When you choose your holiday in Egypt, Hurghada in most cases can be a more attractive place than Cairo or Sharm El Sheikh. The fact is that this resort is more democratic. Because the prices here are much lower, and you can relax no worse than in other, more expensive cities in Egypt. When you arrive in Hurghada, you will have a wonderful vacation: the sea, the sun, the cleanest beaches, excellent service and good mood. The climate here is very mild, in Hurghada it is not as hot as in other resorts in Egypt, so you can spend as much time on the beach as you wish. And you can also go on excursions in Egypt (Hurghada); prices for some of them will be described in the article.
A bit of history
The history of Hurghada is surprising because in just 50 years an unknown place has turned into a tourist mecca. Until the mid-seventies of the last century, Hurghada was not even marked on the map of Egypt. It was a small settlement where oil explorers lived and worked, and the only attraction was a military airport. And for justfifteen years a small village was able to become a leader among the resort towns. In one thousand nine hundred and seventy-four, the first hotel was built, which was given the name Sheraton (now it is Le Meridien). But the real heyday of Hurghada began in the eighties, when foreign companies were allowed to make charter flights. The first tourists from Russia arrived here in 1993. And now this resort is called the All-Russian winter he alth resort.
Hurghada today
Now Hurghada is one of the twenty-six administrative centers of Egypt. The population is about forty thousand people. The city is conditionally divided into four parts: the old part of the city (El Dahar), located in the north of Hurghada; the center of Sakala, the area of popular hotels Le Pacha and Regina Style; the newest center with a long promenade; the southern part of the city, which is essentially a continuous series of hotels (15 kilometers) located along the sea. Why is Hurghada so attractive for tourists? Attractions, exciting excursions and, of course, the warm sea attract tourists from all over the world.
What to see?
The most famous sights of Egypt are located far from Hurghada. But if there is a desire not only to relax by the sea, but also to see the pyramids, the Sphinx and much more, then go on one-day excursions. During the trip you will be accompanied by Russian-speaking guides. This pleasure will cost about a hundred dollars. What else is interesting in Hurghada? The sights of the city will be describedbelow.
Titanic Waterpark
This water park is located on the territory of the Titanic Aqua Park & Resort and is considered the largest not only in Hurghada, but throughout Egypt. The cost of visiting the water park for adults will be thirty-five dollars, and for children - ten. But it's worth it. Here you will have one hundred percent fun: water slides and towers, funny souls… Adults will be offered pools with a whirlpool and waves, a river for rafting, a free fall slide, a slide for family rafting. In a word, both children and adults will be delighted with visiting the water park. By the way, you'll get free towels here.
Ancient Roman settlement of Mons Claudianus
Mons Claudianus is the largest surviving ancient Roman settlement. In addition, it is in excellent condition. The settlement was founded more than two centuries BC. Stonemasons lived and worked here. They made magnificent columns from local granite, which were exported to Rome to decorate temples, palaces and squares. We can still see such columns in the unfinished temple of Venus, the Villa of Hadrian, the Pantheon. This settlement was spread in the desert scorched by the sun between the Nile and the Red Sea. Here you can see the remains of the fortress: residential buildings, baths, stables, workshops and much more.
Monastery of Saint Anthony
The Monastery of St. Anthony is located forty-five kilometers from Hurghada, neartown of Zaafaran. It is active, seventy monks live in it. It should be noted that this is one of the first monasteries. It was founded in 365 BC. The main attractions of the monastery include the cave of St. Anthony and the ancient church. There is also a book depository, which contains about two thousand ancient manuscripts. Unfortunately, they are not shown to tourists. You can only look at the tower where they are stored.
St. Paul's Monastery
Thirteen kilometers from Hurghada stands the ancient monastery of St. Paul. Outwardly, it is very similar to its neighbor, the monastery of St. Anthony. The building dates back to the fifth century BC. According to legend, it was built on the site where the cave of St. Paul was located. If you decide to go on an excursion with a guide, the cost of the trip will be fifty dollars. Along with this building, you will also be shown the monastery of St. Anthony.
