Little-known winter sun hotspot has cheap easyJet flights, quiet beaches and affordable five-star hotels
A TOWN in the Red Sea Riviera in Egypt has a lot to offer when it comes to a winter break.
El Gouna, also known as ‘Venice of the Red Sea’, is a popular place to head if you want beautiful beaches and water sports to be a part of your holiday.
Its hot temperatures, cheap flights, and affordable five-star hotels are also reasons why at this time of year it’s a good place to visit.
Temperatures in El Gouna reach over 30C in September and October. And while it cools down during the winter months, you can still expect highs of 24C.
The town has lots of sandy beaches, lagoons and coral reefs, with many of them considered quiet and relaxing.
Zeytuna Beach is one of its quietest beaches, located on its own island just off of El Gouna, with scenic views of the Red Sea.
Many of the hotels offer ferry rides over for guests to enjoy a day there.
For those who like water sports, El Gouna is considered one of the world’s best kitesurfing spots, due to its shallow waters, consistent winds, and year-round sunshine.
The lagoons in particular are ideal for this.
For nature lovers, there are many ways to go wildlife spotting in the town, including bird watching, boat tours and nature walks.
Abydos Lagoon is a mangrove lagoon at the south end of El Gouna where shorebirds feed at low tide and winter gulls can be seen at high tide.
Mangrove Lagoon next to Abydos Marina is a good place to explore on foot, with mangrove and scrubby areas, and gardens.
El Gouna also has lots of highly-rated hotels, including luxury hotels offering affordable stays.
Movenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna is a 5* hotel with a private beach, three outdoor pools, and plenty of activities, with bikes to hire and two outdoor tennis courts.
Prices for a one night stay for two adults start from just £85.
CREEK Hotel & Residences El Gouna is another 5* hotel offering exceptional room rates.
The hotel offers a horizon pool with an infinity view, a lagoon for swimming, a gym, a sauna, and a jacuzzi. Prices start from just £69 a night.
The best way to get to El Gouna is to fly to Hurghada Airport.
What it's like to visit El Gouna
Sun Travel’s Deputy Editor Kara Godfrey visited the resort town at the end of last year…
The island city is the cooler sister of nearby Hurghada, where Brits often flock for winter sun.
Built in the 1980s, El Gouna is where the fun crowd are going — but without the actual crowds.
Even in the busy season the island keeps its laid-back vibe, with everything you need in walking distance, although you can also get around by boat, car or tuk-tuk.
Don’t expect to see many Brits as it is mainly popular with Egyptians and Germans.
While El Gouna does everything it can to keep you occupied, you would be foolish not to drag yourself away from the lagoon and head off on a day trip.
As if I didn’t have enough sand in my shoes already, I found myself whizzing through the desert on a jeep safari tour.
And I don’t mean inside the car.
They encourage you to sit on top of the vehicle, with just some thin ropes to hold on to for dear life, while being thrown about over the dirt track.
It was then that I learned how the Egyptians drive.
Fast.
But it’s hard not to grin like a maniac when you are speeding through an expanse so deserted it feels like you are on Mars.
When the vehicles can go no further, hiking through the rocks and the steep slopes presents you with impressive views over the Wadi Bileh Valley.
During November, December and January, flights to Hurghada from London Gatwick are just £94.64 from easyJet.
From the airport, El Gouna is just over a half an hour drive away.