Is Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh cheaper?

Hurghada is cheaper at every hotel tier and for dining outside the resort. A four-star all-inclusive week in Hurghada typically costs £450 to £950 per person with flights. The same quality in Sharm typically costs £650 to £1,600. Sharm saves on visa fees for stays under 15 days.

Which has better snorkelling — Hurghada or Sharm?

Sharm has more consistently strong reefs, particularly around Ras Mohammed National Park. Hurghada's central reefs are more degraded from heavy tourism, but Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh further south are better. For the best reefs on the Egyptian coast, consider Marsa Alam.

Do I need a visa for Hurghada?

Yes. Hurghada is on the Egyptian mainland and always requires a visa — either an e-visa in advance (around $25 to $30) or a visa on arrival at the airport paid in US dollars cash. Unlike Sharm El Sheikh, there is no free entry stamp option.

Can I visit Luxor from Sharm El Sheikh?

It is possible but difficult. There are limited direct flights and the journey usually routes through Cairo. From Hurghada, Luxor is roughly four hours by road — much more practical as a day trip or overnight add-on.

Hurghada vs Sharm El Sheikh: which Red Sea resort is right for you?

Last updated: 2026-06-29

Hurghada is better for

Families wanting large waterpark resorts, kids' clubs and the widest hotel choice at every price point
Budget-conscious travellers — four-star all-inclusive from roughly $120 to $160 per night
Travellers who want to visit Luxor on a day trip (roughly four hours by road)
A livelier evening scene with restaurants, bars and a genuine town beyond the resort gates
First-time Egypt visitors wanting the most straightforward package holiday experience

Sharm El Sheikh is better for

Divers and serious snorkellers — Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran are world-class
Couples and adults wanting a quieter, more polished resort atmosphere
Travellers who want visa-free entry — UK passport holders staying at Sinai resorts for under 15 days get a free entry stamp
A more contained, resort-sealed holiday without the bustle of a working city nearby
Travellers with a higher budget — five-star resorts typically run $300 to $700+ per night

The visa difference most comparisons skip

Hurghada is on the Egyptian mainland. UK travellers always need a visa — e-visa in advance (around $25 to $30) or visa on arrival in US dollars cash.

Sharm El Sheikh is on the Sinai Peninsula. Fly directly into Sharm Airport and stay at Sinai resorts for 15 days or fewer and you get a free entry permission stamp. The catch: the free stamp only covers Sinai — day trips to Cairo or Luxor require a full visa.

Reef and snorkelling comparison

Sharm has the edge for serious diving and snorkelling, with Ras Mohammed consistently rated among the best dive sites in the world. Hurghada's central reefs are more degraded, but Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh further south are better. For the best reefs on the Egyptian coast, consider Marsa Alam.

Family comparison

Hurghada has the widest range of purpose-built family resorts with large on-site waterparks and flatter beaches for younger children. Sharm has strong family options but fewer mega-waterpark resorts and a calmer atmosphere that suits families with older children.

Day trips and excursions

From Hurghada: Luxor (4 hours by road), Cairo and Pyramids (domestic flight or long drive), Giftun Island snorkelling, desert quad biking.

From Sharm: Ras Mohammed, Mount Sinai sunrise trek, Tiran Island diving, Coloured Canyon safari. Cairo and Luxor are harder to reach — typically via Cairo.

Side-by-side comparison

Factor	Hurghada	Sharm El Sheikh
Best for	Families, budget, sightseeing	Couples, divers, luxury
Visa (UK)	Required ($25–30)	Free stamp (under 15 days)
House reef quality	Variable, best south of centre	Strong at good resorts
Nightlife	Lively town and marina	Naama Bay bars, calmer overall
Luxor access	~4 hours road	Difficult, via Cairo
4-star AI per night	$120 to $160	$200 to $350
UK package (7 nights, flights, pp)	£450 to £950	£650 to £1,600

DealStays verdict

Choose Hurghada when budget matters, when you are travelling with younger children, when you want a livelier evening scene, or when visiting Luxor is part of the plan. Choose Sharm when diving or reef quality is the priority, when you want a calmer resort atmosphere, or when visa-free entry for a shorter stay is a practical advantage.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh cheaper?: Hurghada is cheaper at every hotel tier and for dining outside the resort. A four-star all-inclusive week in Hurghada typically costs £450 to £950 per person with flights. The same quality in Sharm typically costs £650 to £1,600. Sharm saves on visa fees for stays under 15 days.
Which has better snorkelling — Hurghada or Sharm?: Sharm has more consistently strong reefs, particularly around Ras Mohammed National Park. Hurghada's central reefs are more degraded from heavy tourism, but Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh further south are better. For the best reefs on the Egyptian coast, consider Marsa Alam.
Do I need a visa for Hurghada?: Yes. Hurghada is on the Egyptian mainland and always requires a visa — either an e-visa in advance (around $25 to $30) or a visa on arrival at the airport paid in US dollars cash. Unlike Sharm El Sheikh, there is no free entry stamp option.
Can I visit Luxor from Sharm El Sheikh?: It is possible but difficult. There are limited direct flights and the journey usually routes through Cairo. From Hurghada, Luxor is roughly four hours by road — much more practical as a day trip or overnight add-on.