Red Sea resorts with year-round appeal

Egypt holidays

Egypt’s Red Sea coast suits travellers who want hotel facilities, warm conditions and time around the water. Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh and Marsa Alam are separate holiday areas, so airport and transfer planning must follow the resort.

Plan this holiday Flight only

Start here

Treat each Red Sea resort as its own route. A well-matched airport and transfer can matter as much as the hotel, particularly for Marsa Alam and outlying bays.

Where to stay

Choose the area before the hotel

Best for: All-inclusive choice and mixed-age groups

Hurghada and nearby bays

Hurghada has a large hotel base, while Makadi Bay, Soma Bay and El Gouna offer different resort environments. Check the exact area behind the broad Hurghada label.

Hurghada Airport serves the wider region. Transfer time depends on the named bay.

Plan a holiday to Hurghada and nearby bays

Best for: Resort stays, diving and winter sun

Sharm el-Sheikh

Hotels spread across several bays. Reef access, beach type and proximity to Naama Bay or other evening areas differ by property.

Sharm el-Sheikh Airport is the normal arrival point.

Plan a holiday to Sharm el-Sheikh

Best for: Quieter resorts and water-focused trips

Marsa Alam

The region is more dispersed and often chosen for reefs and a slower hotel-led stay. Off-site options may be limited.

Use Marsa Alam Airport where the package specifies it and check the road transfer to the exact hotel.

Plan a holiday to Marsa Alam

Which area suits you?

Holiday area	Best for	Arrival plan
Hurghada and nearby bays	All-inclusive choice and mixed-age groups	Hurghada Airport serves the wider region. Transfer time depends on the named bay.
Sharm el-Sheikh	Resort stays, diving and winter sun	Sharm el-Sheikh Airport is the normal arrival point.
Marsa Alam	Quieter resorts and water-focused trips	Use Marsa Alam Airport where the package specifies it and check the road transfer to the exact hotel.

When to travel

October to April

Milder daytime conditions are popular for winter sun. Evenings can feel cooler and wind can affect sea plans.

May and June

Temperatures rise and resort pools and beaches become the focus. Plan strenuous outings carefully.

July to September

Expect very strong heat. Hotel facilities, shade and an appropriate daily routine matter.

Airport plan: We match the resort to Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh or Marsa Alam Airport and show the transfer in writing. UK departure options vary through the year, so airport flexibility can improve the choice.

Match the stay to your plans

All-inclusive stays

Many hotels are resort-led. Food, drinks, restaurants and activities still vary significantly between plans.

Winter escapes

The cooler months can suit outdoor time, although wind, sea conditions and evening temperatures vary.

Snorkelling and diving

Choose a suitable area and insured operator. Access and activities depend on conditions, ability and local rules.

How long should you stay?

Duration	Works well for
7 nights	A straightforward resort week with one or two planned activities.
10 nights	More rest time around excursions or water activities.
14 nights	A slower winter break where the hotel and board plan carry the stay.

Choose the board basis deliberately

Board	Can suit	Check before booking
Bed and breakfast	Travellers staying near a reliable choice of restaurants.	Practical dining options and evening transport.
Half board	Guests planning daytime trips but returning for dinner.	Included drinks and meal times.
All-inclusive	Dispersed Red Sea resorts and hotel-led stays.	Water, snacks, à la carte limits and activity charges.

Before you ask for a quote

FCDO advice warns against travel to parts of Egypt. Check the exact resort, route and any excursion area instead of relying on the country heading.
Travel insurance must cover your activities and current advice.
Ask about beach access: some hotels use a jetty, reef platform or lagoon rather than a shelving sandy beach.

Related holiday ideas:All Inclusive Family Holidays Last Minute Holidays

Straight answers

Questions people ask

Which Egypt resort is best for a first holiday?

Hurghada offers a broad hotel range, Sharm el-Sheikh has established resort bays, and Marsa Alam suits a quieter, hotel-led trip. Your preferred airport, transfer tolerance and plans in the water help decide.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

Travel advice differs by region and can change. Read the current FCDO Egypt page for your exact destination and route, follow local guidance and use suitable insurance.

What does all-inclusive cover in Egypt?

It depends on the hotel. Check water, selected drinks, snacks, restaurant access and any activity charges in the written description.

Can families travel to Egypt in summer?

Packages operate, but summer heat can be severe. Consider the party’s heat tolerance, shade, air conditioning and the timing of any excursions.

Can I use the £49.99 deposit?

Yes, on our package holidays. The quote will name the organiser and set out the balance and cancellation conditions before booking.

Content reviewed 16/07/2026. Sources: Experience Egypt: Red Sea, FCDO travel advice for Egypt