Egypt, Hurghada, vs Sharm El Sheikh: Which is Better for You?

Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are two of the most popular destinations on the Red Sea coast of Egypt. Both offer stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a variety of activities for all kinds of travelers. But which one is better for you? In this blog post, we will compare the two cities in terms of four main aspects: beaches, nightlife, culture, and prices. Let’s see how they stack up against each other.

Beaches

Both Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh boast some of the best beaches in Egypt, with crystal clear water, soft sand, and colorful coral reefs. However, there are some differences between them. Hurghada has more than 40 km of coastline, with many public and private beaches. Some of the most popular ones are Old Vic Beach, Dream Beach, and Sahl Hasheesh Beach. Hurghada is also great for water sports, such as kite surfing, windsurfing, and parasailing.

Sharm El Sheikh has a smaller coastline but is more famous for its diving and snorkeling opportunities. The city is home to some of the most renowned dive sites in the world, such as Ras Mohammed National Park, Tiran Island, and Shark’s Bay. Sharm El Sheikh also has some beautiful beaches, such as Naama Bay, Nabq Bay, and Ras Um Sid, but they tend to be more crowded and expensive than Hurghada’s.

Nightlife

Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh have a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to suit every taste. However, Sharm El Sheikh is more famous for its party atmosphere, with international DJs, live music, and shows. Some of the most popular venues are Pacha, Space, and Hard Rock Cafe. Sharm El Sheikh also has a casino, a bowling alley, and a cinema.

Hurghada has a more relaxed nightlife scene with more local and oriental flavors. Some of the best places to enjoy a drink or a hookah are Papas Beach Club, White Beach, and Hed Kandi Beach Bar. Hurghada also has some nightclubs, such as Elements Club and Little Buddha, but they are less crowded and noisy than Sharm El Sheikh’s.

Culture

Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh have a rich and diverse culture, with influences from ancient Egypt, Bedouin tribes, Nubian people, and modern Arab society. However, Hurghada has more opportunities to experience authentic Egyptian culture than Sharm El Sheikh. Hurghada has a historical district called Dahar, where you can visit the old market, the mosque, and the fish port. You can also take a day trip to Luxor or Aswan to see some of the most impressive monuments of ancient Egypt.

Sharm El Sheikh has fewer cultural attractions than Hurghada, focusing more on tourism and entertainment. However, you can still visit exciting places like the Coptic Church, the Al Mustafa Mosque, and the Old Town Souk. You can also take a day trip to Cairo or Alexandria to explore the modern capital and the ancient city of Egypt.

Prices

Both Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are relatively affordable compared to other destinations in Europe or Asia. However, Hurghada is generally cheaper than Sharm El Sheikh regarding accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. You can find a decent hotel room in Hurghada for as low as $20 per night, while in Sharm El Sheikh, you will pay at least $40 per night. You can also eat a delicious meal in Hurghada for as low as $5 per person, while in Sharm El Sheikh, you will pay at least $10 per person. You can also save money on transportation in Hurghada by using local buses or taxis, while in Sharm El Sheikh, you will need to use private cars or shuttles.

The only exception is diving and snorkeling, which are more expensive in Hurghada than in Sharm El Sheikh. Hurghada has fewer dive sites and more demand than Sharm El Sheikh. You can expect to pay around $50 per dive in Hurghada, while in Sharm El Sheikh, you can pay as low as $30 per dive.

Conclusion

Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are unique destinations offering something for everyone. However, depending on your preferences and budget, you may find one more suitable. If you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday with more culture and fewer crowds, Hurghada is the place for you. If you are looking for a thrilling diving adventure with more nightlife and facilities, then Sharm El Sheikh is the place for you. Either way, you will have a memorable time on the Red Sea coast of Egypt.

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