Egypt Holidays

Egypt's got the lot - ancient pyramids, swish beaches, top diving spots and scorchin' sunshine all year round.

Holidays to Egypt 2026 Highlights

• Full of ancient wonders - from pyramids to pharaohs

• Set right along the Red Sea with all its colourful marine life

• Year-round toastiness that rarely dips below 20°C - perfect for last-minute holidays!

• Hotels for every mood - from romantic retreats to fam-friendly havens

Egypt fun facts

• 🤩 Fun fact: cat-lovers will fit right in here, because the Ancient Egyptians were crazy about them - as in, they used to worship their own cat goddess.

• 🏝️ Best beach: you can't get much better than Naama Bay in Sharm El-Sheikh, decked out with crystal waters for snorkelling, beach sports for a bit of healthy competition, and loads of space for chilling.

• 🍺 Price of a pint: bargain booze is on the cards (and no, we don't mean the local off license) - a typical pint here ranges from 40 to 60 Egyptian Pounds (that's roughly between £1 - £1.50!)

Local Lingo – Talk Like an Egyptian

In Egypt, people speak Arabic (Masri dialect), and while many in tourist spots know English, a few local phrases go a long way.

• “Salaam” (sa-lam) – hello. Simple, friendly, and it works pretty much anywhere.

• “Shukran” (shoo-kran) – thank you! You’ll use this a lot; Egyptians are big on manners.

• “Afwan” (af-wan) – you’re welcome. Also used to mean “no problem”.

• “Min fadlak / fadlik” (min fad-lak / fad-lik) – please (to a man / woman). Polite and always appreciated.

• “Kam da?” (kam da) – how much is this? Essential for markets and souvenir shopping.

• “Yalla!” (yal-la) – let’s go! You’ll hear this everywhere, from taxi drivers to tour guides.

🏨 Where is the best area to stay on your holidays to Egypt?

Egypt’s got the lot – ancient wonders, beachy escapes and buzzing cities. Deciding where to touch down can be a bit of a tricky one, but we’ve got the gossip below on the best spots to plant your parasol - from mega all-inclusives to boho hideaways perfect for last-minute holidays to Egypt.

• Family holidays – for top-tier, kiddo-approved action, it’s gotta be Hurghada. You'll have more waterslides, themed buffets, and glass-bottom boat trips than you’ll know what to do with. It’s a top-notch all-rounder with shallow, family-friendly beaches and reefs that are easy for the little ones to snorkel.

• Couples – Sharm El Sheikh is the perfect spot for you and boo. Think world-class diving at Ras Mohammed for the adventurous, vibrant nightlife at Naama Bay for the party-lovers, and loads of swanky restaurants where you can wine and dine yourselves stupid at sunset.

• Off the beaten track – if you’re looking for "barefoot beauty," Dahab is where it’s at. It’s a boho paradise that’s fab for divers, backpackers, and anyone after a relaxed, chilled-out vibe. Perfect for a squad trip or a solo escape where the only thing on the menu is sunshine and "me time."

• History buffs – while the Red Sea is for relaxing, a stay (or a day trip) to Cairo or Luxor is essential if you want to tick the Pyramids and the Valley of the Kings off your bucket list. It's the ultimate "history-packed adventure" to balance out your beach time.

🏨 Top hotels for your Egypt Holiday 2026

Egypt's Red Sea coast is stacked with cracking hotels – from splashy family resorts with waterslides galore to boujee adults-only retreats where the only thing you'll lift is a cocktail.

Looking for a stress-free break with everything included? Check out our all-inclusive Egypt holidays. Or browse all our Egypt hotels to find your perfect match.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

• Parrotel Lagoon Resort – a whopping 31 waterslides, Smurfs Kids' Club and themed family rooms in Sharm El Sheikh. Shuttle bus to the beach means no stress getting sand between your toes.

• Pickalbatros Aqua Park Sharm – 22 pools and endless waterslides for kids and big kids alike. Free shuttle to sister hotel's private beach keeps everyone happy.

• Sea Beach Aqua Park Resort – Egypt's longest jetty (1km!), lazy river, waterpark, ice cream station and mini disco. Basically a kids' paradise with swim-up rooms for the grown-ups.

