from light pollution. The cooler winter months are the only safe and comfortable time for families to explore the arid wilderness, which becomes dangerously hot by May.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
While primarily a resort region, the sustainable urban design of El Gouna and proximity to historical sites provide a genuine cultural dimension for sophisticated visitors. Winter temperatures are optimal for exploring local architecture and cultural day trips without the fatigue of the Egyptian heat.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Hurghada hosts some of the world's largest resort-based water parks, providing high-quality entertainment for families. These are best enjoyed in the mild heat of April and October; winter months are often too cool for unheated water features, and the extreme summer sun poses a safety risk for children.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Opportunities for marine biology education and ecological awareness exist through specialized research centers and aquariums. Educational value is highest when weather permits comfortable transit between research sites and outdoor learning environments.
Attractions (45 total)
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Abu Tig Marina
El Gouna
A stylish and picturesque Mediterranean-inspired harbor that serves as the social heart and iconic urban center of El Gouna.
Visit website →El Mina Mosque
Hurghada
A stunning masterpiece of Islamic architecture featuring intricate white marble and towering minarets overlooking the Red Sea.
Hurghada Marina
Hurghada
A vibrant waterfront destination offering a polished promenade for families to enjoy sea views, dining, and luxury yachts.
Visit website →Port Ghalib Marina
Port Ghalib
An upscale resort hub and international marina featuring grand Arabian-influenced architecture and a lively waterfront promenade.
Visit website →Saint Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Church
Hurghada
A significant religious landmark in the Dahar district, showcasing impressive Coptic architecture and colorful stained glass.
Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Al-Qusayr Ottoman Fort and Old Town
Al-Qusayr
An atmospheric 16th-century fortress and historic coral-block district showcasing the town's heritage as a major medieval trading port.
El Dahar (Hurghada Old Town)
Hurghada
The authentic cultural heart of Hurghada where families can explore traditional souks and admire the grand minarets of the city's largest mosque.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
El Quseir Fort
Al Qusayr
A well-preserved 16th-century Ottoman fortress with a museum and bastions offering panoramic views of the historic port and Red Sea.
Mons Smaragdus (Emerald Mines)
Marsa Alam
The site of the ancient world's only known emerald mines, featuring rock-cut dwellings and mine shafts dating back to the Ptolemaic and Roman eras.
Mons Claudianus
Safaga
An expansive Roman archaeological site featuring ruins of a settlement and a quarry where massive granite columns intended for Rome still lie in the sand.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Giftun Island Protectorate
Hurghada
A premier boat-trip destination offering white sandy beaches and shallow reef snorkeling suitable for all ages in a protected marine park.
Wadi el Gemal National Park
Marsa Alam
A massive protected area where families can explore desert wildlife, coastal mangroves, and pristine reefs within the 'Valley of the Camels'.
Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Giftun Islands
Hurghada
A stunning island group offering crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches perfect for snorkeling and family day trips.
Sharm El Luli
Marsa Alam
Commonly referred to as the 'Egyptian Caribbean', this pristine beach offers shallow lagoons and vibrant coral reefs ideal for young swimmers.
Zeytouna Beach
El Gouna
A popular family-friendly beach featuring a signature 400-meter wooden pier that leads directly to deep-water coral reefs.
Visit website →Abu Dabbab Bay
Marsa Alam
A world-renowned coastal spot where families can snorkel with giant sea turtles and see rare dugongs in a sheltered, sandy bay.
Hankorab Beach
Marsa Alam
A tranquil and untouched beach located within the Wadi El Gemal National Park, offering calm, shallow waters and diverse marine life.
Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Hurghada Grand Aquarium
Hurghada
One of the largest indoor aquatic habitats in Africa, featuring a massive walk-through tunnel and diverse Red Sea species including sharks and rays.
Visit website →Hurghada Marine Museum & Aquarium
Hurghada
A historic research facility and museum offering a look at live Red Sea fish species alongside an extensive collection of preserved marine specimens.
Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Hurghada Grand Aquarium Fossil Museum
Hurghada
This discovery center features a significant natural history section with ancient whale fossils and educational exhibits on marine evolution and biology.
Visit website →Wadi El Gemal Visitor Center
Marsa Alam
An eco-friendly discovery center providing detailed insights into the geology, unique desert ecology, and marine biodiversity of the protected national park.
Hurghada Marine Biology Museum
Hurghada
A historic research-based museum showcasing a vast collection of preserved Red Sea marine specimens, including sharks, turtles, and diverse coral species.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Hurghada Museum
Hurghada
Egypt's first museum developed with the private sector, showcasing a stunning collection of antiquities and art spanning from the Pharaonic era to modern times.
