El Gouna
Africa · Egypt
See also
Hurghada
Egypt27.25°N 33.82°E · 11 m
Sharm el-Sheikh
Egypt27.91°N 34.33°E · 1 m
Mount Sinai
Egypt28.53°N 33.97°E · 2,287 m
Luxor
Egypt25.68°N 32.65°E · 89 m
Dahab
Egypt28.49°N 34.50°E · 21 m
Overview
El Gouna is a self-sufficient resort town with a real town feel, unlike typical Egyptian resort enclaves. It offers a mix of modern and traditional architecture, plus a wide range of activities from diving to golf, and a lively nightlife scene.
Languages: Arabic
Why go?
El Gouna is a self-sufficient resort town with a real town feel, unlike typical Egyptian resort enclaves. It offers a mix of modern and traditional architecture, plus a wide range of activities from diving to golf, and a lively nightlife scene. The town is safe, walkable, and has over 100 restaurants and bars.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Most visitors arrive via Hurghada International Airport (HRG), about 30 minutes southeast by road. Some package tours include transfers; taxis are also available. El Gouna has a small airfield for private flights.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
Within the resort, taxis and shuttle buses are common. Many hotels offer free shuttles to nearby beaches and downtown areas. Walking is pleasant as the town is compact and connected by bridges over lagoons.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Temperatures are mild or warm throughout the year. Autumn and spring are the best times to visit; summer is scorchingly hot and during the winter strong winds are common.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
El Gouna has 20 hotels and resorts ranging from budget-friendly options like Cook's Club and Turtle's Inn to upmarket resorts like Mövenpick and Sheraton. Budget hotels start around LE 500-800 per night for double rooms. Booking ahead is recommended as this is a package-tourism destination.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Over 100 dining outlets offer Egyptian, Mediterranean, Asian, and international cuisine. Local specialties include Egyptian dishes like koshari and fresh seafood. Meal prices range from LE 100 for a main at budget spots like Zomba to LE 400-1200 at upscale steakhouses. The Dine Around Program allows hotel guests to eat at various resort restaurants.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
El Gouna is a hub for water sports: diving, kiteboarding, windsurfing, and snorkelling are popular. There are several dive centers offering PADI courses. On land, guests can enjoy an 18-hole golf course, tennis, go-karting, horse riding, and camel rides. The town also has a movie theater, a cultural center, and nightly entertainment at beach clubs.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
El Gouna is a safe destination patrolled by private security, even for lone female travelers. You can dress as you would in a Western country. Police and tourist police are based in Hurghada.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas of most hotels, but may be payable in guest rooms. Internet speed is generally adequate for basic browsing. Mobile coverage is good; Egyptian SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or in town.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Popular day trips include Hurghada (30 min), the ancient Roman quarries of Mons Claudianus and Mons Porphyrites, the ghost town of Umm el-Ḥuweiṭāt, and the desert monasteries of St. Paul and St. Anthony. Tour operators also offer trips to Cairo and Luxor.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From El Gouna, the nearest major destination is Hurghada, about 30 minutes southeast by road. Further afield, you can visit el-Quṣeir, the desert monasteries, or take a longer trip to Cairo or Luxor via tour operators.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Athena Greek Taverna
Greek cuisine.
Recorded price: mains LE 200-400
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Alex Safari El Gouna
Offer different safari tours by quad, buggy or jeep from El Gouna/ Hurghada/ Sahl Hasheesh/ Makadi Bay/ Soma Bay.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Art Village
Cafe, bar, shisha.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Azza Fahmy
Gold and silver jewellery designed by Egyptian designer Azza Fahmy. (facebook: AzzaFahmy)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
BestWay
Self service supermarket at Tamr Henna with a good selection and fresh meat every Thursday. They also have a branch at Abu Tig Marina.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Blue Brothers Diving
Common diving basis with Emperor Divers.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Buzzha Beach
About 300 m southeast of La Maison Bleue. Has a very flat coastline.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Cheers
For more alcoholic beverages.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Book ahead; package deals common. Budget double rooms from around LE 500-800.
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi in hotel public areas; paid in rooms. Good mobile coverage.
Health
International standard hospital with decompression chamber for diving emergencies. Pharmacies available.
Money
Credit cards accepted at most hotels and upscale restaurants; cash is needed for small purchases. ATMs available at several banks in town.
Safety
Very safe resort with private security; lone female travelers should feel comfortable. Dress is liberal.