About Hurghada

About Hurghada

Hurghada is only a five/six hour flight from Northern Europe, making this the most accessible coral reef diving destination for Europeans.

With year-round tropical sun, good sea quality and water at a minimum of 20 degrees, keen swimmers, snorkelers, surfers and of course divers will not be disappointed.        

Once a simple fishing village, Hurghada has transformed into a lively modern resort town with major international hotels being represented. It is widely considered the capital of the Red Sea with all the facilities of a modern city but has held on to its traditional Egyptian ambiance. 

Traditions & local customs
It might seem a bit strange to Europeans to find local Egyptians sitting on the side walk in a crowded shopping area drinking tea and smoking a shisha pipe together, or a traffic jam on a busy square caused by a donkey pulling a mobile fruit market down the main road (speed limit 60 km ph), but in Hurghada, and all over Egypt, this is quite normal and gives a good impression of the difference in lifestyle.

Etiquette in Egypt is very strict. Egyptians are very friendly hosts but they have their own way of showing hospitality. In almost every shop you'll visit you will be offered a cup of tea and/or a cigarette.
Egyptians, if offered anything, will always refuse the first time - and you are expected to do the same. Refusing means showing respect. The offering will be repeated (about 3 times). Eventually they will accept and expect you to do the same. If you really don't want anything it sometimes can be difficult to make that clear. In general in Egypt saying "no" means you will say "yes", eventually. 
If your "no" is really a "no" just say goodbye and leave the shop. No hard feelings.

Nightlife
Hurghadas night life is very lively. You'll find the famous Hard Rock Cafè, (divers)pubs, lounge bars, disco's, oriental cafes and beach/dance clubs open every day until sunrise.

Especially during the summer Egyptians tend to sleep during the day and wake up at about 6pm to start their day. Therefor during daytime, Hurghada might seem quite deserted while at nighttime the streets can be really crowded.

Dining out
The range of food and restaurants available in Hurghada varies greatly in style and price. You will find (European standard)restaurants and Egyptian cuisine, and of course the big M, KFC, Hardies, Costa and Pizza Hut are being represented.

Local cuisine
Egyptian cooking is a blend of different influences. Most of the popular specialists dishes have their roots in Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria. Most dishes tend to be simple and are not especially spicy. In almost every dish you will find garlic, onions and beans. Most dishes are prepared with sunflower- or corn oil.

Egyptians love honey and therefore their desserts tend to be on the sweet side. 

Villa Kunterbunt managed by Barbara and Thomas, in the Arabia Hotel is without doubt one of Hurghada's best restaurants, offering an "interesting" selection of local and international dishes in an oriental ambiance. Try the camel steak with chocolate sauce, the veal chops with Roquefort or something "typical Egyptian". 
Prices vary from 3 euro - 7 euro for a starter, 8 euro - 14 euro for a main course and 3 euro - 7 euro for a dessert.

Da Nanni is managed by Italians and is only 5 minutes away from our dive centre. This "Trattoria Style" restaurant offers a tasty selection of traditional Italian Cuisine. If you favour pizza and/or pasta this is the place to go.
Prices vary from 2 euro - 5 euro for a starter, 3 euro - 8 euro for a main course and 2 euro - 5 euro for a dessert.

Felfella is a typical "higher class" Oriental restaurant at walking distance from our dive centre. If you fancy trying out some real Egyptian dishes you should visit this place. The restaurant's terraces overlook the Red Sea and especially at the end of the day when the sun sets it offers a beautiful romantic atmosphere.
Prices vary from 0.50 euro - 2 euro for a starter, 2 euro - 6 euro for a main course and 0.50 euro - 3 euro for a dessert.

Transportation
Getting around in Hurghada is very easy as you will find blue/orange taxis driving around all day and night. As in Europe the taxi drivers have a simple system which shows you exactly how much you'll have to pay at the end of your ride.

Shopping
Why not recharge your batteries with a bit of retail therapy?
Head to the north where you will find the exciting "old" centre of Hurghada, called El Dahar. This area offers you a warren of shops, stalls and boutiques selling every item imaginable. Haggling is a way of life in most markets and bazaars. You might get away with a bargain, just give it a go!

For a quieter time than in El Dahar, head to the new Esplanada mall on the south side. The items might seem a bit more expensive but its worth to have a look as almost every shop has fixed prices. Good if haggling is not your thing.

The big(ger) supermarkets (Abu Ashara - literally father of ten children) are opened 24/7 every day. Most of the supermarkets offer imported items as Cadbury chocolate, Knackebröd, Peanutbutter, Dutch cheese, and Greek fruit juices in bottles and cans.

Weather
The sun shines for almost 365 days a year and therefore most guests don't realise that it can get quite cold in Egypt during winter time especially at the end of the day.

For diving in wintertime (December-March) you really need to wear at least a 5 mm long suit to stay warm and comfortable. You might want to consider to put a shorty over your suit and maybe to even wear a hood.

In summertime some guests tend do dive with just a t-shirt under their bcd and wear swimming trunks or a bikini bottom.