Getting to know El Gouna, Egypt’s best-kept holiday secret

The town is a world of its own – one you won’t want to leave

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A purpose-built resort town that popped up in 1989, it would be easy to overlook El Gouna as another run-of-the-mill Red Sea holiday spot. But you’d be missing out, because in its 36 years, it’s managed to achieve a feat its neighbours haven’t: tick all the tourist boxes while remaining one of a kind.

Formed of 36 interlocked islands connected by palm-lined canals and lagoons (‘Gouna’ translates to ‘lagoon’ in Arabic), arriving in El Gouna is like entering a desert oasis. The web of waterways remind me instantly of Venice – the Italian city was the inspiration for its design, but spanning some 36 square kilometres of coast, it has the overriding impression of feeling wonderfully uncrowded.

Four marinas form natural social hubs across the town, unified by their yacht-filled pontoons and distinctly modern aesthetic. It’s an aesthetic that flows throughout El Gouna’s architecture, blending Upper Nubian style (simple, stone buildings characterised by domes, arch windows and barrel vaults) with contemporary flair, exhibited by clean edges and a refined colour palette of sandcastle yellows and terracotta reds.

The result is a visual appeal that’s outrageously addictive.

Its culture is rooted in a state of mind

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The locals of El Gouna say that life in their Red Sea town is a state of mind. I sense it in the feeling of contentment, in the encouragement to embrace the slow side of life, and in the open invitation to become part of the community. I mentally rsvp ‘yes’ immediately.

A trip to Abu Tig Marina is our initiation into El Gouna’s riviera lifestyle. Restaurant tables spill out to the harbour edge, alleyways filter you off to shops and squares, and the hum of locals going about their daily routine is as relaxed as the boats bobbing in the water.

This nonchalant rhythm, personified in the café culture, gives the essence of cosmopolitan Europe, but the style, geniality – and sunshine – is unmistakingly Egyptian. By the evening, we’re happily sipping El Gouna G&Ts (a hibiscus-y take on the classic) and clapping along to live music.

While the town’s culture isn’t present in ancient landmarks or bazaars like Cairo or Sharm el Sheikh, you’ll find it in the friendliness of the locals that greet you like an old friend, in the shops selling custom perfume oils, alabaster crafts and textiles, and in the Egyptian celebration evenings held at the hotels, where traditional food, music and dance performances are lovingly showcased.

You’ll know you’ve found it too, because like me, you’ll leave feeling more local than tourist.

The on-land activities are the definition of adventure

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Adventure activities come standard at most Red Sea resorts these days. But nothing about El Gouna is standard, and our itinerary makes sure to prove it.

First on our list is a desert safari. Less than a 25-minute bus ride from El Gouna and we’re on the fringes of the Egyptian Sahara where Alex Safari has an assembly of quad bikes and dune buggies ready to go. We set off in convoy, skirting each other's dust clouds as we zip over sand plains and dunes.

Our half-way point is a Bedouin camp, where we rehydrate with fresh tea while learning about the history of Egypt’s Bedouin families. We chase the setting sun back, pausing to watch it slink behind the mountains and turn the sky into a melody of reds.

The next morning, we’re on the green at Steigenberger Golf Resort (one of two golf courses in El Gouna) for an introductory lesson. Our instructor, Danny, shows us the art of short game and long game swings, instilling the ethos that golf is all about feeling. After an hour’s fun, I contemplate making it a hobby.

Just as I do padel-tennis, squash and go-karting after we’re shown the impressive facilities on offer at the Sports District.

Head out to sea and the thrills only get bigger

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Another day, another activity, and we have an introduction to El Gouna’s most popular watersport: kitesurfing.

Year-round winds attract pros from all over the world, so there’s rarely a moment when colourful kites don’t paint the sky. Unsurprisingly, we get nowhere near the water, but we get a crash course in handling techniques with Duotone Pro Centre and gleefully practise flying the kites from the beach.

While they don’t make our itinerary this time round, snorkelling and diving are absolute musts. Like many Red Sea destinations, El Gouna’s reefs are home to incredible coral gardens, teeming with colourful nudibranchs, octopus and sea turtles. There are nine diving centres around town and multiple boat trip excursions that will show you the best of them.

Anyone seeking more water thrills should make a beeline for Sliders – the region’s largest cable park.

The hotels excel in every category

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It doesn’t matter which of El Gouna’s 19 hotels you choose – whether you’re staying three-star or five, the town only has one level of hospitality: excellent.

This is evident from the moment we arrive at Steigenberger Golf Resort. Fully renovated in 2023, the 268 rooms have topped out at maximum luxury – hugely spacious, uber stylish and with fancy tech controlling everything from the air con to your ‘do not disturb’ status. Personal experience officers – available 24/7 via WhatsApp – multiply its appeal ten fold, as does the hotel’s dine-around scheme, which allows guests to eat out at different restaurants as part of their meal plan.

With three pools, El Gouna’s only Teppanyaki restaurant – Harumaki, a private lagoon beach and a championship golf course, it’s nothing short of exceptional.

It’s a recurring theme throughout El Gouna’s hotels. Whether it’s the chic beach club energy of Cook’s Club, the understated luxury of Casa Cook’s minimal design, or the world-class style and service of The Chedi, each is a tally on an already full scorecard.

El Gouna FAQs

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How do you get to El Gouna?

The best way to reach El Gouna is to fly into Hurghada Airport then take a 30-minute transfer or taxi to the town. You can fly direct from many of the UK’s major airports including Gatwick, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. The flight time from London takes approximately five hours.

When is the best time of year to visit El Gouna?

With over 300 days of sunshine a year, there’s never a bad time to visit El Gouna. The summer months can reach a sweltering 40C, consider spring and autumn for more manageable highs in the low thirties. Visit in May to catch Sandbox, El Gouna’s three-day music festival, or October for the town’s annual highlight – The El Gouna Film Festival.

Winter is also a fantastic time to visit. Even in January, you can expect ten hours of sunshine a day and temperatures hovering around 20C. Wizz Air also operates seasonal flights from London to Hurghada, meaning plenty of budget-friendly deals.

Any keen kite surfers will want to visit in February as this is the windiest month, while May through to September offer the best conditions for diving.

How do you get around El Gouna?

Getting around El Gouna is quick and easy. Tuk-tuks are the cheapest – and most fun – mode of transport. A single journey for up to three people costs 50 Egyptian Pounds (80p). There are also shuttle boats and black cabs, as well as bike rentals available.

Are there day trips available from El Gouna?

Located 25km (15 miles) north of Hurghada, El Gouna is excellently placed for day trips. The ancient city of Luxor, famous for its temples and monuments, is a four-hour drive away, while Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza can be reached in around five.

Is El Gouna safe to visit?

Yes. There are no government advisories against travel to El Gouna. The town’s gated entrance and own security team allows El Gouna to feel particularly safe.

This trip was provided by El Gouna by Orascom Hotels Management, easyJet and Rooster PR. For further information, check out www.elgouna.com.