• Regency Plaza Aqua Resort and Spa – six lagoon-style pools, 11-slide waterpark, private beach and a mini club to keep the little uns' busy while you hit the spa.

• Gravity Hotel Sahl Hasheesh – five-star gem on Hurghada's gorgeous Sahl Hasheesh bay with sparkling pools, kids' club and Italian, Oriental, Mexican and Asian restaurants.

💑 Couples & Adults-Only

• Rixos Sharm El Sheikh - Adults Only (18+) – mega 695-room resort with 11 pools, 10 restaurants, swim-up bars and a nightclub. Pure grown-up indulgence in Nabq Bay.

• Cleopatra Luxury Resort Sharm - Adult Only (16+) – stylish adults-only spot near Nabq Bay with pool complex, fitness centre and access to the Cleopatra private beach. No Sharm done indeed.

• Casa Cook El Gouna - Adults Only – ultimate five-star hideaway in El Gouna, surrounded by desert and lagoons with a massive private beach and ultra-chic rooms.

• Meraki Resort - Adults Only – boho vibes on Hurghada's Red Sea Riviera with a private sandy beach, cracking clubbing scene, and yoga-to-DJing classes between cocktails.

• Caves Beach Resort - Adults Only (16+) – live out your Flintstones fantasy with cave-themed rooms, animal-print decor and a Lava Disco you enter through a fossilised dinosaur. Bonkers and brilliant.

⭐ Luxury

• Hotel Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh – world-class five-star right on the beach with spa, four pools and top-tier dining. The gold standard for Sharm El Sheikh luxury.

• Steigenberger Golf Resort El Gouna – elegant five-star resort by El Gouna's 18-hole golf course with private lagoon beach, live cooking stations and a spa with a cold plunge pool.

💰 Great Value

• V Hotel Sharm – 10 minutes from Sharm airport, loads of hotel for your money with buffet dining, a la carte options, spa and even bunk bed rooms for big groups.

• Hilton Hurghada Plaza – big-brand quality without the big-brand price tag in Hurghada. Two pools (one adults only), Turkish bath spa and bars running 'til the early hours right by the marina.

🏖️ What are the best beaches to visit in Egypt?

This is what beach holiday dreams are made of...

• Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh - the main beach in the resort, known for diving, chilling out and mega beach sports. Bring a snorkel.

• Mahmya Island, Hurghada - you can catch a boat from Hurghada to this exotic island escape, offering the best swimming and snorkelling opportunities, as well as gorg sunset views and delish food at the main restaurant, ‘Mahmya’. 

• Al Nayzak, Marsa Alam - said to be created from a meteorite, this rocky pool is just a short trip away from Marsa Alam, and is considered one of the best beaches in the whole of Egypt!

Pssst! Lots of hotels in Egypt offer their own private beaches too, decked out with sun loungers, watersports and even seafront bars.

Looking for a big, beachy break with everything included? Check out our all-inclusive holiday deals to Egypt.

Egypt holidays 2026 travel guide

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Things to do in Egypt for families

• Pick a "Splash-tastic" Hotel - look for resorts with on-site waterparks, dedicated kids' clubs, and plenty of sports. Egypt is famous for hotels that cater specifically to families - some even have enough waterslides to make a theme park jealous.

• The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) - located near Giza, this brand-new museum is the world’s largest dedicated to one civilisation. It features a dedicated Children’s Museum and the full King Tutankhamun collection, making history fun without the kids even realising they’re learning.

• Desert Adventures - take the family on a camel trek or a jeep safari through the dunes. Most resorts in Hurghada or Sharm-el-Sheikh offer family-friendly excursions that include tea with Bedouins under the stars.

• Nile River Cruises - swap the bus for a boat. A short cruise down the Nile is a great way to see the sights like Luxor or Aswan while enjoying the breeze and keeping the kids away from the midday "scorchio" heat.

👩🏼‍❤️‍👨🏾 Things to do in Egypt for couples

• Sunset Strolls - the Red Sea sunsets are stupidly pretty. Head to a beachfront promenade or a private jetty for a late afternoon walk as the sun dips behind the Sinai mountains - it’s the ultimate "lovey-dovey" moment.

