Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh: Where to Go for Red Sea Holiday

With year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water for diving, and easy resort living, a Red Sea holiday is often considered a great end to an Egypt tour. When it comes to the planning stage, two names always top the list: Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. But which one is the perfect fit for your dream vacation? In this guide, we break down their differences, like vibe, facilities, prices, who each destination suits best, etc., to help you make a decision.

Where Are Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh Located?

Location Map of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh

Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are both located along the Red Sea, but on different sides of it. Hurghada sits on Egypt's mainland, closer to Luxor and Marsa Alam, while Sharm El Sheikh lies on the Sinai Peninsula, with Dahab nearby.

How to Get to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh?

Both cities have international airports. However, most direct international flights come from the UK and various European countries. Travelers from North America or Oceania typically need to enter and exit Egypt through Cairo, which means that after a beach stay in either city, most will first fly back to Cairo before heading home.

Generally, overseas visitors reach these destinations in one of two ways:

• Flying from Cairo to either Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh.
• Traveling on a classic Egypt tour route from Cairo to Luxor to the Red Sea. From Luxor, Hurghada is easily reachable with just a 3-4 hour drive. However, if you want to get to Sharm El Sheikh from Luxor, direct flights are relatively limited, and more often than not, a connection through Cairo is required.

Hurghada at a Glance

Red Sea Resort in Hurghada

If you just want a beach stay and to take a look at the Red Sea, or if you are traveling to Egypt with kids, choosing Hurghada will not go wrong.

With around 40 km of coastline, Hurghada is the largest beach resort town on the Red Sea. As the first resort area developed here, it offers very comprehensive facilities. Besides high-end international hotel chains, you will find various types of accommodation, such as all-inclusive resorts suitable for families or boutique hotels for adults only. The same goes for restaurants and shops, with plenty of choices to suit different tastes and budgets.

Activities in Hurghada go well beyond diving and snorkeling. You may also go quad biking, jeep safaris, and visit Bedouin tribes in the Eastern Desert.

And as mentioned earlier, Hurghada has a clear location advantage over Sharm El Sheikh. It is much closer to Luxor, which means it is easier to combine with your whole Egypt tour. It is also relatively close to Marsa Alam, home to the famous Dolphin House, which gives you the chance to go swimming with these adorable creatures.

Sharm El Sheikh at a Glance

Although it also sits on the Red Sea, Sharm El Sheikh feels very different from Hurghada.

The most obvious difference is the water. Sharm's sea is incredibly clear. Before arriving, you might think Hurghada's water is already crystal clear. But once you get to Sharm, you realize it's on another level. It is so clear that even standing on the shore, you can often see colorful fish swimming below.

Sharm also wins when it comes to easy access to top-tier reefs. Many resorts are built right next to healthy house reefs, so you can walk down a jetty and start snorkeling or diving almost immediately. It's also the main gateway to Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran, two of the Red Sea's most famous diving areas. If diving or snorkeling is your top priority, Sharm El Sheikh is the best choice in Egypt.

The atmosphere is different too. Sharm is far quieter than Hurghada, especially in the evenings. For couples or travelers who value privacy and a calm, resort-style holiday, Sharm usually feels like the better fit.

The trade-off is that Sharm is more resort-focused, with fewer local neighborhoods to explore compared to Hurghada. Accommodation here is mostly upscale resorts, which means fewer budget options.

Budget Comparison: Hurghada vs Sharm El Sheikh

If keeping an eye on your budget matters, Hurghada is usually the kinder option. Prices are simply more relaxed here. A solid 4-star all-inclusive beachfront resort often falls in the USD 120–160 per night range, and even the nicer high-end resorts tend to stay around USD 260-400. Once you step outside the hotel, it's much cheaper than you think. A fresh seafood meal at a local spot costs around USD 8-12 per person, a sea-view dinner with wine is usually USD 18-25 per person, and a cold beer in a casual bar is often just USD 2-3. Your wallet gets a holiday too.

Sharm El Sheikh plays in a different league. As we mentioned, it is more polished and more resort-focused. So, there is no wonder the cost here will be more expensive. Most 5-star all-inclusive resorts cost between USD 300 and 700+ per night, while mid-range hotels usually start around USD 200. Dining is mainly within resorts or tourist hubs. For a sea view dinner here, the cost is usually 30%-40% higher than it is in Hurghada.

Final Thought: Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh?

There is no single "right" answer when choosing between Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. The better choice depends on how the Red Sea fits into your Egypt trip and what kind of experience you value most.

In short:

Choose Hurghada if you want value, variety, family-friendly fun, and an easy add-on to a classic Egypt route. That's why most of our clients choose Hurghada.

Choose Sharm El Sheikh if you want the best diving or snorkeling experiences and a calmer, more immersive beach holiday.

Snorkeling in the Red Sea

Your Red Sea Journey Starts Here

Do you have a preference after reading, or are you still deciding between Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh? That's completely normal.

If you'd like a bit of help sorting it out, our Egypt travel specialists are happy to assist. We offer private, tailor-made trips designed to fit your travel style, schedule, and overall Egypt itinerary. No pressure, no rush, just practical advice based on real experience. Your Red Sea holiday can begin with a simple inquiry here.