One of Egypt's top Red Sea resorts, El Gouna is laced with shimmering lagoons and canals, as well as world-class dive sites and an 18-hole golf course. Sunseekers flock to relax on its golden beach, browse boutique shops and enjoy fine-dining restaurants.
Things to do in El Gouna
El Gouna's biggest draw is its vibrant underwater ecosystem. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, local operators arrange dive trips for every skill level. They'll whisk you to sites like Sha’ab Al Erg, which is known for its towering coral stacks and colourful fish.
For a glimpse at El Gouna's flourishing cultural scene, head to Bibliotheca Alexandrina El Gouna. It's known as the “Embassy of Knowledge” and recounts Egypt's storied past, from ancient pharaohs to modern revolutions. You can also access a host of rare books via the online catalogue.
Just out of town is the sprawling Desert Breath sculpture. The outdoor art installation features 10 hectares of vertical cones and conical depressions sculpted into the sand. It's so vast it can be seen on satellite pictures snapped by Google Earth. Visit at sunset to see Desert Breath glowing in shades of red and orange.
Designed by Gene Bates and Fred Couples, the El Gouna Golf Club is one of Egypt's top places to tee off. The course treats players to palm-lined fairways, beautiful desert flora and aquamarine lagoons.
Getting around El Gouna
The most convenient way to get around El Gouna is to use taxis and tuk-tuks. Some resorts also offer shuttle bus services to popular shopping and dining hubs like Abu Tig Marina and Tamr Henna Square. The drive from Hurghada Airport takes around 30 minutes. Daily buses run to Cairo in around six hours.