Hurghada

Red Sea Governorate, Egypt

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Hurghada, in Egypt's Red Sea Governorate, evolved from a modest fishing village founded around 1905 by Ababda fishermen near a natural harbor into the bustling capital and premier resort destination along the Red Sea coast, stretching nearly 40 kilometers with luxury hotels and marinas.

Oil discovery in 1913 spurred early growth, followed by royal development under King Farouk in the 1930s-1950s, but explosive tourism boomed from the 1980s through Egyptian and foreign investments, transforming it into a hub for windsurfing, kitesurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling amid vibrant coral reefs, and yachting around sites like the Giftun Islands. 

Today, it blends modern attractions such as the Hurghada Grand Aquarium, Hurghada Museum showcasing 2,000 regional artifacts from prehistoric to Islamic eras, lively souks, and desert excursions, drawing millions for its sunny beaches, clear waters, and proximity to ancient trade routes.​