Are you considering whether to spend your next holiday in Hurghada or Marsa Alam? Both Egyptian destinations promise unforgettable experiences, from stunning beaches to exciting diving adventures. Hurghada offers a lively atmosphere with a variety of activities, while Marsa Alam is renowned for its tranquility and unspoiled nature.
In this article, we will compare the two locations regarding getting there, weather, things to do and accommodation to help you choose your dream holiday. Discover which destination suits you best!
Or are you torn between Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh? Then read this guide!
Table of contents
Hurghada vs Marsa Alam: Key Facts Compared
| Hurghada | Marsa Alam | |
|---|---|---|
| Direct flight time from London | approx. 5:25 hours | approx. 5:35 hours |
| Average annual temperature | approx. 24°C | approx. 26°C |
| Where is the holiday generally cheaper? | Hurghada is cheaper | Typically, about 100 pounds more expensive than Hurghada, but bargains are available |
Location and Accessibility
Getting to Hurghada
Hurghada International Airport is one of the largest in the region, offering numerous connections and competitive flight prices. Depending on your hotel’s location, your transfer can take a while.
| Destination | Transfer time from Hurghada airport |
|---|---|
| Hurghada Centre | approx. 20-30 minutes |
| El Gouna | approx. 40 minutes |
| Makadi Bay | approx. 45-60 minutes |
| El Quseir | approx. 1,5-2 hours |
Getting to Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam Airport is smaller, meaning quicker processing times and shorter distances. It is serviced less frequently than Hurghada, leading to generally higher prices. The flight to Marsa Alam takes slightly longer due to its location further south along the Red Sea.
| Destination | Transfer Time from Marsa Alam Airport |
|---|---|
| Port Ghalib Hotel zone | approx. 15 minutes |
| El Quseir | approx. 1 hour |
| Wadi Lahami | approx. 2 hours |
Climate and Weather: Which is Warmer?
In this comparison, Marsa Alam takes the prize, albeit by a narrow margin. My recommendation for the winter months is Marsa Alam because a temperature difference of 2 degrees can significantly affect the strong winds that blow across the Red Sea.
| Criteria | Hurghada | Marsa Alam |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum daily temperatures | 24°C (January), 38°C (July) | 26°C (January), 40°C (July) |
| Water temperatures | 23.2°C (January), 30°C (August) | 24°C (January), 31°C (August) |
| Hours of sunshine | 8h (January), 13h (August) | 9h (January), 14h (August) |
| Rainy days | 1 (January), 0 (July) | 0 (January), 0 (July) |
Conclusion: Hurghada 0 points, Marsa Alam 1 point
Selection of hotels in Hurghada, Makadi Bay and Marsa Alam
Hurghada offers a larger selection of all-inclusive hotels catering to various groups, such as couples and families, as well as a slight price advantage due to increased competition.
Marsa Alam, however, is particularly attractive for divers and those seeking a quieter environment. The house reefs at hotels in Marsa Alam are significantly more intact and diversified, and the resorts feel less crowded than in densely developed Hurghada.
Thus, this point results in a draw.
Are you still looking for an all-inclusive resort in Hurghada or Marsa Alam?
The TUI BLUE Crystal Bay in Hurghada boasts its own small bay with private beach, swim-up rooms, private pools, kids’ club, multiple restaurants, and winter-heated pools. You can also use the water park and snorkelling jetty at the neighbouring hotel for free. The centre and Hurghada Airport are just a few kilometers away. I have vacationed here myself and highly recommend it!
Makadi Bay, just a few kilometres south of Hurghada, offers a more refined option for Hurghada holidaymakers. Many wellness hotels for adults can be found here, including the sibling hotels TUI BLUE Makadi and TUI BLUE Makadi Gardens, which are particularly praised for their dining options and adjacent coral reefs.
Marsa Alam’s hotels nearly all feature their own jetties to the coral reef, including the TUI BLUE Samaya, which is just a short transfer from the airport. With an aquapark and a sandy beach in a protected bay, it’s an excellent choice for water enthusiasts, divers, and snorkelling fans, especially families. With a 5-star rating, all-inclusive service, and a 96% recommendation rate, you can’t go wrong here.
Hotels in Hurghada und Marsa Alam
Snorkelling and Diving Opportunities: Where to Go?
In general, the vibrant marine life in Marsa Alam is better preserved than in Hurghada. To have a similar experience in Hurghada as you would in Marsa Alam, one often has to go much farther out for diving. For snorkellers, Marsa Alam offers much more to see at the house reef and shore dives, and the water can be a touch warmer than in Hurghada. Here’s a comparison of the best dive spots:
| Location | Diving Spot | Underwater World | Target Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hurghada | |||
| Sharm El Naga | Beautiful coral reefs, colourful fish | Beginners to Intermediate | |
| Giftun Island | Clear visibility, coral reefs, various fish species | Beginners to Intermediate | |
| Brothers Islands | Large fish schools, sharks, colourful reefs | Intermediate to Advanced | |
| Abu Nuhas | Shipwrecks, vibrant fish schools, coral reefs | Intermediate to Advanced | |
| El Mina Wreck | Shipwreck, colourful fish species, mackerels | Intermediate to Advanced | |
| Marsa Alam | |||
| Shaab Samadai (Dolphin Reef) | Dolphins, vibrant corals, various fish species | Beginners to Intermediate | |
| Elphinstone Reef | Hammerhead sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks, coral reefs | Intermediate to Advanced | |
| Shaab Sharm | Steep reef walls, colourful fish schools, soft corals | Intermediate to Advanced | |
| Abu Dabbāb | Sea turtles, dugongs, coral reefs | Beginners to Intermediate | |
| Amazon Reef | Colourful coral reefs, diverse fish species, morays | Intermediate to Advanced |
The point goes to Marsa Alam!
