El Gouna is a modern resort town on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, about 30 kilometers north of Hurghada. Built around lagoons, marinas and sandy beaches, El Gouna feels very different from many other destinations in Egypt. It’s clean, calm and thoughtfully designed — a place where you can combine beach life, activities and comfort without feeling trapped inside a single resort.
El Gouna is ideal for travelers who want sunshine and sea, but also enjoy good food, movement, and a bit of freedom to explore.
Exploring El Gouna – Lagoons, Beaches & Marinas
One of the nicest things about El Gouna is how easy it is to move around. The town is built around waterways, with bridges, walking paths and quiet streets. You can explore by foot, bike, tuk-tuk or shuttle boat.
Abu Tig Marina
The heart of El Gouna is Abu Tig Marina, a lively area filled with yachts, restaurants and cafés. It’s the place to go in the evening — for dinner, a drink, or just a walk along the water.
Beaches & Lagoons
El Gouna has several beaches, both public and hotel-owned. The lagoons are calm and perfect for swimming, while the Red Sea side offers more open water and wind — ideal for water sports.
Things to Do in El Gouna
El Gouna is much more than a place to lie on the beach.
Water Sports & Diving
Thanks to steady winds, El Gouna is one of the best places in the region for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Beginners and experienced surfers alike will find good conditions year-round.
The Red Sea is also famous for its coral reefs. Diving and snorkeling trips are easy to book, even for first-time divers.
Desert Adventures
From El Gouna, you can join desert safaris, quad bike tours or jeep trips into the surrounding desert. These trips often include Bedouin-style dinners and sunset views.
Golf & Wellness
El Gouna has an 18-hole golf course, as well as many spas and wellness centers. Yoga, massages and fitness activities are part of daily life here.
Day Trips
El Gouna is also a good base for excursions to Luxor or Hurghada, making it easy to mix relaxation with culture.
Where to Stay – Hotels & Apartments
Resorts & Hotels
El Gouna is known for high-quality resorts, many of them all-inclusive or half-board:
• Steigenberger Golf Resort – Elegant, calm and close to the golf course
• Cook’s Club El Gouna – Modern, social and popular with younger travelers
• Sheraton Miramar Resort – Lagoon-style resort with a classic feel
• Mövenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna – Spacious and comfortable with beach access
Apartments & Budget-Friendly Options
If you prefer more independence, El Gouna also offers apartments, studios and villas for rent. These are ideal for longer stays, families, or travelers on a lower budget.
Areas like Downtown El Gouna and around the lagoons have many furnished apartments, often with access to pools and kitchens. Staying in an apartment allows you to eat out more freely and experience El Gouna like a local.
Where to Eat – Restaurants in El Gouna
El Gouna has one of the best food scenes on the Red Sea coast, with a wide range of international and local options.
• Puddleduck – Cozy, casual and perfect for breakfast or lunch
• Il Barretto – Italian food with marina views
• Zia Amelia – Traditional Italian, popular and lively
• The Smokery – Upscale dining with seafood and international dishes
From street-style cafés to fine dining, eating out is an important part of the El Gouna experience.
Best Time to Visit El Gouna
El Gouna is a year-round destination, but the experience changes with the seasons.
• October to April – Best weather: warm days, cooler evenings, ideal for outdoor activities
• May to September – Hotter temperatures, but perfect for water sports and beach time
• Winter months – Great for kitesurfing, diving and active travel without extreme heat
Thanks to the dry climate, rain is rare and sunshine is almost guaranteed.
From street-style cafés to fine dining, eating out is an important part of the El Gouna experience.
