Guide to the Best Beaches & Resorts at Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada

• Fatima Saif
• . November 17, 2025
• . Update: November 17, 2025 8:40 pm
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The best beaches & resorts in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada is described by reporters on the ground as busy yet calm, polished yet warm. The phrase still holds: Egypt’s coast delivers.

Why the Red Sea Coast Is Egypt’s Paradise for Beach Lovers

Clear, warm water most months, coral gardens close to shore, long crescents of sand where sandals fill with salt and tiny shells. Families arrive with snorkel sets, couples with cameras, groups with energy. Staff carry fresh mint tea at sunset. Simple, effective hospitality. That’s how it reads anyway.

Small notes locals repeat: look for a house reef if marine life matters. Check jetty length if currents run strong. Gulf breezes cool evenings, jackets help post-sunset. Market lanes smell of cardamom and grilled fish. Music is soft, not loud. Feels right.

Best Beaches in Sharm El Sheikh

Naama Bay holds the old heartbeat. Hotels line a promenade where cafes clink glass on trays, and beach clubs run smooth service. Sand entry stays easy for children. Nights stretch late, neon on water, still the sea stays polite. Slightly busy, yes.

Shark’s Bay gives tighter coves and quick access to coral. The surface ripples, then clears like glass. Boats idle farther out. Lifeguards keep a sharp watch. Mornings quiet enough to hear gulls. Midday sun can hit hard, hats matter. People forget, then remember.

Nabq Bay feels slower. Bigger resorts, long walkways over shallows, broad views of Tiran Island. Even on packed weeks, space remains between umbrellas. The breeze is stronger here. Good for families who prefer schedule and order. Less nightlife, more sleep. Suits many.

Best Beaches in Hurghada

Sahl Hasheesh runs grand and tidy. A sweeping promenade, landscaped arcs, and water that turns turquoise by noon. The sand here feels finer underfoot. Cyclists roll past in the mornings. Evenings smell of jasmine near the plazas. Quiet, almost theatrical.

Makadi Bay brings action. Watersports counters set up early, kids’ clubs open doors, and the reef starts not far off the sand. Pools stacked in terraces, music kept reasonable. Staff manage towels like clockwork. A practical choice when the group wants everything in one place.

Soma Bay keeps a calmer tone. Wider horizons, fewer hawkers, glassy flats on windless days, then proper kites on breezy afternoons. Divers talk about tide tables at breakfast. The hush after sunset is real. Some like that silence, some don’t. Fair point.

Top All-Inclusive Resorts Worth Visiting

• Beachfront access with jetties to reef shelves.
• Multiple restaurants so menus don’t repeat too quickly.
• Kids’ zones, shaded splash areas, babysitting on request.
• House reef markers, trained lifeguards, gear rental on site.
• Sunset-facing decks for that last cup of tea, or something colder.

Reporters note a simple test. Walk the beach at 7 am. If staff already rake sand, check ladders, and set cushions with care, the day runs smoothly. Sometimes it’s the small habits that matter.

Sharm El Sheikh vs Hurghada – Which Should You Choose?

Short field note first. Both shine. Choice comes down to pace and layout. A quick glance helps.

People argue this table to bits. Fine. At least it frames the decision.

Best Time to Visit Egypt’s Red Sea Coast

October to April stays pleasant, with cooler nights and steady sunshine. December brings holiday crowds and bright hotel decor. May and September sit warm but manageable. Peak summer stands hot, still workable with dawn swims and long siestas. Hydration, shade, patience. Works every time.

Travel Tips for a Perfect Red Sea Holiday

Pack reef-safe sunscreen and light cotton. Check footwear for coral zones. Confirm room location before arrival, sea-view can mean angles. Card payments are common, carrying small notes for tips. Signal varies on remote stretches. Local staff appreciate clear requests and a simple thank you. That’s common sense.

Airport transfers pre-booked save quarrels at curbs. Early checkout lines move faster. Keep passports in zipped pouches during marina checks. Small hassles avoided through tiny habits. Feels like real work sometimes, then the sea shows up and forgives everything.

Plan Your Trip Smartly

Report teams suggest a two-stop plan. Start in Sharm for reef-heavy days, move to Hurghada for long sandy walks and calmer nights. Domestic connections run short. Suitcases roll straight into lobbies. The coast rewards patience and planning, and a little curiosity about the next bay. Simple thought, big payoff.

FAQs

Which area suits first-time visitors looking for reef access and evening walks without long commutes?

Naama Bay in Sharm suits starters who want coral access near hotels, plus a promenade with cafes and shops, all within short walking distances most days.

How do families handle shallow water zones and coral underfoot at busy times of year?

Families carry water shoes, use marked ladders from jetties, and plan swims pre-10 am and post-4 pm when crowds thin and the sun eases off a little.

Do resorts manage shade, towel service, and early morning setups consistently across both cities?

Most large properties set loungers by sunrise, rake sand, and staff towel desks by 7 am, though exact timing varies by property and occupancy patterns.

What helps guests who want quiet nights but still want access to activities during the day?

Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay give quiet nights, with daytime watersports or reef trips nearby, plus promenades that feel safe for evening strolls after dinner.

Is a split stay across Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada practical for a seven-night itinerary?

Yes, a three-plus-four night split works, with a short domestic hop or road transfer, luggage handled by hotel concierges on request, and little downtime lost.