Sahl Hasheesh: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to the Red Sea Paradise

Nov 17, 2025 0

Sahl Hasheesh Egypt is an Egyptian tourist resort overlooking the Red Sea, just 20 km away from Hurghada and 18 km south of the airport. This resort is renowned because it is home to an extensive resort complex and is the longest stretch of beach on the Red Sea. The area is even smaller than Gouna but is not lacking in attractions and points of interest. In this guide, you’ll find how to get there, the best Sahl Hasheesh hotels, private beaches, top trips, dining spots, nightlife, real estate insights, and smart travel tips.

Sahl Hasheesh is a charming captivating tourist paradise and is one of the distinctive tourist resorts that makes it an ideal destination that attracts lovers of tranquility. It has a calm atmosphere, soft sandy beaches, and clear turquoise blue waters that distinguish it from other tourist resorts in Egypt.

Hurghada International Airport is located about 35 kilometers from Sahl Hasheesh Resort, providing direct domestic and international flights at all times.

Sahl Hasheesh Resort is distinguished by many features that make it the first and preferred destination for many visitors, vacationers and tourists in Egypt with their different spectra and inclinations.

What Makes Sahl Hasheesh Special?

A master-planned resort community on the Red Sea, Sahl Hasheesh blends upscale beachfront living with pristine nature. You get wide boulevards, landscaped promenades, and calm swimming bays. Its signature landmark is the Old Town and the long pier overlooking the Sunken City - an artificial reef that’s become a beloved snorkeling spot.

Expect premium stays, private hotel beaches, spa experiences, and convenient access to Hurghada trips while enjoying a quieter, more exclusive atmosphere than downtown Hurghada.

Sahl Hasheesh bay and pier at golden hour

The Sunken City

Almost impossible to resist the temptation to take a look at Sunken City, the legendary sunken city. It is located a few meters from the shore and consists of a labyrinth of structures and columns designed to reconstruct ancient underwater temples. This series of structures attract a large number of colorful underwater species that are fantastic to watch as they make their way through the sunken valleys and rocks. The route takes about an hour and the price is ten dollars, you can dive from 9 am to 5 pm.

Abu Hasheesh (literally “father of the grass”, a more effective translation would be “he who has grass”) is located a few kilometers from the coast of Makadi Bay. The name of this place is due to the fact that the seabed in this area of the Red Sea is rich in algae. The seabed is sandy and descends gradually until it meets the coral reef which is characterized as a fast falling wall.

Along the reef, dives are usually made from north to south if the current allows it.

Location & How to Get There

Sahl Hasheesh sits south of Hurghada Airport along the Red Sea coastline. From Hurghada International Airport (HRG), it’s typically a short drive depending on hotel location and traffic.

Fly into Hurghada International Airport. Most travelers need an Egyptian tourist visa.

Reaching the Red Sea is relatively straightforward due to its accessibility from various directions. If you are traveling by air, numerous international airports serve cities along its coastline, such as Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt, and Aqaba in Jordan. Alternatively, for those already within the region, road networks connect major cities to the Red Sea coast.

Pre-booked private transfers are the smoothest option for late arrivals and families.

Use hotel shuttles, taxis, or pre-booked cars. Availability in Hurghada can be limited.

Read also: Egyptian Adventure

Getting Around

Long-distance buses will get you from city to city fairly easily. Buses are at fixed prices and tickets can be purchased at the bus station. There are different bus companies offering different areas and levels. In smaller towns like Dahab or Marsa Alam, minibusses and shared taxis are commonly used to get around. Cars can be rented at a reasonable cost. It is quite easy to navigate your way and for long journeys, you have the freedom to stop when and where you want.

Taxis operate all around the Red Sea area. Taxis typically are not metered so you will need to negotiate with drivers before accepting a ride.

Ferries connect Egypt to Jordan and Saudi Arabia across the Red Sea. The Nuweiba-to-Aqaba ferry connects Egypt to Jordan, and there are services between Hurghada and Duba in Saudi Arabia.

Long distance ground transfers are available between cities and main regions of the Red Sea.

In many towns throughout the Red Sea, cycling is a popular way to get around. Renting a bicycle is easy and cheap. Many Red Sea resort towns are walkable.

Things to Do in Sahl Hasheesh

The Red Sea is renowned for offering an array of outdoor experiences, making it attractive for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and leisure travelers alike. Its warm, clear waters are an aquatic playground, great for world-class diving and snorkeling adventures. Its beautiful beaches and luxury resorts offer relaxation opportunities for those seeking rejuvenation.

