Once a fishing village located south of the entrance to the Gulf of Suez on the eastern coast of the Arabian desert, Hurghada now stretches over 12 miles crowded by imposing hotels and grounds ligned along a freeway that runs, at a distance, along the sea. It is very active, especially in winter, and the resort mainly lives to rhythm of the school holidays of Germans, Italians and, increasingly, of Scandinavians. Disfigured by unbridled urbanisation, it still remains one of the biggest and most popular seaside destinations in Egypt. The moderately high rates of hotels and the wealthy seabed of the Red Sea explain without any doubt its lasting popularity, particularly among divers. The islands of Giftun, opposite Hurghada, offering an area for diving activities that combines clear waters and multicoloured fish.
Avoid a seaside stay in the winter : it is windy and quite cold.
Take a visit to an oasis, a "méharée", a 4X4 trip in the Arabian desert and, of course, take a couple of days to scuba dive off the coast or around the island of Tiran. Windsurfing, kite surfing and other water sports are of course practiced without moderation ... But be careful kiting when there is a lot of wind ... Avoid doing it in these conditions if its your first try ! ...
The General Directorate for Public Health recommends that travelers avoid contact with poultry and birds, and not to visit poultry farms or markets. Follow general recommendations for hygiene when travelling in developing countries, which aim to protect you from microbial infections: avoid eating raw or poorly cooked food, especially meat and eggs ; regularly wash your hands with soap and water or a water-alcohol solution.
You should taste the mezes (tasty sauces for dipping bread), "foul" (mashed beans seasoned with lemon juice, herbs and olive oil), hoummous (cold mashed chickpeas with oil sesame paste, stuffed vine leaves, grilled meat, stuffed vegetables, stuffed lamb, fritter leaves, watermelon, dates, baklawas, dried apricots ... As for drinks, you can enjoy the karkadé, Egyptian wine or tea with mint ...