Egyptian resorts are among the most popular among the Russian population. Traveling to an Arab country allows you to combine a beach holiday with an acquaintance with an ancient civilization and at the same time enjoy all the benefits of the tourist infrastructure.
Hotels for every taste and budget, a variety of excursions, the wealth of the underwater world - what the state offers to foreign guests. For those who are planning a trip to the African continent, we have compiled a list of resort cities in Egypt with a description of each of them.
This information will allow you to choose a direction based on family status and personal preferences, as well as the budget. The data provided by us on the cost of tours include accommodation for two people with all-inclusive meals and air tickets from Moscow (in both directions). Among our recommendations are hotels by the sea that have received high ratings on the Travelata website (more than 4.5 points out of 5).
Hurghada
The oldest and one of the most popular resorts in Egypt on the Red Sea.
Who is it for
Hurghada includes several districts, each of which has its own specifics. From the point of view of youth recreation, it is better to choose Al-Mamsha, which is distinguished by spacious beaches, expensive hotel complexes, an abundance of restaurants and entertainment venues (including nightlife).
If you are wondering where it is better to relax with children in Egypt, then these are, of course, the southern regions of Hurghada. ("Safaga Road"). There are comfortable sandy beaches, inexpensive hotels, shopping centers, an aquarium and other infrastructure facilities.
tour cost
The average price of a voucher is in the range of 95-120 thousand rubles. See prices for tours to Hurghada... We recommend that you familiarize yourself with TOP resort hotels, which we have selected according to the criteria of the deterioration of the room stock, location and service provision. For a budget holiday in Hurghada, we definitely recommend taking a closer look at inexpensive accommodation options.
The beaches
The coastal coverage is heterogeneous - there are sandy, interspersed with pebbles and rocky areas. The best beaches in Hurghada are wide and spacious Dream, Makadi Bay and Old Vic, covered with sand and having a gentle entry into the water. The first two offer entertainment, the latter is more suitable for "seal" rest.
Important! There are often stones in the water, so you need to be careful when entering the water for the first time (children need to wear special shoes).
Pros and cons
Pros:
- well-developed infrastructure (there are three water parks, an aquarium, museums, etc.);
- the presence of an international airport;
- variety of attractions;
- Russian speaking staff.
Minuses:
- corals and rocks are found in many areas in the water.
Hotels
Among the decent and relatively inexpensive, we advise you to pay attention to:
- Hurghada Marriott Beach;
- Pickalbatros Albatros Palace;
- Tropital Sahl Hasheesh.
The distance to the coast does not exceed 100 m. Children's infrastructure is represented by a swimming pool, mini-club, playground.
Alexandria
Alexandria is one of the resorts of Egypt on the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the second largest city. The journey from Cairo Airport by bus will take 2.5 hours.
Who is it for
Suitable for tourists who want to combine a beach vacation with an excursion (the city has a rich history and many historical and architectural objects). Young people will appreciate the abundance of entertainment options open at night.
tour cost
It should be mentioned that Russian operators do not offer package tours to Alexandria. Tourists are forced to book their own accommodation, purchase air tickets to Cairo and pay for the transfer.
On average, flight, transfer and accommodation in a 5-star complex will cost 180 thousand (meals - breakfasts); however, those traveling to Alexandria are more likely to stay in inexpensive apartments, saving a significant amount.
Beaches
The coast of the Mediterranean Sea is covered with sand and has a gentle entry into the water. Comfortable areas (including for children) are located in the Sidi Abdel Rahman area; Maamura and Montaza are in demand among the local population.
Pros and cons
Advantages:
- developed infrastructure;
- comfortable sandy beaches;
- a large number of unique attractions (park and palace of Montazah, amphitheater, Pompey's column, etc.);
- the opportunity to feel the local flavor (for some tourists this may seem like a minus due to the large difference in cultures);
- abundance of seafood at affordable prices.
Flaws:
- lack of charter flights;
- the need to purchase Egyptian pounds (euros and dollars are not accepted);
- there are no complexes offering All Inclusive;
- there is a dress code on public beach areas (bikinis cannot be worn);
- the hotels do not speak Russian.
