Egypt's Red Sea

Why go

Egypt's Red Sea coast is winter sun with a reef on the doorstep. The water stays warm and clear all year, the coral starts a short boat ride (and in places a few metres) from the beach and all-inclusive resorts are the norm. Snorkel with parrotfish in the morning, lie by the pool in the afternoon, and still have time for a day among the temples of Luxor or a night climb up Mount Sinai.

When to go

It's sunny and almost dry all year. From December to February, daytime highs are around 21–24°C, but evenings can feel cool, so pack a jumper. The sea is at its coolest in February and March (about 21°C) and warmest in August (about 28°C). July and August are very hot, with highs of 37–38°C. For the best mix of warm days and comfortable sightseeing, go in spring (March to May) or autumn (October and November).

Getting there from the UK

Direct flights take around five to five and a half hours from London. There are three airports:

• Hurghada (HRG) for Hurghada, El Gouna and Makadi Bay.
• Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH) for the Sinai resorts.
• Marsa Alam (RMF) for the quieter south.

easyJet and TUI fly direct from a range of UK airports, including Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham, and Jet2 plans to add Egypt flights from February 2027. Schedules change by season, so tell us your nearest airport and we'll check the options for your dates.

Where to stay

• Hurghada: the original resort town, with a long strip of hotels, busy Sigala and the marina. It's good value, and boat trips leave from here.
• El Gouna: a lagoon town 20 km north of Hurghada, built across small islands. It has a pretty marina, kitesurfing and plenty of restaurants, and it suits couples.
• Makadi Bay: about 30 km south of Hurghada. Large resorts sit on a sandy bay, ideal for families who want everything on site.
• Sharm el-Sheikh: at the tip of the Sinai. Naama Bay has the promenade and the nightlife, while Sharks Bay and Nabq are quieter. It's the base for Ras Mohammed, desert trips and Mount Sinai.
• Marsa Alam: far south and much quieter. Reefs start right off the beach, and turtles graze the seagrass at Abu Dabbab.

What to do

Take a snorkelling boat to the Giftun Islands off Hurghada, or cruise from Sharm into Ras Mohammed National Park, where more than 220 species of coral have been recorded. In Marsa Alam, swim with green turtles at Abu Dabbab. Never dived? A try-dive with an instructor is a gentle first step. Away from the water, take a day trip from Hurghada to Luxor for Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut. From Sharm, ride a quad bike into the desert for a Bedouin dinner, or climb Mount Sinai for sunrise and visit St Catherine's Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 6th century.

Food

Resort buffets cover every taste, but it's worth trying the local classics. Look for ful medames (slow-cooked fava beans), ta'ameya (Egypt's fava-bean falafel), koshari (rice, lentils and pasta with tomato sauce and crispy onions), grilled fish and iced karkadeh, a deep-red hibiscus drink. For local cafés, head to the Old Market in Sharm or El Dahar in Hurghada. Alcohol is served in hotels and licensed bars.

Good to know

• Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP). Carry small notes for tips. Resort prices are often quoted in US dollars or euros.
• Time: usually two hours ahead of the UK.
• Plugs: type C and F (European two-pin), 220 V. Bring an adaptor.
• Language: Arabic. English is widely spoken in the resorts.
• Visas: British passport holders normally need a visa. We'll confirm the current rules when you book.
• Etiquette: cover shoulders and knees away from the beach, ask before photographing people, and leave the drone at home.
• Excursions: book with reputable operators, wear a helmet on a quad bike, and check that your travel insurance covers diving.

Tell us your airport, dates and the kind of stay you have in mind, and we'll put together flights, hotel and experiences to suit you.