🗺️ Where to fly in winter: beaches and diving of the Red Sea in Egypt

The Red Sea runs along Egypt for hundreds of kilometers. Egypt's official tourism portal counts resort towns from Taba in the north to Marsa Alam in the south as part of this coast (as of 09/2026). Some towns live on clubs and shopping, others on reefs and quiet.

Below are 15 resorts with an honest take on each one's character. You'll see in advance where you'll be comfortable with kids and where you'll be bored without a dive center.

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How to choose a Red Sea resort

💡 In short:

In Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada you get ready-made infrastructure, gently sloping sand, and nightlife.
For quiet, reefs, and turtles, pick Marsa Alam, El Quseir, Safaga, and Abu Dabbab.
For wind for windsurfing and kitesurfing, go to Dahab.
For a family with green grounds, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Port Ghalib work well.
Resorts, season, and logistics: 09/2026, according to the Egyptian Tourism Authority.

The road to the hotel matters more than the star rating. Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada have direct flights from Europe, while to Marsa Alam or Abu Dabbab you drive from the airport for several more hours through the desert.

The second criterion is the seabed. Soft sand is easier for kids, coral is more interesting for snorkeling. The season here is year-round, but summer in the south is tough. In Taba, Dahab, and Nuweiba it's more comfortable from October to April, and in Ain Sokhna it gets chilly in the evening in winter, so bring a warm sweater.

1. Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh waterfront with hotels and boats

Sharm El Sheikh occupies the south of the Sinai Peninsula and is divided into areas with different characters. Naama Bay's nightlife never stops: bars, clubs, and discos run until morning. Coral reefs stretch along the entire coast, so there are plenty of divers here.

Families choose Nabq Bay. It's a long stretch of sand with a gently sloping entry into the sea, no drop-offs or holes. Little ones wade in calmly, and the reef starts farther from shore. The city has several water parks, shopping malls, and restaurants, so there's something to do even in the heat.

Who it's for: young people, divers, families with kids.
Not for: if you're looking for seclusion and quiet.
The catch: the center is noisy around the clock, for peace pick a hotel in Nabq Bay.

Sharm El Sheikh hotels on Trip.com

2. Hurghada

Aerial view of hotels and the Hurghada coastline

Hurghada is considered Egypt's oldest resort. The first hotel opened here back in the 70s, and since then the city has lived on hosting foreign guests. Local hoteliers know exactly what a tourist needs on vacation.

The city's main asset: long sandy beaches with a sandy bottom. There's almost no coral near the shore, so swimming is easy, but you'll have to take a boat out to reach the reefs. In the evening clubs, restaurants, and discos open up, and loud parties start by night.

During the day kids and parents head to the beach, and adults can leave little ones with a nanny. Many hotels offer this service.

Who it's for: first vacation, nightlife, excursions, families with kids.
Not for: divers who need coral right off the shore.
The catch: there's almost no reef near the shore, you have to take a boat to reach it.

Hotels in Hurghada on Trip.com

3. Makadi Bay

Night lights of the Nile Delta and Cairo from space

Makadi Bay sits south of Hurghada along one beachfront, about 30 km on the map. The resort is designed for a quiet, unhurried vacation. If you get bored, you can reach Hurghada's nightclubs by taxi.

Prices here are lower than in Hurghada itself. This applies to accommodation, food and entertainment, so Makadi Bay is chosen by those watching their budget. Coral reefs start right at the shore, and divers love the bay's waters. Tour guides will offer you both group programs and individual routes.

Take care of your footwear: the sand contains reef fragments and sharp pebbles. It's best not to walk barefoot.

Who it's for: couples, divers, those who want to save money.
Not for: if you need nightlife and shopping right at your doorstep.
The catch: sharp reef fragments in the sand, you can't walk the beach barefoot.

Hotels in Makadi Bay on Trip.com

4. Marsa Alam

View of Marsa Alam with unfinished buildings

Marsa Alam gained recognition recently, so the city is actively under construction. Divers from all over the world come here: the local reefs and underwater life have long become classics of the Red Sea. The beaches are not overcrowded, and you can easily find a spot for swimming away from people.

It's about 300 km from Hurghada on the map. There is almost no loud young crowd here, and no party venues have been built. The resort is chosen by those who love active recreation and nature reserves: routes go through the desert and protected areas.

