Cheap Hurghada holidays

Sitting on the coast of the sparkling Red Sea in the eastern half of the African nation of Egypt, Hurghada holidays can boast year-round sunshine...

It also boasts some of the best diving opportunities in the world. Adventurous divers will be rewarded with coral reefs of unbelievable beauty, wrecks to explore, and a diverse range of colourful fish and other marine life. Holidaymakers who don't fancy donning a wetsuit can simply slip on a snorkel and mask and discover the underwater wonderland closer to shore.

Hurghada has bloomed from its fishing village roots into a world-class tourist centre, with plenty of bars and restaurants and a 20-mile stretch of resorts with all-inclusive hotels that line the waterfront and offer swimming pools alongside immediate beach access.

Transfers to the resorts are swift from Hurghada International Airport (HRG). Visitors mostly opt for the resorts of Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Quseir, El Gouna - plus the new marina development of Abu Tig, and Soma Bay.

Hurghada holidays are mostly hotel based, with lots of day and night activities and all the food and drink you can consume. The beaches are the main attraction in Hurghada, and life revolves around the hotels and the shimmering shoreline of the Red Sea. That said, there are many bars and restaurants in which to enjoy a change of scenery, and the nightlife is renowned.

There are sightseeing opportunities to be had while in Hurghada. For divers and snorkellers, Sha'ab Abu Nuhas reef is a must see, while the old port town of El Quseir also offers excellent diving after you've explored the resort's ruins. Feel the rush of riding the dunes during jeep safaris into the Egyptian Sahara, or take it easy and wander around the intriguing Marine Biology Museum. The whole family will enjoy a boat trip to one of the lovely Red Sea islands, including the Giftun Islands.

To dive into the fascinating history of Egypt, day trips to Luxor and Cairo are possible from Hurghada.

The seaside fun in Hurghada is suitable for families, singles and couples, though you have to be a lover of heat if you plan to visit in July or August - the resorts around Hurghada positively bake in the summer months.

Temperatures in Hurghada rarely drop below 30C between May and October, so it's hot hot hot...

However, the summer months of July and August are unbearably hot for some. So you may prefer a trip later or earlier in the year - the sun still shines in winter, when daily average temperatures rarely drop below 18C.

If you fancy attending an event while you're on holiday in Hurghada, then have a look at what we recommend...

Hurghada International Festival; February: This sporting event attracts thousands of visitors keen to take part in, or simply watch, the 12 days of competitions, including a marathon and a triathlon.

Sham el-Nessim; Easter Monday: 'Sniffing the breeze' is what the locals do on this special day, which marks the start of spring. It's a public holiday so expect to see local families enjoying some time off, perhaps taking a picnic at the beach. Join in the celebrations where you can.

Hurghada's Got Talent; June/July: Yes, that's right. This version of the popular show is held at the marina and benefits charities rather than multi-millionaire TV executives. Check out the talent during your holidays in Hurghada and cheer on the brave competitors.