El Gouna Trip from Hurghada

El Gouna Trip from Hurghada – Discover the Lagoon City

El Gouna is one of the most fascinating towns on the Egyptian Red Sea coast and an absolute highlight for every Hurghada holidaymaker. The exclusive lagoon city is located just about 25 kilometres north of Hurghada and offers a unique blend of modern architecture, turquoise lagoons, and a relaxed lifestyle. An El Gouna trip from Hurghada is one of the most popular day excursions in the region and can be perfectly combined with a beach day, shopping, or culinary experiences.

What Makes El Gouna So Special?

El Gouna was founded in the 1990s by Egyptian entrepreneur Samih Sawiris as a private holiday resort and has since developed into an independent, internationally renowned town. Unlike most Egyptian holiday destinations, El Gouna was planned and built from scratch. The result is a harmonious combination of Nubian architecture, modern design, and natural beauty. The town extends across several islands and lagoons connected by bridges and canals. This unique concept has earned El Gouna the nickname \"Venice of the Red Sea.\"

The lagoon city is known for its clean streets, well-maintained infrastructure, and a cosmopolitan flair that is rarely found elsewhere in Egypt. Here, Egyptian hospitality meets European comfort. El Gouna has received multiple awards for sustainable tourism and relies on solar energy, water recycling, and environmentally friendly construction methods. For visitors from Hurghada, a day trip to El Gouna is like a small journey into another world – modern, well-kept, and full of surprises.

Top Attractions in El Gouna

El Gouna has something for every taste. The town centre consists of three main areas: the Downtown area, Abu Tig Marina, and Tamr Henna Square. Each of these areas has its own character and invites exploration.

The Downtown area is the modern heart of El Gouna. Here you will find numerous shops, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. The architecture is colourful and inviting, with wide pedestrian zones and shaded arcades. The small art galleries and souvenir shops are particularly popular, where you can find unique keepsakes. In the evenings, Downtown transforms into a lively nightlife district with bars and music events.

The Abu Tig Marina is the centrepiece of El Gouna and one of the most beautiful yacht harbours on the Red Sea. The promenade along the marina is lined with first-class restaurants, cosy cafés, and elegant shops. Here you can watch the passing yachts over a cappuccino or enjoy freshly prepared fish right by the water. The marina also offers various boat excursions and water sports activities.

Tamr Henna Square is the oldest square in El Gouna and impresses with its traditional Nubian architecture. The square is surrounded by colourful buildings and offers a selection of restaurants and bars. The atmosphere is particularly charming in the evening when the lanterns glow and live music fills the air.

Activities and Experiences in El Gouna

An El Gouna trip from Hurghada offers far more than just sightseeing. The lagoon city is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. El Gouna's beaches are among the most beautiful on the Red Sea. Mangroovy Beach is particularly popular with kitesurfers and offers shallow, warm water and consistent winds. Zeytuna Beach on its own island is ideal for swimming and sunbathing in a peaceful atmosphere.

For divers and snorkellers, El Gouna offers excellent conditions. The offshore reefs are rich in colourful corals and tropical fish. Several diving schools in El Gouna offer courses and guided dives for all experience levels. Parasailing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddling are also available.

Culture enthusiasts should visit the El Gouna Museum, which documents the history of the town and the region. Art lovers will find interesting works by Egyptian and international artists in the numerous galleries along the marina. For golfers, there is an 18-hole golf course with views of the lagoons, considered one of the finest in North Africa.

Culinary Highlights in El Gouna

The gastronomic scene in El Gouna is impressively diverse. From authentic Egyptian cuisine to Italian, Asian, and international specialities to fine steakhouses – every food lover will find their match here. The fish restaurants at the marina are particularly recommended, where the catch of the day is freshly prepared. For a relaxed lunch, the numerous cafés and bistros in Downtown offer light dishes and refreshing drinks.

How to Get from Hurghada to El Gouna

Getting from Hurghada to El Gouna is straightforward and takes only 20 to 40 minutes depending on your starting point. With Ra Reisen, you will be comfortably picked up at your hotel in Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, or Sahl Hasheesh and taken directly to El Gouna. The drive follows the coastal road and already offers beautiful views of the Red Sea. An air-conditioned minibus ensures comfortable travel both ways.

