Welcome to El Gouna, an enchanting destination that invites you to discover and connect with the awe-inspiring Red Sea. Bask in the sun at El Gouna's pristine beaches and crystal-clear pools, where serenity meets coastal elegance. This exclusive, laid-back town promises convenient seaside living in an exclusive, self-contained community.
Just 25km from Hurghada, El Gouna is a four-hour flight from Europe’s major capitals. It may have been around for a little bit over 30 years only, but El Gouna is indeed a real town with real locals living there. It’s not just some sort of summer resort like those on the North Coast that operate seasonally. It’s posh.
El Gouna’s marinas are all lined up with jaw-dropping yachts and the breathtaking architecture of its villas will steal your breath away. If there’s anything El Gouna is best known for, it’s that it’s a fancy schmancy destination. The town is a perfect destination for digital nomads. There’s WiFi almost everywhere and its famed coworking space, GSpace, makes things even easier. It’s an eco-friendly town and also a pet-friendly town.
This coastal haven is a year-round hub of activity, with events to please every enthusiast. Excite your taste buds in El Gouna, with local specialties and the best international cuisine. El Gouna on the Red Sea Coast in Egypt, is a luxurious resort town with a chill atmosphere, golden sand beaches and glistening blue water.
With plenty of sunshine, numerous water activities and an attractive collection of boutique shops and eateries, it’s the perfect place to relax. In 1989, Egyptian billionaire Onsi Sawiris made El Gouna what it is today: a flashy destination constructed around lagoons and waterways.
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Egypt is famed for its ancient history, but did you know it's also a treasure trove of stunning beaches? Stretching across two seas, Egypt boasts a variety of beaches to suit every traveler's taste. Whether you're a sunbather, an adrenaline junkie, or a marine-life enthusiast, there’s a beach calling your name. These gems combine luxury, natural beauty, and unique experiences that make them truly world-class.
When travelers come to Egypt and think of a beach destination, Hurghada is one of the towns that first comes to mind. I always say that Hurghada is so 2008! Little did they know about the surrounding hidden gems - and El Gouna is proudly one of them.
After about 30 minutes of driving, I arrive at my destination - El Gouna. To call it a resort would be unfair. I realize that straight away as I’m driven from the front gate of the site to my hotel, Captain’s Inn, by the water of the marina.
It certainly does feel a bit odd in El Gouna. It’s almost like the Truman Show… if the movie had been set in the desert. You know that shambolic Egypt is outside the gates but here, inside, everything is clean and efficient and friendly. It may be a town but it still has the semblance of a resort.
At my hotel, Captains’ Inn, many of the guests are 20-something Europeans who are here for the excellent kitesurfing conditions. The food may be authentically Egyptian but El Gouna isn’t. At other times it may appear to be a town, but it isn’t really that either. It’s unique.
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Top Beaches and Beach Clubs in El Gouna
El Gouna offers a variety of beaches and beach clubs, each with its unique charm and amenities. Here are some of the best:
El Gouna Sailing Club
El Gouna Sailing Club is a popular beach club in El Gouna with watersports, delicious dining and a fitness facility. It offers boat trips, sailing and rowing on the Red Sea, and a relaxing beach. The beach bar and restaurant La Plancha serves Mediterranean cuisine with a twist.
- Working Hours: 9:00 AM to 23:00 PM
- Child Friendly
- Wi-Fi
- Pet friendly
- Vegan Options
- Entry Fee: Bar, Beach
KBC El Gouna
This superb spot to kite in El Gouna has professional instructors and plenty of gear available to rent. The sizeable shallow lagoon is more than 2 km2 and offers excellent conditions for kitesurfing in El Gouna. The beach destination also has a swimming pool, beach bar and restaurant, and kids can enjoy the shaded playground area.
- Working Hours: 8:30 AM to Sunset
- Vegan Options
- Beach
La Playa El Gouna
La Playa El Gouna is an open lagoon beach with all the amenities you need for a relaxed day by the water's edge. This European-style beach hangout offers a fine-dining restaurant and a stunning backdrop for digital nomads.
