Red Sea: Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh?
Two Resorts, One Extraordinary Sea
The Red Sea is one of the finest diving grounds in the world. Its translucent waters, exceptional marine life, and near-permanent sunshine make it a top destination for sea lovers. But when booking time comes, one question always arises: Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh?
These two Egyptian coastal resorts share the same sea but not the same philosophy. Hurghada, on the western coast, is the historic and popular destination. Sharm el-Sheikh, at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, plays the premium and world-class diving card. Here's our complete analysis.
Diving and Snorkeling: The Main Event
Let's start with what matters most: the underwater world. The Bednight Seaside score factors in the quality of reefs accessible from each resort, and the difference is clear.
Sharm el-Sheikh dominates the diving rankings. Ras Mohammed National Park, 20 minutes by boat, is considered one of the world's ten best dive sites. Shark and Yolanda Reef, the Thistlegorm (a World War II wreck accessible to certified divers), and the Strait of Tiran offer staggering marine diversity: white-tip reef sharks, turtles, manta rays, giant moray eels, and fish schools that form living clouds underwater.
Hurghada holds its own with Giftun Island and its colorful coral reefs, but top-tier dive sites often require multi-hour boat excursions. Hurghada's advantage is accessibility: snorkeling trips are cheaper and dive centers more numerous, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Beaches and Waterfront
In Hurghada, beaches are mainly resort-maintained sandy stretches. The sea is shallow for long distances, making it ideal for families with children. The artificial lagoons of some resorts, like Steigenberger Al Dau, compensate for the lack of walk-in reef access.
In Sharm el-Sheikh, the geography differs. Coral reefs often reach the shore, meaning snorkeling is possible directly from the beach at many hotels. The Baron Resort is a perfect example: you put on your mask and you're immediately surrounded by tropical fish. The flipside: fine sandy beaches are rarer and often artificial.
Naama Bay remains the exception: a long natural sandy beach lined with restaurants and bars, Sharm's true seaside promenade.
The All-Inclusive Offer: The Red Sea's Strength
This is where Egypt outperforms other beach destinations. The value for money of Red Sea all-inclusives is among the best in the world. A week in a 5-star all-inclusive in Hurghada often costs less than a half-board stay in Greece or Spain.
Hurghada is the champion of family all-inclusive. Resorts are enormous (some have over 500 rooms), with multiple pools, water parks, children's entertainment, and gargantuan buffets. The average price per night at a 4-star all-inclusive runs around €60-80 per person — an unbeatable rate.
Sharm el-Sheikh offers more upscale all-inclusives. The Rixos features an "ultra all-inclusive" concept with champagne, a la carte restaurants, and unlimited water park access. The price is understandably higher (€100-150 per person), but the quality of service and dining justifies the premium.
If you're interested in family all-inclusive formats, also check our Tunisia all-inclusive guide for a comparison with another Mediterranean destination.
Our Recommended Hotels
Steigenberger Al Dau — Hurghada
Steigenberger Al Dau is Hurghada's premium all-inclusive benchmark. Its private lagoon lined with palm trees offers calm, secure swimming. The fine sandy beach is among the resort's finest. Six restaurants, a full spa, and an 18-hole golf course round out the offering. Bednight Beach score: 8.5/10.
Rixos Sharm El Sheikh — Sharm
The Rixos redefines all-inclusive in Sharm. The "ultra" concept includes everything — including gourmet restaurants, premium drinks, and the Aqualand water park. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed. Entertainment is constant, making it ideal for active families and groups of friends. The Bednight Seaside score reaches 8.2/10.
Baron Resort — Sharm
The Baron Resort is the diver's and snorkeler's choice. Its house reef is one of Sharm's finest — you step out of your room, walk 50 meters, and you're in a natural aquarium. The on-site PADI dive center organizes daily trips to Ras Mohammed and the Thistlegorm. The atmosphere is quieter and more intimate than the Rixos.
Nightlife and Excursions
Sharm el-Sheikh offers livelier nightlife, centered around Naama Bay. Bars, restaurants, and clubs stay open late, with a cosmopolitan vibe driven by European and Russian visitors.
Hurghada is quieter in the evening, with nightlife concentrated in the Marina and the Dahar district. Excursions are a major draw: desert safari in the Eastern Desert, day trip to Luxor by bus (4 hours), excursion to Cairo (6 hours). From Sharm, excursions are more limited to St. Catherine's Monastery and marine trips.
When to Go
The Red Sea is a year-round destination, but the best periods are March-May and September-November. Summer (June-August) is very hot (40-45°C in the shade), though the sea stays at a perfect 26-28°C. Winter (December-February) is mild by day (22-25°C) but cool at night (15°C), and wind can make the sea choppy.
For divers, April and October offer the best conditions: clear water, little wind, and optimal chances of spotting whale sharks and manta rays.
If you're looking for absolute tranquility, our adults-only hotels guide offers interesting Red Sea alternatives.
Our Verdict
Hurghada for family all-inclusive and controlled budgets. Sharm el-Sheikh for world-class diving and the premium experience. Both resorts offer exceptional sunshine and a stunningly beautiful sea — it's up to you to choose your style.
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