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How to choose the right region for your holiday in Egypt: Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam or El Alamein?
At first glance, Egypt seems like a simple destination: choose an All Inclusive hotel, pack your swimsuit and head for the sun. In reality, the region where you choose your hotel can completely change your holiday experience.
Hurghada – the balanced choice for your first holiday in Egypt
Hurghada is one of Egypt's most versatile tourist regions and, for that very reason, it is a good choice for travellers visiting the country for the first time.
One of its important advantages is the wide variety of hotels and beaches. There are family-oriented resorts, hotels with water parks, quieter properties for couples and hotels with convenient access to sandy beaches.
Who do we recommend Hurghada for?
Hurghada is especially suitable for:
- families with children;
- travellers visiting Egypt for the first time;
- groups of friends;
- travellers looking for a good balance between budget and hotel services;
- people who prefer easier access into the sea;
- those who want to combine resort time with excursions and activities.
For families with children, the beach should be checked just as carefully as the room or restaurant. Some parts of Hurghada have a gentle sandy entrance into the water, which can be much more practical for children than a hotel where access to deeper water is mainly from a pontoon.
Stella Makadi Beach Resorts 5*
Among the options available on Admiral.Travel, Stella Makadi Beach Resorts 5* stands out with a very good online rating.
It is an option worth considering for travellers who want an upper-category resort and prefer the holiday atmosphere of Makadi Bay.
One important detail: when you see “Hurghada” in an offer, always check the exact area of the hotel. Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh and central Hurghada offer different experiences even though they are marketed within the same tourist region.
View hotelWhen should you choose Hurghada?
Hurghada can be considered almost all year round, although spring and autumn offer, for many travellers, the most comfortable balance between sunshine, temperature and outdoor activities.
In winter, more attention should be paid to the hotel's location and exposure to wind. A good hotel in a more sheltered area may be a better choice than a spectacular resort that is highly exposed.
Sharm El Sheikh – for reefs, snorkelling and impressive resorts
If the main image that comes to mind when you think of Egypt is blue water, coral reefs and colourful fish, Sharm El Sheikh should be among the first options you consider.
Sharm El Sheikh is, however, a destination where the hotel's exact area matters enormously.
Naama Bay is suitable for those who want a promenade, cafés and a livelier atmosphere. Sharks Bay combines resorts with good access to the reef. Nabq offers large, spacious resorts but can be more exposed to wind during certain periods. Ras Umm el Sid is appreciated for snorkelling and its bays.
Who do we recommend Sharm El Sheikh for?
It is a very good choice for:
- snorkelling enthusiasts;
- diving enthusiasts;
- couples;
- travellers looking for 5* hotels and All Inclusive services;
- winter holidays, if a suitable bay is chosen;
- travellers who want to combine relaxation with evenings out.
Albatros Palace Resort Sharm 5*
In the Admiral.Travel selection, Albatros Palace Resort Sharm 5* stands out with a very good online rating and is one of the options worth considering when the main criterion is the overall quality of the resort rather than only the lowest available price.
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Sultan Gardens 5*
Other well-rated properties in Sharm El Sheikh include Sultan Gardens 5*, in Sharks Bay.
Cleopatra Luxury Resort 5*
Another well-rated property in Sharm El Sheikh is Cleopatra Luxury Resort 5*, in Nabq.
Pay attention to the beach and pontoon
One of the most common mistakes is choosing a hotel in Sharm based only on photos of the swimming pool.
On the Red Sea, check separately:
- whether there is direct access from the sand;
- whether access to the sea is from a pontoon;
- how long the pontoon is;
- whether there is a lagoon or an area suitable for children;
- how well the bay is protected from the wind.
A hotel that is excellent for snorkelling may be less practical for a family with a small child who wants to enter the water gradually.
Marsa Alam – for tranquillity, nature and one of Egypt's most beautiful underwater worlds
Marsa Alam has a different rhythm.
You do not come here primarily for promenades, shopping or nightlife. You come for the sea.
The region is known for its reefs, natural bays and very good opportunities for snorkelling and diving. In certain areas there are chances to see sea turtles, dolphins and impressive marine biodiversity.
It is also one of the regions where the hotel should be chosen very carefully. Resorts can be relatively isolated, which means that you may spend a large part of your holiday inside the resort complex.
Who do we recommend Marsa Alam for?
Marsa Alam is especially suitable for:
- couples;
- nature lovers;
- snorkelling and diving;
- travellers who have already been to Egypt and want something quieter;
- people who prefer more isolated resorts;
- travellers who do not need nightlife every evening.