Hotels
Among the hotels with good reviews, we recommend Sunrise alex avenue and Helnan Palestine... Both are located by the sea and have a developed infrastructure.
Makadi Bay
One of the resorts on the Red Sea is located 25 km from Hurghada; the road from the airport will take only 30 minutes.
Who is it for
Categories of vacationers are different: young people, elderly people, married couples with children; those who come for a beach holiday and do not need entertainment. Makadi Bay can be considered as a place to go on vacation to the Red Sea for diving.
Price
The tour will cost 135-155 thousand. You can view all the best package deals from major tour operators link.
Beaches
Almost the entire coast is covered with sand and has a smooth descent into the water. The most popular beach is the central one, next to which there is a large coral reef.
Pros and cons
The main advantage of Makadi Bay is the bay with clear water and the cleanest coastal strip covered with sand.
Advantages:
- availability of Russian-speaking staff;
- beautiful coral reefs and rich underwater world;
- calm sea (it is safe for babies to swim).
Flaws:
- lack of shops (there are several overpriced);
- due to the youth of the resort, active construction is underway on its territory, which can interfere with vacationers;
- poorly developed infrastructure (there is a small water park and several nightclubs).
Hotels
In terms of the quality of food, service, the condition of the rooms, the Makadi Bay hotels are significantly inferior to the complexes of Hurghada (although the prices in the former are 10-15% higher).
Good reviews received:
- Stella Di Mare Beach Resort & Spa;
- Makadi Spa by Red Sea Hotels;
- Jaz Makadina.
Marsa Alam
Removed from Hurghada by 280 km (transfer is 4 hours). The local private airport does not accept Russian charters.
Who is it for
One of the best places to relax in Egypt for water sports enthusiasts, especially divers.
For your information! In Marsa Alam, you can find a rare animal - the sea cow.
tour cost
Accommodation in a 5 * hotel with good ratings will cost at least 130 thousand rubles for two. Link to the selection of the voucher... We do not recommend considering offers cheaper than this price, most of the options have already worn out rooms. Our a selection of the best hotels in Marsa Alam.
Beaches
Because most tourists come here for the sake of beautiful reefs and the opportunity to see underwater inhabitants; Dolphins House with Samadai coral thickets (you can meet dolphins) and the Shaab Radir el Bar reef (moray eels, sharks and turtles live) are popular.
The beach areas are predominantly coral.
Pros and cons
Advantages:
- untouched nature (the opportunity to see turtles, dolphins and all kinds of representatives of the underwater world).
Flaws:
- poor choice of hotels;
- no Russian speaking staff;
- prices are 1.5-2 times higher compared to other areas;
- there are practically no sandy beaches;
- entry into the water is carried out only in special shoes;
- no entertainment;
- shark attacks have been recorded off the coast.
Hotels
We recommend paying attention to:
- The Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort;
- Jaz Grand Marsa;
- Concorde Moreen Beach Resort & Spa.
All complexes have a developed infrastructure, are suitable for children and have their own sandy beaches.
Sharm El Sheikh
One of the best resorts in Egypt and the second largest after Hurghada, it occupies a 35-kilometer stretch of the coast of the Sinai Peninsula.
Who is it for
The resort is comfortable for any category of tourists; the variety of hotels, their location and pricing policy allow meeting the requirements of both people of age and young people.
Voucher cost
You can find a decent option for 140 thousand rubles. There are options for less in price, but the main thing here is not to make a mistake with the hotel. A good offer won't come cheap. A selection of tours can be look at the link.
If you are going on vacation to Egypt for the first time, then the choice of accommodation is better to start with a selection TOP complexes of Sharma... Thrifty tourists are advised to consider budget options.
Beaches
Some of the best beaches in Egypt can be found in Sharm El Sheikh. They are diverse - there are sandy ones (more often in the area of Naama Bay and El Maya Bay), where you can safely go into the water without fear of getting hurt by corals; there are areas where you cannot swim without special shoes.
