Hurghada

Hurghada is one of the country’s main tourist centers within the Red Sea and was founded in the early 20th century. The city is known for its watersports, nightlife and warm weather, with daytime temperatures around 30°C most of the year, and during July to August temperatures can reach over 40°C. With it’s long dive history, good diving conditions and a great selection of diving centers/liveaboards, Hurghada is one place that should be on your bucket list. The best way to discover these fantastic dive spots is by Liveaboard.

The village, was first settled in 1905 and acquired its name from a plant which has grown naturally since Ancient Egypt. Originally a fishing village, but in 1913 oil was discovered and in 1921 British oil companies began its production and export. During the War of Attrition between Israel and Egypt (1967–1970), Shadwan Island to the East of the city was fortified by Egyptian troops and used as a radar post. On 22 January 1970 the island was the site of Operation Rhodes, a helicopter assault by Israeli troops who occupied it for 36 hours.

 

The Hurghada coastline extends for 36km, but does not reach far into the surrounding desert and has a population of 248,000 which is divided into:

• El Ahia and El Helal – the Northern part
• El Dahar (Downtown) – the old town
• Sakala – the city center
• El Kawsar – the modern part
• El Mamsha (Village Road) – a pedestrianized street with a length of over 4km (2.5mi)

Many of Hurghada’s newer hotels, restaurants, and shops are located along El Mamsha. Beyond Sahl Hasheesh there are the hotels of Makadi Bay. Dahar is the oldest part of the town where the town’s traditional bazaar, the post office and the long-distance bus stations are situated. The busiest area is Sakala, the “city center” on Sheraton Road, where there are hotels, shops and restaurants.