It can also be an excellent choice for families, but the entrance into the water should be checked carefully. Some hotels have bays with gentle access, while at others the marine experience is more focused on the pontoon and reef.
Pickalbatros Sea World Resort 5*
Among the hotels available on Admiral.Travel for this area, Pickalbatros Sea World Resort 5* stands out with a very good online rating.
It is a good example of why, in Marsa Alam, we do not recommend choosing exclusively by price.
In a destination where the resort represents a very large part of the holiday, the quality of the hotel carries more weight than in a resort town where you can easily go out every day.
View hotelWhat should you check before booking?
In Marsa Alam, ask first about:
Beach. Is there a lagoon or a sandy entrance?
Reef. Can it be accessed directly from the hotel?
Pontoon. Is this the main way to access deeper water?
Distance. How long is the transfer from the airport to the hotel?
Resort concept. Is it focused on families, couples or quiet holidays?
El Alamein – another side of Egypt on the Mediterranean Sea
El Alamein should be considered separately from the other three regions.
Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam are Red Sea destinations. El Alamein is located on Egypt's Mediterranean coast, and the difference can immediately be felt in both the landscape and the style of holiday.
The main attraction here is the coastline with turquoise-toned water and light sandy beaches. The experience is closer to a premium Mediterranean holiday than to the classic Egyptian holiday built around coral reefs.
Who do we recommend El Alamein for?
El Alamein is interesting for:
- families;
- couples;
- travellers looking for premium hotels;
- those who have already visited Hurghada or Sharm and want to discover another side of Egypt;
- travellers for whom a sandy beach is more important than snorkelling;
- summer holidays.
Rixos Premium Alamein 5*
In the Admiral.Travel selection, Rixos Premium Alamein 5* is one of the properties with a very high online rating and is worth considering for a premium holiday on the Mediterranean coast.
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JAZ Viva Casa Maza / JAZ NEO Casa Maza 5*
Another well-rated option is JAZ Viva Casa Maza / JAZ NEO Casa Maza 5*.
Ghazala Alamein 5*
You can also consider Ghazala Alamein 5*, formerly Rixos Alamein.
In El Alamein, budget differences between hotels can be significant, and the 5* category alone does not tell the whole story. It is worth comparing the beach, location, meal concept, facilities and traveller ratings.
When should you choose El Alamein?
This is where one of the most important differences from the Red Sea appears: El Alamein is primarily a warm-season destination.
For a classic summer holiday, El Alamein can be an excellent option. For a holiday in the middle of winter, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh or Marsa Alam are generally more logical choices for travellers mainly looking for sunshine and swimming in the sea.
Hurghada vs Sharm El Sheikh vs Marsa Alam vs El Alamein – quick comparison
| Region | Especially suitable for | Sea | Atmosphere | Snorkelling | Families | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurghada | First holiday, families, value for money | Red Sea | Active and varied | Good | Very good | Almost all year |
| Sharm El Sheikh | Reefs, couples, snorkelling | Red Sea | Resorts + lively areas | Excellent | Very good if you choose the right beach | Almost all year |
| Marsa Alam | Nature, tranquillity, diving | Red Sea | Relaxed and isolated | Excellent | Good in the right hotel | Almost all year |
| El Alamein | Beach, summer, premium holiday | Mediterranean Sea | Modern, summery | Not the main advantage | Very good | Mainly the warm season |
Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam and El Alamein
Which region should you choose depending on your travel style?
Visiting Egypt for the first time?
Hurghada is probably the simplest choice. You have a wide variety of hotels, beaches and budgets and can more easily understand what type of Egypt holiday suits you.
Travelling with small children?
Compare Hurghada and El Alamein first, followed by hotels in Sharm El Sheikh with beaches and bays suitable for families.
Do not assume that a 5* hotel automatically has a beach suitable for small children.
Want excellent snorkelling?
Start by comparing Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam.
Sharm has the advantage of more developed tourist infrastructure and several different leisure areas. Marsa Alam offers an experience closer to nature and a quieter pace.
Want peace and quiet?
Marsa Alam is the first region worth considering.
It is one of the most suitable choices if your idea of a holiday means the sea, a book, snorkelling and quiet evenings at the resort.
Want a sandy beach and a Mediterranean summer atmosphere?
It is the most different alternative of the four and should be considered especially for holidays during the warm season.
Want a winter holiday in Egypt?