Typical Schedule of an El Gouna Trip

A day trip to El Gouna with Ra Reisen typically begins in the morning with pickup from your hotel. After the short drive, you arrive in El Gouna around 10 am. You then have several hours to explore the town independently or with a local guide. A walk through the marina, browsing the shops, and lunch by the water are part of the typical programme. In the afternoon, there is time for a beach visit or further activities. The return journey to Hurghada takes place around 5 pm, so you are back at your hotel in time for dinner.

Prices and Services

An El Gouna trip from Hurghada with Ra Reisen is available from just 25 euros per person. The price includes return transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English or German-speaking travel companion, and a city walk of El Gouna. Optional extras such as boat excursions, water sports activities, or lunch can be added. Children under 6 travel free of charge, and we offer attractive group rates for parties of 6 or more.

Practical Tips for Your El Gouna Trip

For a perfect day in El Gouna, we recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera. Although El Gouna is more modern than many other Egyptian towns, you should still carry some cash in Egyptian pounds – not all small shops accept credit cards. However, in most restaurants and cafés, you can pay by card without any problems. A tip of 10 to 15 per cent is customary in restaurants and is appreciated.

The best time for an El Gouna trip is year-round, although the months from October to April offer particularly pleasant temperatures. In summer it can get very hot, so we recommend an early start and plenty of water during this time. Do not forget your swimwear in case you want to visit one of the beautiful beaches.

Why Book Your El Gouna Trip with Ra Reisen?

Ra Reisen is your experienced partner for excursions in Hurghada and the surrounding area. We organise your El Gouna day trip with the highest comfort and personal service. Our English and German-speaking travel companions know El Gouna inside out and will show you the most beautiful corners of the lagoon city. We offer flexible booking options, fair prices with no hidden costs, and free hotel pickup in Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, and Sahl Hasheesh.

With Ra Reisen, you experience El Gouna authentically and stress-free. We take care of all the details so you can enjoy your day to the fullest. Whether as a couple, family, or group – we tailor the trip to your wishes. Book your El Gouna trip today and discover the most beautiful lagoon city on the Red Sea!

El Gouna for Families

Family-Friendly Beaches and Activities

El Gouna is an ideal excursion destination for families with children. The lagoons offer shallow, calm water where even the smallest children can splash about safely. The beaches are clean, well-maintained, and equipped with all necessary facilities, from sun umbrellas and loungers to changing rooms and sanitary facilities. For older children and teenagers, there are numerous water sport activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddling, and pedal boating. The clear layout of the town with its car-free areas and many pedestrian zones makes El Gouna a safe place where families can stroll at leisure and explore the surroundings.

Child-Friendly Restaurants and Ice Cream Parlours

The dining scene in El Gouna is excellently geared towards families. Many restaurants offer special children's menus with internationally known dishes, and the friendly staff are accustomed to catering to even the most discerning young guests. Particularly popular with families are the numerous ice cream parlours and bakeries along the marina, where you can enjoy a refreshing ice cream or a piece of cake while taking in the view of the yachts and sparkling water. The playgrounds in the town's green spaces also provide children with opportunities to play and run around, while parents relax at a nearby cafe.

Frequently Asked Questions About El Gouna

How Far Is El Gouna from Hurghada?

El Gouna is located just about 25 kilometres north of Hurghada and can be comfortably reached in 30 to 40 minutes by car. Ra Reisen offers comfortable transfers in air-conditioned vehicles directly from your hotel in Hurghada to El Gouna and back. The short distance makes El Gouna the perfect day trip destination that you can visit without a major time commitment, while still experiencing a completely different atmosphere from Hurghada.

Do You Have to Pay an Entrance Fee for El Gouna?

El Gouna is a private town development, and visitor identification is usually checked at the entrance gate. For day visitors arriving with Ra Reisen, access is included in the excursion and organised by us. You do not need to worry about anything. Some beach clubs and facilities in El Gouna charge separate entrance or usage fees, about which we will inform you in advance. The public areas of the marina, shopping streets, and many restaurants are freely accessible.

What Should I Pack for the El Gouna Excursion?

Pack swimwear and a towel if you wish to use the beaches or lagoons. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you will be doing a lot of walking to explore the different quarters of the town. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat should accompany every excursion in Egypt. Also bring some cash in Egyptian pounds, although many shops and restaurants in El Gouna also accept credit cards.