Hurghada

Shop

Abu Ashara is a supermarket chain with 14 branches around Hurghada. It stocks food as well as a wide range of toiletries plus essentials such as bottled water. Try the one at the mall on Sheraton Road.
Sahara Gallery has a superb selection of Nubian, Bedouin and other traditional handcrafts. From glass vases to furniture, the range is wide and the quality excellent.

Hurghada X-treme Directory is available free at many outlets including hotel receptions, and has listings of events around town.

February is the start of the manta ray season in the Red Sea. These majestic beasts of the ocean feed on tiny plankton and are often seen near the surface enjoying the sun. They are harmless to humans and the lucky few might gt to snorkel with one on a boat trip.

Hurghada International Marina offers bars, restaurants, banks, shops and a bazaar.

August is the date harvesting time. All over town and in the plantations the huge heads of dates ripening in their protective meshing are cut down. Many still climb the palms bare-footed, machete in hand, while kids use stones to knock down one or two treats.

Day trip

Desert Safaris. From half-day to five-day trips, Badawiya Expedition Travel offers jeep rides in the desert to Bedouin villages, sand sailing, camel riding, belly dancing and cobra shows, as well as star gazing outings.
Makadi Bay. The Madinat Makadi Golf Resort is just 30 kilometres south of Hurghada and offers everything from golf clinics to introductory sessions. Lessons are also available.