If you’re thinking about heading to Egypt and can’t decide whether to hit up Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, then you’ve come to the right place.
I’m John, and I’ve been lucky enough to visit both of these incredible Red Sea destinations.
Let me tell you, they are both amazing, but if you really want to know which one I prefer, it’s gotta be Sharm El Sheikh.
But hold on a second, don’t go thinking that Hurghada isn’t worth your time.
When I went there, I was blown away by the action and excitement that this metropolis had to offer.
With a population of 150,000, Hurghada is one of the most popular holiday resorts in Egypt.
And let me tell you, this place is a true economic hub with plenty of attractions to keep you entertained.
If you’re the kind of person who loves big hotels, beautiful beaches, and lots of shopping opportunities, then Hurghada is the place for you.
You can even check out a cool mosque and catch some awesome shows or concerts.
Plus, there’s a huge aquarium that’s definitely worth a visit.
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But here’s the thing, while Hurghada may have a lot of cool stuff to do, it doesn’t quite measure up to Sharm El Sheikh in my book.
Sharm El Sheikh just has a certain je ne sais quoi that sets it apart.
Maybe it’s the stunning views of Mount Sinai or the incredible coral reefs that make this place a diver’s paradise.
Speaking of diving, Sharm El Sheikh is home to some of the most epic dive sites in the world.
Trust me when I say that the underwater world here is absolutely mind-blowing.
And if you’re not a seasoned diver, don’t worry, there are plenty of options for beginners too.
Snorkeling is also fantastic in Sharm El Sheikh, and you’ll be able to find some incredible fish and coral everywhere you look.
When I was in Sharm El Sheikh, I met this Bedouin guy who took me out into the desert.
We stopped at his tent and he made us some of the most delicious flatbread I’ve ever tasted.
We drank tea and talked about life, and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my trip.
So back to the question Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh?
Both are amazing, but if you’re looking for a bit of magic and intrigue, then Sharm El Sheikh is the place to be.
And don’t forget to try some flatbread in the desert, it might just change your life.
Sharm El Sheik- An Underwater World
The little town of Sharm El Sheik is located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, which borders Israel, and is also a well-known tourist area.
Sharm El Sheikh has numerous hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops, as well as good bus connections along the coast.
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Top Attractions in Sharm El Sheikh:
Attractive activities in Sharm El Sheikh are you should visit a bazaar and go to the Old Market in the old town of Naama Bay, where you can also visit the fabulous mosque.
The SOHO Square
This is a shopping center that has many restaurants, bars, and cafés, and you can play squash, tennis, or bowling.
If you want to escape the heat, you can even go ice skating there.
Sharm El Sheikh presents good opportunities for water sports, such as kitesurfing, jet skiing, and wakeboarding.
Irrespective of this, due to its size, Hurghada offers more leisure activities than Sharm El Sheikh.
So, the point goes to Hurghada.
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St.
Catherine’s Monastery, hidden in the mountains, is a must-see when in Sinai!
If you use a bike or boat, also visit the National Park Ras Mohammed where you can observe the unique flora and fauna in the mangrove forest.
Understand one thing, a trip to the desert is always worthwhile, whether it’s a quad tour during the day or at night to look at the starry sky – you’ve never seen so many stars!
When you move from Cairo and the pyramids of Giza, they are far away from Sharm El Sheikh as from Hurghada.
However, it is further to the pharaonic sites on the Nile from Sharm El Sheikh than from Hurghada.
Of course, there are still excursions lasting several days.
This costs accordingly and involves a lot of driving.
If you want to visit the royal tombs, Luxor, Aswan, etc.
combination of a Nile cruise and an extension week in a hotel on the beach is a better option (also in combination with Hurghada).
During excursions, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh don’t take much away.
Looking carefully, you will discover colorful underwater worlds here.
Diving in Sharm El Sheikh:
For those who want wonderful diving spots, these spots and many others offer just that, the Ras Mohammad National Park, the Strait of Tiran, and the islands between Sinai and Saudi Arabia.
