Good to know
Good to Know
- On public beaches, locals swim fully dressed; bikinis are far more comfortable on paid beaches and at hotels. A one-piece swimsuit or T-shirt is better for cultural fit on public beaches.
- Many Hurghada beaches have corals, rocks, or rubble near the shore—reef shoes are strongly recommended.
- Wind is almost constant in Hurghada; sheltered lagoons and bays (e.g., Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay) are far more comfortable, especially in winter.
- Sea temperature varies: warmest August–October (~28°C (82°F)), coldest February (~21°C (70°F)). Plan accordingly.
- Prices vary by season: winter (peak) is 40% higher than summer; expect to pay more during school holidays and January–March.
- Some paid beaches do not allow outside food and drinks, and discourage youth gatherings—check the specific beach's policy or social media for current rules.
- Free beaches are rarely cleaned and can be littered; paid options offer far better hygiene and amenities.
- Hotel beaches are reserved for guests unless a day pass is purchased; rates and inclusions vary by property.
- Day-trip islands (Giftun, Mahmya) require organized boat excursions and are best combined with snorkeling.
Beach Types
Public Beach No. 4 (Fayrous/Turquoise Beach)
- Type
- family
- Location
- Near Sheraton Street, city center
- Entry Cost
- EGP 20
- Notes
- Limited space, popular with families; rocky entrance (reef shoes recommended); excellent snorkeling despite crowds; locals swim fully dressed
Amenities
- Children's playground
- Free umbrellas and sunbeds
- Free showers and toilets
- Waiter service for refreshments
- Spacious, allows grilling
Paradise Beach
- Type
- quiet
- Location
- Away from tourist areas, between city center and El Dahar
- Entry Cost
- EGP 20
- Notes
- Mostly locals; rocky entry; cheapest city beach option
Amenities
- Plastic chairs and picnic tables
- Umbrellas
- Very basic—no sun loungers
- No café; bring your own food and drinks
El Sawaky Beach (Public Beach El Dahar)
- Type
- quiet
- Location
- Old town of El Dahar, main public beach for that area
- Entry Cost
- EGP 50
- Notes
- Simple facilities; very shallow for ~100m offshore, then sharp drop; good for families seeking quieter central option
Amenities
- Sunbeds and umbrellas
- Cafés and food vendors
- Pier for snorkeling
- Evening open-air café
Paid Private/Club Beaches (Typical Range)
- Type
- full-service
- Location
- Various city center and resort areas
- Entry Cost
- EGP 100
- Notes
- Prices vary by season (higher in winter/holidays); some beaches enforce minimum food/drink orders instead of flat entry fee; most restrict outside food/drinks
- Price Range Note
- Entry typically 50–400 EGP depending on location, season, facilities
Amenities
- Sunbeds and umbrellas included
- Showers and toilets
- Towels (some beaches)
- Food/beverage service
- Water sports equipment hire
Hotel Beaches (Day Pass)
- Type
- full-service
- Entry Cost
- EGP 300
- Entry Method
- Day pass available
- Notes
- Many hotels offer day passes to non-guests; verify with specific property for inclusion of meals and pool access
- Price Range Note
- Typical range 300–500 EGP for non-guests
Amenities
- Pool access (sometimes)
- Beach facilities
- Lunch may be included
- Full resort amenities
Giftun Island Beaches (VIP/Mahmya)
- Type
- party
- Location
- Giftun Island, 11 km from city (boat access only)
- Entry Cost
- EGP 900
- Notes
- VIP designation; boat-only access; premium pricing; island day-trip destination; marine sanctuary with exceptional snorkeling and marine life
Amenities
- White sand, clear water, reef visibility
- Food and beverage service
- High-end clientele
Free Or Minimal Cost Options
Public Beach, El Dahar
- Cost
- Free
- Condition
- Minimal infrastructure; very crowded on weekends; mostly locals; infrastructure nearly absent
Beach by Old Coptic Church
- Cost
- Free
- Condition
- Quiet, popular with locals and expats seeking solitude; little sand, mostly coral rubble
El Mamsha Promenade Access Points
- Cost
- Free
- Condition
- Seafront access; little sand; mostly coral rubble and rocks; view of yachts
Wild Stretches (El Ahyaa, North of City)
- Cost
- Free
- Condition
- Undeveloped; cleanliness unpredictable; less crowded than city beaches
Hurghada beaches are divided between free/very-cheap public options (minimal infrastructure, crowded, rarely cleaned) and paid private/club beaches (50–400+ EGP) with amenities. Almost the entire coastline is controlled by hotels or private operators; true free beach access is rare and basic.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this beaches research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Hurghada
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.