El Gouna beach
El Gouna, a quaint town nestled just twenty minutes north of Hurghada, is a true gem waiting to be discovered. This unique city, spread across various islands and set against a stunningly rugged coastline, boasts a series of artificially created lagoons that add to its charm. Visitors can explore several intimate public beaches, with the largest, Marina Beach, situated in the city's northern reaches. El Gouna's inviting sands and crystal-clear waters make it an idyllic destination for those seeking a serene beach vacation in Egypt.
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Beach description
The beaches adjacent to the hotels are sometimes artificially created, with sand imported from the desert and from sea dredging operations nearby.
Marina Beach is a semi-artificial beach, characterized by its distinctive dirty yellow sand. In certain areas, the sand takes on an ashen hue due to the remnants of coral deposits. The granules are quite coarse, resembling small pebbles. At times, medium-sized grains of sand blanket the rocky deposits found in the shallows.
Originally, the beach was situated beside shallow waters. However, the depth increased significantly farther from the shore following dredging activities for nearby piers. Despite this, for nearly twenty meters, the water remains shallow enough that it does not exceed the height of an average adult. Approximately one hundred to two hundred meters from the beach, the shallows reappear, interspersed with small reef and coral islands. It is, however, inadvisable to swim to these islands due to the necessity of crossing a narrow, deeper channel frequented by sea boats.
The beach is meticulously maintained and cleaned. Along the coastline, there are ample spots for relaxation, offering refuge from the sun. The central part of the beach boasts expansive open areas. Yet, sunbathing can be challenging here, as shade is scarce, except in the early morning hours.
Vegetation is present on the beach, primarily near the establishments - cafes, restaurants, and other service-oriented venues.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Egypt for a beach vacation is typically during the spring and fall months, specifically from March to May and from September to November. During these periods, the weather is pleasantly warm, making it ideal for enjoying the country's stunning beaches.
- March to May: Spring in Egypt is warm but not excessively hot, with average coastal temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). This is a perfect time for swimming and sunbathing without the intense heat of the summer months.
- September to November: The fall season offers similar conditions to spring, with the added benefit of the sea remaining warm from the summer heat. This makes it an excellent time for water activities such as snorkeling and diving, especially in the Red Sea resorts.
It's important to avoid the peak summer months from June to August, as temperatures can soar above 30°C (86°F), which might be uncomfortable for some travelers. Additionally, the winter months from December to February, while mild, can be too cool for those looking to spend time in the water.
Video: Beach El Gouna
Infrastructure
Located in the northern part of the city, this beach destination is easily accessible from any El Gouna hotel by taxi or public transport. For those coming from Hurghada, a taxi or a rented car is the recommended mode of transportation.
The main mooring area for yachts and pleasure boats is concentrated near the beach in the northern section. Consequently, swimmers may experience disturbances from the waves generated by these vessels. This is especially noticeable at the edges of the beach, where the absence of artificial underwater shallows allows the sea waves to reach the shore unimpeded.
In close proximity to the beach, visitors will find an abundance of souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes. However, there are few hotels nearby, which is beneficial in some respects, as the area tends to be quite lively. For those wishing to stay close to the beach, Three Corners Rihana Resort, a 4-star hotel, is an excellent option. Located opposite the beach across a small bay, the hotel boasts its own beachfront that rivals Marina Beach, complemented by several large swimming pools. The accommodation costs approximately 80-90 dollars per day for two adults.
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The northern part of El Gouna, in which the beach is located, is one of the places where the large-scale construction of hotel complexes has just begun. Various bays and creeks have already been created here, the general vector of the development of the city as "Egyptian Venice" has continued. There are no large hotels here yet. But there is a huge range of maritime services, the prices for which will be slightly lower due to the lack of moving. Also along the coast, you can find many schools where diving will be taught or places where they will offer to make the most varied excursion trips. You can even directly negotiate with the boat owners, bypassing local travel agencies.
At some distance from the beach, there’s nothing to see yet. It will even be difficult to get to many places - in the view of construction.