El Gouna is often called the Egyptian Venice, because it is laced with lagoons, canals and small islands, with low, colourful buildings along the water. It lies on the Red Sea coast north of Hurghada and works as a self-contained resort town with a central district around Tamr Henna Square, its own marina and an El Gouna Tower viewpoint. People come for the relaxed atmosphere, the kitesurfing and watersports on the shallow lagoons, the restaurants and bars, and the chance to wander without the crowds of the main Hurghada strip. A typical visit on a guided city tour takes around three hours: a drive along the palm-lined boulevards, views of the yachts in the marina, a stop at the tower and lagoon-side halts near the square. You can also base yourself here for the whole holiday, or combine a lunch at a lagoon cafe with an afternoon on the beach. Many boat and diving trips also depart from El Gouna.
Getting there: El Gouna lies roughly a half-hour drive north of the centre of Hurghada, and taxis and private drivers are the simplest way to reach it. Many tour operators from Hurghada, Makadi and Soma Bay include El Gouna on a half-day sightseeing run. Inside the town, small tuk-tuks, bikes and shuttle buses carry visitors between districts, and the compact centre is easy to walk.
Things to do: stroll Tamr Henna Square at dusk when the cafes come to life, look out over the lagoons from the tower, and watch the kitesurfers on the shallow flats. If you want to snorkel or dive, the town has operators of its own. Families can enjoy the calm lagoons and pedestrian streets. Shopping is relaxed and pricier than in old Hurghada, with a mix of boutiques and craft shops.
Making a day of it: pair a morning on the water with a long lunch and a drive back in the early evening. El Gouna is also a good alternative base if you find the Hurghada strip too busy. For a first visit, a three-hour guided city tour is the easiest way to see the highlights, and you can return on your own for dinner. As this is a privately developed town, it is worth checking current entry and transport arrangements with your hotel or driver before you set out.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided or guided visit to the lagoons, Tamr Henna Square, the marina and the El Gouna Tower viewpoint.
Best time
Late afternoon into evening, when the light is soft and the cafes are lively.
How long
Three hours for a city tour, or a full day with lunch and a lagoon activity.
Tips
Agree a return fare with your driver, bring cash and a light layer for the evening, and check entry arrangements with your hotel.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want a calmer, greener resort town and some good dining.
- Families
- Pleasant for families, with calm lagoons and easy walking, but fewer attractions for children.
- Couples
- Lagoon-side dinner and a stroll make a relaxed date.
- Pair with
- A kitesurf lesson, a snorkeling trip or the desert safari.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day.
Good questions
How far is El Gouna from Hurghada?+
It is roughly a half-hour drive north of central Hurghada, depending on traffic. Taxis, private drivers and tours all run the route.
Why is El Gouna called the Egyptian Venice?+
The town is built around a network of lagoons and canals with small islands. The waterside setting gives it a Venetian feel.
Is it worth a day trip?+
Yes, if you like cafes, water views and a calmer pace. Many visitors go for a half-day tour or an evening meal.
What can I do in El Gouna?+
Watch kitesurfers, stroll the marina and Tamr Henna Square, snorkel or dive, and eat in the lagoon-side restaurants.
Can I stay overnight?+
Yes, the town has a good choice of hotels and apartments. It is a popular alternative base to the main Hurghada strip.