El Gouna Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, activities to do, and cultural experiences to have in El Gouna. Learn about local customs, safety tips, and transportation options in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to El Gouna

Nestled on Egypt’s Red Sea Coast lies the picturesque town of El Gouna. Developed in the late 80s, the town was designed to be a self-sufficient holiday resort. Today, El Gouna is a popular destination for travelers worldwide. Boasting turquoise waters, warm sands, and sprawling views of the Eastern Desert mountains, the town offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

List of Places to Visit in El Gouna

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Ancient Sands Golf Resort. Built-in 1993, the resort offers a glimpse into the history of Egyptian civilization. Featuring an 18-hole championship golf course, Ancient Sands Golf Resort allows visitors to dine at the resort’s restaurants, which overlook the peaceful desert landscapes.

  • Basata. A cultural haven, Basata provides a unique experience combining cultural traditions with modern facilities. It offers a range of activities, including pottery classes, traditional music performances, and interactive encounters with local artists.

  • El Gouna Museum. The museum takes visitors on a tour of the region’s natural history, starting from prehistoric times and culminating in modern-day El Gouna. The exhibits showcase the town’s development, geology of the area, and its unique marine environment.

Natural Attractions of El Gouna: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • El Gouna Beaches. The town’s beaches are a haven for sun-seekers, with plenty of opportunities to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy a cold drink. The most popular beaches in El Gouna include Zeytouna Beach, Moods Beach, and Mangroovy Beach.

  • Safari Tour. Take the adventure off-road and experience the Eastern Desert of Egypt. Visitors can choose between private or group tours, which include unforgettable experiences like camel rides, sunset jeep safaris, and stargazing.

  • Kite Surfing. Known as the “Kitesurfing Capital of Egypt,” El Gouna offers an incredible opportunity to experience this thrilling water sport. With perfect wind conditions and a vibrant kite-surfing community, visitors can choose from a range of lessons or go-it-alone.

Hiking/Biking Routes of El Gouna

For travelers who wish to explore the town’s natural surroundings, hiking and biking are a must-do activity in El Gouna. With maintained trails and picturesque views, visitors can choose from the following routes:

  • El Gouna & Beyond. Explore the outskirts of El Gouna by bike, covering approximately 26 miles. The route leads through desert landscapes, picturesque dunes along the coast, and a breathtaking lagoon.

  • El Gouna Lagoons. Discover the network of lagoons that surround El Gouna while cycling approximately 12 miles. The view from this route is stunning, with a combination of turquoise lagoon views and coastal panoramas.

Best Things to Do in El Gouna: Activities and Tours

  • Red Sea Scuba Diving. With waters as warm as bathtub water and over 1,000 different species, El Gouna provides a perfect place for scuba diving enthusiasts. Several diving schools in El Gouna offer classes ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

  • Picnics on the Sand Dunes. Experience an authentic Bedouin dinner on the sand dunes under the stars. Featuring traditional music performances and local Bedouin dishes, visitors can watch the sunset and enjoy an evening in the desert.

  • Private Yacht Tour. Charter a private yacht from the marina and take a tour of El Gouna’s islands in style. The tour includes a stopover for snorkeling and a luxurious dinner at sunset.

Week-Long Itinerary for El Gouna

Day 1 - Arrival, relaxing beach day Day 2 - Safari Tour Day 3 - Scuba Diving Day Day 4 - Basata Community Experience Day 5 - Red Sea Yacht Tour Day 6 - Hiking/Biking Tours Day 7 - Departure

Food and Drink Scene of El Gouna

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ful Medames - traditional Egyptian dish made from mashed fava beans, olive oil, and spices.
  • Om Ali - a sweet and creamy dessert made from phyllo dough, sugar, nuts, and milk.
  • Kofta - grilled meatballs made from lamb, beef, or chicken.

Local Beverages

  • Karkadeh - a sweet, tangy drink made with hibiscus flowers.
  • Sahlab - a warm, comforting drink made with milk, sugar, and orchid root powder.

Where to Stay in El Gouna: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

El Gouna offers a range of accommodation options from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some popular choices are:

  • Sheraton Miramar Resort - This 5-star resort features an outdoor pool and private beach with luxurious rooms.
  • Ancient Sands Golf Resort - A unique resort that incorporates the beauty of Egyptian civilization and boasts an 18-hole championship golf course.
  • Moods Hostel - A budget-friendly option for backpackers that offers dorm and private rooms.

