"The Egyptian Venice" on the Red Sea is called the city of El Gouna in Egypt, located 30 km north of Hurghada. Built two decades ago, the El Gouna resort is located on more than 20 islands, between which small boats and yachts ply along sea lagoons and canals.
Resting at the El Gouna resort, it seems that you are isolated from the outside world, this is done intentionally for a good rest. There are two marinas (marinas), a newspaper, a radio station and a TV channel, a hospital, as well as factories for the production of beer, wine and mineral waters. The most important thing is that everything is organized so that the environment suffers minimally. El Gouna has its own airport, from which flights to Cairo and.
El Gouna hotels differ from hotels in other resorts in Egypt in that there are no multi-storey buildings and skyscrapers. In total, there are 17 hotels in El Gouna, of which 3 hotels have 5 *, 8 hotels - 4 *, the rest - 3 *. All hotels are built according to a single architectural plan and are buildings in pastel colors no higher than three floors. The city has been awarded international awards for architecture several times. The largest and best hotels in El Gouna are: Steigenberger Golf Resort, Sheraton Miramar Resort, Mövenpick Resort & SPAClub and Club Med (4 *). The Sheraton Miramar Resort is interesting because it was created by the architect Michael Graves, who built hotels in American Disneyland. In addition, there are many private villas here. Holidays in El Gouna are preferred by the Germans and the Dutch.
The resort's hotels have a common infrastructure, in addition, a special system is organized here, according to which you can dine in any hotel. Guests to travel around the resort use buses and boats. Only a few hotels have direct access to the sea, and you need to sail by boat from the rest of the hotels to the sea beach. The most popular beaches among tourists are Mangroovy Beach and Zeytouna Beach.
Holidays in El Gouna are very diverse for Egypt: secluded beaches, desert safaris, diving on reefs and sunken ships, nightlife for young people, a variety of programs and excursions for children and adults. Let's take a look at what you can see in El Gouna.
Golf Club
The Golf Club is one of the main attractions in El Gouna. It is designed for golfers of all levels: from beginners to professionals. This world class luxury golf club is considered the finest in the Middle East. Here you can play all year round and at the same time enjoy the mountainous landscapes of Eastern Egypt and the Red Sea.
Kafr
Kafr is the central island of the El Gouna resort, all of its buildings are made in the traditional Egyptian style with courtyards and endless alleys. The entire entertainment infrastructure is located here: shops, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, bars and discos. Life in the center dies down only for a few hours before dawn.
In Kafra, you can visit the wellness center, as well as the history museum with an observatory. It displays copies of the most famous historical artifacts from Egyptian museums.
Zeytun Beach Island
Zeytuna Island is a beach island, where everything for a beach holiday is located, a free aquarium, where almost all the fish of the Red Sea are represented. It can be reached by boat, which is provided by the hotel.
El Gouna has a 10 km coastline. There are several world-class diving centers that provide an opportunity to dive into the underwater world of the Red Sea, rich in coral reefs and wrecks.
From El Gouna, excursions are organized to almost any place in Egypt.
The New Year was already on the nose, and in my head there was not a single thought of how and where to celebrate it. Just a week before the holiday, a friend called me and offered to fly to Egypt, knowing that I was light on my feet. Since she said to take a ticket to Hurghada, I thought that we would rest there. Several times I have already been to this resort. In principle, it is not a bad option to get away from the Moscow winter for a while. She also chose the hotel in advance and booked it herself. It was only on the plane that I learned that we would be resting in El Gouna.
To be honest, I didn't even know about the existence of this resort. It already became much more interesting for me. There was something new ahead that I hadn’t seen yet. Knowing my passion to travel to interesting places, my friend did not disappoint me by choosing El Gouna. So, first things first.
El Gouna is a piece of artificial paradise, created by the efforts of architects and builders right in the desert on the shores of the Red Sea. The city is located 25 kilometers north of Hurghada.
Local millionaire Samikh Sawiris made his dream come true: he implemented the Venice project in Egypt. It would seem absolutely incredible. But today everyone can see it with their own eyes.
El Gouna consists of over 20 islands. In addition, there are many more private islands with villas. Almost all of them are connected to the land by bridges. Some can only be reached by boat or boat. During the construction of the resort, kilometers of canals were dug through which sea water flows.
El Gouna received its first guests in 1991. I must say that the territory is reliably guarded by the police. There is a checkpoint at the entrance to the city. Every car is checked, they ask where you are going, whether you are a guest of the resort. A security guard enters the regular buses and checks the tickets, and at the same time the documents. Tourists are rarely asked for their passports, but it is better to have at least a copy of it with you. If you are taking a taxi, just tell me which hotel you are going to, to be sure, you can show the room reservation. All of these measures are taken for your own safety.
The construction of hotels continues to this day. The ones that are already open are mostly expensive five-star, owned by chains of the best hotels around the world. But there are simpler options - several three-star hotels.
In general, El Gouna is a vacation spot for wealthy travelers, pop stars and simply rich people. Most of the tourists are Europeans. I met only a couple of Russians. Our compatriots stay mainly in Hurghada. Many do not know about this place at all.
The city is built in a single architectural style - Mediterranean with oriental motives. Even the color scheme of the buildings here is designed in sandy mustard tones.
How to get there
The closest airport to El Gouna is located in Hurghada. Planes fly there regularly from Moscow and St. Petersburg. I will write in detail about airlines and flights in the section below.
If you are in Cairo or Alexandria, you can also take the bus.
By plane
From Moscow to Hurghada
Several airlines fly with connecting flights (unfortunately, there are no direct flights):
- Turkish Airlines (transfer in Istanbul 2-3 hours). The cost of a round-trip ticket is about 20,000 RUB.
- Swiss (transfer in Zurich). A round trip ticket will cost an average of 23,000 RUB.
- Pegasus (transfer in Istanbul). Tickets cost about 27,000 RUB.
- Chech Airlines (connecting in Prague at about 22 hours). The cost of the flight is 29,000 RUB. In this case, you will have the opportunity to spend the whole day in Prague. Do not forget to book your hotel as the flight involves an overnight stay in the city.
From St. Petersburg to Hurghada
Several airlines operate connecting flights:
- Turkish Airlines (transfer in Istanbul) - 26 000 RUB.
- Chech Airlines together with Turkish Airlines (transfers in Istanbul and Prague) - 37,500 RUB. A change in Prague will allow you to walk around the city, since the connection is 12 hours long during the day.
Life hack.If you buy tickets 4-6 months before the trip, the price will be much lower. I advise you to plan your vacation in advance! This is especially true for travelers planning a trip tosummer months.
You can view current prices and compare options.
From Cairo to Hurghada
If you are in Cairo, then use the services of a local airline.
EgyptAir operates direct flights with a duration of only 1 hour. A one-way ticket costs an average of 90 EUR.
From Hurghada Airport to El Gouna
Taxi
Taxis are waiting for passengers at the exit from the international terminal, where you will arrive. All companies are official, the cars are mostly two-color: black and orange.
