Hurghada hotels

Hurghada, Egypt's Red Sea capital, submerges experienced divers and novice snorkellers in its 20ºC, coral-rich bath. During desert-hot high season and balmy winters, sunworshippers and party animals sleep off hangovers and the curious trek inland on Eastern Desert safaris and haggle in ancient bazaars.

Resort-hop the Hurghada strip for manicured sandy beaches around Makadi Bay, or snorkel at Sharm El Naga. Take excursions to swaying palms and reefs in Giftun Island Marine National Park, an hour offshore. Stroll bridges linking swampy lagoons at El Gouna or sample the catch of the day at Safaga Port's coastal eateries.

Meet the monks at some of the world's oldest monasteries at St Paul and St Anthony, two hours from Hurghada. Clamber ruined temples and fortresses in the Eastern Desert at Porphyry Mountain, where Romans once mined rare purple gems. Camel and jeep safaris head for Eastern Desert sunsets 35 km inland.

Heal Hurghada sunbathing excesses at therapeutic Safaga's mineral springs and pristine black sand dunes, 65km south of Hurghada. Oceanic karma awaits snorkellers on Giftun Island's underwater reef labyrinth at a 10km boat ride away. Hardcore divers and anglers abandon resorts for solitude at remote Shadwan Island.

Meet rainbow wrasse on scuba dives around Hurghada's reef maze – see ruby-red corals at Erg Somaya or wrecks at El Mina dive sites. Spy Giftun Island's conserved waters during snorkel lenses. Skim the Red Sea on banana-boat rides and pedal boats, bump along on desert camel rides or play 18 holes at Hurghada's golf courses.

Stuff pitas with kebab meat and tahini and top with babaganoush (mashed aubergine) for a local street-food fest in El Dahar. Carnivores go gamey with Hurghada's delicacy – grilled pigeon, and fish lovers feast on freshly netted perch and tuna at resort restaurants. Head for Village Road for familiar chains like Hard Rock Café.

Hurghada's around-the-clock hedonism awaits every breed of party animal. Tourists flock for foam parties at Black Out Disco and techno beats fill the terraces at Calypso Disco. Watch belly dancers gyrate at Alf Leila Wa Leila, or sip chilled beers with the aprèsscuba dive party and Euroset at Ministry of Sound.

Haggle downtown in El Dahar's bazaars for local Bedouin jewellery, shisha water pipes and papyrus crafts. Shopaholics windowshop in designer boutiques along Hospital Street.