We visited the 'Venice of Egypt' and it could be even more special than the pyramids
The first thing many people think about regarding Egypt is Cairo and the incredible pyramids.
As special as they are, the country has a lot more to offer than just that, including the modern resort town of El Gouna.
On the Red Sea, the town is known as the ‘Venice of Egypt’ for its 20 islands surrounded by tranquil lagoons.
As a guest with El Gouna’s owner Orascom Development, I recently spent a week in the town for some much-needed winter sun.
A 40-minute drive from Hurghada International Airport, the first thing you notice when arriving at El Gouna is just how secure it is.
With gated entrances, a guard checks your destination before allowing entry, ensuring maximum safety.
The town offers hotels, villas, restaurants, marinas, a downtown area, and beaches, all within walking distance or a short tuk-tuk ride away.
Accommodation
The first of two hotels I stayed at was the adult-only, four-star Cook’s Club (starting from £105 per night in March 2026), which features a lagoon with a private beach.
Alternatively, you can relax around the pool, enjoying food and drinks while electronic music plays in the background.
One thing that stood out to me was the evening entertainment. During an Egyptian BBQ, we were treated to a belly dancing performance and a tanoura dance show.
Following the vibrant Cook Club (from £360 per night in March 2026), I stayed at the five-star The Chedi, which offers top luxury with its own pools and private beach once again.
My room was of top quality, with a bottle of champagne and a selection of delightful treats to welcome me upon arrival.
The spa at The Chedi is also exceptional, where I enjoyed a relaxing massage, and the restaurant won me over with the “golden winning menu”.
Food
While the food at El Gouna’s hotels is hard to disappoint, it’s worth exploring the town to see what else is on offer.
This includes the recently opened Botanica, a farm-to-table dining concept in a highly Instagrammable setting.
While many restaurants focus on seafood, there’s also Tandoor at Abu Tig Marina, offering stunning views and delicious Indian and Far Eastern dishes.
Another outstanding eatery is Harumaki, El Gouna’s only teppanyaki restaurant, where food is cooked with flames before your eyes.
Activities
Of course, there’s more to El Gouna than just luxury hotels and restaurants, as tempting as it might be to spend the entire holiday sunbathing and eating!
Activities include a boat tour of El Gouna’s lagoons, allowing you to truly appreciate the town's design.
It’s also worth going on a dolphin spotting tour in the Red Sea. Though a bit choppy, it’s enchanting to see the animals up close.
For the perfect selfie, a visit to The Tower at sunset is a must-do, offering breathtaking views of the town.
An exciting sunset adventure includes a quad bike safari in the Sahara Desert, providing an unforgettable experience.
In conclusion, El Gouna is a truly unique destination with luxury hotels, incredible food, and thrilling excursions that make it a very special place to visit.