The trip will cost around 25 EUR. Travel time is no more than 25 minutes. Private drivers are best avoided, although I did not see them there.
Bus
The public transport stop is in the same place as the taxi: at the exit from the terminal. There are usually many buses there. Although there is a sign with the destination on the windshield, it is better to ask the drivers if they are going to El Guga. Private enterprises are engaged in transportation, so they do not have a timetable. As soon as the minibus is full, the driver gets behind the wheel and the car starts. The fare is about 3 EUR, paid to the driver.
This minibus will take you to El Gouna bus station. In fact, this is the center of the city. Then you can take a tuk-tuk and show the driver the name of your hotel. For 0.30 EUR he will drive you to your holiday destination.
Transfer
You can order a transfer from the hotel. The price will be about the same as if you took a taxi. To do this, you need to write to the hotel in advance that you need a car and indicate your flight. The driver will meet you at the airport exit with a sign with your name written on it. In general, it is convenient. But personally, I'm not a fan of correspondence with hotel staff, so I usually use local taxis.
By bus
Buses run regularly from Cairo and Alexandria to Hurghada. From Hurghada, you need to change to a bus to El Gouna.
Cairo - Hurghada
Several times a day, Super Jet buses carry travelers to Hurghada. Travel time is about 7 hours. The fare is 7 EUR. On the way, the driver stops at a cafe where you can have a snack.
Alexandria - Hurghada
Buses leave for Hurghada twice a day. The ticket will cost 6 EUR. The most convenient flight is the one that leaves in the evening (20: 00–7: 00).
In the morning of the next day you are already in Hurghada. All that remains is to take another bus to El Gouna.
Hurghada - El Gouna
The cost of a ticket from Hurghada to El Gouna is about 1 EUR. The bus leaves from the station near El Dahar Square.
Travel time is about 50-60 minutes. The final stop is the El Gouna bus station. Since you will be practically in the center, I advise you to explore the city on foot.
By car
It is unlikely that anyone will go by car to Egypt, but just for reference, I will tell you how long to go to El Gouna. The distance from Moscow is more than 4,000 kilometers. From St. Petersburg - more than 5,000 kilometers.
The path involves crossing the borders of many states. Accordingly, for some you need to have an open visa. This is another good reason to abandon such an idea.
By ferry
You can also get to Egypt by ferry. I'll tell you about all the nuances below.
So, the starting point is Jordan,. I drew all the way to El Gouna with red arrows.
Aqaba - Nuweiba
In Aqaba we take a ferry to Nuweiba (this is already Egypt). Remember that time in the East is worthless. For locals, a flight delay of 2-3 hours is a common occurrence. But all would be fine if Nuweiba was your final destination, there is a further way from Nuweiba. More on this later.
The ferry runs six days a week. Whether there is a flight today, you can find out only in the morning of the same day at the ticket office. They will also tell you the approximate departure time. To him, as I said, you can safely add 2 hours. Previously, the ferry will definitely not sail.
I must say that due to the aggravated situation between the Arab countries and Israel (and crossing its border with Egypt is not possible for the citizens of many Arab states) the Arab Bridge ferry company raises ticket prices every year. This happens because for these people the only way to get to Egypt is by water, by ferry. So you have to pay several times more. In 2016 the price was 80 EUR in economy class together with the port tax in Jordan. Travel time is 3 hours.
Nuweiba - Sharm El Sheikh
In Nuweiba, you need to go through the security checkpoint and take a bus to Sharm el-Sheikh. The distance is about 150 kilometers, the ride is a little over 2 hours.
Sharm El Sheikh - Hurghada
The next step is the ferry from Sharm El Sheikh to Hurghada. The ships run three times a week. Swim 2.5 hours.
Hurghada - El Gouna
From Hurghada you will need to take a taxi to El Gouna. This is already the most enjoyable part of the trip.
Clue:
El Gouna - the time is now
Difference in hours:
Moscow 1
Kazan 1
Samara 2
Ekaterinburg 3
Novosibirsk 5
Vladivostok 8
When is the season. When is the best time to go
If your goal is to see ancient sights, then I would advise you to go in the winter. There is no scorching sun at this time, so it is very pleasant to walk. If you want to swim and sunbathe, then plan your trip in the fall or spring.
The air is too hot in summer. If you do not tolerate heat well, it is better to choose a different time.
Diving season
The colorful coral reef and wrecks attract diving enthusiasts here. The best time to dive is from April to September.
El Gouna in summer
Oddly enough, but summer in El Gouna is considered a low season. From June to August, the air warms up to +33 ° С. Of course, it is hard to endure such heat. But if this does not scare you, then you can save on accommodation. Hotels during this period reduce prices by 15–20%. The same goes for airline tickets.
But I would not recommend going on excursions in the summer. If only walks on a yacht or boat with swimming in the open sea. It's really cool. Another option is an evening desert safari on an ATV. The air is gradually cooling down and there is no longer such heat as during the day.
El Gouna in autumn
September to November is high season. Many tourists come to the resort, despite the increase in prices. It seems that the Europeans are not at all afraid.
During this period, in El Gouna, the ideal ratio of air temperature to water temperature: +26 ° С and +24 ° С, respectively. It's nice to swim, sunbathe and walk around the city.
El Gouna in spring
From March to May, the resort is also high season. In March, the nights are still cool, but during the day the air temperature is about + 20 ° C, the water warms up to about the same mark.
In April it gets warmer, and the thermometer shows + 23 ° C. This is a very pleasant time in El Gouna. By May, the water warms up to +25 ° С, and the air - up to +32 ° С. It's getting really hot.
El Gouna in winter
From mid-December to mid-January, prices are very high despite the low season. The reason for this is the New Year. Hotels can afford to set the most expensive rates in full confidence that the flow of tourists will not decrease.
The average air temperature is about +23 ° С. It is very comfortable to walk and go on excursions. However, you need to remember about the winds, take with you a jacket with sleeves. The water is quite cool: no higher than +20 ° С. But it didn't scare me, I swam with pleasure. It's just unpleasant to go into the water.
Prices have been falling sharply since mid-January. If you don't feel like overpaying, then plan your trip for February. There will be an opportunity to sunbathe and see the main attractions.
El Gouna - monthly weather
Clue:
El Gouna - monthly weather
Districts. Where is the best place to live
Hotels in El Gouna are located where there are canals. Most of them, at least. For guests there are special terraces with access to the water for comfortable swimming.
I heard that some consider the water in the canals to be unclean, as if it stagnates there. It is not true. Thanks to the competent work of architects and builders, the canals are dug in such a way that water is constantly circulating in them. In fact, this is the same sea water. In fact, I am leading to the fact that you can choose a hotel in any part of the city, the main thing is that it is near the water.
I must say that the hotels here are not cheap (more on the prices below), and absolutely everything is done in them for the comfort of vacationers. If you want to swim on the beach, and not in the canal, there are free shuttles at the hotels. They run all day to and from the beach. Travel time from anywhere in the city is no more than 15 minutes along a good road along well-groomed areas.
