On paper, these two, resort towns couldnt be more similar if they tried. Hotel resorts have shipped in the softest, smallest grains they can find for you to wriggle your toes in. Hurghadas coastline is arid, with only 5 mm of rainfall per year. There's so much to choose from that we can't decide, we like the sun and a few drinks at night although we probably won't venture very far from the hotel. The area contains bazaars, cafes, coffee shops and restaurants selling sea food. Beyond Sahl Hasheesh there are the hotels of Makadi Bay. Its better in Hurghada (especially Safaga, tours from 77,200 for two), where its almost always windy. Its recommended to avoid traveling to the North Sinai region due to the ongoing security situation. Read more. 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. Would I be right in saying that? Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Internet? And, as youd expect, the big hotel chains lay on plenty of eating options to keep you and your Egyptian pounds, within the resort boundaries. Where better to vacation in Sharm el Sheikh or Hurghada? And in Hurghada there are places with good coral reefs, you just need to know the hotels. Expect bus rides of 5 hours to Giza from, trek from Sharm El-Sheikh. From here it is convenient to get to the temples of Luxor, Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, Aswan and the Roman quarries of Mons Claudianus. 15 years ago Save Hi, My girlfriend and I were thinking of going to Egypt in October 08 for about a week and cannot decide whether to go to Sharm el Sheikh or Hurghada. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? To determine the most generic cookie path that has to be used instead of the page hostname, Hotjar sets the _hjTLDTest cookie to store different URL substring alternatives until it fails. Do I need a visa? What are the potential scams & how will I deal with hassle? Olympic Holidays offers seven nights bed and breakfast in September at the three-star Falcon Viva in Sharm el-Sheikh from 355, including flights from Gatwick and transfers. Yes, besides sea urchins come across. If you want to visit the royal tombs, Luxor, Aswan, etc. Whether youre looking for 5-star fine dining or budget eats, theres certainly no shortage of choice in either resort. The Showdown: Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh? - TravelMagma Hurghada was founded in the early 20th century. If you decide on Sharm, plz see the link below for 1st Time tips, http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g297555-i9225-k1303365-o110-Tips_for_1st_Timers-Sharm_El_Sheikh_South_Sinai_Red_Sea_and_Sinai.html. Well, in the summer, Hurghada has advantages. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The currency used in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). In Hurghada, there are several discos and nightclubs, but they are remote from the place of tourists. Daytime temperatures are around 30C (86F) most of the year, and during July and August temperatures can reach over 40C (104F). Tourists also visit shipwrecks such as the El Mina or the Rosalie Moller. Currency - What do I take & what about tipping? If you want to visit Abu Simbel - which I thought was amazing - you can do it from both, you can get the flights through Egyptair, I did it as part of a Nile Cruise, but 'Kazl' on the forum has been from Sharm and if she sees this she will give the relevant info on this one. So when choosing a tour, always be guided by fresh reviews and hotel rating. Can I buy one on arrival? Please see my disclosure policy for details. What will the weather be like? In Sharm el Sheikh there are almost no conditions for kiteboarding, but there is Dahab with guaranteed wind and good waves. When you move from Cairo and the pyramids of Giza, they are far away from Sharm El Sheikh as from Hurghada. However, if you want to go on an excursion to Giza, Luxor, or Aswan, you will need to pay for the visa. Large hotel complexes line the cliffs in Um el Sid with the grid of roads behind housing smaller properties. [13] Russian women staying in Hurghada often marry Egyptian men through an urfi (non-shariah) process. It is built on 10km of beachfront and has unique and diverse architecture. The average check for two at a cafe is $6-$10, and at an inexpensive restaurant is $12-$20. Weve gone deep into some essential Egypt holiday categories to sort the sands of Hurghada from the sea life of Sharm to help you decide where to book your next stay. Prices for excursions . Hurghada is located on the west coast of the Red Sea. Where to go for windsurfing and kitesurfing? A worthy contender in every category, but ultimately, won with convenient access to golf courses, dive sites, feet-friendly. Any recommendations? Luxury lovers will find top-range product in both resorts, including the Ritz-Carlton in Sharm and the new Kempinski in Soma Bay. The sp_landing is set by Spotify to implement audio content from Spotify on the website and also registers information on user interaction related to the audio content. Families are spoilt for choice all over the region as many of the larger properties have excellent child facilities, although usually not for toddlers. It still retains a bohemian atmosphere and lively nightlife enhanced by the more modern resort-style properties on both sides of the main road. The underwater