Start with Sharm El Sheikh, but check the exact bay where the hotel is located. Hurghada and Marsa Alam remain options, although exposure to wind and the configuration of the beach become particularly important criteria.
How to choose a hotel in Egypt: the rating matters, but it is not enough
One of the common mistakes is choosing a hotel based only on its star rating.
Two 5* hotels in Egypt can offer very different experiences.
For a more suitable selection, check the following in this order:
- 01
Region – does it match the type of holiday you want?
- 02
Beach – sand, reef, lagoon or pontoon?
- 03
Rating and recent reviews – what do travellers say about cleanliness, food and service?
- 04
Hotel location – is it isolated or close to areas where you can go out?
- 05
Meal concept – All Inclusive and Ultra All Inclusive can mean different things from one hotel to another.
- 06
Facilities for children – water park, pools, kids club and beach.
- 07
Season – the same hotel can be very good during one period and less suitable during a windier season.
The online rating is a very useful filter, but it needs to be interpreted together with the traveller's profile.
A couple who snorkels every day may appreciate a hotel enormously because of its reef. A family with a three-year-old child may have a completely different experience if access to the sea is mainly from a pontoon.
What about the budget?
There is no region that is always “the cheapest”.
Prices change depending on the period, flight availability, length of stay, hotel, room type and meal plan.
Instead of automatically choosing the offer with the lowest price, compare what you receive for the difference in price.
Sometimes a difference in budget can mean a much better beach, renovated rooms, more varied food or a hotel with a significantly higher rating. At other times, the difference may be explained by facilities you will not even use.
Mistakes to avoid when choosing a region and hotel in Egypt
Choosing only by price. A cheap hotel is not a saving if it does not match the way you want to spend your holiday.
Choosing only by the number of stars. Ratings and recent reviews may tell you more about the actual experience.
Not checking the beach. In Egypt, this is one of the most important criteria.
Ignoring the wind during winter holidays. The area and specific bay can matter a great deal.
Choosing Marsa Alam and then looking for nightlife. The region's strength is exactly the opposite: nature and tranquillity.
Treating El Alamein as if it were Sharm El Sheikh. They offer different experiences, including in terms of climate and seasonality.
Assuming that “All Inclusive” is identical everywhere. Check exactly what is included in the concept of the hotel you choose.
Conclusion: which region of Egypt is the right fit for your holiday?
There is no single region of Egypt that is the right choice for everyone.
Hurghada is the balanced choice and is very suitable for families and a first trip to Egypt.
Sharm El Sheikh is one of the strongest options for snorkelling, reefs and well-developed resorts.
Marsa Alam is the choice for travellers looking for nature, tranquillity and an authentic marine experience.
El Alamein is the Mediterranean alternative, particularly interesting for summer holidays, sandy beaches and premium hotels.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about choosing a region in Egypt
Which region of Egypt is suitable for families with children?
Hurghada is one of the most versatile choices thanks to the large number of resorts and options with family-friendly beaches. El Alamein is very interesting for summer holidays, while in Sharm El Sheikh the hotel and type of access to the sea should be chosen carefully.
Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh?
Choose Hurghada if your priority is a balanced holiday, the beach and a wide variety of hotels. Choose Sharm El Sheikh if snorkelling, reefs and the underwater world are more important.
Sharm El Sheikh or Marsa Alam for snorkelling?
Both are excellent. Sharm El Sheikh offers more infrastructure and more tourist areas, while Marsa Alam is quieter and more focused on nature and marine experiences.
Is Marsa Alam suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, but the hotel should be chosen according to the beach. Look for a resort with a bay or accessible entrance into the water, not only a beautiful reef reached from a pontoon.
El Alamein or Hurghada?
For a summer holiday with a Mediterranean atmosphere and sandy beaches, El Alamein is very interesting. For more seasonal flexibility, a wider variety of resorts and the classic Red Sea experience, Hurghada is more suitable.
Which region is suitable for a quiet holiday in Egypt?
Marsa Alam is one of the strongest choices. Resorts are generally more isolated and the holiday is focused on the sea, beach, snorkelling and relaxation.
Which region is suitable for a first holiday in Egypt?
Hurghada is a good starting point for most travellers. Sharm El Sheikh is an excellent alternative if reefs and snorkelling are priorities.
Does the hotel rating matter in Egypt?
Yes. It is recommended to compare ratings and recent reviews, not only the star classification. However, the rating should be considered together with the beach, location, services and profile of the resort.
