Mention El Gouna to most people who live on Sinai as a possible weekend getaway destination, most haven’t been and would probably dismiss it as being too far for just a couple of days.

In fact, the ferry leaves Sharm 4 times a week to Hurghada and a bus every 20 minutes covers the 40 minute journey from Hurghada to El Gouna. So in fact, it’s not very far at all.

El Gouna has a totally different image to any of the other Red Sea destinations (see www.elgouna.com) being a city with maybe a more European feel with its cosmopolitan selection of hotels and dining, its true waterfront location and it being home to a Marina life that can match any of its European counterparts in style and facilities.

Nestled in the shadows of the Sienna Mountains every hotel is colour co-ordinated to blend and compliment the natural environment.  Buildings creep right to the water’s edge giving it a real on-water lifestyle. There are small island beaches to explore and endless water activities for visitors to take part in, from Kite Surfing, sailing and diving to just snorkeling and swimming in the clear blue waters.

Accommodation

As you’d expect, El Gouna has the usual suspects of international chains on offer in resort with rather attractive looking examples of Movenpick, Sheraton, Three Corners and Club Med Hotels.

If you’re looking for somewhere more intimate and to suit a lower budget then you could try the Ali Pasha Hotel 3* which is located in the Marina area with good access to nightlife and shopping  (from 280 LE two people double room. Contact tel. 065 358 0088 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ), the Captain’s Inn 3* (280 LE two people double room. Contact:  065 358 0170 / 171 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) located right on the Marina waterfront or the very colourful Turtle Inn 3* (from €18 online pp B&B, Contact: 065 358 0170 / 171,  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ), again with stunning Marina and sea views.  For divers and social life, it seems these are going to be the best options.

All of the accommodation options can be booked online, and have a separate pricing option for Egyptians and Residents. Click here to see all the accommodation options and book online. 

Getting There

From Sharm    Ferry to Hurghada with the International Fast Ferries Company

contact 02 749 8927 Cost Egyptians 90LE / Foreigners $40 US                  

          From Hurghada                   From Sharm

Sat               08:00                               18:00           

Mon              08:00                               18:00

Tues             08:00                               18:00 

Thurs            08:00                               18:00

Bus from Hurgharda – El Gouna:

The bus to/from downtown Hurghada takes approximately 40 minutes to reach El Gouna. It runs every 20 minutes from 06:20 AM till 24:00 midnight from Hurghada (07:00 AM till 01:00 AM from El Gouna) and costs LE 5 per person and per way. The journey is somewhat shorter to/from the airport but there is no direct public bus, only taxis or tour operators & hotel buses. With El Gouna Limousine (tourist standards), the taxi fare is a fixed price: LE 90 one way or LE 120 return. On public taxis from Hurghada (local standards), the fare must be negotiated and should be around LE 50. Please note that many hotels offer airport transfers, included in the price of direct bookings or against charge for guests who booked through a travel agency.