world is still intact here and it is more colorful and lively than around Hurghada. El-Dahar is the older charming part of town with its bountiful bazaar. Facebook sets this cookie to show relevant advertisements to users by tracking user behaviour across the web, on sites that have Facebook pixel or Facebook social plugin. Yes, the transfer will be long, but the untouched reefs and the impressive underwater world will be remembered for a long time. It is located almost 300 km south of Hurghada. What trips are available & how do I book? The solution to saving your seat bones from inevitable numbness? Lets find out which one is right for you. But, if youre in Egypt for a peek at the Red Seas marine life, either resort has much to offer every diver. Can I buy one on arrival? The most popular dive sites are the El Mina wreck, Abu Hashish, Banana, Ben El Gebel, Careless, El Aruk, El Fanadir, Erg Abu Ramada and Erg Sabrina. During the Ottoman and the Islamic periods, Egyptians and Muslims from North Africa traveled from El Qoseir as pilgrims to Mecca. Sharm el Sheikh Airport gives you a free Sinai visa stamp that allows you to stay in Sinai for 2 weeks. Tourist numbers from Russia dropped significantly[citation needed] after the Metrojet Flight 9268 plane crash in November 2015. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. But hold on a second, dont go thinking that Hurghada isnt worth your time. If you decide on Sharm, plz see the link below for 1st Time tips, http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g297555-i9225-k1303365-o110-Tips_for_1st_Timers-Sharm_El_Sheikh_South_Sinai_Red_Sea_and_Sinai.html. There are a few quirky attractions to add to your. Sharm El Sheikh has numerous hotels, restaurants, days journey to Cairo and the pyramids of Giza. And of course you can always go to the reefs on a yacht. Which all seems rather straightforward unless youve got little ones in tow. Forget about flying in from Hurghada though. What are the sunrise & sunset times? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. The entire infrastructure was originally created for tourists. Both have a magnificent shoreline by the crystal clear Red Sea and a promise of fun in the sun while relaxing with a cocktail in hand. We've been to Egypt before and seen Cairo and Luxor. youre looking at a long walk along a wooden jetty before you can. Hotels in Hurghada with a reef : Hurghada Coral Beach 4* (tours from 110,000 for two), Premier Le Reve 5* (adults only hotel, tours from 150,000 for two), Stella Di Mare Madaki Garden 5* (tours from 101,000 for two), Stella Di Mare Makadi Beach 5* (tours from 103,000 for two), Arabella Azur 4* (tours from 94 000 for two), Sunny Days 4* (tours from 86 000 for two), Serenity Fun City 5* (tours from 141 000 for two), Sheraton Soma Bay 5* (tours from 101 000 for two), Albatros Citadel 5* (tours from 101 000 for two). Where is cheaper to vacation in Sharm el Sheikh or Hurghada? The worlds most popular wreck dive lies within reach of either, or Sharm El Sheikh. The Makadi Bay area is rightfully considered the best place to relax in Hurghada - here you will find modern hotels with a large area, traditional Egyptian all-inclusive systems, a lot of entertainment, and good service. Your rep in the hotel will be able to help you with this or the hotel it self may have a company in house. Sharm El Sheikh has numerous hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops, as well as good bus connections along the coast. Soma Bay A tourist resort situated 45km (28mi) south of Hurghada, with various hotels including Palm Royale Soma Bay, La Residence des Cascades, Robinson Club, Sheraton (Kempinski opening August 2008) & Caribbean World Resort Soma Bay (opened December 7). Due to its size, Hurghada offers more leisure activities than Sharm El Sheikh, so the point goes to Hurghada. Both are amazing, but if youre looking for a bit of magic and intrigue, then Sharm El Sheikh is the place to be. Rome2Rio makes travelling from Hurghada to Sharm el Sheikh easy. Download the. There are more wrecks reachable from Hurghada and shorter dive trips leaving you time to notch up a few dives a day or chill out back at your hotel. Yes, there are, for example in the bays of Sharm el-Maya and Ras-um el-Sid. With the Hurghada vs Sharm El Sheikh debate all sewn up, theres just one thing left to do. Poolside bars, sunset parties Meraki Resort 4* (tours from 106 000 for two people), Albatros Citadel 5* (tours from 101 000 rubles for two people), Marina Sharm 4* (tours from 94 000 for two people), Tropitel Naama Bay 5* (tours from 90 000 for two people), Rehana 5* (tours from 93 000 for two people). Sometimes these piers are quite long and you have to take a buggy to the swimming spot (estimate the length of the pontoon from the hotel photo). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-9127409', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hurghada has many many Russians around ,main town nothing special really . The beach at Hurghada is busy and public, and beyond the town the coast road passes through holiday villages set in the desert. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We didn't go to Abu Simbel last time we were there, but would like to on our next trip. This city has been a tourist attraction. Travel times including a ferry crossing, rack up to 6 hours, 40 minutes. I say this because I too love to explore but didn't find much to explore other than in the sea! Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Hurghada to Sharm el Sheikh - one way to travel via car - Rome2rio I haven't actually been to Cairo myself, although I wouldn't relish the thought of having two young children in tow if going there, as I am led to believe it is even hotter there than on the coast. A good hotel for family holidays in Makadi Bay Stella Makadi Beach Resort 5* (tours from 93 000 for two), Photo Sunrise Royal Makadi Resort (Hurghada) / Booking.com. Level Contributor 39 posts 46 reviews 23 helpful votes Sharm or Hurghada ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-9124146', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Sharm el Sheikh or Hurghada. Soma Bay sits just south of Hurghada and is a must for surfers, windsurfers, and water sports fans. Where Sharm El Sheikh wins? Sharm el Sheikh or Hurghada - where to go? - noosa-heads.net Which obviously isnt a bad thing. But how do you choose between these two heavy hitters? By accepting and continuing to use our website, you consent to our cookies. Some 3-4* hotels are at a distance from the beaches, and luxurious 5* hotels are on the beach. Hotel reviews for Sharm El Sheikh Thank you girls at reception, without them it, Sharm or Hurghada: which to choose for your holiday? Looking to snorkel from the shore? Considered the capital of the Red Sea Riviera, Hurghada is south of Suez and 550 km from Cairo. Here you can watch Egypt from different point of view - not only the hotels and the lush beaches, but also the city where the locals live, the fish markets, the souks and the bazar. Originally Hurghada was a fishing village. Sharm el-Sheikh stands for good water, so if your focus is the underwater world that is your destination. In any Egyptian resort, there are inexpensive guest houses and apartments, budget hotels 2-3* and comfortable hotels 4-5*. Like this post? We know, its a tough call, right? Destination Expert for El Gouna, Hurghada Level Contributor 7,174 posts 277 reviews 166 helpful votes 1. It will take only half a days journey to Cairo and the pyramids of Giza. And, if you can find your way to. The partying youth hotels are in both resorts. Beyond Sigala is nothing but desert and an endless array of coastal holiday villages", Lonely Planet Middle East - Anthony Ham - 2009 Page 185 1742203590 "Activities There's little to do in Hurghada itself other than sit on a beach and dream of more secluded places. The pattern element in the name contains the unique identity number of the account or website it relates to. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-42278092', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hurghada? From Sharm el-Sheikh, these attractions will require stamina take a long bus ride or fly on local airlines. [citation needed] Hurghada is a popular holiday destination for Europeans, especially during the winter, and some spend Christmas and New Year there. [4][bettersourceneeded], The city is served by the Hurghada International Airport with scheduled passenger traffic connecting to Cairo and directly to several cities in Europe. Let me tell you, they are both amazing, but if you really want to know which one I prefer, its gotta be Sharm El Sheikh. Battle of the resorts: Hurghada vs Sharm El Sheikh | Orbzii There are also numerous accessible wrecks here, including the famousSS Thistlegorm, Dunraven, and Carnatic to name a few.Conversely, if all you want is relax with your spouse while the kids are playing with the sand by the beach, Hurgada may be a better option for you. A privately owned luxury hotel town, about 25km north of Hurghada. Hurghada . This costs accordingly and involves a lot of driving. 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved, Top Activities & Attractions in Kabul, Afghanistan. You might want to lean towards. Mobiles & local sims? By the way, about all the popular resorts in Egypt in 2022 can be read here. This city has been a tourist attraction. Sharm El Sheikh. Both resorts are varied, friendly and offer great value for money, but there are differences too. If you want to visit Abu Simbel - which I thought was amazing - you can do it from both, you can get the flights through Egyptair, I did it as part of a Nile Cruise, but 'Kazl' on the forum has been from Sharm and if she sees this she will give the relevant info on this one. During excursions, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh dont take much away. On paper, these two purpose-built resort towns couldnt be more similar if they tried. [citation needed], In September 1994, drive-by shooters killed two Egyptians and a German tourist; another German man was wounded in the attack and died of his injuries after returning to Germany. The Red Sea is a world-class diving destination: the stunning reefs, exceptional marine life, and incredible corals draw tourists from all around the world.If you want to explore the wonders of the sea the clear winner here is Sharm el Sheikh the resort house reefs along this stretch of coastline are second-to-none. You can also enjoy an amazingly relaxing holiday by booking a treatment or two at one of Hurghada's best Spas. Its worth noting though that Sharm El Sheikh is no slouch on the stellar resort front.