24/7 Support
Best Price Guarantee
Red Sea Resorts in Egypt | Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi & More (2026)
Egypt Red Sea Coast • 2026 Travel Guide

Red Sea Resorts in Egypt | Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi & More (2026)

Egypt’s Red Sea coast is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beach destinations. From the lively city of Hurghada to the luxury resorts of El Gouna and Sahl Hasheesh, the Red Sea offers crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and unforgettable experiences.
This guide covers the best Red Sea resorts in Egypt, including Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, Safaga, Marsa Alam, and El Quseir.

Red Sea Resorts in Egypt 2026 | Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay & More
Egypt Red Sea Coast Guide 2026

Which Red Sea Resort in Egypt Is Right for You?

Egypt’s Red Sea coast offers very different holiday styles within the same region. Hurghada combines beaches with a busy city atmosphere, while El Gouna focuses on lagoons and marina life. Further south, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, Safaga, El Quseir and Marsa Alam appeal to travellers looking for quieter resorts, diving, snorkeling and access to remarkable marine environments.

Choose by Travel Style

For nightlife and a wide choice of activities, start with Hurghada. Meanwhile, El Gouna suits marina and watersports holidays. Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay offer a more resort-focused atmosphere, whereas Marsa Alam and El Quseir are especially attractive to divers and nature lovers.

BeachesSnorkelingScuba DivingKitesurfingDesert Trips
Hurghada Red Sea resort in Egypt 01
The All-Round Red Sea Base

Hurghada

Hurghada stretches along Egypt’s western Red Sea coast and has developed from a fishing settlement into one of the country’s major resort destinations. It is particularly popular for boat trips, snorkeling and scuba diving, while its sunny climate makes it a year-round holiday base.

However, Hurghada is more than a beach resort. El Dahar offers a more traditional urban atmosphere with markets, cafés and places of worship. Sekalla adds restaurants, nightlife and Hurghada Marina, while the southern resort strip around El Mamsha is lined with hotels, shops and visitor services.

City + BeachDiving & SnorkelingRestaurants & Nightlife
Explore Hurghada Tours →
El Gouna lagoons and Red Sea resort Egypt 02
Lagoons, Marinas & Watersports

El Gouna

About 20 kilometres north of Hurghada, El Gouna is a purpose-built resort known for interconnected lagoons, marinas, beaches and watersports. Its compact layout gives the destination a distinctive atmosphere that differs noticeably from central Hurghada.

Downtown and Abu Tig Marina are among the main visitor areas, offering cafés, restaurants, boutiques and evening entertainment. In addition, beaches such as Mangroovy are particularly associated with kitesurfing, while the resort also offers golf and a broad range of leisure facilities.

LagoonsMarina LifestyleKitesurfing
Explore Red Sea Experiences →
Sahl Hasheesh beach resort on the Red Sea 03
Promenade & Resort Relaxation

Sahl Hasheesh

South of Hurghada, Sahl Hasheesh is centred around a broad bay, resort hotels, beaches and a long seafront promenade. Its location makes it convenient for travellers who want a quieter resort environment while remaining within reach of Hurghada.

The bay is suitable for swimming and Red Sea activities, while snorkeling and diving opportunities are available in the surrounding area. Moreover, restaurants, cafés and hotel facilities make Sahl Hasheesh particularly suitable for relaxed resort holidays.

Long BayPromenadeResort Hotels
Discover Egypt Tours →
Makadi Bay Red Sea resort near Hurghada 04
Reefs & Family Resort Holidays

Makadi Bay

Makadi Bay lies south of Hurghada between the desert and the Red Sea. The resort is known for sandy beaches, clear water and accessible reef areas, making snorkeling and diving two of its strongest attractions.

At the same time, the destination is designed for an easy resort holiday. Hotels provide much of the dining and entertainment, while local leisure facilities and excursions offer alternatives to spending every day on the beach.

House ReefsFamily ResortsBoat Trips
See Red Sea Tours →

Planning excursions from your Red Sea resort?

