From Fishing Village to Resort Paradise: The Story of Hurghada
Hurghada is one of the most vibrant and popular tourist destinations in Egypt. But this city was not always a bustling resort. Let’s dive into history and discover how it all began.
How a fishing village became the gateway to an underwater paradise
Once, Hurghada was a modest fishing village on the shore of the Red Sea. Where the bustling resort and lively streets of Hurghada now stand, there were only sandy expanses and the calm Red Sea. Local residents led a simple life, engaged in fishing. Life was steady and peaceful, much like in many Egyptian provinces, with no hint of a tourist boom.
Military Base
In the early 20th century, Hurghada caught the attention of the Egyptian military. In 1905, a naval base was established here. This was the first step toward developing infrastructure and transportation routes, which later played a key role in transforming the city into a resort.
The First Tourists
Legend has it that the first tourist ended up in Hurghada by chance, stopping overnight during his travels in Egypt. In the morning, as he stepped out to the sea, he was amazed: the water was not just blue—it shimmered with every shade of turquoise. This guest dared to snorkel and, upon returning to the shore, couldn’t contain his excitement. "There’s an entire world underwater here! Why doesn’t anyone know about this place?" From then on, rumors of the Red Sea’s underwater wonders began to spread, and in the 1980s, divers started coming here to see the coral reefs, moray eels, and vibrant fish that seemed like they were painted for a fairy tale.
The First Steps in Developing an Egyptian Resort
Back then, Hurghada was a modest settlement. One main road, a few shops, and a couple of restaurants—that was all you could find here. But those who came here weren’t drawn by these things. They fell in love with the unique atmosphere, where every day you could watch the sun rise over the sea and set behind the sandy mountains.
Local residents, noticing the interest in their area, began offering simple excursions: boat trips, desert camping, and fishing the Egyptian way. At this time, the first small hotels appeared in Hurghada.
The real tourist boom started in the 1990s–2000s when investors saw potential in Hurghada. The city began to develop rapidly: large hotels with pools and private beaches sprang up along the coast, and in the city center, shops, bars, and even the first nightclubs appeared. That was when Hurghada gained the status of an international resort. The Red Sea attracted more and more divers, the desert drew safari enthusiasts, and the magnificent hotels captivated those who simply wanted to enjoy the sun and comfort.
The international airport in Hurghada opened its doors to millions of tourists from around the world, making the city an accessible and appealing destination for vacations.
Modern Hurghada: More Than Just a Vacation
Today, Hurghada is not just an Egyptian resort—it’s a place where everyone can find something for themselves.
A dream for divers.
Dive into the underwater world and discover stunning coral reefs, sunken ships, and an endless variety of marine life.
A paradise for families with children.
Gorgeous beaches, water parks, and evening shows make vacations here unforgettable for all ages.
An adventure for thrill-seekers.
From quad biking in the desert and parasailing to kite surfing on the waves of the Red Sea—boredom is not an option here.
A journey into history.
Excursions to Luxor and Cairo allow you to delve into the world of ancient Egypt and see the legendary pyramids and temples with your own eyes.
Why Choose Hurghada?
This city is living proof of how nature and humans can create something incredible. A fishing village transformed into a world-class resort but retained its soul. The smiles and hospitality of the locals, fresh seafood, the scent of spices at the market, and the whisper of the sea under the starry sky—all this makes Hurghada special.
💬 Want to experience it yourself? Come to Hurghada, where every day will be a little adventure for you! 🏖️
Don’t miss the chance to discover Hurghada—book the most exciting excursions with Fun Stay Travel and start your unforgettable journey today!
