HAPPYWhere to Stay in Hurghada: An Area Guide for Every Kind of Trip
Updated October 2026 · Written by the HAPPYDAYS team in Hurghada, running serviced apartments in Sakkala since 2014
Hurghada is not one place. It is a long city on the Red Sea coast made of very different areas: a local old town full of markets, a busy centre packed with restaurants and nightlife, and quiet resort bays half an hour away. That is why the area you pick shapes your trip more than the hotel itself.
The short answer:
- First visit, want everything close: Sakkala.
- Sea, promenade and restaurants without the crowds: the Tourist Promenade (Village Road).
- Lower budget, real Egyptian life: El Dahar (Old Hurghada).
- All-in-one family resort: Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh.
- Calm, upscale, water sports: El Gouna or Soma Bay.
Hurghada areas at a glance
| Area | Best for | Feel | From the airport (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Dahar | Budget travellers, market lovers | Local and lively | 15–20 min |
| Sakkala | First-timers, nightlife, short stays | City centre, marina, restaurants | 10–15 min |
| Tourist Promenade | Families, couples, long stays | Seafront walkway and cafés | 10–15 min |
| Sahl Hasheesh | Families, peace and quiet | Upscale resorts | About 20 min |
| Makadi Bay | Families, all-inclusive | Resort bay | 30–40 min |
| El Gouna | Couples, kitesurfers, luxury | Lagoon resort town | 35–45 min |
| Soma Bay | Total calm, water sports | Remote resorts | 45–60 min |
Times are approximate and depend on the exact property and traffic.
El Dahar: Old Hurghada
El Dahar is the oldest part of town and where you see the Hurghada that locals actually live in. Expect the old bazaar for spices and souvenirs (bargaining is normal and expected), a fruit and vegetable market where Egyptians and foreign residents do their weekly shopping, and St. Shenouda Coptic Cathedral.
Good: the cheapest area to eat and stay, and a genuinely local experience. Not so good: few beaches and busy streets that were not designed for visitors. It works well if you spend your days on boat trips and only come back to sleep.
Sakkala: the heart of Hurghada
Sakkala is the centre of tourist life: restaurants, shops, cafés and nightlife, plus Hurghada Marina, where most island, snorkelling and diving trips depart. Next to the new harbour you will find El Mina Mosque, the largest in the city, and the fish market, best visited early in the morning.
Good: everything is a short walk or a short taxi ride away, with lots of places to stay. Not so good: rooms facing Sheraton Road can be noisy at night, and beaches here usually belong to hotels and need a day pass.
The Tourist Promenade (Village Road)
South of Sakkala, Village Road begins, and with it the Tourist Promenade: a long seafront walkway for walking and cycling, lined with cafés, restaurants, shops and hotels. This is the area we recommend most to families and long-stay guests, because it combines the sea, calm evenings and everyday services.
Good: sea close by, pleasant evening walks, supermarkets and malls nearby. Not so good: a little pricier than El Dahar, and some spots need a taxi to reach the marina.
Sahl Hasheesh
A quiet bay south of the airport with upscale resorts, coral reefs close to the shore and a promenade with restaurants and shops. Choose it if you want resort calm without going too far from town.
Makadi Bay
A resort area further south, mostly all-inclusive, with big pools and activities for children. Excellent for families who plan to stay in the resort for most of the trip. If you want to go into town often, budget for the taxi there and back.
El Gouna
A self-contained resort town north of Hurghada built around lagoons and canals, with restaurants, a marina, relaxed nightlife and a strong kitesurfing scene. Great for couples and anyone after a higher level of service. Prices are higher than in Hurghada itself.
Soma Bay
A remote peninsula south of Hurghada with a handful of large resorts, complete quiet and reliable wind for kitesurfing. Pick it if you want to get away from everything, and book your airport transfer in advance: taxis are scarce there.
Serviced apartment or hotel in Hurghada?
A resort is right if you want everything arranged and meals included. A serviced apartment is often the better choice when:
- You travel as a family: separate bedrooms and more space for roughly the price of one hotel room.
- You stay long: a kitchen and washing machine, and a month in an apartment costs far less than a hotel.
- You want freedom: eat out and try the city’s restaurants instead of the same buffet every day.
Before you book an apartment, ask three things: is there a beach or pool in the compound? Is there air conditioning in every room? And who meets you and fixes problems during your stay?
Stays available in Hurghada now
Here are stays available in Hurghada with live prices. Pick the area that fits you from the guide above and compare on the map.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best for a first visit to Hurghada?
Sakkala: it is close to the marina where boat trips leave, and has most of the restaurants and shops. For a calmer stay, choose the start of the Tourist Promenade.
Which area is best for families?
For an all-inclusive resort: Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh. For space, a kitchen and freedom: a serviced apartment on the Tourist Promenade.
Do I need a car in Hurghada?
In Sakkala or along the Promenade, usually not: taxis are easy to find and distances are short. In Makadi Bay or Soma Bay you will rely on hotel shuttles or pre-booked transfers.
How far is the airport from the city?
Very close: about 10–15 minutes to Sakkala and the Promenade. Remote resort areas such as El Gouna and Soma Bay take 35 minutes to an hour.
Where should I stay for a long stay or remote work?
On the Tourist Promenade or in Sakkala, in an apartment with good internet and a work space, close to supermarkets and restaurants.
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