El Gouna
About El Gouna
A private lagoon city built on 12 islands — car-free, supremely chic, and utterly unlike anywhere else on the Red Sea coast.
El Gouna is one of Egypt’s most remarkable urban achievements: a purpose-built resort city constructed on a series of interconnected lagoons and islands 22 km north of Hurghada. Founded in 1989, it is entirely owned and operated as a self-contained community with its own airport, hospitals, schools, and 25+ hotels.
Getting around is by golf cart, water taxi, or bicycle — no cars allowed in the heart of town. The result is a remarkably peaceful atmosphere despite the thriving bar and restaurant scene around Abu Tig Marina.
Water sports here are world-class: El Gouna is regularly ranked among the top kitesurfing destinations on the planet, and its lagoons are perfect for windsurfing, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddle boarding. The coral reefs just offshore are pristine and largely uncrowded.
Day trips from Hurghada take just 30 minutes, making El Gouna an easy half-day or full-day excursion.