El Gouna is a purpose-built resort town on the Red Sea about 20 km north of Hurghada, known for lagoons and canals, a marina, kitesurfing and a relaxed, walkable centre. It suits couples and families who want a calmer base than Hurghada. Allow a day trip or a week, and book a transfer from Hurghada airport.
El Gouna is a planned resort town built around lagoons, islands and canals, with hotels, a marina, a golf course, restaurants and a walkable Downtown. It is often called the Venice of the Red Sea because of its waterways.
The town is spread over about 20 small islands linked by bridges and lagoons, so many hotels have their own stretch of water and boats connect parts of the town. It is known for being clean, safe and green, with its own hospital, international school and a small airport for private planes. Every autumn the El Gouna Film Festival brings Egyptian and Arab film stars to town.
El Gouna was developed from the early 1990s as a private resort community by Orascom and Samih Sawiris. It grew from a few hotels into a town with its own schools, hospital and an annual film festival.
The architecture mixes Nubian domes, Mediterranean whitewash and modern villas, and much of the town was designed by well-known architects, including the American Michael Graves. It has kept growing into one of Egypt’s most popular holiday homes for Cairo families.
| Where | Red Sea coast, about 20 km north of Hurghada |
| From Hurghada airport | About 25 to 30 minutes by car |
| Good for | Couples, families, kitesurfing, a quiet base for diving |
| Getting around | Walking, bikes, tuk-tuks and the local shuttle bus |
| Best months | March to May and September to November |
| Day trips | Boat trips to the islands, desert quad or jeep trips, Luxor by road |
Hurghada is bigger and cheaper, with more choice of hotels, local restaurants and boat trips. El Gouna is calmer, cleaner and more expensive, and feels like a self-contained resort town. Many visitors stay in El Gouna and take day trips from Hurghada’s harbour, such as the boat trip to Giftun Island.
Kitesurfing: the main kite spots are on the north side of town, around Mangroovy Beach, a short shuttle ride from Abu Tig Marina; the water is shallow and flat, ideal for lessons. Diving: dive centres at the marina run trips to reefs and to the famous wrecks of Abu Nuhas. Boat trips: day boats leave Abu Tig for snorkelling islands nearby. Evenings: Abu Tig and Downtown have more than 100 restaurants and bars between them. Getting around is easy by the local shuttle bus, tuk-tuk or bicycle.
On the Red Sea coast about 20 km north of Hurghada and 25 to 30 minutes by road from Hurghada airport.
By private transfer or taxi. A pre-booked transfer avoids haggling and is easy to arrange before you arrive.
Yes. It is safe, walkable and has beaches, pools and activities. Check each hotel for family facilities.
March to May and September to November. Winter is mild but the sea is cooler; summer is very hot. For kitesurfing, spring and autumn are popular.
El Gouna is the calm, polished option on the Hurghada coast. Stay for the lagoons and marina, and use it as a base for dive, kitesurf or desert trips.
Book this experience: Private transfer from Hurghada Airport to El Gouna from $30.
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