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Egyptian Red Sea resort city
Photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
El Gouna (الجونة) is a self-sufficient, fully integrated resort town of 24,000 on the Egyptian Red Sea Coast just north of Hurghada. The town offers a large variety of activities and entertainment and is a popular destination around the year.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
كنيسة السيدة العذراء مريم والملاك ميخائيل / Kanīsat as-Saiyida al-ʿAdhrāʾ Maryam wa-l-Malāk Mīchāʾīl
Coptic-Orthodox church in El-Bustan just southwest of town, designed by Italian architect Alfredo Freda opened in 2004. The church has three naves and two bell towers. The paintings in the church are mostly by artist Mina El Comos Temesaus.
مسجد الجونة / Masǧid al-Ǧūna
The mosque of the town.
أكواريوم
Here you can see the underwater life of the Red Sea.
جزر المانجروف
An island, about 500 m in length, in front of the Sheraton Minamar Resort.
نفس الصحراء / Nafas aṣ-Ṣaḥrāʾ
A landscape artwork, created west of the resort between 1995 and 1997 after a design by Greek artist Danae Stratou. It's made up of 89 big cone-formed pits and heaps arranged like a spiral. In the middle there was a pond, 30 m in diameter that has long evaporated. The artwork has intentionally been left to deteriorate through erosion.
دير أبو شعر / Abū Schaʿr
In the southeastern corner of the resort are the ruins of a Roman fort, once housing about 200 soldiers of the Ala Nova Maximiana camel cavalry unit. There were bastions at all four corners of the wall, and entrances on the northern and western sides. The latter entrance has an inscription revealing it was established in 309-311 during the rule of Aurelius Maximianus Inside the walls there were barracks, warehouses, stables, and the commander's house. During the 7th century the fort was used as a church for Coptic Christians, and later it was possibly a destination for pilgrimage.
Multimedia-Panorama-Show.
The northernmost beach, about 2 km northwest of La Maison Bleu hotel.
About 300 m southeast of La Maison Bleue. Has a very flat coastline.
650 m south of Buzzha, slightly north of the New Marina. Like the former, it also has a very flat coastline, and the reef outside of creates a lagoon. As such it is the Red Sea's best spot for kitesurfing. Windsurfing, snorkelling, beach volleyball or football are also available.
Between the New Marina and Abu Tig, features the Moods Beach Restaurant.
Zeytouna Beach is located on its own island surrounded by sea and lagoons. At Zeytouna Beach you can enjoy beach volleyball, snorkelling, football, and dancing lessons. Beach services include towels, drinks and food, bathrooms, and fresh-water showers. You can walk a 350-m-long pier across the lagoon and riff to the open sea.
Common diving basis with Emperor Divers.
PADI courses. Languages: English, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Portuguese, Italian and Russian. (facebook: ColonaDivers) (instagram: colonadivers) (twitter: ColonaDivers)
PADI, CMAS, VDST and TDI courses for technical diving and rebreather. Languages: German, English, French, Dutch and Arabic.
PADI courses. Languages: German, English and French.
PADI and SDI courses. One boat is suitable for mobility impaired divers. Languages: German, English, French, Dutch, Italian and Arabic. Common diving basis with Blue Brothers Diving.
PADI, CMAS and VDST courses. Languages: German, English, French and Arabic.
PADI, CMAS and VDST courses. Languages: German, English, French and Arabic.
PADI courses. One boat for mobility impaired divers. Languages: German, English, French, Dutch, Italian and Arabic.
Water sports center with wind- and kiteboarding, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and similar sports. Courses, equipment rental and repair. There's also a large wind-protected patio with sun chairs, and a restaurant and land based activities including a football and beach volleyball and activities for kids. Free shuttle bus from Mosaique Hotel.
VDWS kiteboarding school with courses for different skil levels, also SUP boarding. An open area towards the north. Equipment rental and repair, large relaxing area with massage, sun chairs, playground, beach volleyball, bar and restaurant. Languages: German, Arabic, English and Dutch.
The oldest kite school in El Gouna, founded in 2004. IKO Pro Center with kitesurfing and wing foil courses (max 2 students per instructor), equipment rental and storage; instruction available in 8 languages including English, German, Polish and Czech. The shallow lagoon in front of the centre keeps standing-depth water even at low tide; the website has a live wind station and webcam for the spot.
Courses certified by the International Kiteboarding Organisation.
A sports complex with a wakeboard zipline course. The complex also has a beach club, restaurant, bar and a pool.
Enjoy the open air 6 clay courts at the El Gouna Tennis Club. Coach, changing room, racquet rentals, floodlights for summer evening play available.
Horse, camel and donkey riding, riding school. (facebook: yallahorse)
Burn rubber on the popular go-kart circuit, which is located on the road between the Downtown area and the Marina. You can rent helmets and gloves. Drivers need to be at least 10 years old.
Offer different safari tours by quad, buggy or jeep from El Gouna/ Hurghada/ Sahl Hasheesh/ Makadi Bay/ Soma Bay.
