| Area | Distance from airport | Atmosphere | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centre (Sakkala, Sheraton Road) | 5 to 13 km, 15 to 20 min | Lively, restaurants, excursion agencies | First visit, going out on foot |
| Makadi Bay | 25 to 31 km, 30 to 40 min | Big resorts, reef nearby, no town | Families, snorkeling |
| Sahl Hasheesh | 18 to 25 km, 25 to 40 min | Promenade, standing, calm | Couples, relaxing |
| Soma Bay | About 45 km | Gated peninsula, golf, kitesurf | Sports fans, upscale stays |
| El Gouna | About 25 km | Lagoons, marina, evenings | Couples, friends, kitesurf |
Compare Hurghada hotels on Booking.com
Distances and times are taken from our guide from the airport to the centre and hotels and the page of each resort; they vary with traffic.
Choosing in five questions
- Do you want to go out in the evening? Yes: the centre or El Gouna. No: Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh or Soma Bay, where the evening is spent at the hotel.
- Children? Makadi Bay (gently sloping seabed, calm sea) or a resort with a kids' club. See Hurghada with family.
- Snorkeling from the hotel? Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, where the reef is close. Otherwise, a boat trip (snorkeling: which trip).
- Lots of excursions? The centre is closest to boat departures and agencies; in the south, count an extra drive and sometimes a transfer supplement.
- Budget? Small budgets stay in the centre; the south and Soma Bay are mostly upscale.
All-inclusive: what to check
- Beach and reef: some hotels have a sandy beach, others a jetty over the reef; read recent reviews.
- À la carte restaurants, drinks, activities: often outside the plan or by reservation.
- Water park: some hotels have one for their guests; see water parks.
- Transfer: ask the price, or book a private transfer online.
- Wristband and access: many hotels do not accept visitors on the beach; ask before coming for the day.
- Winter: a heated pool can matter; see Hurghada in winter.
And excursions?
Almost every hotel has an excursion desk; compare with online prices before paying (last-minute excursions). Day trips to Luxor or Cairo by plane leave very early, which weighs more from the south.
FAQ
Which area is best for children? Makadi Bay for its gently sloping beach, or a Sahl Hasheesh resort with a kids' club.
Does the centre suit all-inclusive? Yes, but many centre hotels have no sandy beach: check the listing.
Can you do excursions from the south? Yes, agencies pick guests up at the hotel; departure is earlier and a supplement is possible.
What about a tight budget? See our guide Hurghada travel budget.
The Hurghada Authority editorial team, 19 October 2026.