On the map, I will conventionally designate the districts to make it easier to navigate the city.
Unfortunately, in El Gouna there are no areas with cheap hotels and areas with only expensive hotels. Therefore, I cannot recommend any specific place for budget tourists. Unfortunately, everything is not cheap here, from housing to entertainment and food.
Once you have decided on the area where you would like to stay, see what options are available for your travel dates (for example). You can book your favorite at. If you are traveling with a company and are considering renting a villa, good deals can be found at.
What are the prices for rest
Lodging
Luxury hotels
Most of the hotels here are 5 stars. They belong to the world's largest hotel chains. Several have access to the open sea rather than to the canals. There are not many of them, and they are all premium. I will list three of the best:
If peace is important to you and you are traveling without children, then there are several adults only hotels in El Gouna. This means that all guests are over 18 years old. Three corners ocean view- one of the best in this category. A night with breakfast will cost 160 EUR. Also, if you wish, you can choose the "all inclusive" option (200 EUR). It is always calm here, the whole atmosphere is conducive to a relaxed rest.
Villas
Renting a villa is an excellent solution if you are going on vacation with a group of friends. There are not very many such proposals, but they are. You can rent a spacious house for 900 EUR per week.
For this money, you will have at your disposal:
- 3 bedrooms,
- 3 bathrooms,
- kitchen with dining area,
- courtyard with a garden,
- open pool,
- outdoor gazebo,
- parking.
Budget housing
I will list a few hotels that will be affordable even for those who do not have a very large vacation budget. The beaches here are located on the banks of the canals. The cost of a night in such a place with breakfast ranges from 50–70 EUR:
- Panorama Bungalos Resort El Gouna,
- Arena Inn Hotel,
- Davar El Omda.
Food
El Gouna's cafes and restaurants provide travelers with European service, world cuisines, entertainment, belly dancing and music performances. By Egyptian standards, food in El Gouna is expensive. On average, 20-25% more expensive than in neighboring Hurghada. You need to calculate at least 30 EUR for lunch or dinner for two.
But there are pluses among all this. Restaurants are located on the embankments with stunning views, terraces everywhere, where it is pleasant to meet the sunset. Hookah lovers choose soft poufs with low tables. Every day you can go to a new place and get acquainted with a new cuisine.
Taxi
Like everything else in the elite resort, taxis are somewhat more expensive here than in other cities in Egypt. Here is a good example: a trip from Hurghada to El Gouna will cost 10 EUR, and back 13 EUR. All because the taxi drivers are very cunning. If a person is resting at an elite resort, then more money can be taken from him.
On El Gouna, you only need a taxi at night. If you are returning from a club or bar to a hotel. At night, taxi drivers also like to inflate prices, since you don't have much choice. And there are not many taxi cars themselves.
During the day, as a rule, there is a free shuttle from each hotel to the city center. They run several times an hour, which is very convenient for trips to the city.
There are also many tuk-tuk in El Gouna. Just look how funny they are! Each driver considers it his duty to decorate his car in a special way. It is difficult to meet two identical tuk-tuk.
This is a very common way of getting around. They drive around the city like crazy. The drivers will tell you their whole life in an incomprehensible language, will amuse you with incomprehensible anecdotes in English and will drive you to your goal as quickly as possible. Usually a trip around the city costs about 0.5 EUR.
Excursions
In El Gouna, you can buy all the same excursions as in Hurghada. There is one but: it will cost a little more.
Conclusion
As it becomes clear, it will not be possible to save money in El Gouna. Therefore, initially, choosing this piece of paradise for a trip, consider the local prices. Yes, you pay extra for everything, but this vacation is a bit different than in other resorts in Egypt. Our compatriots are in many ways repelled by the high cost of El Gouna. Therefore, there are very few Russians here.
Life hack. There is one option to save a little on excursions. A bit, but nonetheless.Go by bus to Hurghada (1 EUR) and buy tours already there at tourist offices.
Major attractions. What to see
El Gouna is an artificially created green oasis in the desert. It is not for nothing that it is called the Egyptian Venice. The whole city is permeated by canals.
I advise you to see El Gouna both from the water side, that is, from a boat or boat during a boat trip, and to walk on foot. Although the city is small, and you can go around it all in five hours, there is something to see. You don't need a guide. Just take the shuttle from your hotel and drive to the city center.
Top 5
Among the variety of attractions, I will single out the most interesting:
- View point,
In the sections below, I'll tell you more about each location.
Beaches. Which is better
Each hotel has free cars that take tourists to the resort's beaches. Except for those located on these very beaches. Therefore, if your hotel has no access to the sea, this is not a problem at all. Drive from anywhere in the city for about 10-15 minutes. And swimming in the canals is quite comfortable.
On the map above, I marked the main beaches.
Zeytouna Beach
The most visited beach in El Gouna. The entrance costs about 2 EUR. It is located on an island with a developed infrastructure. Restaurants, cafes, volleyball court, souvenir shops - everything is at your service.
There is no need to pay for the use of lazhaki and umbrellas. The only thing is to take a towel with you. The entrance to the water is shallow, the coast is shallow. Ideal for children.
Mangroovy Beach
You do not need to pay to enter this beach. Here you can not only sunbathe (sun loungers and umbrellas are free), but also have a snack in bars or restaurants. The delivery of dishes is carried out by the waiters directly to the table by your sun lounger.
In the evenings, the beach often hosts barbecues and parties with music and outdoor performances. Leisure activities include beach volleyball and football, kitesurfing and windsurfing. There are many surfers on this beach as the wind blows constantly
Churches and temples. Which are worth visiting
El Gouna Mosque
Located next to the Steigenberger Golf Resort El Gouna. This is a very interesting building in terms of architecture. It is a rectangle of irregular shape. By tradition, the facade of the mosque is facing towards Mecca.
Three semicircular niches in the wall serve as a decoration. Interestingly, the prayer rooms are separated by arcades. They are supported by 378 columns brought from the site of the ruins of Roman buildings. They did not save on the construction of the mosque. From the outside, the building looks very ornate thanks to the intricate carvings.
It is difficult to get inside, as in all mosques. You need to have special clothing that covers all exposed areas of the body.
Museums. Which are worth visiting
Historical Museum
The Historical Museum, it seems to me, is a must-see. Here are kept exact copies and originals of artifacts from the period of the pharaohs.
Muffled national music sounds in the building, and this allows you to immerse yourself in the history of Egypt. The entrance costs only 0.5 EUR. Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 17:00.
Parks
El Gouna itself is one large green park in the middle of the desert.
Walking around the city among flowering trees and palms will give you pleasure and create a special mood.
Tourist streets
The tourist center of El Gouna is the island of El Kafr. Tourists are brought here for free on boats and boats from all over the city. Here you can spend the whole day walking along the narrow, picturesque streets with arched vaults, taking endless photos of courtyards and neighboring islands.