• Private Snorkelling Trips - rent a private boat from Sharm El Sheikh to explore the reefs of Ras Mohammed. It’s much more romantic than a crowded tour, and you’ll have the colourful marine life all to yourself.

• Pyramid Picnic - for a proper wow-factor day, visit the Giza Plateau. You can wander through thousands of years of history together, then find a spot to watch the sunset over the ancient Sphinx.

💰 How to find the best cheap holidays to Egypt

• Go All-In to Win - in Egypt, All-Inclusive is king. Because the resorts are so well-equipped, booking a package that covers your food and (most importantly) your drinks usually works out much cheaper than trying to find local spots every night. It’s the ultimate "wallet-free" way to holiday.

• The Marsa Alam Pivot - while everyone is looking at the big names, check out Marsa Alam. It’s often a bit cheaper than Sharm, but the reefs are just as spectacular (and usually less crowded). It’s the "insider’s choice" for a bargain.

• Dine on the Street - for a few Egyptian Pounds, you can grab a Koshari (the national dish - a carb-heavy mix of rice, pasta, and lentils) or a fresh Ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel) from a local vendor. It’s delicious, filling, and costs about the same as a bag of crisps back home.

• Haggle like a Pro - if you’re heading to the Khan el-Khalili or a local souk, never pay the first price. Bartering is a local sport here! Keep it friendly, keep it cheeky, and you’ll likely walk away with a hand-woven rug or a bottle of perfume for half the starting price.

🍽️ Things to do in Egypt for foodies

• Fresh Seafood in Alexandria - for the ultimate catch of the day, head to the Mediterranean coast. Grilled fish with lemon and garlic is a staple here and tastes better than any high-street restaurant back home.

• The "Proper" Breakfast - don't leave without tasting Ful Medames. It’s a hearty breakfast of slow-cooked fava beans with olive oil and spices - the perfect fuel for a day of exploring ancient ruins.

• Street Food Sweets - look out for Baklava or Basbousa (a sweet semolina cake) in the local markets. They are sticky, sweet, and go perfectly with a cup of traditional mint tea.

✈️ Top tips for last minute holidays to Egypt

• The "Instant Chill" Hamam - don't wait until day four to relax. Book a traditional Egyptian massage or steam session for your first afternoon. It’s the quickest way to shake off the flight and transition from "office brain" to "beach brain."

• Visa on the Fly - don't panic about paperwork. If you're heading to Sharm El Sheikh for less than 15 days and staying within the resort area, you get a free entry stamp at the airport. It’s the ultimate "last-minute win" for the forgetful packer!

• Pack Light, Dress Right - Egypt is hot (shocker, we know), but the evenings can get breezy by the sea. Throw a light linen shirt or a pashmina in your bag at the last second - it’s perfect for covering up when visiting temples and keeps the "scorchio" sun off your shoulders during the day.

• Follow the "Busy Table" Rule - since you didn't have months to research every restaurant, use the local litmus test: if a seafood shack in Hurghada Marina is packed with locals at 8 PM, that’s where you’re eating. No TripAdvisor needed; just follow the smell of grilled garlic prawns.

• Say "Yalla!" to Everything - a last-minute holiday is about the "why not?" moments. Say yes to the sunrise camel trek, yes to the spontaneous scuba intro, and yes to that extra plate of baklava. You’re only there for a bit - make it legendary.

Other Places To Visit in Egypt

If Egypt’s got you dreaming of more sunshine and culture, check these lush spots out:

• Hurghada - the ultimate all-rounder for families, boasting world-class waterparks and some of the best all-inclusive resorts on the Red Sea.

• Sharm El Sheikh - a diver's paradise with a side of glitz, perfect for couples who want vibrant nightlife and crystal-clear waters.

• Cairo - the heart of the action, where you’ll find the legendary Pyramids of Giza and markets that’ll make your head spin (in a good way).

• Luxor - basically an open-air museum; head here to walk through the Valley of the Kings and see history come to life.

• Aswan - for a slower pace of life, enjoy a felucca ride down the Nile in this stunning, sun-drenched southern gem.

• Marsa Alam - Egypt’s "hidden gem" where the reefs are pristine, the crowds are thinner, and the turtles are waiting to say hello.