What to Buy in El Gouna: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Gold Jewelry - You can purchase high-quality Egyptian gold jewelry in El Gouna, made by skilled craftsmen.
  • Spices - Take home a selection of spices and herbs from spice markets in El Gouna, including cinnamon, cardamom, and saffron.
  • Portable Hammock - Relax on the beaches of El Gouna on a portable hammock, a convenient and lightweight travel essential.

Local Culture and Customs of El Gouna

Egyptian and Bedouin cultures heavily influence El Gouna’s social fabric. Visitors should dress modestly when visiting mosques or other religious sites, speak softly and avoid making physical contact with the opposite sex in public areas.

Best Time to Visit El Gouna

The best time to visit El Gouna is from October to April when the temperature is mild, and humidity is low. Travelers should avoid visiting during the summer months when temperatures can exceed 95°F.

Do’s and Don’ts of El Gouna

Do:

  • Dress modestly when visiting mosques or other religious sites.
  • Carry bottled water when traveling, particularly during the hot summer months.
  • Try traditional food and drinks.

Don’t:

  • Drink tap water
  • Exchange money with unlicensed persons
  • Engage in public displays of affection

Safety and Health

Safety in El Gouna

El Gouna is generally safe, and most tourists’ visits are trouble-free. Visitors should maintain a high level of vigilance when traveling alone at night or unfamiliar areas. Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas and markets.

Health in El Gouna

Visitors should take necessary precautions to avoid common travel health problems, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and sunburn. Apply a strong sunscreen and bring mosquito repellent to protect against insect bites that carry malaria and dengue.

Getting to El Gouna: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near El Gouna

  • Hurghada International Airport - 24 miles from El Gouna

Bus Stations Near El Gouna

  • Hurghada Bus Station

Other Options

  • Private Taxi - A private taxi from Hurghada to El Gouna costs approximately $30-$40.
  • Car Rental - Renting a car from Hurghada International Airport is a convenient option for getting around El Gouna.

How to Get Around in El Gouna

El Gouna offers a safe and efficient transportation network. Visitors can travel by taxi, bus or tuk-tuk. Bicycles and motorbikes are also popular modes of transport.

Where to Go Next from El Gouna: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Hurghada. A popular tourist destination that offers stunning beaches, world-renowned diving sites, and a lively nightlife.
  • Luxor. Approximately 200 miles from El Gouna, Luxor is home to ancient Egyptian temples, tombs, and monuments, including the Valley of Kings and Karnak Temple.

Conclusion

El Gouna is a true gem of Egypt’s Red Sea Coast, offering a unique mix of natural beauty, cultural adventures, and serene relaxation. With a range of activities, accommodation, and dining options, it is no surprise that this destination has remained a popular spot for travelers worldwide.

El Gouna Downtown El Gouna Downtown Tamr Henna square Tamr Henna square Aquarium Aquarium Alley in El Gouna Alley in El Gouna El Gouna cityscape El Gouna cityscape Diving outside El Gouna Diving outside El Gouna Kitesurfing on Mangroovy Beach Kitesurfing on Mangroovy Beach Kitesurfing outside town Kitesurfing outside town Golf course in Steigenberger Golf Resort Golf course in Steigenberger Golf Resort Turtle House Turtle House Shops and restaurants in the Abu Tig Marina Shops and restaurants in the Abu Tig Marina Lagoon landscape surrounding the Restaurant Oriental Grill Lagoon landscape surrounding the Restaurant Oriental Grill Restaurants in Abu Tig Marina Restaurants in Abu Tig Marina El Gouna Art Village El Gouna Art Village El Gouna Art Village El Gouna Art Village Dawar El Omda Boutique Hotel Dawar El Omda Boutique Hotel The Three Corners Ocean View The Three Corners Ocean View The Three Corners Rihana Resort The Three Corners Rihana Resort El Gouna Club Paradisio R01.jpg El Gouna Club Paradisio R01.jpg Sheraton Miramar Resort Sheraton Miramar Resort Steigenberger Golf Resort Steigenberger Golf Resort Entrance to the tourist village Entrance to the tourist village Abu Tig Marina Abu Tig Marina The mosque The mosque Mangrove island in El Gouna Mangrove island in El Gouna