Soft sand, warm sea, azure waves – all this is about the best beaches in Hurghada, which create great conditions for a holiday. But not all locations are equally convenient. It is important to study the peculiarities in advance to avoid unexpected inconveniences: paid entrance, lack of infrastructure or inconvenient entry into the water. This overview will help you find the best option for swimming, snorkelling or family holidays.

Popular neighbourhoods in Hurghada and their features
The best beaches are along the entire coast, but each area has its own specialities:
- Sahl Hasheesh is an upmarket resort, cleanest beaches, limited access.
- El Gouna – lagoons with turquoise water, yachts, expensive hotels.
- Dahar is a neighbourhood with accessible public beaches.
- New Hurghada – modern complexes, landscaped beaches.
Hurghada beaches on the map are divided into:
- private;
- public.
Hotel areas are usually equipped with sun beds, bars, playgrounds. Free beaches are less likely to have developed infrastructure, so they are chosen for budget holidays. Beach holidays offer many options – from sandy shores to coasts with coral reefs.
Best Hurghada beaches for holidays with children
Choosing the right beach for a family holiday is an important task, as conditions should be as safe and comfortable as possible. The best beaches in Hurghada for holidays with children are characterised by shallow waters, gentle entry to the water, soft sand and no strong currents.
The main criteria for a comfortable holiday, which you need to pay attention to when choosing a location:
- clear water and soft sand – the absence of stones and coral makes it safe to play on the shore;
- gentle entrance to the sea – the gradual increase in depth reduces the risk of unexpectedly entering deep water;
- places with shade and infrastructure – availability of umbrellas, canopies and café with children’s menu;
- entertainment for children – slides, swimming pools, mini clubs and play areas;
- security and lifeguards – availability of personnel to monitor safety on the water.
Most family resorts in Egypt are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable holiday with children, but there are a few places that particularly stand out in terms of comfort and convenience.
Top 3 best beaches in Hurghada for family holidays
Pay attention to them:
Old Vic Beach is a cosy private spot with a safe swimming area. A popular family beach in the centre of Hurghada. Soft sand, calm sea without waves with a gentle entrance, clear water – ideal conditions for small children. The territory is equipped with children’s play areas, where you can ride on swings and trampolines. Entrance to the paid beach is about 7$ per person. There is a cafe with children’s menu, you can rent a sun lounger and an umbrella.
Dream Beach is a comfortable family beach with swimming pools. The private coastline is famous for its well-developed infrastructure. The main advantage is the presence of pools of different depths, which is ideal for children who are still insecure in the sea. The water is calm, and the beach area is equipped with palm trees, creating natural shade. There is a café with children’s meals, playgrounds, inflatable lap hire and a lifeguard station on site. Entrance is paid – about 10$, the price includes the hire of a sunbed and towel.
Mahmya Island is the best place for swimming in shallow waters. The beach is located on the island of the same name and is accessible by boat. The sandy bottom creates ideal conditions for children, while security guards and lifeguards monitor safety on the water. Snorkelling equipment is also available, as the water is perfectly clear. Entrance to the beach costs from $30, but this amount includes boat transfers and drinks.
Choosing the right place guarantees a comfortable holiday at sea without any hassle. The best beaches in Hurghada offer safety and convenience to ensure a hassle-free family holiday.
Hurghada beaches with coral reefs
Egypt’s best beaches are known for their unique underwater world, which attracts not only professional divers but also snorkelling enthusiasts. Hurghada’s coral reefs are considered the most accessible in the country, as they are located just a few metres from the shore.
The warm waters of the Red Sea have created a rich ecosystem of corals, colourful fish, sea urchins, stingrays and moray eels. In some places you can meet dolphins and sea turtles.
The coasts with coral reefs will suit both beginners and experienced snorkellers. It is important to take into account that not all beaches have a convenient entrance to the water – in some places coral starts right at the shore, so special shoes are required.
Best beaches for snorkelling in Hurghada
We’ve highlighted three stunning places to look out for:
- Makadi Bay is a popular location for snorkelling enthusiasts. The coastline is famous for the extensive coral reefs that start right off the shore. The water is clear and the variety of marine life is impressive. Colourful butterfly fish, angel fish and barracudas are often seen. Entry to the water is easy, making the coast suitable for beginner snorkellers.
- Sheraton Beach is a beach with a unique house reef. Here the coral formations are close to the shoreline. This is the best place to swim above the reefs, as you can see not only the standard Red Sea inhabitants, but also rarer species such as octopuses, rays and small sharks. In some places the reefs are quite sharp, so special footwear is recommended.
- Abu Dabbab is a beach where you can encounter sea turtles. Although the coastline is a little further from Hurghada, it is considered one of the best places to explore the underwater world. The speciality is the opportunity to swim alongside large green turtles and dugongs (sea cows). The bottom is sandy, but there are small coral formations scattered around, where moray eels and stingrays hide.
Tips for safe snorkelling
To beach holiday in Egypt and acquaintance with coral reefs left only positive impressions, it is important to follow the rules:
- Use special footwear – coral can be sharp and poisonous sea urchins can be found among them.
- Not touching coral is not only dangerous for humans, but also destructive to the ecosystem.
- Avoid places with strong currents – it is better to choose sheltered lagoons.
- Do not feed fish – some species may be aggressive or poisonous.
- Use sunscreen – even underwater, the sun can severely burn your skin.
Hurghada’s best coral reef beaches offer incredible snorkelling opportunities. Proper preparation will help make this experience as safe and comfortable as possible.
Tourist Reviews
Beaches resorts in Egypt collect different reviews, it all depends on the expectations of holidaymakers.
What is most often praised by tourists:
- the clear water, the beautiful colour of the sea;
- good weather all year round;
- variety of beaches: there are both sandy and coral beaches.
Frequent complaints:
- Some beaches require a special entrance to the water because of the reefs;
- high prices for sunbeds in hotel areas;
- in places with free access, there may not be enough cleaning.
Choosing the right place will help make your holiday comfortable and memorable.
How much does a beach holiday in the resort cost
Prices depend on the format of the holiday. Entry is free at public beaches, but infrastructure is limited. Hotels provide sunbeds and umbrellas, but entry costs between $5 and $20.
An example of prices at the best private beaches in Hurghada:
- Old Vic Beach – $7 admission, sunbed included.
- Dream Beach – $10, includes towel and pool.
- Mahmya Island – up to $30, boat transfer, drinks included.
Egypt’s beach holidays offer options for every budget. Free beaches are suitable for a short holiday, but for comfort it is better to choose private areas.
Conclusion
Whatever your preference, Hurghada will offer the perfect beach for your holiday. Secluded coves, lively club areas, comfortable family-friendly ones, rich coral reefs – the choice is vast.

When planning your holiday, consider the accessibility of the location, ease of entry to the water and the availability of necessary infrastructure.