Described by some as the Red Sea's premier leisure destination, a holiday in El Gouna allows you to experience the total package of scenic beachfronts, diverse architecture and a vibrant, friendly atmosphere. Like much of Egypt, the array of watersports on offer is an attraction in its own right, with diving particularly popular and there are a variety of accommodation facilities to enjoy from guest-houses to luxurious hotels. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun's rays, haggle at the local souvenir shops or enjoy some fine Egyptian cuisine at the beautiful waterside restaurants, El Gouna could be your destination of choice. Temperatures peak in the summer but rarely drop below 20°C in the winter making September-April the ideal time to visit to enjoy more manageable conditions. El Gouna can be accessed with a short 22km journey from Hurghada International airport, which takes about five hours to reach from UK airports.
If you want to experience the delights of the Red Sea without the hustle and bustle of the livelier resorts then El Gouna is for you…
If you're looking to experience the wonders of the Red Sea without the hectic atmosphere of Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada then El Gouna should be your first choice. It is a developing resort town and still relatively quiet, and consequently is a good spot to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the beach. It's a great spot for families as there is plenty to do, including a host of watersports for all ages, but also good for couples too, particularly with the vast number of romantic waterfront cafes, and a steady nightlife scene featuring bars and a casino. This is an exciting new resort within easy reach of most of the Red Sea's leading attractions, but also a pleasant getaway where you can escape from the tourist vibe.
Built on the scenic waterfront, El Gouna is an ideal spot for a romantic walk or a relaxing laze in the sun. As it is spread across a number of islands, you only need to take a short journey across the water to find many restful and peaceful spots. Zeytuna Beach is a perfect example of El Gouna's versatility with plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas to offer you shade and privacy during the day, along with camel rides and horses to hire if you prefer to be more active. The beach features a long dock, with shallow waters preceding the diving board at the end. At night however, the area really comes alive with parties on the beach offering Turkish food, a bonfire and DJs.
Some of the unique features of El Gouna are the dining experiences on offer. The area offers a dine-around-Gouna program, which allows visitors to sample the food on offer at a range of El Gouna hotels for a reduced price, regardless of the one they are actually staying at. There are many international restaurants within El Gouna, including a number of recognisable fast food outlets. If you want to sample some of the local cuisine, one of the more bizarre delicacies is shisha, a pipe filled with a blend of tobacco mixed with molasses.
For things to do, you can't go wrong with the El Gouna waters, which offers windsurfing, kite surfing, waterskiing and parasailing. Diving is hugely popular in El Gouna as the area is protected making the sites quieter and it’s not uncommon to spot a dolphin or two as you explore. There are a number of PADI courses on offer making this a good starting point for novices and experts alike. El Gouna is also famed for its 18-hole USPGA golf course, which is probably the most popular on the Red Sea. There's plenty to keep shoppers busy too with El Gouna offering a variety of bazaars and boutiques.
For a relatively quiet area by day, nightlife in El Gouna can be pulsating with guest DJs, lots of pubs and bars and even a casino. The Palladium, one of two leading discos in the area, looks like an open-air amphitheatre and plays everything from R&B to hip-hop. The Sand Bar is also a great place to capture the atmosphere with all of the facilities you'd expect at a local pub including table football, pool, darts and a nice outdoor patio.