Red Sea Aquarium (Hurghada)
The sights of this resort will delight and surprise even the most demanding tourists. Those who are not afraid to go diving are very lucky: all the beauties of the underwater world of the Red Sea are revealed before such daredevils. But do not despair for those who still do not dare to take such a desperate step. You can look at the inhabitants of the southern seas in the Red Sea Aquarium. Here you will see sea turtles, hedgehogs, water snakes. And above you will swim stingrays, moray eels and many colorful coral fish. From-For such a variety of tourist sites, travelers really like Hurghada. There are attractions for every taste.
Giftun Island
This island is rich in caves and canyons. And in the waters washing it, a lot of corals. You will not find such underwater beauties anywhere else. The island is famous for its diverse marine flora and fauna. This is a real paradise for divers. But because of the constantly cruising boats with tourists, the ecological situation of the island was violated. Because now the entrance to it was made paid. The money collected from tourists is used to maintain and restore the ecosystem of the island.
Safari Center
Want some extreme? Then ride ATVs to the Bedouin village, which is located in the heart of the desert. The Safari Center will give you an unforgettable adventure.
Christian Coptic Church Hurghada
Here is another attraction - Christian (Orthodox) Coptic Church. It is located in downtown (old town). Entrance to the church is free.
How to have fun in the evening?
After resting at the seaside during the day or going on an excursion, you will certainly want to continue the entertainment. But even at night, Hurghada (Egypt) is beautiful - the sea, the stars tune in a romantic mood. And you will certainly want to sit somewhere in a cozy cafe or restaurant. And there are plenty of them in the city, for every taste and budget. The most famous of them is the restaurant"Velfela", he specializes in meat cuisine. "El Mina" is the best fish restaurant. "El Joker" is also a fish restaurant, where the choice of seafood is so huge that it can even confuse you. But experienced waiters will always be able to offer a dish to your taste. After lunch in a good restaurant, go to a disco. The most popular disco in Hurghada is the club "Calypso". Entrance to this entertainment venue is paid. "Sinbad" is no less popular club. This is the oldest disco. Entrance is also paid. And if you want something unusual, then go to the foam disco at the Ali Baba Hotel. But, unfortunately, it works only on Tuesdays. Entrance fee.
Riviera Festival Hotel
Of course, any tourist has a question: “Where to stay?” There are a lot of hotels in Hurghada: both expensive and not very expensive. If you do not want to pay a lot for accommodation, then you should pay attention to the Festival Riviera hotel. This hotel complex is located in the Dahar area. The hotel building was built in 2008. This hotel has four hundred and thirty-four standard rooms. The rooms have private bathrooms. But slippers and bathrobes are provided only to newlyweds and regular customers. Meals - "all inclusive". Wi-Fi - only in public areas. Free parking is available on site. Be sure to come to Egypt (Hurghada). "Riviera Festival" always welcomes guests.
Tourist Tips
Before leavingmake sure that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued a warning about unwanted visits due to the situation in the country. It should be noted that in Egypt it is difficult to buy alcoholic beverages and cigarettes. Therefore, you can buy a block of cigarettes and three bottles of alcohol in a duty-free shop within 24 hours after the flight. Do not buy papyrus, as there may be problems when checking out! Trade in the markets. Remember that when you arrive in a Muslim country, you find yourself in a completely different world. Therefore, before traveling, take the trouble to learn the rules of etiquette, which may seem strange to a European. Respect local traditions, otherwise you will be detained by the police. Don't drink alcohol in public. Do not wear revealing clothing. Natural fabrics are the best option and you won't get hot.
Do not meddle in the religion of the Egyptians. If you are already talking with an Arab, be prepared for a long introductory conversation about nothing. And do not neglect the invitation to visit! There you will be received very warmly and fed to satiety. Try not to speak to unfamiliar women, so as not to offend their honor. In cafes, pay a lot of tips, but it's still better to hide your wallet. Of course, many come here for rest and service. Please follow the rules of decency! Somewhere, after all, stereotypical ideas about Russian tourists come from, who are afraid to let them into the country. Yes, and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages will not increase the respect of the locals for you.
If you observe the rules of decency and follow the instructions of the guide when visiting Egypt (Hurghada), attractionswill remain for many subsequent generations - let's save them!
