Introduction
El Gouna meaning "the Lagoon" is a multi-award-winning, fully integrated, and self-sufficient town covering 10 km of pristine shoreline on the beautiful Red Sea coast. It attracts a growing multinational community mainly because of its' year-round sunshine, shimmering lagoons, beaches, world-class infrastructure and premium services. The town is also popular for its' cultural festivals and other major events.
Located 25 kilometres north of Hurghada, El Gouna is easily accessible from Hurghada International Airport and boasts excellent services, natural beaches and year-round sunshine. The town's convenient location offers good access to many of Egypt's natural wonders, historical sites, and archaeological treasures. The ancient temples of Luxor and Aswan are only a ride away. Day and overnight trips to Luxor, Aswan, Cairo, and Sinai are also easily arranged from El Gouna.
When to go
Average temperatures in El Gouna vary greatly. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot for about half of the year but otherwise nice with a very low chance of rain throughout the year. If you're looking for the very warmest time to visit El Gouna, the hottest months are August, July, and then June. The warmest time of year is generally early August where highs are regularly around 102.5°F (39.2°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 83.6°F (28.7°C) at night. The months with the lowest chance of rain are February, April, and then June. The lowest chance of rain occurs around early January. By contrast, it's most likely to rain or snow in late December.
Wind in El Gouna is usually stronger than many places. The windiest month is June, followed by August and September. June's average wind speed of around 13.4 knots (15.4 MPH or 24.9 KPH) is considered "a moderate breeze." Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early June where average top sustained speeds reach 21.7 knots, which is considered a fresh breeze.
Family Fun
El Gouna is a child-friendly community with a wide range of activities and services for children. Most hotels offer childcare programs and fun activity clubs for different ages and babysitting services for guests. You can also hire nurses from the El Gouna Hospital.There are tailored ping and golfing lessons, and a go-kart track. For curious minds, El Gouna Aquarium and Museum is worth a visit while the younger ones can enjoy pony rides at the local horse stable and island adventures on Zeytouna Beach. The Cheeky Monkeys indoor park at the marina has an air-conditioned playground with trampoline, slides, and swings, as well as outdoor mini-golf, football pitch, and picnic area.
Beaches
All beaches in El Gouna are equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, with services like food, drinks, snorkelling rental and kite stations. Zeytouna beach is known for its shallow waters and Mangroovy beach is the best spot for parasailing and kiteboarding. For beach, parties head over to Moods Beach Club at the Marina.
Sports
El Gouna is an international kite surfing destination with water sports and aquatic activities available all year round due to the sheltered reef headland. There are plenty of water sports facilities and pe centres located around the town. Boat owners have a choice of 3 marinas, including the Abu Tig Marina. Sports in El Gouna aren't limited to water activities, volleyball games are organized on several beaches and you can rent a scooter or bicycle to explore on two wheels. The Go-Kart circuit, located on the road between the Downtown area and Abu Tig Marina is popular with youth and teens and horseback riding is available at Yalla Stables. For golfers, the 18-hole family recreational centre in the Marina offers challenging obstacles and amusing entertainment for all ages. The ACE International Tennis Academy offers tennis lessons and features clay tennis courts, basketball, volleyball and a mini-football field. El Gouna Sporting Club hosts athletes and spectators for exercise and sporting events at the town's full-size field.
Sightseeing
Adventurous residents and guests can try a boat trip to one or more of the islands surrounding El Gouna, or venture into the Eastern Desert for a visit to the nearby Bedouin village or a tour of a desert monastery. Arrangements can also be made to visit Egypt's most popular historical sites in places including Luxor, Aswan and Cairo from the town.
Wellness and Spas
El Gouna features several spas and wellness centres that will provide you with the serenity you seek. Treat yourself to a beach massage or attend one of the daily fitness classes that are held at nearby gyms. Some of them open 24 hours a day and others offer beachfront fitness activities.
Shopping
Compared to the downtown area, the resplendent Abu Tig Marina is a classier shopping venue in El Gouna housing a multitude of boats and yachts and offering a fine selection of fashionable boutiques. Intimate restaurants, cafes and bars add to the refined atmosphere of the location. In addition to the beautiful yachts and amazing sea trips on offer at the marina in El Gouna, every Friday a festival is held at the seafront. The program usually includes live concerts, dance performances, food and drinks. Children also have their festival, at the town's numerous kids' clubs and playgrounds.
Nightlife
For movie fanatics, the town features three cinema rooms at Sea Cinema while the TUB Campus hosts a variety of concerts every year, as well as live screenings from the MET Opera. The modern El Gouna Conference centre also features a weekly program of cultural shows and concerts.
Beyond the Beach
El Gouna offers a wide range of international-standard facilities, including 17 hotels, a hospital, a nursing institute, two 18-hole championship golf courses, co-working facilities and a landing strip. The town is mindful of everybody's needs with conference and meeting facilities, beauty salons, spas, post office, and even a weather station. El Gouna also hosts a university, a variety of schools, and a library linked to the Bibliotheca of Alexandria.
Getting Around
Transportation choices vary from shuttle buses and tuk-tuk cabs (three-wheeled motor rides) to private limousines and e-bikes. There are 5 shuttle bus routes with 15 stops connecting hotels to the downtown area.
Tourist Information
El Gouna Information Office
Tel: +20 65 3549 702
Useful Links
- > Shaab El Erg (ping spot)
- > Embassy of Knowledge (Bibliotheca Alexandrina El Gouna)
- > Luxor Day Tour
- > Horse and camel rides (2 hours)
- > Catamaran Snorkelling trip