Visit website →Sand City Hurghada
Hurghada
An impressive open-air art gallery and museum featuring massive, intricate sand sculptures of mythological heroes, historical figures, and cinematic icons.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Makadi Water World
Makadi Bay
Egypt's largest water park offering over 50 slides, including high-speed kamikaze and family-friendly raft rides in a massive outdoor complex.
Visit website →Sliders Cable Park
El Gouna
One of the world's largest wakeboarding parks featuring Olympic-standard cable systems and a floating aqua park for family fun.
Visit website →Mini Egypt Park
Makadi Bay
An outdoor miniature park showcasing meticulously crafted scale models of Egypt's most famous landmarks, providing an educational walk-through adventure.
Visit website →Jungle Aqua Park
Hurghada
A popular adventure destination featuring 35 water slides and multiple swimming pools designed for all ages within a jungle-themed resort setting.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Neverland Hurghada (Jungle Aqua Park)
Hurghada
A vast entertainment and water park complex offering dozens of themed slides and pools for international visitors of all ages.
Visit website →Aqua Coraya
Marsa Alam
The premier water park of the Marsa Alam region featuring a variety of high-speed slides and family-friendly splash areas.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Red Sea Coastal Highway (Route 24)
Hurghada
285km paved coastal highway (4-5 hours) running parallel to the Red Sea. This primary artery connects the resorts of Hurghada, Safaga, and El Qoseir to Marsa Alam, featuring constant views of the turquoise sea on one side and the rugged Eastern Desert mountains on the other.
Visit website →Wadi Hammamat Historic Route
El Qoseir
180km paved mountain road (3 hours) following an ancient silk and trade route to the Nile Valley. The route winds through high, dark, jagged mountains and is notable for its concentration of Pharaonic rock inscriptions, Roman watchtowers, and prehistoric petroglyphs found in the schist rock canyons.
Visit website →Wadi El Gemal Coastal Drive
Marsa Alam
150km paved road (2-3 hours) through the Wadi El Gemal National Park. This remote route south toward Berenice is famous for its untouched nature, featuring the white sands of Sharm El Luli, mangrove forests at Qulaan, and sightings of wild camels against a backdrop of coastal desert.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Red Sea Mountain Trail
Hurghada
170km challenging 10-14 day trek through the high-altitude Eastern Desert. This community-led project involves steep rocky ascents, Bedouin paths, and approximately 6,000m total elevation gain. Access is guided-only via the Maaza tribe. Equipment can be arranged via the official trail organization at redseamountaintrail.org.
Visit website →Wadi el Gemal Coastal Cycling Route
Marsa Alam
22km moderate 3-hour mountain bike loop through coastal mangroves and desert tracks within the National Park. Features 120m elevation gain. Bike rental: Red Sea Diving Safari (redsea-divingsafari.com) located at Marsa Nakari.
Visit website →Gebel El Shayib Ascent
Hurghada
18km expert 10-12 hour round-trip summit trek to the highest peak in mainland Egypt at 2,187m. The route involves technical scrambling and a steep 1,500m elevation gain from the base at Bir Shayib. Requires professional guides. Equipment rental: None available, must bring personal hiking gear.
Visit website →Mons Smaragdus (Sikait) Emerald Mines Trail
Marsa Alam
12km moderate 4-5 hour hike within Wadi el Gemal National Park to the ancient Roman emerald mining complex. The trail features archaeological stone ruins and dry desert wadi landscapes with approximately 250m elevation gain. Trail maps available at the park visitor center.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Al-Nayzak Lake
Marsa Alam
A unique natural rock pool carved into the coastline, filled with deep blue sea water and popular for a scenic swim.
El Qulaan Mangroves
Marsa Alam
A serene eco-tourism site featuring ancient mangrove trees growing in the sea, set against a backdrop of shallow blue lagoons.
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
El Gouna Organic Farm
El Gouna
An educational agricultural site showcasing desert irrigation techniques and organic produce alongside local farm animals.
Visit website →The Camel Yard
Hurghada
A dedicated desert farm where families can interact with, feed, and learn about camels in an educational environment.
Visit website →Wadi El Gemal National Park
Marsa Alam
A vast protected area offering families a chance to experience authentic Ababda Bedouin culture and see wild camels in a natural desert setting.
Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Dolphin World
Hurghada
A dedicated marine wildlife park in Makadi Bay offering educational shows and interactive experiences with dolphins and sea lions.
Visit website →Major International Festival / Cultural Event
El Gouna Film Festival
El Gouna
Typically held in October, this 8 to 9-day international cinema event showcases acclaimed world and Arab films. Attracting over 1,000 film industry professionals and thousands of attendees annually, it features red-carpet premieres, industry workshops, and open-air screenings at the GFF Plaza, with specific programs often available for youth and families interested in the arts.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Titanic Aqua Park
Hurghada
An iconic Hurghada attraction featuring a wide array of slides, a rafting river, and a large wave pool designed for family fun.
Visit website →