What is the main difference between Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh?
3 major differences: (1) Geography - Hurghada is on the west coast of the Red Sea (Africa side), Sharm el-Sheikh on South Sinai (Asia side). (2) Profile - Hurghada = large resort 200 km of coastline, more lively, more choice of hotels (200+), families welcome. Sharm = more compact resort around Naama Bay, resort atmosphere, clearer waters, diving among the best in the world. (3) Price - Hurghada on average 15-20% cheaper than Sharm for 5★ equivalence (larger offer = price competition).
Hurghada or Sharm for diving and snorkeling?
Sharm el-Sheikh wins on pure diving - direct access to the national park Ras Mohammed (top 10 in the world: dizzying drop-offs, seasonal hammerhead sharks, schools of barracudas), at the Strait of Tiran (4 major reefs), and Dahab 1 hour by taxi to the Blue Hole. Hurghada wins on accessibility and diversity - reefs 5-10 minutes away by boat, Giftun Island for family snorkeling, Abu Nuhas wrecks (4 emblematic wrecks), access to Marsa Alam to the south (1h30 drive to the Sataya dolphin reef).
Which resort is best for families with children?
Hurghada for families - for 3 reasons: (1) More family resorts with private water parks (Sunrise Royal Makadi, Pickalbatros Aqua Blu, Jungle Aqua Park), free children's clubs for 4-12 year olds, English-speaking entertainment. (2) Adapted excursions for children: Giftun Island (snorkeling from 6 years old), Sindbad Submarine (tourist submarine), eastern desert by quad. (3) Cheaper rates = more accessible family budget. Sharm is also suitable but more couples + divers oriented atmosphere.
When is the best time for Hurghada vs Sharm el-Sheikh?
Very similar between the two - almost identical climates (Sharm a little warmer in winter +1-2°C). October, November, March, April are perfect: 25-28°C daytime, sea 25-27°C, sun guaranteed. December-February: 22-25°C day, sea 22-23°C a little cool for morning swimming (but swimmable). Avoid July-August: 38-40°C day, sea 28-30°C, sun is strong, crowded beaches (European holidays). May-June and September: excellent for a cheaper budget (15-20% less) and still pleasant temperatures.
Which 5★ hotel do you recommend in Hurghada vs Sharm?
Hurghada side: Steigenberger Aldau Beach (18 pools, a 1.5 km beach, a great first Egypt holiday and family-friendly), Mövenpick Resort El Gouna (a modern car-free village, suits active 30-45 year olds), Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh (102 suites with butler service, for couples wanting the top end). Sharm el-Sheikh side: Four Seasons Resort Sharm (private-pool villas, the height of luxury), Rixos Sharm Premium (an adults-only set-up plus a family wing, with entertainment laid on), Savoy Sharm el-Sheikh (superb value on the main strip).
Which resort is cheaper, Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh?
Hurghada is on average 15-20% cheaper than Sharm el-Sheikh for a 5★ all-inclusive equivalence. Our ground stay rates include all your domestic flights in Egypt and adapt to your program. To obtain a personalized rate,
contact the SEV team on WhatsApp - response within 24 hours.
The difference comes from supply - Hurghada has 200+ hotels vs ~60 in Sharm, so stronger price competition. Negligible difference for boutique hotels (Oberoi Hurghada ~Four Seasons Sharm).
How to reach Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh from Europe?
Your flight to Egypt takes you to Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh airport directly, or via Cairo. Once in Egypt, all your domestic flights in Egypt are organized and included by SEV - notably Cairo-Hurghada (1h10) or Cairo-Sharm (1h) for combined with the pyramids and the Nile cruise. These domestic flights are fully covered in your SEV program, at no additional cost.
Which one is better for a honeymoon?
Sharm el-Sheikh slightly winning for classic honeymoons - intimate resort atmosphere, spectacular turquoise waters, Four Seasons and Rixos Adults-Only designed for couples.
Hurghada winner if you want: Sahl Hasheesh isolated (Oberoi vs other almost non-existent guests), El Gouna pedestrian village (romantic dinners by the marina), more accessible budget for upgrade suite (~£230-£380/couple saved). Our advice: if priority diving = Sharm. So quiet + village = El Gouna/Sahl Hasheesh in Hurghada. See our
complete honeymoon guide Egypt for more details.
