Sakkala, Hurghada: the lively centre, restaurants, marina and evenings

Updated on October 18, 2026

Sakkala (also spelled Sekalla or El Sakala) is the liveliest district of central Hurghada, between the old town of El Dahar to the north and the hotel zone of Sheraton Road to the south. It is built around Hurghada marina, the great harbour mosque (El Mina Mosque), several squares and a string of restaurants, cafés and fast-food places open late. It is not a district of monuments: people come to eat, stroll in the evening and see the harbour, with the feeling of being in a real Egyptian town rather than a resort club.

Highlights

The marina and its promenade

According to travel guides, Hurghada's yacht harbour has about 200 berths, with the Marina Boulevard promenade running along the water: shops, cafés and restaurants facing the boats. It is the nicest place in the district at dusk.

The great harbour mosque

Opened in January 2012 according to Wikivoyage, it is the largest mosque in the Red Sea governorate. It can be seen from afar, between Sakkala and El Dahar; non-Muslim visitors are not normally admitted, but the outside is worth a look, especially in the evening.

The old Sheraton

A circular five-storey building, opened in 1963 and closed since 1997, which you can see from the small harbour to the south-east. See our page on the old Sheraton of Hurghada.

The restaurants of the centre

Gad (Egyptian food, open 24 hours according to Wikivoyage), El Dar Darak (local cuisine), Felucca Seafood, El Mina Fish or Star Fish for fish: most of the centre's dining is here.

Practical info

Tips

Restaurants show prices in Egyptian pounds; ask for the menu before ordering and check the bill, especially for fish sold by weight. Alcohol is served only in some restaurants and hotel bars. The only nightclub mentioned by guides (Calypso) is reported as temporarily closed: most evenings out come down to dinner, a shisha and a drink in a hotel. For beaches, Sakkala has no real public beach: see the public beaches of Hurghada. The full district guide is Sakkala: where to eat and go out.

How to get there

Central Hurghada, between El Dahar and Sheraton Road Taxi: from the airport allow about 30 minutes according to Wikivoyage; agree the price before getting in or use Uber Minibus: minibuses run between El Dahar and Sakkala From El Dahar the taxi ride is short; on foot it is a long walk in the sun