Hurghada V Sharm El Sheikh: Where’s Best For Your Egypt Holiday?

Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are two wondrous resorts. Both offer exceptional luxury hotels, stunning beauty and exciting attractions, but where’s best for your holiday in Egypt? Our handy expert guide will help you figure that out.

With both conveniently located on the scintillating Red Sea, you’re promised unrivalled sun-soaked holidays along idyllic coastlines. Discover golden beaches only a stone’s throw away from your outstanding hotel, as well as an exotic marine wonderland beneath the water’s surface. There’s also stunning expanses to relax on further afield, where Egypt’s natural beauty is the true star of the show. In resort, you’ll have an array of facilities on hand, including a spa, fitness centre, multiple swimming pools and much more. Opt for an adult-only retreat if you’re seeking romance and serenity or a family-friendly haven if you’re hoping to make unforgettable memories with your little ones. Blend all of this with culture, cuisine, adventure and nightlife when you stay in Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada and you’ll have the recipe for the perfect Egypt holiday.

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Families

If you’re jetting off on the family holiday of a lifetime, both Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are wonderful options thanks to the family-friendly hotels and amenities. Visit Sharm El Sheikh if you want to experience the thrills of the Aqua Blu Sharm Water Park. Fun in the sun awaits here alongside rides, slides and aquatic games like Flying Boat, Twister, Black Hole and Tsunami Slide. There’s also plenty for toddlers too, so no one is left out of the excitement. Hurghada is bursting with kid-friendly attractions too, including the Grand Aquarium, which boasts 24 themed galleries. Have a great time and learn something new at Mini Egypt Park. The 60 small-scale replicas of iconic Egyptian structures, such as the great pyramids, Temple of Luxor and Alexandria Bibliotheca, bring the jaw-dropping architecture and enthralling history of this fascinating nation to life in spectacular fashion.

Couples

Romance oozes from Egypt’s luxury resorts of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, making them sublime spots for honeymoons and intimate getaways. Both offer unforgettable romantic experiences such as sunset boat trips and hot air balloon rides – a wonderful option if you’re also planning to propose on your Egyptian escape. Many of Egypt’s hotels offer divine spa and wellness facilities where you can enjoy couple treatments like massages, body scrubs and facials while also taking advantage of the sauna and steam rooms. Hurghada Marina is a lovely location for a romantic dinner with waterfront views, as well as more lively antics in an array of bars, lounges and beach clubs. Similarly, Naama Bay promenade in Sharm El Sheikh boasts its own luxury establishments to take your couple’s holiday to the next level. For shopping, there’s no better place than SOHO square, offering duty-free boutiques, modern facilities, dining and entertainment like the mesmerising fountain shows.

Adventurers

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime on your Egypt holiday, where an array of exciting activities and attractions can be found across Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. Due to their location along the Red Sea, these resorts are hotspots for water sports like snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, parasailing and banana boating. The Red Sea is also home to a plethora of incredible coral reefs. These include the El Quseir and Sha’ab Abu Nahas in Hurghada, while Sharm El Sheikh is a hotbed for intriguing shipwrecks and the Ras Muhammed Nature Reserve, which is home to sea turtles, starfish and sea urchins. Sharm El Sheikh’s close proximity to the Sinai Desert also means you can enjoy sand boarding, camel rides or a jeep safari. You’ll also find Mount Sinai and Mount Catherine, which offer epic hikes. On a holiday to Hurghada, you can’t miss out on horse riding through the stunning terrains.

Culture Seekers

Discover Egypt’s 3,000-year-old history on a cultural holiday to Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. A real hub for heritage in both of these delightful resorts are the traditional souks. Barter for clothing, jewellery, spices, street food and handmade wares. You must try local culinary delights such as koshari, the national dish, shakshouka and konafa, as well as shai (tea). El Dahar, Hurghada’s Old Town, is the historic heart of the region, which features its own active souk, mosque and winding narrow streets. For more information on Egyptian civilisation from prehistoric to modern times, a visit to Hurghada Museum should be at the top of your itinerary. The Al Sahaba Mosque is situated in Sharm El Sheikh's Old Market. This modern landmark highlights Egypt’s spiritual history and culture, blending an array of spectacular architectural styles, while Saint Catherine’s Monastery, one of the world’s oldest Christian monasteries, is nestled in the awe-inspiring foothills of Mount Sinai.