Here you can visit the Historical Museum, the observatory. Dine at one of the fine dining options before heading to the Club House for a relaxing treatment.
What to see in 1 day
If you come to El Gouna for just one day, then you can have time to take a quick look at the city. I advise you to come here as early as possible, around 9 am. Below, as an example, I have made a plan for how you can organize your day.
The starting point is the bus station, to which all tourists from neighboring cities are brought. Nearby there is a supermarket where you can buy inexpensive water and the necessary little things. So the route:
Unfortunately, this is where the program ends. Don't miss the last bus leaving from El Gouna Central Station at 6:00 PM.
What to see in the vicinity
There are many interesting places in Egypt that you need to see at least once in your life. I will offer a list of the most significant, in my opinion.
Desert Breath
This installation is located half an hour from El Gouna (10 kilometers). The spectacle is amazing, it is unlikely that something like this can be seen anywhere else. In fact, these are two giant spirals, consisting of 178 sand cones. The installation area is about 100 square meters. Here you can walk around the bizarre figures for a long time. Feeling as if you are on the set of some fantastic movie. Only around - not a soul.
In general, in order to fully experience the scale of this structure, it is better to look from the air. Travel agencies organize helicopter flights over the desert. As for the cost, you need to check with the managers, since the helicopters can accommodate a different number of people. The fewer the seats, the more expensive the flight will be.
How to get there
This attraction is usually reached by taxi (about 15 EUR).
Monastery of St. Anthony and Monastery of St. Paul
These monasteries can be viewed in one trip. They are located about 75 kilometers from El Gouna.
It is interesting that the monastery of St. Anthony, founded in 356, is still active. Today it is home to over 70 monks.
Anyone can be on the territory, but you need to avoid too short skirts and shorts.
I already wrote about how to get to Hurghada above.
El Mina Masjid
The main mosque of Hurghada. It is hard not to notice it: two 40-meter minarets are visible from the city center.
Initially, the walls were snow-white. But the winds blowing from the desert turned them dirty brown in a short time. The government immediately decided to paint the walls beige to make the building look more spectacular. The mosque looks especially beautiful in the light of evening lanterns.
Show "One Thousand and One Nights" in Hurghada
In the evening, you can go to Hurghada for an enchanting show, which is held in a real palace. It is also a hotel. The ticket costs about 15 EUR.
Here you can also rent a room and plunge into an oriental fairy tale for a while. A night at the Alf Leila Wa Leila Hotel will cost 100 EUR on an all-inclusive basis.
Pyramids
It is difficult to find a person who has been to Egypt and did not see the pyramid. They are one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The only survivor to our time.
Don't forget to bring your sunscreen and a hat, as the desert sun beats down mercilessly. The wind is also often blowing, so the sand can fly right in the face. It is better to take a shawl or scarf with you so that in a gust of wind you can cover your eyes and face.
How to get there
To see the pyramids, you need to get to Cairo. The path is not close - 450 kilometers. You will say that it is far and it will take a long time to go. That is why I advise you to take a direct flight -. An hour on the road plus 70 EUR for tickets and you are in Cairo. From there to the pyramids - a stone's throw.
Nearby islands
There are a dozen small islets near the coast. Many boast white sand and clear water. Still, it seems to me that people go there to sunbathe and swim in solitude. The islets are much less crowded than the hotel beach. Plus, this is an interesting mini-trip. I advise you to choose at least one and visit it.
You can arrange with the locals at the pier to take you to the island and pick you up at the appointed time. Or you can go on a big boat for 15-30 passengers by purchasing a ticket. It will be cheaper than hiring a small boat. But such boats do not go to all islets.
Giftun
Located very close to Hurghada. In fact, these are two islands - Big and Small Giftun. The first is of greater interest.
There is no vegetation here at all, but what kinds! Blue sea, yellow sand and azure sky. You also need to take a snorkeling mask with you. The coral reef with colorful fish is simply mesmerizing.
How to get there
If you do not want to be dependent on boat schedules, then hire a private small boat. Agree with the driver and he will pick you up whenever you want. On average, it will cost 15–20 EUR. Travel time directly depends on the speed of your chosen vehicle. It can range from 40 minutes to an hour.
Tawila island
An hour's yacht or boat ride from El Gouna is the uninhabited island of Tawila. White sand, crystal water, rich underwater world and, perhaps, not a soul around - this is how you will see this piece of paradise.
You should take food and drinks with you, as you will not find any cafes on Tawila.
How to get there
Usually you can find a free boat with a navigator at the El Gouna pier and arrange a trip with him.
Food. What to try
Egyptian cuisine is very specific. To be honest, the national dishes not only did not attract me, but rather pushed me away. As an example, I will give a few of the most popular.
Kushari
It is a mixture of pasta, spaghetti, rice, chickpeas and lentils in tomato sauce.
There are too many ingredients in my opinion. And yet we are used to eating them separately.
Ful
This dish, like kushari, does not look aesthetically pleasing at all. The beans are stewed in oil with lemon juice, and a lot of spices are added at the end.
Pigeon
Oh, these Egyptian delicacies ... Another masterpiece of national cuisine is a pigeon carcass stuffed with rice. I don’t know about you, but I was simply not mentally ready to eat a pigeon. As I was told, these birds are bred on special farms. It didn't make me feel any better.
Conclusion
As you can see, Egyptian cuisine is not exactly what we are used to seeing on our tables. For this reason, the city has a large number of Italian, French and Chinese restaurants. It is in them that tourists gather.
As an exception, I advise you to try the Umm Ali dessert. Ground almonds, raisins, coconut, puff pastry, drenched in milk and sugar. All this mixture is baked in the oven, poured over with whipped cream, sometimes sprinkled with nuts and served. This dessert is really delicious.
Every girl going on vacation has an outfit for a special occasion in her suitcase. Dinner in a trendy hotel restaurant could be such an occasion.
Mövenpick Resort & SPA. I will write about him in more detail in the section on expensive establishments. Fish dishes and seafood are a must try.
Budget
There are few cheap cafes in El Gouna, but they are still there. I would advise looking for establishments that offer lunch and dinner buffets to guests.
La Cantina
This is exactly the place where you can eat everything without restriction for 13 EUR. The choice of dishes for such a price is very diverse. First courses, meat, side dishes, sweets and fruits - it is simply unrealistic to leave hungry.
Zomba
Here you need to order dishes from the menu. A hearty lunch will cost 10 EUR. This cafe is very popular with kiters. By the way, each table has an outlet, if you suddenly need to charge the gadget. And another nice bonus is free Wi-Fi.
Middle level
The bill will depend on how much food you order. If two people choose one meal and one drink, the bill will be no more than 30–35 EUR. It also plays a role if you order alcohol or water / juice.
3nd Sokrat Restaurant
Lovely cafe with a cozy atmosphere, friendly waiters and excellent pizza.
7th star
The specialty of this restaurant is fondue.
Three types of this dish are served here - cheese, meat and chocolate.
