Best Beaches in Hurghada — Where to Find the Best Sand and Sea
Hurghada's Red Sea beaches range from the extraordinary pristine sands of Sahl Hasheesh to more modest hotel strips with limited beach access. Understanding where the best beaches are — and how to access them — makes a huge difference to your experience.
How Hurghada's Beaches Are Organised
Hurghada's coastline is divided into three types of beach access: private resort beaches (owned/leased exclusively by hotels), beach club access (day use facilities open to non-hotel guests for a fee), and public beaches (government-managed, open to all for a small fee). Understanding which type you have access to from your hotel is important — not all hotels have equivalent beach quality or exclusivity.
Sahl Hasheesh — The Best Beaches
Sahl Hasheesh has 12km of the best beach in the Hurghada area. The private resort environment means no hawkers, no jet skis outside designated zones, and consistently maintained white sand. For visitors staying in Sahl Hasheesh hotels, the beach quality is extraordinary by any standard — comparable to the finest Mediterranean or Caribbean resort beaches.
Central Hurghada Hotel Beaches
Hotel beaches along the main Hurghada strip vary considerably in quality. The best (Intercontinental, Marriott, Coral Beach Rotana) have good sandy beaches with clear water and reasonable facilities. Lesser hotels have limited beach access or share beach areas with neighbouring properties. Check specifically what beach the hotel offers before booking if beach quality is a priority.
Public Beaches
Hurghada has several publicly accessible beaches. The most popular: Beach 9 (north of the city, good sand, small access fee) and Magawish Beach. Public beaches are significantly cheaper (£2–£5/day) than hotel beach day passes (£10–£25) and provide a more local beach atmosphere. Less organised than hotel beaches but often have better natural sand quality.
Best Beaches at Giftun Island
The beaches at Giftun Island (accessible by boat trip, 45 minutes from the marina) are the most beautiful in the area — white sand, crystal water, and the most spectacular snorkelling in Hurghada's vicinity. Not accessible for casual beach days but worth the boat trip investment at least once during any Hurghada stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
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