Night owls

If you’re seeking a night on the town during your holiday in Egypt, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are the perfect places. Both resorts offer unmissable evenings out but with venues and attractions to suit different tastes. If you’re looking to party till the sun comes up, visit Sharm El Sheikh on your next holiday. Naama Bay is the booming hub of entertainment in this resort, where you’ll find a plethora of bars, pubs, beachfront venues and nightclubs like the famous Bus Stop Club, formerly known as Pacha Sharm. Hurghada is a little more chilled-out and is a great alternative to Sharm El Sheikh if you’d prefer some cosy drinks and a delicious dining experience in a more casual setting over a lively night out. Whichever resort suits your idea of a great evening, you’re sure to enjoy picturesque scenery, vibrant venues and tantalising beverages.

“Choosing between Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada for your Egypt Holiday is a tough decision to make.

“Both are great options if you’re searching for a coastal paradise with sea views and stunning natural beauty. Likewise, both Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are brimming with an array of cultural hotspots to immerse yourself in.

“There’s beaches aplenty in both resorts, as well as unlimited access to the Red Sea. What more could you need in this sunshine destination?

“Families will find unparalleled activities and attractions, while couples seeking luxury, romance and seclusion will be spoilt for choice.

“We’ve highlighted the best bits of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. Have you decided where you want to book yet?”

Jasmine Palace Resort & Spa

Located on the sun-kissed coast of Hurghada, this sensational 5-star resort delivers every amenity you could need for a luxury Egypt holiday. Offering an array of family-friendly facilities, guests can soak up some rays on a lounger while the children splash in the kids’ pool and get active on the aqua park or playground. For the grown ups seeking tranquillity, there’s also a heated infinity pool, spa and wellness centre, and numerous bars and restaurants.

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Royal Lagoons Resort & Aqua Park

Traditional Egyptian charm awaits guests at this expansive 5-star hotel. Sparkling swimming pools, swaying palm trees and a private beach make this a superb spot for a sunny escape to Egypt, while the additional family-friendly attractions make it perfect for making lifelong memories with the kids. Water slides, kids’ clubs, a play area and array of evening entertainment means there’s never a dull moment, while the spa, bars and delicious dining venues means you’ll feel truly rested and revitalised.

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Cleopatra Luxury Resort Sharm El Sheikh

Exclusively situated on a private beach in Nabq Bay, this hub of Egyptian luxury promises unforgettable getaways. Admire views of the captivating Red Sea or get active beneath the waves with some exciting water sports. There’s also swimming pools, a fitness centre, spa and sports courts to keep you feeling fresh while little ones make friends in the kids’ club. A medley of flavours is served up in the aromatic restaurants, including Italian, Mediterranean and local delicacies.

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Parrotel Beach Resort

Serenity awaits on your family holiday to this exceptional 5-star hotel in Egypt. Nestled directly on an immaculate golden-sand beach, there’s no better place to soak up the sun, feel refreshed and make memories. You’ll also discover three swimming pools, as well as a children’s-only area, a fitness centre and a spa with saunas. Explore the Red Sea with the on-site diving centre and embark on a culinary journey through the Mediterranean thanks to the delicious dishes served daily in the restaurants.

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Titanic Palace

There’s no better place for a luxury holiday in Egypt. Soak up the sunshine and the incredible amenities that promise unrivalled bliss on a family or couple’s retreat. Opulent architecture blends with comfort to create this home from home, where guests can enjoy pamper sessions in the spa, workouts in the gym, water sports and more. The children’s club and aqua park is on hand to keep little ones entertained, while everyone will love the array of delectable dishes available in the restaurants.

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