Le garage
Dedicated to all fast food lovers. Order juicy burgers, salads and cold soups.
Puddleduck Bar & Restaurant
Nice place for lunch or dinner. The menu card includes dishes from Chinese, Indian and European cuisine.
Snack shack
Live music is played in the restaurant in the evenings. Delicious coffee is also brewed here.
Expensive
Decent restaurants abound in El Gouna, despite the fact that the city is small. Vacationers are offered haute cuisine from around the world. Here you can enjoy Italian, French, Persian and Mediterranean cuisine.
El Sayadin
Fish restaurant at Mövenpick Resort & SPA. You need to visit this place at least once. All fish presented on the menu are morning catch. The freshest seafood and desserts deserve special attention.
An average bill for two with wine will cost from 80 EUR. Naturally, it all depends on your appetite. You can come to the restaurant for lunch from 12:30 to 15:30 or for dinner from 18:30 to 22:00.
Upstairs Restaurant
In addition to many gourmet dishes, guests especially note the excellent hookah. I don’t smoke it, but if you like to sit in a cozy atmosphere with a hookah and a teapot of mint tea, then you should try it.
The average bill is about 50 EUR for two.
Le deauville
A restaurant serving French cuisine with a subtle Egyptian touch. In many ways, food gets a new taste due to certain spices and dried seasonings. Count on an account of about 50 EUR.
Chez chantal
Favorite restaurant of all meat eaters. The local chef prepares delicious steaks for guests. There is also seafood on the menu.
And it's especially nice that the portions in the restaurant are quite large by Egyptian standards (in general, Egyptian restaurants serve small dishes, that is, you can overpower salad and meat with a side dish, and then think about dessert). The steak will cost 13-15 EUR.
La Rottesserie
This is the same restaurant in the observation tower, which I already wrote about. Prices are not very high here, but the place is unusual. Get out here for lunch. Prices don't really bite here. For 30 EUR you can order two main courses and soft drinks.
Holidays
There are no special "local" holidays in El Gouna. Most of the residents celebrate religious Muslim dates. However, they are not spectacular. Religion for Muslims is intimate. They go to the mosque, where the main action takes place.
For you and me, tourists, the Egyptians arrange the brightest holiday in honor of the New Year. The love of Russians for this date has been known to the locals for a long time. Therefore, artificial spruce trees are erected for us, palm trees, shop windows, main streets are decorated.
Of course, every hotel strives to create a festive atmosphere in the halls and restaurants. In general, I liked the New Year in El Gouna. A decorated Christmas tree surrounded by palm trees looks very unusual. Restaurants, bars and clubs offer holidaymakers to spend New Year's Eve. Concerts, banquets, drawing of prizes and gifts are arranged.
However, a small nuance: I did not notice much fun either in the restaurant or in the club. Basically, everyone eats and communicates with each other. I did not catch any festive atmosphere. Well, it was not so important to me. The main thing is that the New Year has come, a warm wind is blowing outside, and the morning will begin with a lazy rest on the beach near the Red Sea with a fruit cocktail from the local bartender. What else can you dream of?
Safety. What to watch out for
I already wrote that El Gouna is a closed resort. There is a checkpoint at the entrance to the city. Security guards open the gate only for taxis, tourist and regular buses. Locals will only be allowed to travel further upon presentation of a reservation at the hotel. It is a different matter if you are the owner of a property in El Gouna. In this case, everyone has a special ID that serves as a pass to the city.
All these measures may seem too strict, but this is done only for the safety and comfort of vacationers. Already in the first days of your stay in the city, it becomes obvious that it is absolutely safe around.
However, this does not mean at all that you can walk with open bags and sparkle with expensive jewelry. The fact is that the Egyptians for the most part are not very rich people. Therefore, you shouldn't show all your jewelry. Also, you do not need to take expensive cameras, cameras and phones to the beach if there is no one to look after them.
About shopping: never get all the money in stores at the checkout. There is no need to show that you have full pockets of money. This will at least irritate the locals. It is better to sort the bills right away, and then there will be no problems when paying.
You should also pay attention to the sun. Our skin is not used to so much UV light. Therefore, a protective cream should always be with you. This is especially true in the daytime, when the sun is most aggressive (from 11:00 to 14:00). It is better to buy a cream before your trip, as in El Gouna the prices for sunscreens are too high (from 15 EUR). And for the most part they are unknown firms.
If you go for a walk, take a cap or hat. Sunstroke is very easy to get here. Because of the wind, it seems that the sun is not heating so much, but this is a big delusion. Also, drink more water. The body will thank you!
Things to do
El Gouna has a wide range of entertainment, ranging from extreme to romantic.
Golf
You don't have to be an avid gambler to hit the golf course. There are many instructors working here to help you understand the intricacies of the game.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to orientate on prices, since I am not a fan of this sport and have not played golf. On the website of the hotel, on the territory of which the course is located (Steigenberger Golf Resort), all prices are on request. Therefore, if you are interested, you should clarify everything on the spot.
Diving
The Red Sea is amazingly beautiful. Coral reefs, marine life of the most incredible colors - all this is worth seeing with your own eyes. There are several schools in El Gouna where you can get training and then dive to the sunken ships.
If you have never dived, then you need to take courses for beginners. The prices are as follows:
- courses (4 days) - 300 EUR,
- equipment (1 day) - 20 EUR,
- immersion - 45 EUR.
Submarine
If diving is too expensive for you, then you can see the incredibly beautiful seabed from the porthole of a mini-submarine. She dives to a depth of 25 meters. This tour can be bought from travel agencies. Unfortunately, I can't guide you on prices.
Sailing yacht
This is a very enjoyable experience! Ride on a snow-white yacht or boat towards the waves along the canals or in the open sea ...
These trips typically include lunch on board and snorkeling at the coral reefs. The cost of such entertainment is about 50 EUR.
Cinema Renaissance Cinema Complex
You can spend a wonderful evening at the cinema. Sessions start at 18:00, 21:00 and 00:00. All films are shown in English. The cinema has two halls, one of which is located in the open air.
The Alladin Casino
You can try your luck at a local casino. In addition to games, you can enjoy a snack or a refreshing drink at the bar. There is no strict dress code, but it is better to give up beachwear. The entrance is open to anyone over 18 years of age. Of course, no one will demand your passport, but you definitely don’t need to take your children with you.
Library
Would you say it's boring? But no! The library in El Gouna looks completely different than you imagine. It is pleasant to walk through the halls here, and if you want, you can sit in the reading room in the fresh air. There is a fountain in the courtyard. In the halls of the library, films about the history of Egypt are shown. If you are in no rush, be sure to check it out. The entrance costs within 3 EUR.
Shopping and shops
For souvenirs, oriental spices, hibiscus tea, go to the gallery Souk El-Balad (Souk El Balad)... It is pleasant to wander through the narrow streets under the arched vaults. Sellers are not particularly intrusive, but if you decide to buy something, then bargain. After shopping, sit in cafes, which are abundant here.