- Vegan Options
- Beach
Makani Beach Club El Gouna
In Arabic, Makani means 'my place', and in Hawaiian, it translates as 'wind'. Makani Beach in El Gouna is the perfect hangout for watersports enthusiasts, workout fanatics, or those who want to chill on a fabulous beach.
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- Working Hours: 9 AM to Sunset
- Beach
Moods
Set on one of the best beaches in El Gouna, Moods offers a unique dining experience in a picturesque seaside setting. The impressive menu features dishes prepared using fresh, high-quality ingredients, including seafood, grilled meats, a variety of vegetarian options and mouth-watering desserts. Enjoy the perfect quite setting by the Red Sea, and the beautiful views of Abu Tig Marina.
- Working Hours: 9 AM to 1 AM
- Alcohol
- Sea View
- Child Friendly
- Outdoor seating area
- Wi-Fi
- Pet friendly
- Entry Fee
- Delivery
- Beach Access
- Takeaway
- Hookah
- Indoor seating area
- Marina view
- TV Screens
- Bar
- Pool
The Smokery Beach Bar & Restaurant
Smokery Beach faces the Red Sea and serves up excellent food and happy beats as part of the fashionable Smokery Yacht Club. It's one of the best beaches in El Gouna for open sea views and relaxed but vibrant beach days.
- Working Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Alcohol
- Sea View
- Child Friendly
- Outdoor seating area
- Wi-Fi
- Delivery
- Beach Access
- Takeaway
- Wheelchair Friendly
- Bar
- Beach
The Smokery Beach
Established in 2016, The Smokery Beach brand introduced an exceptional beach experience, featuring a stylish bar and restaurant that serves a curated selection of seaside favorites. Our diverse menu offers delightful options for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. As El Gouna’s first fully serviced beach, we provide private cabanas, sun-beds, and a dedicated children’s play area. With a variety of activities and pop-up events throughout the year, The Smokery Beach is the perfect destination for relaxation and entertainment.
- Alcohol
- Sea View
- Child Friendly
- Outdoor seating area
- Reservation Required
- Pet friendly
- Entry Fee
- Beach Access
- Bar
- Beach
Zouni Beach Club
Set on one of the best beaches in El Gouna - Mangroovy - Zouni Beach Club in El Gouna is a friendly, welcoming spot on the Red Sea coast. Whether you're looking for kids' activities in El Gouna, delicious food or glorious sunset sessions every weekend, it's a beach for everyone.
Activities and Things to Do in El Gouna
There are lots of water activities and sports that you can do in El Gouna. El Gouna is definitely not your typical shopping destination.
- Sports & Activities: This coastal haven is a year-round hub of activity, with events to please every enthusiast.
- Diving Adventures: Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh are perfect for exploring vibrant coral reefs.
- Kite and Windsurfing: Soma Bay and Dahab Lagoon are excellent for those who enjoy water sports.
- Norshek: This local brand offers ethically sourced and eco-friendly beauty products that are all-natural and handmade. Shampoo bars, body oils, fragrances, you name it. They even have herbal tea and candles!
- Things and Lilies: The concept store is hidden in an alley at the Abu Tig Marina (the one where Best Way supermarket is located). They have amazing collections by local, as well as international, brands on display. They also have accessories, bags, and even home decor.
Getting Around El Gouna
Like any town, it’s important to have proper transportation but you would not expect a town surrounded on three sides by North African desert to use boats. El Gouna is not somewhere that you walk around, though.
- Tuk-tuk: El Gouna’s main, and iconic, method of transportation is the tuk-tuk. However, that’s not your typical tuk-tuk! The best thing about the tuk-tuk system there is that there’s no need for haggling! The rates are fixed. If you’re one or two passengers, you pay EGP 20 for a one-way trip - if you’re three passengers (which is the maximum allowed), you pay EGP 30.
- Bike Rental: You could rent a bicycle or a scooter from the bike center.
- E-bike Sharing: There’s also a service called “Baddel” which is an e-bike sharing system, offering 10 stations around town where you can rent an e-bike from one and leave it at the other.
- Shuttle Bus: There are also several shuttle bus lines across town.
Events in El Gouna
Looking for a different adventure? Even though El Gouna doesn’t have any clubs, it still offers sick nightlife. Events manage to make their way and venues appear out of nowhere. For instance, Cooks Club is considered a party hotel - parties and live performances are very common there.
