Everything you need to know about the beach resorts along Egypt's Red Sea coast: water at 72-84F year-round, world-class reefs, beachfront 5-star hotels - with domestic flights between Egypt's resorts and cities arranged for you by SEV.
The Egyptian Red Sea is a 750-mile coastal strip, from the Sinai down to southern Marsa Alam, running along the Arabian Peninsula. On the Egyptian side, 4 major beach resorts hold most of the tourism offer: Hurghada (central, 20+ years of history), Sharm el-Sheikh (Sinai, diving + diplomacy), Marsa Alam (wild south, world-class diving), El Gouna (1989 design riviera), Dahab (Sinai backpackers). Each has its own crowd, its own standing and its own drawbacks - this guide steers you toward the right choice.
The Red Sea stands apart from the Mediterranean thanks to: (1) water that stays warm (72F minimum in February, 84F in August), (2) intact coral biodiversity at 70% of sites, (3) beachfront 5-star hotels at 30-50% less than the Caribbean or the Maldives, (4) easy access once you arrive in Egypt, with swift domestic flights we arrange between Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Marsa Alam.
| Resort | Standing | Best for | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hurghada | Varied 3-5 star | Families, couples, first trip | Year-round |
| Sharm el-Sheikh | Upper 4-5 star | Certified divers, couples | Year-round |
| Marsa Alam | 5-star Premium | Experienced divers, quiet | October-May |
| El Gouna | Chic urban 5-star | Design-minded couples, kite-surf | Year-round |
Hurghada, founded in 1985, is today the #1 Red Sea resort with 30+ miles of developed coast. 4 distinct sub-areas: downtown/El Mamsha (young, lively), Sahl Hasheesh (upscale), Makadi Bay (family), Soma Bay (divers + golfers). Once you arrive in Egypt, SEV arranges your domestic flight directly into Hurghada - no layovers, no logistics to manage.
Browse our dedicated packages: Hurghada destination page and Hurghada All Inclusive 2026 Trip
Sharm el-Sheikh, in the southern Sinai, is the other major resort, with a more upscale positioning and a worldwide diving reputation (Ras Mohammed, Tiran Strait, the wrecks of the SS Thistlegorm). Naama Bay is the tourist hub. SEV arranges your domestic flight into Sharm el-Sheikh airport so you step off the plane straight into paradise.
See our new page Sharm el-Sheikh: Complete Guide 2026
Marsa Alam, 170 miles south of Hurghada, is the resort for experienced divers. Legendary sites: Brothers Islands, Daedalus Reef, Elphinstone, Saint John's. 5-star Premium hotels with house reefs (snorkeling straight off the jetty). Less developed than Hurghada - a calmer atmosphere.
See our guide Marsa Alam: Beaches and Diving and complete Marsa Alam guide
El Gouna, created in 1989 by Samih Sawiris, is a luxury residential and hotel complex 20 minutes north of Hurghada. A design marina hub, lagoons, golf, kite-surf, urban nightlife without the excess. A Mediterranean feel right in the heart of Egypt.
The Red Sea works 365 days a year:
| Period | Water | Air | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| September-October | 81-82F | 73-90F | ★★★ Best window |
| November-December | 75-79F | 63-79F | ★★★ Mild winter |
| January-February | 70-72F | 55-72F | ★★ Cooler sea, low rates |
| March-April | 72-75F | 61-82F | ★★★ Good balance |
| May-June | 75-79F | 72-93F | ★★★ Perfect water |
| July-August | 81-84F | 79-104F | ★ Very hot onshore |
Detailed guide: Red Sea Diving: best sites
Our 2026 selection (field-tested by our team):
Monumental aquapark, English-speaking program, 1,000ft private beach. Ideal for families.
0.6-mile white-sand beach, house-reef snorkeling. Excellent value for money.
Nubian architecture, private beach, 16,000 sq ft spa. Adults-only in certain areas.
House reef accessible off the jetty, sheltered beach, Premium all inclusive.
Lagoons, marina 5 minutes away, Mediterranean design. Ideal for urban couples.
The ideal combo for a first trip to Egypt is Cairo + Nile Cruise + Red Sea over 12-15 days. 3 nights in Cairo (Pyramids + GEM) + 4 nights on a Nile cruise (Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae) + 4 nights in Hurghada all inclusive. See our package Cairo + Cruise + Hurghada or our Egypt Tours hub