Another shopping gallery is called El-Khayamiya(El Hayamiyah)... In addition to the standard set of all kinds of souvenirs, you can buy oriental-style clothes on the market.
For paintings, figurines and other works of artists and sculptors, you should go to the area called Art Village (Art Village)... In shops and studios, you can choose a truly unique item that will refresh the interior of your apartment.
Bars. Where to go
El Gouna has a large selection of bars to suit all tastes. The fun usually starts right after sunset. The administration of each institution develops an entertainment program, performances by musicians, DJs. There is a lot of competition, so all bars try to surprise visitors and leave a positive impression of the time spent.
I will highlight some of the most famous bars in the city:
- Peanuts bar... The "trick" of the bar is that no matter what you order, there will be a basket of peanuts on your table - a compliment from the establishment.
- The bartender bar... There is a large selection of imported and local alcoholic beverages.
- Aurora... The famous marina bar. Discos are held on weekends.
- Palm Cafe... Karaoke lovers will appreciate this bar. In the evenings, the dancers entertain the guests with oriental dances, and towards the night the DJ starts working.
- Sand bar... Live music sounds here on Saturdays, and various shows on weekdays.
Clubs and nightlife
There are some really good clubs in town.
As a rule, they work every day, but the best time to visit is Thursday, Friday and Saturday:
- Dupot... By day it is a beach club with poolside music, colorful cocktails at the bar and a relaxed crowd. After the sun goes down in the hall, light and music is turned on, and the DJ begins to spin the records.
- Arena... Club on the territory of the Arena Inn hotel. It is very popular among our compatriots. In summer, parties are held exclusively in the open air.
- Nicht club pharaon... Fresh European hits are always heard here. Decent audience and pretty decent cocktails.
- Angels... Disco with good music.
Extreme sports
Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift
Local alcohol
El Gouna produces wine and beer. Since prohibition prevails in Egypt, alcohol cannot be found on the free sale. If you want to try what is produced in the factories of the city, order local wine or beer in a cafe or restaurant. Better yet, ask them to bring a closed bottle and bring it home as a gift or as a souvenir of a wonderful holiday at an unusual resort.
Spices
They can be bought on the market and will have rich aromas and tastes. You can save money by taking seasonings in the store. But, according to the sellers in the bazaar, the spices are completely different, and their quality leaves much to be desired. Every seller praises their product, and this is understandable. How to proceed is up to you. But saffron (for example) will be a great gift for your loved ones. And in his own kitchen, he will not be superfluous.
I will not write in detail about endless charms and magnets, hookahs and oils. All this can be bought at any store.
How to get around the city
Taxi. What features are there
There are many taxi drivers in El Gouna. You can catch a car right on the street. The cars themselves are painted black and orange. There are also cars of other colors, or just with "checkered" on the roof. In principle, there are no private traders.
A meter is installed in every car. But not all taxi drivers turn it on. Often you tell the driver the address, and he immediately announces the cost of the trip in response. In this case, you need to know the approximate price in advance, because Egyptian taxi drivers do not know the sense of proportion. Believing that tourists have no idea how much the trip costs, they say the amount is three times more. Even at times overstated, the cost will seem very low to you, but keep in mind that they are simply cashing in on you. Therefore, always ask to turn on the counter.
Roughly pricing:
- boarding costs about 0.30 EUR;
- each kilometer - 0.10 EUR;
- drive from Hurghada airport to El Gouna from 23 EUR (depending on the class of the car);
- from Hurghada to El Gouna - no more than 10 EUR;
- from El Gouna to Hurghada - 13 EUR.
- Firstly, the longer the car rental period, the lower the price will be.
- Secondly, the cost depends on the class of car you choose. But mostly companies offer economy and middle class.
- Thirdly, the equipment of the car and the type of gearbox also affect the cost. Mechanically operated cars are cheaper.
- Kia Picanto will cost 40 EUR per day,
- Renault Logan - 40 EUR per day,
- Hyundai Elantra - 50 EUR per day.
- AI 92 - 0.2 EUR,
- diesel - 0.15 EUR.
I usually advocate independent travel with a rented car. But in the situation with Egypt, I cannot advise you to rent a car.
Let me clarify the situation a little. To understand why the roads are in total chaos, and no one even thinks to follow the traffic rules, you need to go back to 1967. At this time, Egypt is defeated in the war with Israel, and the entire Sinai Peninsula is filled with refugees.
Colossal unemployment begins. In order to somehow contribute to the elimination of this problem, the traffic police decides to issue a driver's license to everyone. More precisely, to all those who have at least some idea of how to drive a car.
These people learned to ride with their IDs in their pockets. Naturally, many concepts such as turning on a turn signal, the right of priority passage, traffic signals, respect for other road users are generally not known. But what can I say, if the first traffic light in Hurghada appeared only in 2009. And pedestrians cross the road in any place they like, and some do it not alone, but with their camel, for example.
Now the government for some reason does not solve this problem. Perhaps he does not see a way out of this situation. If you take away the rights of all violators, then there will be no one to drive. I don’t know for what reason, but in my opinion all parties are happy. It seems that everyone has already adapted to this chaos: drivers are accustomed to the fact that at any site a person can go out onto the road, and pedestrians - to the fact that you need to quickly maneuver between cars.
I have visited many countries, especially in Asia, where the traffic on the roads leaves much to be desired. Where there are absolutely no conditions for pedestrians, where motorists are madly honking each other, braking sharply, shouting at each other from the windows, and passengers on the go jump into moving open minibuses. But the situation in Hurghada, El Gouna and the surrounding area was surprising to me.
In connection with all of the above, I can advise you to take a car only to those who are not alien to extreme driving, and to those who feel very confident on the roads. In any case, you need to understand what you are going to feel.
In El Gouna, I saw several rental companies. In order not to look for yourself, you can ask the reception at the hotel to help you, or order a car via the Internet and drive it straight from the airport.
Rent price
The rental price depends on several factors:
Something for example:
Business class cars are generally available on request.
You can see the options and prices on any other site-aggregator of offers.
Driving in Egypt is right-hand, as is customary for us. No additional documents, except for your driver's license and a copy of your passport, are required. You are provided with a car with a full tank of fuel; you must return it with a full tank too.
In November 2016, due to the depreciation of the pound, fuel prices in Egypt rose. However, in comparison with prices in Russia, and especially in Europe, Egyptian gasoline and diesel are cheap.
For example:
But, despite all these advantages, objectively assess your skills and the need for a car on vacation. If in doubt, use a taxi service. It is also inexpensive, but there will be no nervous situations. Local drivers in this traffic chaos feel like fish in water.
Ski vacation
The Jabal Serbal resort under construction is a sensation. Since 2013, various media have reported about the Egyptian government's ambitious plans to open the country's first ski resort.
A few years later, I again came across a small note about the construction of a complex on Mount Serbal. But nothing was said about when the resort would open to its first guests. And only recently I came across material that already in 2017 Jabal-Serbal began to receive tourists.
