The Egyptian resort city of Hurghada stretches for 22 miles along the country's eastern Red Sea coast. Not for nothing is Hurghada known as part of the Red Sea Riviera, and it features some of the best diving and snorkeling areas in the world.

Discovering Hurghada

Hurghada can without doubt be called one of the undisputed watersports capitals of the world, and the only trouble that tourists will have while they are there is choosing between the many options that are available to them. For those who prefer to sit and observe, there are glass-bottomed boats that slowly cruise above the stunning coral reefs, and for those who are a little more active, kitesurfing, water-skiing, diving, snorkeling and jet-skiing are the order of the day.

Desert sports have also not been forgotten, and Hurghada offers such thrilling adventures as quad-biking through the Sahara Desert. Those who are even more adventurous can try riding the often-ornery camels, and the typical desert excursion is often topped off by high tea or a meal with a local Bedouin tribe.

The city is divided into three areas, which consist of El Dahar, the Old City, Sekalla, the commercial hub, and El Memsha, the most modern and recently added section. Up until only a few decades ago, Hurghada was a sleepy fishing resort that catered mainly to local traffic, but it has rapidly become one of Egypt's most sophisticated tourist destinations. A holiday in Hurghada is ideal for those adventurous types who would like to mix first rate sporting experiences with scintillating nightlife.

Day Trips out of Hurghada

Hurghada is a popular base camp for day trips to Cairo, Giza and Luxor, so visits to the National History Museum, the sphinx and the pyramids as well as Karnak Temple are all possible. Lesser known - but equally as thrilling - day trips would include those to nearby Al Qusier, which is one of the oldest cities on Egypt's Red Sea coast and which offers sights like the 300-year old Ottoman Fort and Al Senousi Mosque.

Other popular day trips include cruises to magical destinations on the Sinai Peninsula - which is just a short distance away across the Red Sea - specifically the ancient metropolis of Sharm el-Sheikh. Must-sees while exploring this historic region include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saint Catherine's Monastery, which is fully 1,500 years old, and Mount Sinai, famous for the biblical burning bush and commandment tablets.

When in Hurghada...Haggle

Nothing can be bought in Hurghada without haggling - neither a ride in one of the city's somewhat chaotic taxis nor the quaint little souvenirs found in the Old City's bazaars - but as much as 75% can be knocked off the asking price if tourists are willing to bargain. The currency required is the Egyptian Pound, and most locals will speak Arabic with a smattering of English and French.

Hurghada is a relatively new city that has quickly matured to become one of Egypt's most sought after holiday destinations.