Top 10 Must-Do Activities In El Gouna, Egypt!!
- El Gouna Half Marathon: Organized by the leaders of endurance sports events in Egypt, TriFactory, the El Gouna Half Marathon has been taking place every fall for the past 3 years.
- El Gouna Film Festival (GFF): Even though it’s a relatively new film festival; founded in 2017, it’s safe to say that it’s one of the biggest in the country. El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) isn’t just the talk of the town around that time, but it’s usually the talk of the entire country, if not the region. If you’re not a cinephile, that’s okay, because the events, parties, and concerts held in town during GFF are not to be missed!
Best Time to Visit El Gouna
El Gouna is an all-year-round destination. If you’ll base your dates on the weather, the Spring or Fall months would be perfect - not too hot and not too chilly. However, you could definitely still go in the Summer or Winter months.
Beachfront Hotels in El Gouna
Imagine waking up to soft sea breezes, warm sunshine, and the sound of gentle waves just beyond your window. That’s exactly what you can expect from the best beachfront hotels in El Gouna, one of Egypt’s most beloved destinations for sun-seekers and beach lovers.
Famous for its turquoise lagoons, yacht-lined marinas, and golden coastlines, El Gouna is home to some of the best beaches in Egypt, combining laid-back charm with five-star experiences.
- Sheraton Miramar Resort El Gouna: This iconic 5-star beach hotel offers direct access to some of the most beautiful El Gouna beaches, surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons and lush gardens.
- Club Paradisio: A family-friendly, all-inclusive beach hotel located on the shores of the Red Sea. Known for its casual elegance and welcoming ambiance, the hotel offers direct beach access with shallow, swimmable waters that are perfect for both children and adults.
- Casa Cook El Gouna: An adults-only boutique escape and one of El Gouna’s most stylish 5-star beach hotels. Blending minimalist architecture with natural textures, the hotel offers a serene, beachfront setting that feels intimate and exclusive.
- Three Corners Ocean View Hotel: An adults-only Red Sea resort with panoramic marina and sea views. Located near the Abu Tig Marina, guests have exclusive access to the El Gouna Beach Club, a tranquil spot that feels worlds away from the crowds.
- The Chedi El Gouna: One of the newest and most elegant 5-star beach hotels on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. With sleek, modern architecture and a serene atmosphere, this luxury resort offers a pristine private beach perfect for water sports, sunbathing, or early-morning meditation.
With over ten kilometers of coastline and a selection of carefully curated hotels, El Gouna is more than just a resort town. Whether you're soaking in the views from your room, enjoying spa treatments with a sea breeze, or jumping into a beach activity, your experience is crafted to celebrate the best of the Red Sea resort lifestyle.
Travelers looking for beautiful vacation beaches, premium services, and direct beach access will find no shortage of unforgettable memories in El Gouna. These beachfront hotels are more than places to stay-they’re gateways to the best beaches in El Gouna, each offering comfort, elegance, and the magic of the Red Sea at your feet.
Explore more premium stays and plan your seaside escape at ElGouna.com. Check out all the exclusive offers for your dream Red Sea escape.
Table: Overview of El Gouna Beaches and Clubs
| Beach/Club | Features | Activities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Gouna Sailing Club | Watersports, dining, fitness | Boat trips, sailing, rowing | Mediterranean cuisine at La Plancha |
| KBC El Gouna | Kitesurfing, pool, beach bar | Kitesurfing lessons, swimming | Shallow lagoon for kitesurfing |
| La Playa El Gouna | Open lagoon, fine dining | Relaxation, dining | European-style beach hangout |
| Makani Beach Club | Watersports, workout area | Watersports, fitness | Perfect for active travelers |
| Moods | Seaside dining, marina views | Dining, relaxation | Diverse menu with seafood |
| The Smokery Beach Bar | Open sea views, vibrant atmosphere | Dining, relaxation | Part of Smokery Yacht Club |
| The Smokery Beach | Cabanas, kids' area | Relaxation, kids' activities | Fully serviced beach |
| Zouni Beach Club | Welcoming atmosphere | Kids' activities, dining | Sunset sessions |
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