El Gouna is a seaside town created in 1990 by Samih Sawiris's Orascom Development group, about 20 km north of Hurghada and 25 km from the airport. It stretches along some 10 km of coast and around twenty islands separated by lagoons. Its ochre houses, vaults and domes were designed by European and American architects, including Michael Graves, in the spirit of Egyptian villages. The town is geared towards watersports and beaches (Zeytuna Beach, Mangroovy Beach, Moods Beach); its centre is made up of Downtown, Tamr Henna Square and the Abu Tig marina. Every autumn it also hosts the El Gouna Film Festival.
Highlights
A square with ochre façades
Low buildings tinted ochre and topped with a small tower surround paved squares and cafés. The style is that of a fanciful village, away from the traffic.
The lagoons and their palm trees
Canals and stretches of calm water separate the districts, with low houses on the banks. You get from one islet to the next on foot, by bike or by boat.
A boat on the lagoon
The shallow water of the lagoon suits boat rides and gentle watersports. The town presents itself as a watersports destination.
Practical info
Tips
- El Gouna can be visited as a day trip from Hurghada, but many travellers stay here: the resort is calmer and more developed than central Hurghada. The town has a mosque and the Coptic Orthodox Church of St Mary and the Archangels. The climate is sunny all year, with temperatures between 17 and 33 °C depending on the season. To compare with other areas, read our guide where to stay in Hurghada. On the spot, get around by taxi or bike; agree taxi prices before getting in.
How to get there
El Gouna is about 20 km north of central Hurghada and 25 km from the airport, along the coast road. From Hurghada take a round-trip taxi and agree the price before getting in. Hotels offer airport transfers (see our guide from the airport to the centre and hotels).
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
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