Most hotels have their own beach. The sandy bottom and easy entry into the sea make swimming safe for children. Remember: infrastructure is concentrated around the hotels, so look for clubs and discos in Hurghada.

Who it's for: divers, lovers of the desert and nature reserves.
Not for: if you're coming for nightclubs.
The catch: everything revolves around the hotels, you go to Hurghada for entertainment.

Hotels in Marsa Alam on Trip.com

5. Soma Bay

Formally, Soma Bay is considered part of Hurghada, but the resort sits away from the city. This seclusion gives you a calm and unhurried vacation. The coastline is well maintained, the sand is clean, and beautiful reefs are nearby, so divers are frequent guests here.

Cultural and historical sites lie outside the resort. Young people head to Hurghada for parties, which is less than an hour away on the map. On the plus side, the swimming season lasts all year round, and rain is rare here.

Who it's for: couples, divers, those who want sun 365 days a year.
Not for: if you're looking for clubs within walking distance.
The catch: no sights on site, all trips are outside the resort.

Hotels in Soma Bay on Trip.com

6. El Gouna

El Gouna marina waterfront with yachts and buildings

El Gouna was built to resemble Venice: the city is cut through by canals, and buildings stand on islands. The houses are painted in brown tones, so from a distance they almost blend in with the desert. At first the city seems boring, but that impression is misleading.

You won't encounter noisy tourists or street vendors here. Instead, there are long beaches with golden sand. In summer, El Gouna is too hot, and the best time is said to be autumn, spring or winter. People mostly vacation here with children.

Hotels stand along the canals, and swimming areas are set up for guests, so you can take a dip without going to the beach. Divers and young people more often choose other cities, although there is a spot for underwater swimming here too.

Who it's for: families with children, couples, those who value quiet evenings.
Not for: divers and fans of loud parties.
The catch: intense heat in summer, July and August are hard to bear.

Hotels in El Gouna on Trip.com

7. Taba

Saladin's fortress on an island in the Gulf of Aqaba

Taba sits right on the border with Israel, so travelers also choose it for trips to the neighboring country. But there is plenty to do even without that. It is home to Pharaoh's Island with the ruins of Saladin's fortress and other sites for fans of historical monuments.

Guides will offer you a route to Mount Moses or to the real Colored Canyon. Taba is not only about diving: you can take a yacht trip, go fishing, and have dinner with your fresh catch.

Finding a place to stay is easy: hotels are available in different price categories, some work well for families, and some host business meetings. The airport is about 30 km from the resort on the map.

Who it's for: history lovers, divers, families, business trips.
Not for: those who don't want long trips without a car.
The catch: the resort is far from central Sinai; Dahab and Sharm el-Sheikh are several hours away by car.

Hotels in Taba on Trip.com

8. Dahab

Evening street in Dahab with mountains in the background

Dahab almost always has wind, which is why people come here for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Beginners should head to the Lagoon: the water is calmer there and it's easier to get up on the board. Dahab is also home to the Blue Hole, an attraction that draws divers from around the world.

The sea is not suitable for swimming with children, so families should look for a different resort. The excursion program is packed, and iconic sites are nearby, including Mount Moses. Summers here are scorching, so if you don't handle heat well, come in fall or spring, while winter is ideal for long walks.

Rental housing is not expensive. Rooms cost less than at other popular resorts, and you'll get a break from the city bustle.

Who it's for: surfers, divers, independent travelers.
Not for: families with small children.
The catch: constant wind and intense summer heat.

Hotels in Dahab on Trip.com

9. Safaga

Safaga sits about fifty kilometers from Hurghada but lives at a completely different pace. Divers and those who value seclusion come here. You'll hardly meet shopping and party lovers here.

The bay waters are calm, and exploring the underwater world is a real pleasure: dolphins and sea turtles are found near the reefs. You can rent the necessary equipment at the hotel where you're staying.

Safaga's beaches are covered with fine sand, and hotel staff keep them clean. There are no strong winds, but a light breeze blows constantly, and the resort itself is surrounded by mountains. Safaga earned its reputation as a wellness destination because of the local sand, which is rich in minerals. According to local legend, Queen Hatshepsut once vacationed here.

Who it's for: divers, couples, a calm wellness getaway.
Not for: nightclubs and major shopping.
The catch: there's little entertainment, so you'll go to Hurghada for that.

Hotels in Safaga on Trip.com

10. El Quseir

Camels on the beach by the sea in El Quseir

El Quseir is on the list of the best Red Sea spots for exploring the underwater world. It's also an ecologically clean zone. Dive centers are available at almost every hotel, and reefs stretch along the shore.

