Guided Tour of El Gouna: The Red Sea’s Coastal Paradise
El Gouna, known as “The Lagoon” in Arabic, is a picturesque resort town along Egypt's Red Sea coast, located just 25 kilometers north of Hurghada. This meticulously planned community is an oasis of luxury, elegance, and sustainability, offering a unique blend of turquoise lagoons, private beaches, upscale hotels, and a lively cultural scene. With its relaxed atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, El Gouna is the perfect destination for a rejuvenating getaway. Here’s your ultimate guided tour through the highlights of El Gouna!
A City Tour Through the hurghada
1. Exploring Downtown El Gouna
Begin your journey in Downtown El Gouna, a charming area with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and a variety of shops, cafes, and art galleries.
Boutique Shopping: Downtown El Gouna has a selection of boutiques offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and beachwear to local souvenirs and artisan products. Popular shops like Bubblzz and Kenzi Boutique are excellent places to find unique items.
Art and Galleries: The town’s commitment to art and culture is reflected in its galleries, such as The TU Berlin El Gouna Campus Gallery, which often features work by Egyptian and international artists. You’ll find sculptures, paintings, and photography exhibits that showcase the talent and diversity of El Gouna’s creative community.
Dining and Cafes: Downtown is packed with dining options. Enjoy traditional Egyptian dishes at El Gouna Fish Market, try wood-fired pizzas at Zia Amelia, or relax with coffee and a view at 7th Star cafe. Downtown has a cozy atmosphere in the evenings, perfect for dining al fresco.
2. The Lagoons and Beaches of El Gouna
El Gouna is known for its serene, crystal-clear lagoons and beautiful beaches, offering endless opportunities for relaxation and water sports.
Mangroovy Beach: This famous kitesurfing beach is the heart of El Gouna’s water sports scene. With shallow, steady waters and constant wind, Mangroovy is perfect for both beginners and experienced kitesurfers. You can find several kitesurfing schools offering lessons and rentals.
Zeytouna Beach: Accessible by boat, Zeytouna Beach sits on its own island in the Red Sea, offering snorkeling, diving, and sunbathing. It has a long pier that takes you directly to the reef, where you can snorkel among colorful fish and coral.
Lagoon Cruises: For a more leisurely experience, take a lagoon cruise to explore El Gouna’s network of canals and islands. Many hotels and marinas offer boat tours that take you through the town’s beautiful waterways, giving you a unique perspective of the town's architecture and landscapes.
3. Diving and Snorkeling Adventures
El Gouna is a prime location for exploring the Red Sea’s renowned marine life and coral reefs, with plenty of dive sites to choose from.
Abu Nuhas Wrecks: Known as the “Ship Graveyard,” Abu Nuhas is a famous dive site featuring several shipwrecks, each with unique marine ecosystems. Divers can explore these historical wrecks, some dating back centuries, now teeming with sea life.
Shab El Erg (Dolphin House): Shab El Erg is a vibrant reef known for its frequent dolphin sightings. Snorkeling or diving here offers a chance to swim alongside playful dolphins and encounter a variety of colorful fish, making it a must-visit for marine life enthusiasts.
Day Trips: Many local dive centers offer day trips, including diving packages for beginners and experienced divers. Orca Dive Club and Dive Trek are well-regarded centers that provide guided tours and equipment rentals.
4. Golfing at El Gouna Golf Club
For golf enthusiasts, El Gouna’s 18-hole golf course is an oasis of greenery amid the desert landscape. Designed by Gene Bates and Fred Couples, the course is suitable for players of all skill levels and offers stunning views of the Red Sea and surrounding mountains. With lush fairways, scenic lagoons, and challenging holes, it’s an ideal way to spend a relaxing day outdoors. The golf club also offers lessons for beginners and has a pro shop for all golfing needs.
5. Desert Excursions and Cultural Experiences
Venture into the nearby desert for an exhilarating adventure or experience traditional Bedouin culture.
Quad Biking and Dune Buggy Tours: Take a thrilling ride through the dunes with a quad bike or dune buggy. Many tours include a stop at a Bedouin village, where you can enjoy traditional tea and learn about the Bedouin lifestyle.
Camel Rides: For a more traditional experience, explore the desert by camel. Local guides offer camel treks that provide an authentic look at desert life and landscapes.
Bedouin Night: Experience a Bedouin Night with an evening of storytelling, music, and traditional food. Bedouin hosts welcome visitors to their camps, where you can enjoy a traditional feast under the stars and learn about the customs and history of Egypt’s desert-dwelling communities.
6. Evening Entertainment and Nightlife
As the sun sets, El Gouna comes alive with vibrant nightlife options.
Abu Tig Marina: The marina area is a hub of nightlife, with bars, restaurants, and lounges offering everything from live music to DJ performances. The marina’s picturesque setting makes it perfect for an evening stroll.
Club 88: One of El Gouna’s most popular beach clubs, Club 88 features an infinity pool, chic ambiance, and regular DJ sets, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists.
Pier 3: For a relaxed evening, Pier 3 offers cozy seating and stunning views of the marina. Enjoy cocktails, shisha, and conversation in a sophisticated atmosphere.
7. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Tourism
El Gouna prides itself on being an eco-friendly destination, implementing sustainable practices across its hotels, businesses, and infrastructure.
Eco-Friendly Hotels: Many hotels in El Gouna are designed to minimize environmental impact. Solar energy is widely used, and green roofs and wastewater recycling are common practices, all aimed at preserving the beauty of the Red Sea.
Environmental Activities: Visitors can join environmental initiatives like beach clean-ups or educational programs focused on coral reef preservation, organized by local groups like HEPCA (Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association).
Biking Around Town: El Gouna encourages eco-friendly transportation, and many hotels offer bike rentals for guests. The town’s compact layout and dedicated bike paths make it easy and enjoyable to explore by bicycle.
Conclusion
El Gouna is a haven of relaxation, adventure, and sustainability on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. With its upscale resorts, vibrant cultural scene, and emphasis on eco-friendly living, this unique town offers a refreshing escape for travelers looking to immerse themselves in both luxury and nature. Whether you’re lounging on Mangroovy Beach, exploring underwater wonders, or enjoying an evening in Abu Tig Marina, El Gouna promises a vacation experience that’s both rejuvenating and unforgettable.