The Egyptian government did not economize on construction. The most modern equipment that produces artificial snow was purchased. Therefore, a dense snow cover is planned here almost all year round.
Flights- you can compare prices from all airlines and agencies!
Hotels- don't forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !
Rent a Car- also aggregation of prices from all distributors, all in one place, let's go!
Anything to add?
El Gouna, a resort 22 kilometers from Hurghada International Airport, is called the "Pearl on the Red Sea" and "The Venice of Egypt". The city, founded in 1990, was created in the likeness of Venice, covered with a network of artificially dug canals. All buildings in the city are located on islands and are made in the traditional colors of the desert - white, beige, brown. You can move around the city by minibuses and boats. There are no noisy streets and pesky Arabs, but there are golden beaches with emerald water and a gentle descent into the water, there is a wonderful golf club, the local port of Abu Tig Marina with luxury yachts and expensive restaurants, a free aquarium and a small historical museum. Not far from El Gouna is the most beautiful coral reserve - Mahmeya Island.
The city has long been chosen by European tourists - Germans, Poles, Dutch. The local population here is represented exclusively by service personnel, which makes this city safe compared to Hurghada, located half an hour away.
The advantage (and disadvantage) of rest in El Gouna is the sea: all the corals off the coast were cut down during the construction of the city, so the beaches are just ideal for families with young children, but snorkelers will have nothing to profit from. For divers, there is an opportunity to dive among the sunken ships, and corals have been preserved further from the coast. The main disadvantage of El Gouna rest is the high cost of hotels and restaurants, in comparison with other resorts of the Red Sea.
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How much does a vacation in El Gouna cost? August 2015.
tour cost
We flew for 2 weeks. All-inclusive 4 * hotel, the voucher cost about 50,000 rubles per person. The price included a sightseeing tour by boat through the canals of Egyptian Venice.
Booked an excursion to Luxor, $ 45 per person. From El Gouna to Luxor, the path is not close, so we also spent on water and snacks and shopping. All together came out about $ 150 (including shopping)
Food and groceries
A bottle of water costs half a dollar. Beer from two to 5 dollars, local. Karkade bargained for $ 4.5 per kilogram. The starting price is much higher. They call buyers, offering a kilogram for a dollar, such an advertising move. Oils $ 3-5 per bottle.
Souvenirs and other goods
The total price for magnets is $ 1-2. Initial, in the area of 4-5, you need to bargain. A rather large papyrus (100 * 50 cm) was bargained for 12 dollars, the starting price was 20. From asbestos, candlesticks are the cheapest at the airport at 3 dollars. Flowers in the region of $ 50 per bouquet.
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Location of El Gouna resort
30 km north of Hurghada on the Red Sea coast is the town of El Gouna, which is not like other resorts in Egypt.
El Gouna is often referred to as "Venice on the Red Sea" because most El Gouna hotels are built on small islands connected by bridges and canals. Small boats run along the canals between the islands, which give El Gouna its resemblance to Venice.
RECOMMENDED 3,4,5 STAR HOTELS IN EL GUNA RETURN TO EGYPT HOMEGetting around El Gouna resort
Guests of El Gouna use free minibuses and boats to move around the resort.
There are no high-rise hotels in El Gouna; instead, there are oriental-style houses. The most comfortable hotels in Egypt are in El Gouna. To services of tourists there are restaurants, cafes, a cinema, discos, a health center, an information and business center, a hospital, an aquarium, a go-kart and even an airport.
El Gouna offers guests:
Diving enthusiasts will find interesting finds in El Gouna - the largest shipwrecks in the Red Sea.
El Gouna was chosen by artists and photographers from all over the world. A special complex has even been built for them, which has become their home and workplace.
El Gouna is also a great success among wealthy Egyptians: their luxurious villas fit organically into the unified architectural plan of the city.
El Gouna's Heart- Kafr, built in the style of traditional Egyptian architecture.
El Gouna's special pride is its fashionable golf club, which is considered one of the best in the Middle East.
El Gouna is a chic and unique resort in Egypt, located 30 km north of Hurghada.
El Gouna resort is often called the "Egyptian Venice" for the special location of the tourist infrastructure on artificial islets surrounded by lagoons and canals. Previously, there were only sand dunes on the territory of the modern resort of El Gouna, but in the early 90s, the director of the Egyptian construction company Orascom decided to build an amazing corner of Venice on the Red Sea coast. The grandiose project was carried out by Michael Graves - the creator of Disneyland.
Now on the canals of El Gouna, small boats run, delivering tourists to their hotels, the center of the resort town and the main sea beach. In El Gouna, luxurious villas, modern hotels of various levels and hotel complexes, built taking into account the traditions of oriental architecture and maintaining the feeling of fabulousness and unreality of what is happening, are at the service of vacationers.
All El Gouna hotels have a common infrastructure, so guests of the resort can use minibuses and boats to move around the resort. A special service at the resort is the so-called Dinner Round - the possibility of replacing dinner at your hotel for dinner at any other El Gouna hotel with a small surcharge or vice versa a present, depending on the category of the hotel in which you are going to have dinner and the hotel in which you are staying.
At the service of vacationers in the resort there are restaurants, bars, shops and discos, information and business centers, a hospital, an aquarium, a go-kart and an airport for private planes and helicopters. The heart of El Gouna is the village of Kafr, built in the style of a national Egyptian village with an oriental bazaar and a shopping arcade. The pride of El Gouna is a fashionable golf club, considered one of the best in the Middle East.
Each island of El Gouna has one hotel and a private beach with coral reefs. All the beaches of the resort are sandy with a gentle entrance to the water, which is especially suitable for children. In addition, the resort has created other entertainment for children: numerous water parks, water slides and attractions. The atmosphere of a festive mood for children of all ages will be supported by animators with various show programs.
El Gouna is a true water sports paradise. The underwater world of the Red Sea with exotic coral reefs, sea fish and sunken historic ships attracts many lovers of the exquisite beauty of the underwater depths.
In the evening, El Gouna takes on a completely different look. Bright lights of night discos and clubs, cozy bars and restaurants are always glad to their guests. The El Arena Summer Disco in Kafr El Gouna is the most popular nightclub on the Red Sea and the largest outdoor disco in Egypt.
Rest in El Gouna means sun, sea and vivid impressions from the fabulous East.
The Egyptian resort of El Gouna has grown over 30 years literally from scratch and has become, perhaps, the embodiment of a tired traveler's dream of an oasis in the desert. Due to the many canals that divide the city into separate islets, El Gouna is often compared to Venice.
In fact, here you can learn the features of Italy and Greece, touch the traditional architecture of Nubia, which is not surprising - architects from different countries worked on the resort project.
It is also understandable that El Gouna seems to be a fairytale city: Michael Graves, whose architectural solutions are used by Disneyland, had a hand in the project.
What happened in the end? A luxurious place for a family vacation - solid, cozy, surrounded by greenery. In other words, a paradise for those seeking tranquility and comfort. Read about all the benefits of families with children in El Gouna in our article.
