Hurghada Beaches: Free and Paid — Map, Prices and How to Choose
Where to swim for free in Hurghada, how much paid beaches charge, what's included in the price — and a map with all the beaches marked.
The big picture: how beaches work in Hurghada
Almost the entire Hurghada coastline is divided between hotels and paid beach clubs — you can't just show up at any beach with a towel like in Europe. Your options are:
- Free (public) beaches — there are few of them, infrastructure is minimal or non-existent, but they cost nothing
- Paid city beaches — entry from ~50 to 400 EGP, the price usually includes a sunbed, umbrella, shower and toilet, and on some beaches a towel
- Hotel beaches via day pass — many hotels let outside guests in for the day, often with pool access and lunch
- Beaches outside the city and on the islands — Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, the Giftun islands: a longer trip, but the sea and reefs there are the best
Entry prices change from season to season and often depend on the day of the week — check the beach's social media for current prices before you go.
Free (public) beaches
Fully free beaches in Hurghada are rare, and comfort there is spartan:
- Public Beach in El Dahar — the main public city beach. Free entry, crowded on weekends, mostly locals. Almost no infrastructure
- The beach by the old Coptic church (Old Church) — a quiet spot without crowds, popular with locals and expats looking for peace
- Access points along the El Mamsha promenade — in places you can get down to the water along the seafront; little sand, mostly coral rubble, but you get the view of the sea and the yachts
- Wild stretches in El Ahyaa — the north of the city, undeveloped sections of shoreline. Free, but cleanliness is unpredictable
On public beaches locals swim fully dressed. Nobody will chase a tourist in a swimsuit away, but bikinis feel most comfortable on paid beaches and at hotels — on a public beach a one-piece or a T-shirt is the better choice.
On many "free" stretches you'll be offered a paid sunbed or umbrella — sitting on your own towel is free.
Paid city beaches
The most practical option if you live in the city: decent service for moderate money. Approximate entry prices:
- Dream Beach (Sakkala, city center) — ~100-200 EGP. Soft sand, clear water, restaurants, music in the evening
- Old Vic (next to the Marriott, El Mamsha) — ~150-200 EGP. Relaxed atmosphere, wide sandy beach, dive center
- El Sakia / Papas Beach (Sheraton Road) — ~50-100 EGP. Cheap, corals near the shore — reef shoes needed
- Zahabia Beach — ~100-400 EGP depending on the zone. A reef by the shore and a pontoon, a kids' area, closes early (~18:00)
- Mohito Beach — ~100 EGP. Sunbeds with mattresses, a cafe, shisha, a young crowd
- Old Sheraton (Sheraton Road) — one of the cheapest. Soft sand, easy entry into the water, no corals
- Anemone Beach — budget (~50 EGP). Basic, no frills, seaweed at times
- La Casa, Eden — mid-range; La Casa has rocks at the water entry but offers a pool
The entry price usually includes a sunbed, umbrella, shower and toilet; pricier beaches add a towel. Some beaches charge a minimum spend on food and drinks instead of an entry fee.
Almost all paid beaches offer cheaper or free entry for kids. Weekdays are cheaper and less crowded than Friday-Saturday.
Hotel day passes
If you want an all-inclusive day: many hotels sell day access — beach, pools, sometimes lunch and drinks. Prices run from ~$15-20 at city three-star hotels to $50+ at five-star resorts. The easiest way to check and book is directly via the hotel's reception or social media.
Beaches outside the city and on the islands
- Sahl Hasheesh (≈18 km south) — an upscale district with a long promenade; beach access goes through hotel day passes
- Makadi Bay (≈30 km) — a sheltered bay, calm water, excellent snorkeling; also hotel-based access
- Soma Bay (≈40 km) — a peninsula with premium resorts and wind sports: kitesurfing and windsurfing
- The Giftun islands: Paradise Beach, Mahmya, Orange Bay — the "Egyptian Maldives": white sand and the best reefs. Reachable only by boat tour or private boat charter; entry and transfer are included in the tour
Beach map
Paid and free (public) beaches are marked on the map in different colors:
Good to know
- Bring reef shoes — many beaches have corals or rocks near the shore
- The wind in Hurghada is almost constant: beaches sheltered from the wind (lagoons, bays) are more comfortable in winter
- The warmest sea is August-October (~28°C), the coldest is February (~21°C)
- During Ramadan some beach bars don't sell alcohol — more in the alcohol and duty free guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there free beaches in Hurghada?
Yes, but only a few: Public Beach in El Dahar, the beach by the old Coptic church, access points along the El Mamsha promenade and wild stretches in El Ahyaa. There's almost no infrastructure, and weekends get crowded.
How much does a paid beach in Hurghada cost?
Roughly 50 to 400 EGP depending on the beach and the zone. The price usually includes a sunbed, umbrella, shower and toilet; some beaches charge a minimum food-and-drinks order instead of an entry fee.
Can I use a hotel beach if I'm not staying there?
Yes, many hotels sell day passes: beach, pools, sometimes lunch. From ~$15-20 at city hotels to $50+ at resorts.
Which Hurghada beach is best for snorkeling?
In the city — beaches with a reef near the shore (Zahabia, El Sakia). Outside the city — Makadi Bay and the Giftun islands (Paradise, Mahmya, Orange Bay), reached by boat tours.
Can I wear a bikini on Hurghada's public beaches?
Formally yes, there's no ban. But on public beaches locals swim fully dressed, and a bikini feels more comfortable on paid beaches and at hotels.
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