Beyond its aquatic wonders, the Red Sea region is steeped in rich history and culture, with ancient sites and lively markets waiting to be explored. Visit ancient Egyptian sites like the temples of Luxor and Karnak, which are just a few hours’ drive from Hurghada.

Calm bays ideal for relaxed swims.
House reefs & piers offer quick snorkel fixes without long boat rides.
Dive centers can arrange trips to nearby reefs for all levels.

The Old Town pier grants stunning views and easy access to clear waters. Don’t miss snorkeling around the Sunken City area where coral and fish gather.

Sahl Hasheesh has many distinctive entertainment places including cafes spread across various places in the resort, and luxury restaurants, which offer distinctive tables suitable for all nationalities coming to the beach regardless of their markets, whether Egyptians or foreigners. It also includes live musical entertainment shows whether in cafes hotels, or restaurants.

The resort also includes world-class golf courses making it a favorite destination for lovers of this sport.

Dolphins in Sahl Hasheesh are a symbol of beauty and freedom in the Red Sea world. Which is an exceptional and exciting experience for visitors as they can watch dolphins in their natural environment, and learn about their amazing behaviors as dolphins display unique social behaviors as they play, communicate, and gather in groups, which adds beauty and vitality to the lively scene. Enjoying watching dolphins and learning about the beauty of marine life in the resort requires preserving the natural environment in it as well as preserving biodiversity. In addition, continuous and intensive efforts are being made by the concerned authorities and local communities to maintain the cleanliness of the water and protect the citizens in the marine environment to ensure the continued presence of dolphins and other creatures.

Those responsible for ecotourism pay special attention by urging visitors to follow environmental guidelines during sea tours such as avoiding noise and disturbance, adhering to instructions and maintaining the cleanliness of the place so that the lives of marine creatures are not affected. The moments that dolphins spend playing or interacting with the waves of the sea are a great opportunity to take pictures and videos that immortalize this unique experience, and provide an opportunity to enjoy photographing wildlife.

Trips & Activities from Sahl Hasheesh

Boat & Snorkeling Days: Islands, reefs, and dolphin-spotting.
Desert Safaris: Quads, Bedouin dinners, and stargazing.
Diving: Local house-reefs and nearby sites for all levels.
City Excursions: Day trips to Hurghada Marina for shopping & nightlife.

Snorkeling in Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Egypt - Oct 2023

Dining & Cafés

You’ll find a mix of seafood grills, international menus, and coffee spots, especially around the Old Town and promenade. Many resorts host themed dinners and à-la-carte venues for a special night out.

Try these crowd-pleasers:

Grilled red snapper or sea bass (lemon-butter)
Shrimp tagliatelle with herbs
Wood-oven margherita with buffalo mozzarella
Egyptian mezze: tahini, baba ghanoush
Molokhia with rice (where offered)
Fresh mango or guava juice

Nightlife & Entertainment

Sahl Hasheesh nightlife is low-key and elegant: hotel lounges, piano bars, and live-music evenings. For a bigger scene, head to Hurghada Marina for waterfront bars and late-night vibes.

Low-key. Expect beach bars, hotel shows, and lounges.

Real Estate & Investment

Sahl Hasheesh includes residences and apartments appealing to holiday-home buyers and long-stay guests. When evaluating units, consider beach proximity, view corridors, facility access, and onsite management. For lifestyle investors, a lock-up-and-leave setup with rental options can be attractive.

Sahl Hasheesh Beach & Piers

Expect long promenades, hotel private beaches, and the iconic Old Town pier looking toward the Sunken City (great for easy snorkeling). Use the ladders on piers, watch flags, and bring reef-safe sunscreen.

Sahl Hasheesh Best Hotels

Planning a Red Sea escape? Here’s a curated list of Sahl Hasheesh hotels across budgets and vibes.

Ultra-Luxury: The Oberoi Beach Resort, Sahl Hasheesh - all-suite elegance, serene private beachfront; Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh - grand palace aesthetic, long beach, refined dining.
Adults-Only Hotels (Romance): Premier Le Rêve Hotel & Spa - Adults Only (16+); KaiSol Romance Resort - Adults Only (ideal for couples & honeymoons).
Luxury & Design: Pickalbatros Citadel Resort - dramatic stone-marina architecture, wide seafront; The V Luxury Resort - modern rooms, multiple restaurants, ultra/all-inclusive plans; Serenity Sky Arc Resort - new-build luxury close to Old Town & sandy stretch.
Family & Value: Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh - lively feel, good value for couples & families; Old Palace Resort - classic beachfront by the promenade & Old Town; Pyramisa Sahl Hasheesh - large resort, long private beach, kids’ facilities; Flow Spectrum Resort - chic all-inclusive 4★ with spa & shuttle to beach.
Aqua-Park & Slides: Gravity Hotel & Aqua Park - Sahl Hasheesh (Families & Couples); JAZ Elite Asteria - brand-new 5★ with on-site slides & kids’ hub.

