Hurghada holidays

Hurghada offers every type of food under the sun, but for an authentic local dish, don’t miss out on Ful Medames. Made with fava beans, garlic and olive oil, this comforting dish is a staple of Egyptian cuisine – find it on menus in Hurghada’s exotic Old Town. If you’re a fan of seafood, you’ll be in heaven in Hurghada. Take a stroll around the marina to find displays piled high with the freshest seabass, tuna, lobster – and much more. Enjoy your catch of the day simply grilled with a squeeze of lemon as you look out at the swanky superyachts in the harbour. Another must-try on your Hurghada holiday is mezze – a platter of local delicacies made for sharing. There are variations of mezze all over Egypt, but expect to find houmous, olives and baba ghanoush. You can even add extras from the menu like taboulleh, a tasty salad of bulgur wheat and finely chopped herbs.

One of the world’s top diving destinations, there’s no shortage of places to explore life underwater in Hurghada. If you’re just starting out, Giftun Island is a popular place to learn in warm, shallow waters, where reefs attract an array of colourful fish. Reach Giftun Island in just 45 minutes from Hurghada. For the more advanced, there are a number of excellent dives to be had a couple of hours north. The World War 2-era Thistlegorm is a popular spot for wreck dives, home to barracuda, scorpionfish, and turtles. Nearby, the Kingston is another wreck worth exploring – residents include giant moray eel and parrotfish. A short journey south takes you to Makadi Bay, and the best snorkelling in the area. Here, you’ll discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with amazing marine life. The reefs are shallow and there are no sudden drop-offs, making this underwater hotspot perfect for beginners.

Waterpark: If you’re not a diving enthusiast, don’t worry – there are plenty of fun things to do in Hurghada! Top of the list should be an afternoon at Makadi Water World, the biggest water park in Egypt. With over 50 thrilling slides, there’s plenty of excitement to be had for the whole family. Do you dare take on the might of Free Fall and Kamikaze?

Quad bikes: A quad bike safari is an exhilarating way to explore the Sahara. Power across the desert on your all-terrain vehicle, passing sand dunes, and through mountains to reach a traditional Bedouin village. Stop for tea and a chat with the locals before returning at sunset for a BBQ – an unforgettable day out.

Horseback tours: A horseback tour of the desert is sure to add a bit of magic to your Hurghada holiday. Hop aboard your four legged friend as you trot though the Sahara and clop along sandy beaches. Your trusty steed will even walk you into the ocean – a unique end to the trek.

Luxor: Don’t miss out on a day trip to Luxor, Egypt’s fascinating ancient city. Explore the 3,400 year-old Karnak Temple, and marvel at the mighty Colossi of Menmon. Witness the tomb of Tutankhamun at the Valley of the Kings – the famous Egyptian ruler was discovered here in 1925.

Cairo: Your Egypt holiday wouldn’t be complete without visiting Cairo. A short flight takes you to the iconic capital, home to the Pyramids of Giza. Have your photo taken with the Sphinx before touring the Egyptian Museum, and taking in the sights and smells of Khan El Khalili Bazaar.

Dolphin spotting: A magical experience on any holiday, but in Hurghada you get to swim with them, too! From your starting point at Hurghada Marina, sail with an expert crew to spot dolphins leaping from the waves. Stop for a snorkel and a chance to swim with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat – one for the bucket list.