Here you'll see sea turtles and dugongs, rare sea cows. The second reason to come: history. The city has preserved many buildings from past centuries, and exploring them takes a full day. There are plenty of beaches, and some areas remain wild, where couples go to get away.

Accommodation in El Quseir is more expensive than in Hurghada.

Who it's for: divers, history buffs, those seeking quiet.
Not for: if you need a budget vacation with clubs.
The catch: hotels are pricier than in Hurghada, and there's less entertainment.

Hotels in El Quseir on Trip.com

11. Nuweiba

Panorama of Nuweiba with port and the Gulf of Aqaba

Nuweiba runs on bars, restaurants, shops, and entertainment centers. People also come here for shopping, so the city suits younger travelers. Most tourists stay in hotels along the shoreline, which puts you right next to the beach.

There are no major attractions in the city itself. However, Nuweiba is a convenient base for trips to the Ain Khudra oasis, the Colored and White Canyons, or Petra in Jordan. The oasis lies just north of the resort area in a deep sandy depression.

The coastline is clean, the sea entry is gentle, and swimming with children is easy. The Tarabin area is known for its club venues: if entertainment and shops appeal to you, stay closer to it. Hotels offer rooms for any budget, from budget options to first-class apartments.

Who it's for: younger travelers, club lovers, and those taking trips to Jordan.
Not for: if you're looking for quiet and monuments right outside your door.
The catch: there are no notable attractions at the resort itself.

Hotels in Nuweiba on Trip.com

12. Sahl Hasheesh

Sahl Hasheesh resort promenade with palm trees and buildings

Sahl Hasheesh is considered the most mysterious resort in Egypt. Legend has it that the city of Isis once stood here and later sank underwater. There's no scientific evidence for this story, but tourists come to search for the sunken city in the depths.

The name translates as "Green Valley," and there really is a lot of greenery here. Hotels typically have their own private beaches, and the grounds are kept immaculately clean. Everything you need for a vacation is on site.

The attractions are artificial: they're replicas of famous Egyptian symbols, but they're still interesting to see. Underwater, divers explore the ruins of a sunken city, also artificially created. Entertainment is concentrated in the hotels: local cuisine, excursions, an evening bar. There are no crowded discos, so mostly middle-aged people vacation here.

Who it's for: couples, families, anyone who wants a quiet hotel with green grounds.
Not for: younger travelers who need clubs and discos.
The catch: the attractions are artificial, and there are no historical sites nearby.

Hotels in Sahl Hasheesh on Trip.com

13. Ain Sokhna

Resort buildings by the sea in Ain Sokhna

Ain Sokhna sits on the shore of the Gulf of Suez, a couple of hours' drive from Cairo, about 130 km on the map. It is one of the most expensive and prestigious resorts in the country, where affluent people vacation. The conditions are genuinely good.

A highway connects it to the capital, so you can visit Cairo and the pyramids in a day. Alexandria is about 350 km away on the map, and resort guests go there too: the city is full of historical monuments.

The area has a couple of dozen hotels, from three to five stars, and construction never stops. Nearby rises Mount Gebel Ataqa with hot springs that are considered healing.

Who it's for: those who value peace, prestige, and proximity to Cairo.
Not for: if you are looking for a budget resort with nightlife.
The catch: prices are above average.

Hotels in Ain Sokhna on Trip.com

14. Port Ghalib

Yachts along the Port Ghalib marina waterfront

Port Ghalib became popular right after the first hotels were built. It is a modern eco-center that meets the needs of both business travelers and families. Hotel owners created facilities for conferences and meetings, but they did not forget about simple relaxation either.

The resort is lush with greenery: parks and gazebos are set up, and pools are built. The resort welcomes guests in both summer and winter. The hotels are expensive, but the service is consistent.

There is something for everyone: diving and snorkeling, yacht trips along the coast, guided excursions. Those who want can go on a desert safari or shopping in the commercial district. Port Ghalib is located near Marsa Alam, so the reefs and dive sites are the same.

Who it's for: couples, business trips, those looking for greenery and consistent service.
Not for: if you are looking for an affordable option.
The catch: prices are high, budget travel is not available here.