Travel Tips for Sahl Hasheesh

Knowing and respecting the local etiquette and customs is key to creating a positive experience during your time in the Red Sea region. It’s important to dress modestly, especially when exploring local communities and religious sites. Respect cultural customs and traditions, such as removing shoes before entering homes or mosques. When interacting with locals, greet them with a polite “Salaam” and be mindful of personal space.

When visiting the Red Sea, it’s essential to pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather. Opt for loose-fitting garments made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen to stay cool and comfortable in the heat. Additionally, bring sun protection items such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield yourself from the intense sun rays.

In general, it’s advisable to not drink the water. We suggest only drinking bottled water and brushing your teeth with this too.

Here are some additional travel tips for Sahl Hasheesh:

Best months: Generally spring and autumn for warm seas and pleasant evenings.
Families: Choose hotels with kids’ clubs, shallow entries, and lifeguards.
Snorkel gear: Pack your own mask/fins for flexibility around house reefs.
Cash & cards: Cards widely accepted at hotels; keep small cash for taxis and tips.
Transfers: Pre-book airport rides to avoid queues, especially at night.

It is considered safe, with security at gates and resorts.

What to Pack

Reef-safe sunscreen & after-sun
Snorkel mask & light fins
UV rashguard, hat & sunglasses
Water shoes for coral patches
Light layers for winter evenings
Dry bag & phone waterproof case

Currency and Language

The official currency is the Egyptian Pounds. Understanding the local currency is crucial before visiting the Red Sea. While some areas may accept major international currencies or credit cards, having local currency for smaller purchases or transactions is advisable.

The predominant language is Arabic, however, many people in tourism speak some English. We suggest you get a good English-Arabic guidebook or app on your phone and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.

Health and Safety

Routine vaccines should be up to date. Some travelers consider hepatitis A and typhoid.

Drink bottled water, including for brushing teeth.

Resorts have clinics or on-call doctors.

Other Essentials

Hot and dry most of the year.
Mostly sandy with some reef patches.
Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching coral.
Resorts and licensed venues serve alcohol.
Beachwear at the beach and pool.
Egyptian pound, EGP.
You’ll find ATMs in resorts and the Old Town.
Tip hotel staff, drivers, and guides in small notes.
Hotel Wi‑Fi varies.
Egypt restricts drones. You need official permits, which are hard to obtain.
Type C and F, 220V, 50Hz.
Arabic is the official language.
Eastern European Time, UTC+2.

I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Sahl Hasheesh! Whether you’re soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, exploring vibrant coral reefs, or simply relaxing at a beautiful resort, Sahl Hasheesh has so much to offer.

Comparison: Sahl Hasheesh vs Other Red Sea Destinations

Choosing between Red Sea hotspots? Use this side-by-side to match your vibe, budget, and expectations.

Area	Vibe	Best for	Beach/Water	Snorkel/Dive	Nightlife	Budget feel	From HRG	Pros	Consider
Sahl Hasheesh	Elegant, master-planned, quiet	Couples • Families • Snorkel lovers	Private hotel beaches, calm bays	House-reef + Sunken City pier	Low-key lounges; Marina nearby	Mid → Luxury	Short coastal drive	Promenade, photo spots, easy swims	Quieter than downtown Hurghada
El Gouna	Lagoon lifestyle, lively centers	Kite surfers • Foodies • Night owls	Lagoon beaches, marinas	Boat trips to reefs	Bustling town nights	Mid → Premium	Longer drive north	Dining variety, kites, events	Prices trend higher in peak
Makadi Bay	Resort cluster, AI favorites	Families • Value seekers	Long sandy strips; nearby aqua parks	Good snorkel spots close by	Hotel-centric shows	Economy → Mid	Short hop south	Big variety of AI resorts	Less town-style nightlife
Safaga	Windy, laid-back, spacious shores	Kitesurf • Divers • Quiet stays	Wide beaches; therapeutic sands	Less crowded dive/snorkel	Very calm evenings	Economy → Mid	Further south	Space, value, wind sports	Quiet scene; fewer venues
El Quseir	Heritage vibe, boutique-calm	Divers • Culture & history	Pristine, less-developed shore	Excellent reef access (by boat)	Very quiet nights	Mid → Boutique	South of Safaga	Authentic atmosphere	Longer transfers; limited venues