Families with Children: Which Destination is Better?
It depends on what kind of holiday you’re planning with children. Do you want to go on lots of excursions, visit places and visit attractions for children?
If you want to take many excursions, visit villages, and see children’s attractions, then Hurghada is the better choice. The tourist infrastructure is better developed here, with a large number of hotels featuring aquaparks and various providers for excursions and water sports. When you step outside the hotel, there are plenty of colourful shops and street stalls for children to explore. A popular family outing is a visit to the “Grand Aquarium Hurghada.” Hurghada is particularly interesting for teenagers, as there is plenty of action around the hotels.
Marsa Alam, on the other hand, generally has shorter transfer times, which is appreciated after a long flight with children. The selection of hotels with aquaparks and kids clubs may be smaller, but it does exist. Some hotels, like the TUI BLUE Samaya, also offer a man-made sandy bay that gradually slopes into the sea. If you’re after a quieter holiday where the kids are entertained at the hotel and it doesn’t bother you that the hotels are situated outside of the nearest towns with limited exploration opportunities aside from organised excursions, then Marsa Alam is a great choice for both parents and children. The marine life is colourful here and certainly a highlight for both young and old.
The point is a draw, as the judgement depends on your needs.
Nightlife and entertainment
When it comes to nightlife, Hurghada definitely takes the lead! Not only do hotels have their own bars and nightclubs, but in Hurghada itself, bars and clubs attract night owls, some of whom dance on the beach or by the club pool to house music or other trending genres. However, don’t expect a nightlife scene like that of Ibiza in Hurghada.
In contrast, Marsa Alam, despite any AI-generated articles claiming the opposite with fictitious nightclubs, offers a far more laid-back atmosphere. If you’re looking to party, it’s a good idea to check hotel reviews with this in mind and select accommodation accordingly. Outside of the hotel complexes, your options are limited, with the Red Club in Port Ghalib being a notable exception. Naturally, this location is quite small compared to Hurghada and caters to a different demographic. Therefore, the point goes to Hurghada.
The point goes to Hurghada.
Which place has more to offer culturally?
Hurghada has more sights in the traditional sense. It boasts attractions such as a mosque, a large marine aquarium, the pedestrian zone in the old town of El Dahar, a marina, a sand sculpture park, and shopping malls. Additionally, there are the obligatory excursions into the desert by quad bike, featuring a “Bedouin village” for entertainment, as well as a few offshore islands like Giftun Island with its Orange Bay and white sandy beaches, which is a destination for boat trips and snorkelling excursions.
So, what is there to do in Marsa Alam? It’s situated in the middle of nowhere, and between the beach and the desert, there isn’t much apart from a handful of hotels. However, you’re far more likely to experience authentic desert adventure in Wadi el-Gemal National Park, with a night sky so dark that the stars are truly spectacular. Organised jeep, quad, and camel tours, along with boat trips for dolphin watching or visiting the Qulaan Islands, are available in every hotel. The option to “stroll along the promenade” exists only at the rather artificial-looking marina in Port Ghalib.
One aspect I particularly enjoyed in Marsa Alam was jogging outside the hotel complex. Nature is just a step away, and occasionally, you pass by friendly locals who wave. In Hurghada, however, stepping out of the hotel means everyone is trying to sell you something. How one feels about this will naturally depend on personal temperament. Culturally speaking, the point goes to Hurghada.
Culturally, the point goes to Hurghada.
Where is the Holiday Cheaper?
Generally speaking, a package holiday to Marsa Alam is slightly more expensive than to Hurghada. However, especially in the off-season, you can find excellent prices for a 5-star hotel.
If you stumble upon a bargain for Marsa Alam, it’s worth looking closely, as often these deals are cheaper because flights go to Hurghada airport, and then you’re transferred by bus to Marsa Alam, which takes at least 3 hours.
Conclusion: Is Marsa Alam or Hurghada the Right Holiday Destination for Me?
Overall, the results are quite balanced. Since you know yourself best, you can better determine whether you prefer the quietness of Marsa Alam or the more varied leisure options and hotel choices like those found in Hurghada.
Which is your favourite? Let me know in the comments. Personally, I preferred Marsa Alam.
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Questions and Answers about Marsa Alam and Hurghada
Are There Differences in Climate or Best Travel Times?
Temperature differences are minimal, with Marsa Alam having a slight edge due to slightly higher temperatures. In summer, temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit for beach lovers who don’t want to get roasted is from November to April.
Where Are There More Shopping Opportunities?
Definitely in Hurghada. There you’ll find traditional souks as well as Western-style malls with well-known chains.
Which City Offers a More Authentic Egyptian Experience?
If we can call Marsa Alam a “city,” then it certainly is Marsa Alam. Hurghada is quite tailored for tourists. However, if you venture beyond the pedestrian zone into the side streets, you’ll witness everyday life. Alternatively, taking the public bus instead of a taxi will immerse you right into the Egyptian bustle.