Where is El Gouna and how to get there?
El Gouna is located 30 minutes north of Hurghada on the west coast of the Red Sea, accessible via Hurghada International Airport (taxi transfer £20-£30, 30-45 min). You book your flight to Egypt directly from your country - Hurghada Airport (HRG) is served by many airlines. SEV then organizes your private transfer from the airport. El Gouna was designed in 1989 by the Sawiris family as a modern upscale resort - a bit like the Venice of the desert with its canals and lagoons integrated into the urban design.
What sets El Gouna apart from other Red Sea resorts?
4 key differences: (1) Modern urban design - entirely pedestrian village around a marina and canals, unlike Hurghada (large chain of hotels by the sea). (2) Customer profile - Active 30-45 year olds, Cairo expats, European atmosphere. Fewer families with young children. (3) External restaurants - real city center with gourmet restaurants, bars, English pubs - livelier nightlife than Hurghada/Sharm. (4) Water sports - best kitesurfing and windsurfing spot in Egypt (Mangroovy Beach), 18-hole Cascades golf course.
Which hotels do you recommend in El Gouna?
Top 5 hotels 5★ El Gouna 2026: (1) Mövenpick Resort El Gouna - at the edge of the marina, direct access to the village's restaurants and bars, ideal first trip. (2) Steigenberger Golf Resort - golf oriented (Cascades 18-hole course), private beach, quiet. (3) Sheraton Miramar Resort - colorful “village” decor, private beach 800m, family entertainment. (4) The Three Corners Rihana Resort - 4★ at a good price, central access. (5) Captain's Inn - boutique hotel on the marina, charming 3★ for couples.
What to do in El Gouna apart from the beach?
Water sports activities: kitesurfing at Mangroovy Beach (one of the best spots in the world), windsurfing, diving (PADI 5★ El Gouna Diving Club centers, Emperor Divers), wakeboarding, water skiing. Golf: 18-hole Cascades course (signed Gene Bates and Fred Couples), green fee ~£60-£90. Tennis: professional academy, hard courts and clay courts. Nightlife: bars on the marina (Bartender's, Mocha), English pubs, Smugglers Inn club, DJ evenings. Gourmet restaurants: Zia Amelia (Italian), Saigon (Vietnamese), Bleu Bleu (French), Sayadeen (seafood). Boat excursion: Giftun Island (snorkeling), Mahmya Island, Paradise Island.
Is El Gouna suitable for families or rather for couples?
El Gouna works for both, with nuances: Couples 30-50 years old: perfect. European atmosphere, external restaurants, nightlife, sport. Mövenpick and Captain's Inn ideal. Families with teenagers 12+: very good, Sheraton Miramar with entertainment + Steigenberger for golf. Families with young children: El Gouna works but fewer free children's clubs for 4-12 year olds than in Hurghada Steigenberger Aldau or Sunrise Royal Makadi. Honeymoon: excellent - prefer Steigenberger Golf Resort (quiet) or Captain's Inn (boutique charm).
How much does it cost to stay in El Gouna in 2026?
Land price + domestic flights Egypt on personalized request: SEV provides you with a precise quote depending on your hotel, period and number of nights. All your domestic flights in Egypt are organized and included by SEV. You book your flight to Egypt on your own.
Contact us on WhatsApp to receive your quote within 24 hours.
External restaurants in the village: count £20-£30 per person for a gourmet dinner (very high quality).
When is the best time to visit El Gouna?
March-May and October-November = ideal : 25-28°C day, sea 25-26°C, moderate wind (ideal for intermediate kitesurfing). June-August: 35-38°C daytime, water 28-30°C - warm but pleasant, ideal for the beach and snorkeling. Strong wind at Mangroovy Beach = advanced kitesurfing paradise. December-February: 22-25°C day, sea 22-23°C (a little cool for morning swimming), strong wind - few tourists, reduced prices, ideal for those seeking calm and sport.
Can El Gouna be combined with a Nile cruise?
Yes - it's the favorite handset for active 30-50 year old couples. Optimal 12-day itinerary: 2 nights Cairo (pyramids + GEM), domestic flight Cairo-Luxor (1 hour, organized and included by SEV), 4 nights Nile cruise 5★ Luxor-Aswan, domestic flight Aswan-Hurghada (1h30, organized and included by SEV), 5 nights El Gouna as a sporty relaxation finale. All your domestic flights in Egypt are organized and included by SEV. Land budget + domestic flights on request -
contact us on WhatsApp for your personalized quote. See our
all-inclusive combo guide.