Hotels in Port Ghalib on Trip.com

15. Abu Dabbab

Abu Dabbab is located north of Marsa Alam. It is a quiet bay where people come for the underwater world of the Red Sea. The sea here is very clean, and the area is considered an ecological zone, so divers have favored this spot for a long time.

Green sea turtle swimming in turquoise water

The beach area is well maintained: there are loungers and sun umbrellas, and rental points where you can get equipment. The bay is home to many sea turtles, and dugongs and electric rays are also seen, so caution is needed when diving.

The sand on the shore was once white, but a storm brought in dark sand from the desert. Two hotel complexes have been built for tourists, and they resemble villages in size. This is a sparsely populated place; younger travelers prefer livelier resorts.

Who it's for: divers, snorkelers, those looking for a quiet, uncrowded spot.
Not for: younger travelers who need bars and clubs.
The catch: the sand darkened after a sandstorm, so there is no snow-white beach here.

Hotels in Abu Dabbab on Trip.com

Egypt's Red Sea resorts on the map

Egypt's official tourism portal lists Taba, Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Safaga, Hurghada, El Gouna, Ain Sokhna, and Marsa Alam as Red Sea destinations (as of 09/2026, source). Below is a map with these resorts: mark the nearest airport and estimate the drive.

Resorts of Egypt on the Red Sea

Places on the map

1Sharm el-Sheikh Southern Sinai, Naama Bay with its nightlife, Nabq Bay with a gently sloping beach for families
2Hurghada Egypt's oldest resort, sandy beaches, almost no coral near the shore
3Makadi Bay South of Hurghada, a quiet resort, coral reefs near the shore, lower prices
4Marsa Alam A young resort for divers, sandy bottom, desert safari routes
5Sahl Hasheesh Away from Hurghada, a well-kept beach and reefs, a year-round swimming season
6El Gouna A Venice-like town with canals, golden sand, quiet family holidays
7Taba Border with Israel, Pharaoh's Island, routes to Mount Moses and the canyon
8Dahab Constant wind, wind- and kitesurfing, the Blue Hole for divers
9Safaga A quiet bay, dolphins and turtles by the reefs, fine mineral sand
10El Quseir Zabargad, Abu Dabbab and Samadai reefs, dugong watching
11Nuweiba Bars, restaurants and shops, the Tarabin area known for its clubs
12Sahl Hashish A green valley, the legend of the sunken city of Isis, quiet hotels
13Ain Sokhna Shore of the Gulf of Suez, close to Cairo, a prestigious, expensive resort
14Port Ghalib An eco-resort near Marsa Alam, parks and pools, conference services
15Abu Dabbab A quiet bay north of Marsa Alam, turtles and dugongs, few visitors

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go to the Red Sea?

The season here lasts year-round, but summer in the south is very hot. It's most comfortable from October to April: the air is warm and the water is still good for swimming. In Taba, Dahab and Nuweiba it's cooler in winter than in Hurghada and Marsa Alam, so you'll need a jacket in the evening.

Where is the best diving on the Red Sea?

For diving, go to Marsa Alam, El Quseir, Safaga and Abu Dabbab. There the reefs start right at the shore, and in season you'll see turtles, dolphins and the dugong. In Dahab, divers have a separate goal: the Blue Hole.

Where to go with kids?

For families, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh and El Gouna are convenient. Hurghada has a sandy bottom and almost no coral, and Nabq Bay has a gentle entry into the sea. In Abu Dabbab and Dahab, swimming with small children is inconvenient because of strong currents and wind.

Where is a vacation cheaper?

Prices are lowest in Makadi Bay, Dahab and Nuweiba. Hurghada has a larger selection of hotels, so you'll find a budget option there too. The most expensive are Ain Sokhna, Port Ghalib and El Quseir, where a night costs noticeably above average.

How do you get to the resorts?

Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada have direct flights from Europe, so they're the easiest to reach. To get to Marsa Alam, Port Ghalib and Abu Dabbab, you'll drive several more hours from the airport. From Hurghada to Safaga and Makadi Bay, it's convenient to take a transfer.

In short: what's worth booking

If it's your first trip or you're a family with kids: choose Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh. If you're a diver: Marsa Alam, El Quseir or Abu Dabbab. If you need wind and a board: Dahab. If you want quiet and greenery: El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh or Port Ghalib. And if being close to Cairo matters: Ain Sokhna.

Compare prices in advance: find a hotel on Trip.com and find plane tickets.

15 Egypt resorts on the Red Sea: where to go for diving, wind or silence