The winter sun hotspot with new UK flights, 24C Decembers and Maldives-like island
OUR Spotlight On column suggests what to see and do in the best holiday destinations abroad as well as lesser-known spots in the UK and abroad.
This week, we’re taking a look at the affordable winter sun destination of Hurghada in Egypt.
There’s never been a better time to go – Wizz Air has launched new flights from London Gatwick to Hurghada, while easyJet has put holidays there in 2027 on sale.
It is one of the best spots for affordable winter sun too, with temperatures still over 24C in December, and holiday packages under £600pp.
Throw in beautiful beaches, fantastic diving opportunities and five hour flights, it’s the perfect mid-haul spot.
Here are some other of our top recommendations.
MUST SEE/DO
Aside from its year-round heat, Hurghada’s selling point is the ocean that it borders.
It’s positioned right on the Red Sea which is teeming with coral reefs and colourful fish.
You can easily spend a full-day snorkeling between reefs, hopping in and out of the water – most cruises include lunch on board the boat.
Blue Water Dive Resort & Sea Trips has a great selection of day cruises from around £22.
HIDDEN GEM
While most tourists will immerse themselves in the bustling markets or choose to spend an evening at a traditional Bedouin desert camp, very few make it out to Abu Minqar Island.
It was named after its beak-like shape with “Abu Minqar” translating as “Father of the Beak”, although many colloquially refer to it as ‘The Maldives of Egypt’ thanks to its clear waters and white sands.
This dinky sandbank sits just off of the coast of Hurghada can be reached by boat on day trips. If you fancy a go at kitesurfing, this is a popular place to try it.
BEST VIEW
Head to Hurghada Marina at sunset and you’ll be bowled over by the scene of shiny yachts bobbing on the water, baked in a hazy, orange glow.
From here, you can even see across to the minarets of the El Mina mosque.
Pop into one of the many bars that line the waterfront for a sundowner or dabble in some traditional shisha.
RATED RESTAURANT
Sheraton Road in the Sakkala district is THE place to go for a lively night out and it’s littered with buzzing restaurants.
One of the best is Starfish Seafood Restaurant that serves up the freshest of fish, plucked straight from the ocean.
Guests can select their raw food – expect prawns, calamari and whole fish – from behind the counter and chefs will cook it just to your liking.
For a taste of something traditional, try the Old Town where restaurants are a little more understated and more geared up for locals.
El Haga Restaurant is known for its excellent clay pot tagines.
BEST BAR
Little Buddha Hurghada is a favourite spot among tourists – and for good reason.
Once the dinner service ends, the whole place comes alive with thumping DJ sets that keep hip swinging until the early hours.
The cocktail lounge does an excellent sangria for around a fiver.
If you’re keen to take advantage of the glorious weather, Papas Beach Club on the marina is an all-day venue offered a laidback setting with pizzas and burgers by day before transforming into a nightclub at dusk.
HOTEL PICK
The swish 5* Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort occupies a prime location right on the beachfront and has its own private island connected to the hotel via jetty.
Rooms are modern and spacious with marble-clad bathrooms, with many overlooking a huge outdoor pool and the ocean just beyond that.
Guests will have their pick of five on site restaurants, including a surf and turf joint, patio cafe serving coffee and ice cream, and an international restaurant.
See marriott.com.