Beachfront resort with spa, pools and diving opportunities 🤿
Yes. Most of Egypt’s Red Sea coastline is lined with large beach resorts, and in Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Marsa Alam, all-inclusive is the standard type of accommodation. With meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and local alcoholic beverages are generally included in the price, it’s easy to predict your expenses. The sun shines almost year-round, and even after summer, the sea remains warm enough for swimming.
Hurghada offers a wide selection of hotels and opportunities for water sports and is especially recommended for first-time visitors looking to enjoy a relaxed day trip. Sharm el-Sheikh has numerous coral reefs where you can go snorkelling right from the beach, while Naama Bay is a compact hotel district. Marsa Alam is a quieter destination with long, deserted sandy beaches and diving opportunities. Families with young children often choose El Gouna or Makadi Bay, as they’ll find calm waters with a gently sloping seabed there.
Egypt attracts visitors with its winter sun and coral reefs, while Turkey draws them in with its lush green landscapes, historic towns, and a short flight from the United Kingdom. The resorts along the Red Sea are warm from November through March, but this is the off-season on the Turkish coast, and many resorts close. If you’re looking for diving and consistently warm weather, choose Egypt; if you’re planning a summer trip with a variety of activities outside the hotel, choose Turkey.
From March through May, as well as from October through November, the climate is at its most pleasant, with daytime temperatures in the upper 20s and warm sea temperatures. In the height of summer, the Red Sea coast gets very hot, and inland temperatures often exceed 40 °C. Plan to spend most of your time in the shade or by the pool. From December through February, the weather is mild and sunny during the day, but it gets cool in the evening, and the wind picks up.
At most all-inclusive hotels in Egypt, in addition to buffet-style breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, as well as snacks throughout the day, the room rate includes local non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Late risers are often catered for, with breakfast served as a generous buffet later in the morning and includes hot dishes, freshly baked bread, and fruit. Access to the pool, lounge chairs, and some non-motorised water sports are generally included in the room rate. À la carte restaurants, spa treatments, and diving are usually charged separately, though terms may vary depending on the hotel.
A 7-night stay is ideal for a simple beach holiday and leaves you time for one or two short excursions. If you want to get serious about diving, add a trip to the Nile or Luxor, or are travelling in the winter to offset the cost of airfare with a longer stay, extend your stay to 10-14 nights. For time spent exclusively at the resort, a short getaway of 3 to 4 nights is ideal.