The list of the most demanded includes:
- Sandy Sharm El Maya with a perfect bottom and a gentle slope (suitable for children);
- Terrazzina Beach, covered with sand and in demand among young people (noisy parties are held here on Fridays);
- El Phanar, with its picturesque coral reef and marine life, is the choice for those who like to explore the underwater world and dive from a pontoon.
Important! Going on vacation with children, special attention should be paid to the beach of the hotel complex. An area equipped with a pontoon, but with no natural entry into the sea, is not suitable for swimming.
Pros and cons
Advantages:
- the presence of an international airport;
- visa-free regime;
- an abundance of hotel complexes of different levels with good animation programs;
- in all establishments they speak Russian;
- a large number of entertainment and attractions (two water parks, the Old Town, the Papyrus Museum, the Museum of Antiquities, the Dolphinarium, etc.).
Flaws:
- food prices are 20% higher than in Hurghada;
- many rocky beaches;
- in some locations, entry to the sea in Sharm el-Sheikh can only be carried out from a pontoon.
Hotels
The resort has many decent lodging options. Among them:
- Cleopatra Luxury Resort;
- Hyatt Regency;
- Barcelo Tiran Sharm.
All complexes have a vast territory and spacious beach areas.
Dahab
Located 80 km from Sharm El Sheikh. The road from the airport will take just over an hour.
Who is it for
Dahab is the windiest destination. Tourists come here who plan to devote their holidays to the Red Sea in Egypt to water sports (windsurfing, yachting, kiteboarding, and diving).
tour cost
You can buy a ticket for 140-170 thousand. All current prices for tours to Dahab link.
Beaches
The beaches are predominantly coral and not suitable for children. Convenient sandy area located next to the Hilton hotel.
Pros and cons
Because Dahab is focused on water sports enthusiasts, the advantage is the availability of the necessary transport and equipment, as well as specialized schools. The second advantage is that the coastal strip and the pools are always free, because vacationers spend time directly at sea.
Minuses:
- most hotels offer a breakfast + dinner system;
- there is no Russian-speaking staff;
- the cost of living is 40-50% higher than in Hurghada;
- no animation, entertainment or attractions.
Hotels
For those who have chosen Dahab for rest, we recommend staying in Swiss Inn Resort Dahab, which operates on an all-inclusive basis and is highly rated on all independent travel sites.
Safaga
If you do not know where it is better to go to Egypt in order to relax as much as possible on a budget, we advise you to consider Safaga. The resort is located 60 km from Hurghada and borders Soma Bay.
Who is it for
Judging by the reviews about the Safaga resort, it is suitable for unassuming tourists seeking a quiet, inexpensive vacation by the sea.
tour cost
Average price is 95-115 thousand rubles.
Beaches
The sandy shore is clean, spacious, with a convenient entry into the water. There is a coral reef nearby.
Pros and cons
Advantages:
- spacious beaches with a small number of tourists;
- the purest sea water.
Flaws:
- low level of hotel service;
- lack of tourist infrastructure and attractions;
- the staff practically does not speak Russian;
On a note! The visiting card of the settlement is black sand. Locals attribute healing properties to it, but this is just a PR move to attract vacationers.
Hotels
There are few hotels in Safaga, and most of them receive low ratings from guests. Acceptable options (rating above 7.5 points on Booking) include Menaville Safaga and Lotus Bay.
Soma Bay
One of the most expensive resorts in Egypt on the Red Sea is located 55 km from Hurghada.
Who is it for
The central part, which is the Soma Peninsula with several luxury complexes, is chosen by vacationers who are not limited in finances. The periphery with more budget hotels is available to the average tourist who comes for a relaxing holiday (without entertainment).
tour cost
The cost depends on the location and starts from 130 thousand with early booking. During the season, vouchers start at 155 thousand. Follow the link for all current offers.
Beaches
The sandy coastline is clean and wide; it is characterized by shallow water, which is suitable for families with small children. Those who prefer depth should choose a stretch of coastline adjacent to Safaga.
