Located on the Red Sea's western shores, Hurghada offers all the benefits of a modern resort, and makes an excellent base for exploring this wonderful part of Egypt, including the awesome surrounding Eastern Desert. And you can often fly straight here without having to go via Cairo.

The main reasons people flock on holidays to Hurghada, apart from the guaranteed good weather, are diving and snorkelling and other water-based activities, including windsurfing, parasailing and jet ski-ing.

Whether you dive or snorkel here, you'll see coral reefs and hundreds of varieties of exotic fish, visible just a few metres from the shore. If you prefer not to submerge yourself, take a trip out on a glass-bottom boat you'll still be able to see the reefs and incredible scenery. And, of course, swimming in the warm waters of these parts is always a delight. Think about a day trip to the unpopulated Big and Little Gifton islands too.