Curator’s statement
I first visited El Gouna, Hurghada in 2022, and from the very beginning, I fell completely under its spell. There is a distinct state of mind it creates—where stress fades, life slows, and days unfold beneath clear skies and along calm blue shores. The balance between old and new feels effortless, grounding yet light, and it leaves a lasting impression. Since that first visit, El Gouna has become a nonnegotiable start to every trip. Time spent there always recharges me before continuing on to Cairo.
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Things to do in El Gouna
Where the Red Sea meets desert calm, and every day moves at your pace.
El Gouna is a true hidden gem, offering crystal clear blue waters, warm sunshine, surfing, and a wide range of water sports along the Red Sea. Its beaches and lagoons invite you to slow down and enjoy the simple luxury of being by the water, whether that means swimming, relaxing, or spending long, peaceful hours in the sun.
Consider setting aside a day for a relaxed cruise to one of the nearby islands for snorkeling in the Red Sea. Beyond the sea, the surrounding desert adds another layer to the experience, with ATV rides across open dunes that shift effortlessly from exhilaration to calm as the sun begins to set. If you’re into sports, you can easily fill your days with golf, tennis, or squash, all set within El Gouna’s calm, resort style atmosphere.
In the evenings, stroll through El Gouna’s beautiful marinas at golden hour, enjoying world-class restaurants with cuisines from around the globe, and choosing between a quiet evening or live music and nightlife makes the destination feel beautifully balanced. El Gouna offers relaxation when you need it and lively energy when you want it, never forcing either.
Places to eat & drink in El Gouna
Where every meal feels thoughtful, relaxed, and worth returning to.
In El Gouna, I have a few personal favorites that I always return to.
Le Garage Gourmet Burger is perfect for a casual yet elevated meal, ideal for an easy lunch or relaxed dinner.
Merbey, located in the Mosaique Hotel, is a must for outstanding Lebanese cuisine, offering bold, authentic flavors with refined execution in a warm, stylish setting.
For a quieter and more polished evening, Luma delivers an inventive menu, attentive service, and an intimate ambiance that feels perfect for an elegant night out.
Chicha Restaurant & Bar, another favorite, brings Latin American flavors to the table and adds variety to El Gouna’s dining scene.
Dining in El Gouna is truly an experience on its own. You can enjoy a different cuisine every night. During peak holidays or for groups, reservations are highly recommended.
Need to know
El Gouna is environmentally friendly, where recycling and preserving nature is taken very seriously, and life is lived as it should be.
Take time to explore it. Wander at your own pace, reflect, and visit the shops that are unique and authentic to the area.
If you’re visiting during Christmas or New Year, DIARNA Bazaar is not to be missed. It’s one of the most special seasonal experiences, celebrating craftsmanship, culture, and the spirit of the holidays.
Egypt is my home. I was born there and have traveled this journey more than a dozen times over the past 30 years. That firsthand experience allows me to guide you with clarity, ease, and confidence, so you don’t miss what matters most.
Travel Advisor
Randa Ghali
Randa Ghali
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