Sahl Hasheesh: the beach resort and its promenade

Updated on October 18, 2026

Sahl Hasheesh is a Red Sea bay developed into a beach resort south of Hurghada, between 18 and 25 km from the airport depending on where you measure. The land was bought in 1995 by the Egyptian Resorts Company, which built a complex of hotels, residences and pedestrian streets in the style of an oriental village, with ochre façades and domes. It is a calmer, more manicured resort than central Hurghada: people come for the beach, the seafront promenade and the upscale hotels, including the Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, ranked in 2016 as Egypt's top luxury hotel by TripAdvisor.

Highlights

The beach and its domes

The pale sand beach runs alongside white and gold domed buildings, between palm trees and parasols folded for the evening. The water is calm and shallow near the edge.

The seafront promenade

A long pedestrian causeway lined with lampposts and carved pillars follows the bay. It is best walked in the late afternoon, when the heat eases.

The resort's pedestrian streets

Paved streets lined with ochre buildings, palm trees and flower beds. The shops and cafés cluster here and are open mainly in the evening.

Practical info

Tips

The bay's reef and nearby islets are good for snorkelling and diving; a partly submerged artificial "city" acts as an artificial reef and attracts divers. Abou Hasheesh Island, offshore, is a protected reserve: follow the rules of the excursion boats. Many hotels keep their beach for guests, so check before coming for the day. Stays are often booked all-inclusive; compare areas with our guide where to stay in Hurghada. The neighbouring resort of Makadi Bay lies further south.

How to get there

Sahl Hasheesh lies south of Hurghada, about 18 to 25 km from the airport depending on the source, which means 25 to 40 minutes by road. Hotels offer transfers; otherwise take a taxi or a transfer booked in advance (see our guide from the airport to the centre and hotels). For an evening in central Hurghada, plan on a round-trip taxi and agree the price before getting in.