Buggy safaris.
Ocean Diva Catamaran Sailing Cruises
Operator for wakeboarding, sailing, parasailing.
Seating 14,000 spectators, this is the home stadium of El Gouna FC playing in Egypt's highest football league, the Premiere League.
Yearly squash tournament, part of the PSA World Tour.
Movie theater with three auditoria.
Greek cuisine.
Terrace restaurant with sea view, French cuisine.
Captain’s Steakhouse
American Steaks.
Mexican cuisine. (facebook: ChichaGouna)
Excellent Swiss cuisine, reservation recommended. Also takeout and delivery.
Fish restaurant.
previously El Taybeen
German restaurant and bar. (facebook: Grasshopper-Café-Restaurant-Bar-El-Gouna-337375136422808)
International and Scandinavian cuisine.
Egyptian cuisine. (facebook: KanZaman.elgouna)
Italian and international cuisine.
Burger restaurant with a Swiss owner.
Swedish fish dishes and snacks.
Lebanese and Egyptian cuisine.
formerly Oriental Grill
Barbecue restaurant.
British, Mediterranean, Chinese and world cuisine.
Indian cuisine.
Turkish cuisine.
Thai cuisine.
Italian cuisine, frequently live music on Wednesday. (facebook: ziaameliaelgouna)
Egyptian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Delivery. Free Wi-Fi.
Cafe, bar, shisha.
Café, also has a coffee and tea shop.
Cafe serving light meals also.
Built in 2001, renovated in 2014 with 41 rooms at Abu Tig Marina. You can eat and drink at Captain’s Inn (main restaurant), Captain’s Steakhouse and Tides Lounge & Bar. Wi-Fi is free in public areas, costs in the rooms.
former Arena Inn
A mid-sized hotel, for adults only, opened in 2019 in the building of the former Arena Inn. 144 hotel rooms in three main buildings facing the lagoon on one side and the golf course on the other. Rooms have satellite tv, air conditioning, bathroom with shower, mini fridge, safe and a balcony as well as free Wi-Fi. There's a self-service restaurant and a cocktail bar at the pool. Built along the saltwater lagoon that separates the island of Kafr El Gouna from the Downtown mainland area, the hotel offers a waterfront setting close to the facilities and services of El Gouna. Cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, shopping galleries, and evening entertainment venues with live music and shows are within walking distance. The hotel's infinity pool overlooks a swimming lagoon bordered by a small sandy beach. Arena Inn guests also have access to the hotel's sea beach on nearby Zeytouna Island, reached by shuttle boat or bus, where snorkeling is available.
Built in 2001, renovated in 2014 with 29 rooms, mainly double rooms. There's a rooftop restaurant named Chez Chantal serving Belgian cuisine. Public areas have free Wi-Fi, in the rooms it's payable. The diving company Orca Dive Club is based here.
Built in 2004, renovated in 2014 with 34 rooms, mainly doubles. There are two pools in the inner yard. It has two restaurants, one of which is the only Indian restaurant in town. Public areas have free Wi-Fi, in the rooms it's charged for.
Non-smoking hotel for adults (guests need to be at least 18 years old) built in 1996 and renovated in 2013. There are 66 double rooms; 23 standard, 40 deluxe and three suites and the hotel is built and decorated in Oriental style. Rooms have A/C, balcony, bathroom with shower, safe, satellite tv, and minibar. The hotel has a pool, a "main" restaurant (no reservations required), the Middle-eastern Restaurant El Tableya and Restaurant Just For Two (reservation required for both), a lounge bar and a pool bar. Public areas have free Wi-Fi, it's payable in the rooms. Guests have free access to Zeytouna Beach. All major credit cards are accepted.
Adults only hotel in Arabic style opened in 2014. Has 54 double rooms, a pool and a restaurant (The Sail).
previously Club Med El Gouna, Sonesta Paradisio
Right at the beach, it's an all-inclusive hotel with 239 double rooms opened in 1989. There are two restaurants; the main restaurant Marco Polo and the Morgan's Beach Bistro as well as three bars. When it comes to swimming and bathing; there are two pools, one children's pool, a sauna and a steam bath. Rooms have balcony, a/c, satellite tv, bathroom with shower, minibar and safe. Wi-Fi is free in public areas, payable in the rooms. Diving operator Coraya Divers and kitesurfing operator Osmosis Kiteboarding are based here.
Built in Moroccan style in 2013 and renovated in 2013. There are 69 rooms including six junior suites and two embassador suites. One pool and one restaurant (Restaurant Manara). Free Wi-Fi in public areas, payable in the rooms.
Built in 2004 and renovated in 2013, this hotel has 144 rooms. There's a restaurant, bar and pool. Rooms have tv and fridge, and there's free Wi-Fi. Diving operator The Dive Connection is based here.
Built in 1996, renovated in 2015 with 115 rooms. There's a pool, a beach restaurant, the à la carte restaurant Zeytouna as well as two bars. Public areas have free Wi-Fi, it's payable in the rooms. Diving operator Dive Trek is based here.
