Hurghada laying on the coast of the Red Sea is Egypt’s second largest city. Founded in the early 20th century, it has grown into a leading holiday resort and offers families a great opportunity for a really interesting holiday.

One of the main attractions locally is the aquatic life that lives of the coast here. The Red Sea hereabouts is home to some of the worlds finest underwater gardens which are famous as excellent diving locations. Because of the warm waters here, a wide variety of rare corals and fish can be found here some of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world. For this reason snorkelling and diving are two of the most popular sports locally. Glass bottom boats are also very popular, and offer those who can’t or don’t want to get their feet wet the chance to see much of the sea life that lives here.

Hurghada has three main areas, El Memsha the most modern region, El Dahar which is the oldest part of the city, and Sekalla home to many of the hotels and resorts many of which are located along the main road that runs through the town. Luxury 4 and 5 star hotels offer air conditioning and all mod cons to visitors, while more traditional Egyptian guest houses are also available. Hotels and restaurants locally offer a mix of western and Egyptian food so that there is something for every taste here too.

Taking a trip to Hurghada from the UK is easy as there are many companies offering package deals meaning you’ve a good chance of finding a really good deal. Flights take around 5 hours, and most package deals will include flight, hotel and transfer with some also including food and drink as well.

This is a vibrant and exciting holiday choice which is suitable for all age groups making it a really excellent choice for families. As well as the aquatic sports and sea-life, there are plenty of other things to do here too. The local museum and aquarium are worth a visit, and taking a safari will give you a chance to experience the vast open space of the desert. You can take the easy option and travel by jeep, or the slightly less comfortable but more traditional one where you travel by camel back.

Both Luxor and Cairo are within easy reach for day trips to see the popular tourist sights there, and there are lots of local islands to enjoy too. You can boat amongst Shadwan, Shaab el Erg, Umm Gammar and the others or enjoy snorkelling off their coasts as well as enjoying barbecues on the beaches of Gfitun in the sunshine which you’ll find here all year round.