One of the first diving bases of the Red Sea, Hurghada is also known for its long stretches of beach by the Red Sea, snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing and deep-sea fishing. With an abundance of restaurants and nightlife too, it’s the kind of place you can be as chilled or as active as you want. With a dry climate year-round, bordered by clear and calm waters, there are plenty of places to find some of Egypt’s top beaches here.

Hurghada has a mixture of public and privately-run beaches. Some of the most impressive are those run by the town’s hotels and resorts, bordered by pristine expanses of water. Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel is a great family option, with a kids club, a sandy beach with loungers, and plenty of sand castle building opportunities. A dive club directly on the beach runs classes for children as well as adults too.

The beaches most visitors to the region absolutely rave about are a short meander along the coast at Sahl Hasheesh Bay. With 7.5 miles of sandy beaches, crystal waters and mountains behind, this is a stunning location for a beach holiday in Egypt. The beach at Baron Palace is an impressive 600 metres long, with numerous secluded sections of beach to be found as you roam around landscaped gardens. It’s ideal for adults who want to unwind and relax, although there are areas of the hotel set up for family holidays too.Premier Romance Hotel & Spa – an adults-only hotel – is also perfect for its beachfront vistas and relaxing atmosphere.

Hurghada is a great spot from which to explore the unspoilt beaches of nearby islands too. Mahmya beach on Giftun Island comes near the top of many travellers’ lists, with white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and the option to snorkel amid the coral reef.