Hurghada– From a Fishing Village to a Tourist Destination
Hurghada, was only a fishing village prior to 20 th century. Today, it is an important tourist resort in the Red Sea coast. Hurghada has also become an active aquatic sports centre especially for sailing, windsurfing, swimming, deep-sea fishing, diving and snorkeling. The finest underwater gardens offshore are very popular amongst divers. Different kinds of coral reefs and rare fish flourish in warm water, which can be watched through glass boats. Most of the restaurants in Hurghada are located in the main road. It is worth visiting the aquarium and museum which has a large compilation of flora and fauna of Red Sea . Thousands of European visitors visit Harghada's beach resorts which boast excellent service. Some larger resorts even include playgrounds, zoos, bars, discos, small theaters and a large number of pools. Hurghada city is still under development with many hotel and restaurant constructions taking place, in the busy part of Red Sea . Safaga is in the southern side of Hurghada, Soma Bay and its Sheraton are closer to Southern part. To the Northern side is El Gouna which is a well organized resort. The resorts offer scuba diving with bowling, golf, and also fishing.
Islands nearby to Hurghada are full of excitement. Giftun Island can be visited for fish barbecue and snorkeling. The Red Sea can be beautifully viewed from a submarine. Shopping can be done in boutiques. Luxury holiday villages can be visited for maximum relaxation. Roman Mons Porphyrites or mountain of porphyry can be visited along with remains at Gebel Abu Dukhan or Father of Smoke. Safaris or day-trips for exploring Red Sea Mountains by jeep or camel are available at affordable rates. Other destinations include Shadwan Island for snorkeling, fishing and Diving, but there is no swimming. Shaab Abu Shiban can be visited for swimming, diving and snorkeling. Shaab el-Erg can be visited for snorkeling, diving and fishing. Umm Gammar Island can be visited for snorkeling and diving. Shasb Saghir Umm Gammae is a good place for diving. The other worth places for visiting are Careless Reef for Diving, Abu Ramada Island for Diving, Shaab Abu Ramada for Fishing, Dishet el-Dhaba for swimming and Beaches, Shaab Abu Hashish for snorkeling, diving, beaches, fishing and swimming, Sharm el-Arab for swimming, fishing and diving and Abu Minqar Island for swimming and beaches.
Hurghada, known in Egypt as Ghardaga, has undergone a vast development from a humble beginning as a simple fishing village. Now it boasts of multitude of ship wrecks, crystal clear water and untouched reefs. It is the most visited Egyptian tourist destination now. It has a small town centre containing mosques and bazaars reflecting a typical Egyptian life. Desert Mountains are the ideal destination for desert tours. Hurghada provides maximum relation and sunshine for the people who visit the city for holiday purpose. Hurghada has an array of hotels in its 20 km beautiful beach coastline. Visitors throng, in large numbers to Hurghada for the purpose of scubadiving, windsurfing or desert safaris. There are a wide variety of fine 5 Star Hotels and also simple Guest Houses to suit the budget of the traveler.