Pros and cons
Soma Bay is one of the resorts in Egypt where it is better to relax by the sea: the waters in this location are distinguished by the purity and wealth of the inhabitants, the excitement is extremely rare. A 450-meter pontoon was built for diving.
Among the advantages of the resort, vacationers call an unobtrusive service, a culture of behavior of the staff, as well as free beaches.
Minuses:
- unreasonably high prices for accommodation (25-50% higher than in Hurghada);
- practically no one speaks Russian;
- low quality food;
- there are no entertainment venues (including nightlife);
- poor animation.
Advice! Soma is considered an expensive city, so it is better to go to Hurghada for souvenirs, and buy imported alcohol at Duty Free.
Hotels
According to the reviews of Russian tourists, it is recommended to pay attention to:
- Palm Royale Soma Bay;
- Sheraton Soma Bay Resort;
- Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay.
The complexes are also suitable for family recreation (there is a corresponding infrastructure and animation programs). The latter is distinguished by its exquisite architectural appearance.
El Gouna
The resort, characterized by a transparent and clean sea, is 25 km away from Hurghada. Most of the tourists are Germans and Dutch.
Who is it for
El Gouna is designed for lovers of a calm and measured pastime, as well as for a respectable audience with appropriate ideas about rest (including sea cruises, visiting a golf club, horseback riding, etc.). On the seashore, you can rent a luxurious villa by local standards for a family vacation, but such a pleasure is not cheap.
tour cost
Offers from major tour operators are in the range of 130-160 thousand. Prices for tours to El Gouna.
Beaches
Among the sandy public beaches, the most comfortable are:
- Zeytouna Beach;
- Buzzha;
- Mangroovy.
Each has sun loungers, umbrellas and changing cabins, as well as restaurants and cafes. The latter is in demand among kitesurfers.
Pros and cons
Advantages:
- the cleanest sea (ideal for diving);
- courteous and unobtrusive attitude of the local population towards tourists.
Flaws:
- lack of private beaches at most hotels (you need to get to public ones);
- the staff does not speak Russian;
- there is no permanent animation program at the hotel;
- high cost of recreation (20-30% higher than in Hurghada);
- lack of children's entertainment;
- of the attractions only the football stadium.
Hotels
Among the hotels with their own sandy beach, we advise you to consider:
- Steigenberger Golf;
- Sheraton Miramar;
- Movenpick Resort & Spa.
There is a golf course next to each one.
When is the best time to relax in Egypt?
The period of the trip depends on the sea on which the vacation is planned.
Mediterranean
Considering this direction, you should choose the period from May to October. The end of spring opens the swimming season: the 25-degree air temperature and the sea warmed up to 24 ° C allow you to stay on the coast for a long time. Similar conditions are observed in June.
In the middle of summer, the temperature indicators increase by 3 degrees, and in August the thermometer reaches its maximum marks - 31-32 ° C (the water temperature does not change). In September and October, the weather allows you to enjoy swimming: the sea gradually cools down to 25 ° C, and the air - up to 27. In November, a sharp cold snap comes.
Red
In the winter months, the resorts have warm weather: the air warms up to 25 ° C, and the sea - up to 23-24. The exception is February, when during the daytime the thermometer rises to 22, and the water cools down to 21. Tours in winter (except for New Year's holidays) can be bought at discounted prices.
In March, it starts to warm, but winds are observed, so swimming is not always comfortable. April and May are suitable months for travel: it is already 30-32-degree heat outside, and the sea is warmed up to 26 ° C. Similar weather persists in the first half of June.
Many tourists doubt whether it is worth going to Egypt in July and August: swimming in 27-degree water does not allow you to rest from the heat, and the air heats up to 40 ° C or more. Because of the scorching sun, it is impossible to be on the coast from 11 am to 5 pm.
As tourists write, the ideal time to travel to the Red Sea is from September to November. It is 33-35 degrees warm outside, but there is no exhausting heat; swimming in 25-degree water is as comfortable as possible.
Egypt with its variety of beaches and hotels, rich fauna, abundance of historical sights allows you to make your vacation comfortable and fill your trip with vivid impressions.