Your hotel location can affect pickup times, transfer supplements and which sea or desert excursions are most convenient. Therefore, check the departure zone before booking.

Explore Tours & Excursions
Soma Bay peninsula and Red Sea coast Egypt 05
Watersports & Upscale Resorts

Soma Bay

Soma Bay occupies a peninsula on the Red Sea coast and is known for upscale resort hotels, sandy beaches, watersports and panoramic desert-and-sea scenery. The area is particularly popular with travellers interested in diving, snorkeling, kitesurfing and wellness.

Its offshore and house-reef environments provide access to marine life, while the peninsula’s hotels and leisure facilities create a self-contained holiday experience. Consequently, Soma Bay works well for travellers who prefer a quieter base away from central Hurghada.

DivingKitesurfingWellness
Explore Red Sea Trips →
Safaga Red Sea coast and beaches Egypt 06
Diving & Windsports

Safaga

Safaga lies south of Hurghada and combines a working port town with a quieter tourism area. It is especially associated with scuba diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing, while its location provides access to several well-known offshore reef systems.

Unlike Hurghada, Safaga has a more subdued nightlife scene. Therefore, it tends to suit divers, watersports enthusiasts and travellers who prefer a less urban resort atmosphere. The Salem Express wreck is also a known dive site, although it is a maritime disaster site and should be approached respectfully.

Scuba DivingWindsportsQuieter Atmosphere
Find Safaga-Area Experiences →
Historic El Quseir on Egypt Red Sea coast 07
History Meets the Red Sea

El Quseir

El Quseir offers a different experience from Egypt’s purpose-built Red Sea resorts. This historic coastal town combines access to coral reefs with traditional streets, a harbour and heritage connected to centuries of Red Sea trade.

Its Ottoman-era fortress is one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks. Meanwhile, the surrounding coastline attracts divers and snorkelers looking for a quieter alternative to the larger resort centres. El Quseir is therefore a strong choice for travellers who value both local character and the sea.

Historic TownCoral ReefsRelaxed Pace
Explore Egypt Experiences →
Abu Dabbab beach near Marsa Alam Egypt 08
Marine Life & Nature

Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam and the surrounding southern Red Sea coastline are renowned for diving, snorkeling and relatively undeveloped desert-and-sea landscapes. Offshore reefs and protected areas make this region particularly attractive to travellers whose main priority is marine nature.

Well-known locations in the wider area include Elphinstone Reef, Samadai Reef and Abu Dabbab Bay. Sea turtles are associated with Abu Dabbab, while dugongs may sometimes be encountered in the region; however, wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. In addition, Wadi El Gemal National Park protects a varied landscape of desert, coast, islands and marine habitats.

Marine WildlifeDiving & SnorkelingNature & Desert
Explore Marsa Alam & Red Sea Tours →
Find Your Red Sea Experience

Explore Egypt Beyond Your Resort

Whichever Red Sea resort you choose, you can combine beach time with snorkeling, diving, desert safaris and cultural day trips. Compare programmes, departure areas and current availability before booking the experience that best matches your holiday.

From Hurghada

Tours & Excursions
From Hurghada

Cairo • Luxor • Snorkeling • Safari • Private Tours

Learn More →
From Marsa Alam

Tours & Excursions
From Marsa Alam

Luxor • Cairo • Snorkeling • Desert Safari • Private Tours

Learn More →
From Sharm El Sheikh

Tours & Excursions
From Sharm El Sheikh

Cairo • Ras Mohammed • White Island • Mount Sinai • Private Tours

Learn More →
From Cairo

Tours & Excursions
From Cairo

Alexandria • Fayoum • White Desert • Luxor • Private Tours

Learn More →
From Luxor

Tours & Excursions
From Luxor

Dendera • Abydos • Aswan • Hot Air Balloon • Private Tours

Learn More →
From Aswan

Tours & Excursions
From Aswan

Abu Simbel • Kom Ombo • Philae Temple • Nubian Village • Private Tours

Learn More →