El Gouna on the map of Egypt
The city of El Gouna is a young resort on the Red Sea coast, on the territory of the Red Sea province, the administrative center of which is Hurghada. The distance from El Gouna to Cairo is 432 km, to Giza - 431 km, to Luxor - 312 km, to Hurghada - 25 km.
The history of this resort is not similar to the history of the neighboring towns, which were once fishing villages or townships of oil workers. Even 30 years ago, on the place where El Gouna is located, there was nothing, only a narrow strip of coast, separated from the desert by the Etbay mountain range.
The management company that built the miraculous city on this shore simply calls it "Paradise on the edge of the desert."
Vacation with children
El Gouna on the map of Egypt could be marked in green: the resort is officially recognized as the most environmentally friendly city on the shores of the Red Sea, and in 2014 received an award from the international environmental organization Green Globe International. Isn't this a place all parents want to find to relax with their child?
This is just one of the many advantages of the resort - and here are the others.
Holidays in El Gouna will appeal to those who value comfort, peace and safety most of all.
There are upscale hotels, well-groomed territory, little noisy entertainment, almost no local residents, and the entrances to the city are guarded. At the resort, you can safely relax with your baby, without fear that his sleep will be disturbed by the disco next door.
El Gouna hotels for children have everything they need, so kids and adults alike enjoy the trip. Baby cots and high chairs are waiting for toddlers, playgrounds and children's pools for older children.
Every day animators come up with entertainment for children, and parents have the opportunity to relax and take time for themselves.
Unlike other Egyptian resorts, El Gouna hotels hardly use the all-inclusive system. Eating outside the hotel is more like the tradition of European resorts, since El Gouna's restaurants are solid and unlike one another.
The resort's hotels are built on the banks of the canals, and therefore you have to get to sea beaches by buses and boats... Nevertheless, children come to El Gouna for a classic lazy beach holiday. So that sunbathing does not get bored, you can take diving or kitesurfing lessons at one of the training centers.
El Gouna's downside - oh lack of children's entertainment outside the hotels and a very modest excursion program... For entertainment, they usually go to neighboring Hurghada, and to see the sights of Egypt, you will have to plan a trip to Cairo, Giza or Luxor.
When is the best time to go
As in other resorts in Egypt, the season in El Gouna lasts all year. Most tourists come here in spring and autumn, when there is no extreme heat, and you can relax on the beach.
There are many holidaymakers in winter: this is an ideal time for excursions, and even if the water in the sea seems cool, there will always be heated pools at hand. There are those who spend their summers in El Gouna without being intimidated by the hot breath of the desert.
Therefore, the concept of "season opening" does not exist in El Gouna. The resort's hotels are always full, but since the town itself is small and the territory is spacious enough, there is no feeling of being crowded.
When is the best time to go to El Gouna? If you want to sunbathe and swim in the sea, you need to come to the resort in April-June or September-October. For excursions, the period from November to March is suitable. well and the warmest sea is in summer and autumn.
Weather and climate
Despite the fact that El Gouna is located near Hurghada, the climate of these two popular resorts is slightly different. In El Gouna, even in July - August, when the heat reaches its maximum, the average temperature is + 33 ° С.
With low air humidity, heat is easily tolerated. Thanks to this climate, El Gouna is considered a year-round resort, although there is also a high and low season.
A good time to relax with your child comes in the middle of spring. The air temperature in April does not drop below + 25 ° С, and more often on the thermometers you can see + 27-30 ° С.
Vacationers are a little let down by the sea: for a long swim, the water is still cold. It is good to come to El Gouna with a baby at this particular time, before the heat gains momentum.
In May, the air warms up to + 30 ° С, sometimes it is hotter. If you can't imagine a vacation at the sea without swimming, then it is reasonable to plan a vacation in El Gouna for May: the water becomes very warm by this time.
Even at the beginning of June, you can come to this resort, although the air temperature is constantly kept at around + 33-35 ° С. But the rest of the summer is not suitable for family vacations - after all, the temperature + 35-37 ° С is not very comfortable. Freshness is not felt even at night: by the evening the thermometers barely drop to + 28-30 ° С.
In September, the picture hardly changes, but in October it gets a little colder. During the day, the temperature is kept within + 30-32 ° С, at night it freshens up to + 24 ° С. And given the fact that the sea in October remains luxuriously warm, October is not in vain called the time for a better holiday in El Gouna with children.
From November the weather becomes unpredictable. The days, as a rule, are still warm, although sometimes the temperature drops to + 20 ° С, but with sunset it gets noticeably colder - up to + 15-18 ° С.
From December to March, the resort experiences winter. This means that the temperature ranges from + 20 ° С to + 24 ° С during the day and from + 10 ° С to + 15 ° С at night. Since the second half of March, the thermometer almost never drops below + 25 ° С.
Rainfall at this resort is extremely rare, but the wind blows almost all year round - this is especially appreciated by windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Sea water temperature
The cold sea is not about El Gouna. In the resort, even in winter, the sea temperature is + 21-23 ° С, and in summer it can be + 29 ° С.
In spring, the water temperature in El Gouna is low by local standards. In April, the sea has time to warm up to + 23-24 ° С, in May up to + 25 ° С. In less hot resorts, such water would be called fresh milk, but in El Gouna, an even higher temperature is usually expected.
Already in June, the water at the resort warms up to + 26-27 ° С, and in July-August the temperature does not drop below + 28 ° С. The same water temperature is kept throughout September, and it happens that in October the sea keeps the temperature + 28 ° С.
In any case, until November, the water temperature is above + 25 ° C. By December, the sea cools down to + 22-24 ° С, and by the beginning of spring to + 21-22 ° С.
Nutrition
All inclusive in El Gouna hotels is the exception rather than the rule. More often, the resort offers half board or à la carte meals in hotel restaurants. This does not create any particular inconvenience, since there are excellent cafes and restaurants in El Gouna, including European cuisine.
There are also grocery stores at the resort, but if your baby still needs adapted nutrition, then it is better to bring it with you.
Transport
Public transport in El Gouna is very important: the distance from the city center to hotels, beaches and entertainment places can be up to 10 km. But instead of regular buses, shuttles, tuk-tuk and boats run around the resort.
Two shuttle routes link the center of El Gouna to the marina, and two lead to golf courses. Boats move along the canals, delivering vacationers to the beaches. You can check the timetable for minibuses and boats at the hotel.
Tuk-tuks in El Gouna are replacing taxis: this means of transportation can be hired for a few hours or for a day.
A single trip within the resort will cost 5-7 pounds, the cost of long trips must be negotiated with the driver. There is no discount on tickets for children.
Many people prefer to use e-bikes to get around El Gouna. The city has a unified Baddel rental system, you can rent a bike in large hotels and popular tourist places, the rental price starts from 25 pounds.
Intercity transport in El Gouna is poorly represented. From here you can get by bus to Hurghada or Cairo. Buses leave from the bus station in the city center.