The underwater world is still intact here and it is more colorful and lively than around Hurghada.
Snorkelers can easily reach the house reef from the jetty of their hotel.
This point goes to Sharm El Sheikh.
Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh: Diving
Sharm el-Sheikh stands for good water, so if your focus is the underwater world that is your destination.
In addition to this, there are many intact coral reefs, i.e.
the perfect starting point for snorkeling or diving.
Some hotels have house reefs, otherwise, there is the possibility to book excursions to see turtles, seahorses, clown fish, and co.
Hurghada has spots that are more suitable for those beginning to dive but has fewer intact reefs than Sharm El Sheik.
I am always torn between Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh when it comes to making a decision.
Do you have a favorite between the two cities?
FAQs
Is Hurghada warmer than Sharm El Sheikh?
It depends on the time of your visit, during February or October, Hurghada is slightly cooler than Sharm El Sheikh, but we did go in June once and it was really hot.
We do prefer Hurghada, there is a lovely marina with restaurants, and yes, there is a Hard Rock café, which we have visited a few times.
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Is Sharm El Sheikh worth visiting?
The beautiful coral reefs make Sharm el-Sheikh worth visiting, unless you don’t care about a gorgeous coral reef, maybe Sharm el-Sheikh is not so worth visiting.
It is a bit overrated.
Many people will say that Sharm is a great resort and that there is a lot to see and do
Is Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh better?
Both places are good, they offer opportunities for excursions, as well as diving schools.
I would say Hurghada is for those looking for more action, Sharm El Sheikh for a quieter holiday or with a focus on diving and snorkeling
What attractions are there in Hurghada?
Hurghada boasts of many large hotels, a large mosque worth seeing, beautiful beaches, many shopping opportunities, and attractions such as shows or concerts, and a large aquarium.
It also offers nearby reefs, house reefs, wreck diving, and diving opportunities for both beginners and advanced divers.
Snorkeling is also very good in Hurghada.
What excursions are available in Hurghada?
It will take only half a day’s journey to Cairo and the pyramids of Giza.
Luxor and its temples are also worth a trip.
If you journey through the desert, be free to stop at the Bedouins and enjoy the delicious flatbread and a cup of tea.
What attractions are there in Sharm El Sheikh?
Attractive activities in Sharm El Sheikh include visiting a bazaar and going to the Old Market in the old town of Naama Bay, where you can also visit the fabulous mosque.
The SOHO Square is a shopping center that has many restaurants, bars, and cafés.
You can also play squash, tennis, or bowling, or go ice skating if you want to escape the heat.
What water sports are available in Sharm El Sheikh?
Sharm El Sheikh presents good opportunities for water sports, such as kitesurfing, jet skiing, and wakeboarding.
Which location offers more leisure activities – Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh?
Due to its size, Hurghada offers more leisure activities than Sharm El Sheikh, so the point goes to Hurghada.
What are the top hotels in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh?
Some of the top hotels in Hurghada are Alor Grande Holiday Resort, Albatros Palace Resort, and Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel.
Some of the top hotels in Sharm El Sheikh are Rixos Sharm El Sheikh, Hilton Sharks Bay Resort, and Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh.
Which is cheaper – Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh?
Hurghada is generally cheaper than Sharm El Sheikh, but the prices for both locations can vary depending on the season and the type of accommodation you choose.
What is the best time to visit Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh?
The best time to visit Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months when the temperatures are milder, and the crowds are thinner.
The summer months (June to August) can be extremely hot, and the winter months (December to February) can be cooler and windy.
Is it safe to travel to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh?
Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are generally considered safe for tourists, but it’s always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
It’s recommended to avoid traveling to the North Sinai region due to the ongoing security situation.
Do I need a visa to visit Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh?
Yes, most nationalities require a visa to enter Egypt, including Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
You can either obtain a visa on arrival at the airport or apply for an e-visa before your trip.
What is the currency used in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh?
The currency used in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).
US dollars and Euros are also widely accepted in many establishments.
What language do they speak in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh?
The official language in Egypt is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood in most tourist areas, including Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
