Hurghada's public and resort beaches along the Red Sea coast offer calm, warm water ideal for families. The resort strip at Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay features some of Egypt's most luxurious beachfront hotels.
Hurghada Corniche Beach refers to the stretch of Red Sea coastline fronting the main promenade and resort district of Hurghada, Egypt's largest Red Sea resort city on the country's eastern coast. The beach runs for several kilometres along the city's central district, known as El Dahar and the newer resort corridor extending toward Sahl Hasheesh. The sand is golden to pale cream in colour, composed of fine coral-derived particles, and remains wide and accessible for most of its length. The Red Sea here is calm, shallow, and remarkably transparent, with water temperatures averaging 24°C to 28°C through most of the year.
The public corniche beach in central Hurghada is a lively social space, particularly popular with Egyptian families and domestic tourists. This stretch has basic facilities including showers and changing rooms. The resort beaches immediately behind the main hotel strip — largely concentrated along Sheraton Road — are more manicured and offer full amenity suites: sun loungers, parasols, beach bars, restrooms, water sports rental, and in many cases a kids' club and dedicated children's swimming area. Beach access for non-hotel guests is available through day-pass schemes at several of the larger resort properties, typically costing EGP 300–600 depending on the property and season.
The water in front of Hurghada's resort beaches is particularly suited to families with young children: the bottom shelves gently, waves are negligible, and the Red Sea's high salinity makes swimming easy. Coral reefs within easy reach of the corniche are best accessed by boat; Hurghada's dive centers run daily excursions to Giftun Island, approximately 8 km offshore, where snorkelling is outstanding and coral cover is strong. Giftun Island is designated a national park and requires a day pass.
Water sports options are extensive. Jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and glass-bottomed boat trips are available at multiple points along the beach strip. The afternoon sea breeze typically picks up between 2 and 5 p.m., creating chop unsuitable for casual swimming but appealing for wind sports.
Hurghada International Airport sits approximately 15 minutes south of the resort corridor, making this one of the easiest Red Sea beaches in Egypt to reach from abroad. Most visitors stay in all-inclusive hotels with direct beach access, and the resort roads are served by regular hotel shuttle buses and local taxis.
Amenities
- sunbeds
- restaurants
- showers
- water sports
- kids clubs
- diving centers
- beach bars
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, couples, sunbathers, snorkellers
Highlights
- Calm, warm Red Sea water with year-round swimming conditions and negligible surf — ideal for families
- Wide choice of resort day passes giving independent visitors access to fully equipped beach clubs along the hotel strip
- Giftun Island National Park, 8 km offshore, accessible by daily boat excursion for outstanding snorkelling
- Active water-sports scene including jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides along the resort beach
Tips for visiting
- Book Giftun Island boat trips in advance during peak months (December–February, July–August) — excursions depart at 9 a.m. and sell out early
- The public corniche beach in El Dahar is free and suitable for a quick swim, but facilities are basic — bring water and a towel
- Afternoon sea breezes from 2 to 5 p.m. can create chop; plan beach swimming for the morning hours for the calmest conditions
- Resort day passes often include a meal credit — ask specifically which restaurants are included when booking
- Non-motorized water sports (kayaks, paddleboards) cost EGP 100–150 per hour at most beach clubs
When to visit
October through April provides the most pleasant beach conditions, with mild temperatures and minimal humidity. July and August are extremely hot (often above 38°C) but the sea remains warm and clear; early-morning visits are recommended during summer months.
Accessibility
Resort hotel beaches along the corniche are generally flat with paved access from hotel lobbies. Some properties offer beach wheelchairs on request. The public corniche beach has basic paved paths but no dedicated adapted beach access.
Frequently asked questions
Is the beach in Hurghada suitable for young children?
Yes. The Red Sea waters along the Hurghada corniche are shallow, calm, and warm, with a gently sloping sandy bottom that makes them ideal for young children and non-swimmers.
Can non-hotel guests access the beaches in Hurghada?
Several resort hotels sell beach day passes to non-guests, typically for EGP 300–600 with a food or drinks credit. The public corniche beach in central Hurghada (El Dahar) is free to access.
What is the best way to reach the coral reefs from Hurghada?
The closest healthy reefs are at Giftun Island, approximately 8 km offshore. Half- and full-day boat excursions depart from Hurghada's marina; most dive centers and hotel activity desks can arrange bookings.
How far is Hurghada from Cairo?
By road it is approximately 450 km (5–6 hours). Hurghada International Airport has direct flights from Cairo, taking about one hour. Regular bus services also connect the two cities.