Built in 2004 with 234 rooms, this all inclusive hotel is reportedly excellent value for money. Two main restaurants, two specialized restaurants, five bars, two pools and a wellness center. Wi-Fi is free in public areas. Base for diving operators Blue Brothers Diving and Emperor Divers.
This set of two adjacent hotels (Resort and Sunset), with 434 double rooms was built in 2001 and renovated in 2014. Three pools, a large lake and direct sea access. Two restaurants, two specialized restaurants and five bars, though they are a quite spread out so there may be a long walk back to your rooms. Downtown is a five minute walk away, meaning the hotel's facilities remain underused. The Dolphin House on the premises houses diving operators Colona Dive and Easy Divers Academy. Friendly staff.
Ancient Sands Resort has over 80 apartment suites and 56 Deluxe hotel rooms. The properties are located atop a hill with views over the Red Sea, golf course and jagged mountains. The apartment suites have kitchens, and private living areas with en suite bathrooms and terraces. The suites range from one to three bedrooms. Daily housekeeping, dedicated reception, wireless internet, and pool service.
Adults-only hotel. Standard rooms have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, satellite tv, minibar, safe, bathroom with shower, hairdryer, robes, and slippers. The hotel restaurant serves Arabic, Indian and international dishes. There's a spa, gym and yoga area.
formerly Bellevue Beach Hotel
Built in 2015, the hotel has 86 rooms. Buffet restaurant, pizzeria and bar. Pool, children's pool, private beach, a fitness room and a spa with indoor pool. Rooms have tv and fridge. Payable Wi-Fi.
also known as Amr Khalil Hotel
Adults-only hotel opened in 2012 with eleven suites, gourmet restaurant Le Bistro, swimming pool, pool bar, spa and Turkish bath. Free Wi-Fi and free parking.
Built in 1995, renovated in 2014, this hotel is nestled on a peninsula, with its own beachfront. It offers spectacular views of the Red Sea, the tranquil lagoons and the lush gardens. There's a main restaurant and several specialized ones (Thai, Middle-eastern, Mediterranean, seafood). The garden terrace has four swimming pools, and there's a spa, fitness room, different sports facilities plus a children's club with playgrounds. There's a diving operator (Euro Divers) and a kite- and windsurfing center. Rooms have a/c, satellite TV, minibar, safe, balcony and bathroom with shower. Paid Wi-Fi. Downtown with its picturesque architecture and numerous attractions is a few minutes away and Hurghada International Airport can be reached in 30 minutes.
Built in 1997 and renovated in 2008, it's set in a lagoon landscape. There's a main, a Middle-eastern and Italian restaurant, a pool restaurant and several bars. There are two main swimming pools, shops, beauty salon, gyms, wellness center, sports facilities and a children's club with a couple of pools. Rooms have a/c, satellite tv, minibar, safe, balcony, bathroom with shower. Free Wi-Fi in the lobby, payable in the rooms. TGI Diving Center is based here.
Built in 1999, renovated in 2015 with 220 rooms. The hotel sits in the middle of an 18-hole golf course. There are three restaurants; main restaurant Fairways, à la carte restaurant La Rotisserie and Lagoon Terrasse, four bars and two meeting rooms seating up to 100 persons. There's also a fitness and wellness area, two outdoor normal and two children's pools (all of them heated). The golf area has an indoor pool and a sauna. See the Do section above for more information about the golf course.
Self-service supermarket at Tamr Henna with a good selection and fresh meat every Thursday. They also have a branch at Abu Tig Marina.
Has also a small selection of alcoholic beverages.
For more alcoholic beverages.
German bakery with a wide selection of cakes and bread.
Gold and silver jewellery designed by Egyptian designer Azza Fahmy. (facebook: AzzaFahmy)
Furniture and home decoration.
Watches and jewellery.
By bus
A bus ride from Cairo takes about six hours, from Hurghada about 30 minutes. Buses and share taxis between Cairo and Hurghada stop at a bus stop west of town.
By car
From Cairo, drive to Ain Sokhna and south along the coast. The distance is 440 km. You need to show your driver's permit and have your vehicle examined at the entry checkpoint.
By boat
El Gouna has three marinas (Abu Tig Marina extended in 2009, Abydos Marina and the New Marina). Abu Tig has 224 berths for yachts with a maximum length of 45 m and depth of 12 m.
By bus
Regular shuttle buses run between major hotels, until as late as 2:00 in the night. Check the local bus timetables for buses that stop in front of your hotel.
By tuktuk
These can be flagged down on the street and often have a flat fare for up to three passengers to any destination in El Gouna. Sometimes they accept payment in euros.
By taxi or car
You can request to reserve a taxi from your hotel. Cars can be rented with (effectively a long-term taxi, El Gouna Limousine Service is one company offering this option) or without a driver.
By foot
The roads are very quiet and have pavements for pedestrians to walk along safely.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Hurghada · International · HRG
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