Hurghada—hit of the Summer 2022 Tivat, Nice to Meet You

HURGHADA Hit of the Summer 2022

YOU KNOW ABOUT THOSE ENDLESS, WHITE SANDY BEACHES WITH

THEIR POWDERY-SOFT SHORES AND CRYSTAL-CLEAR TURQUOISE WATERS, REMINISCENT OF A DREAM, A FILM, JUST NOT LIKE THEY ARE THREE AND A HALF HOURS AWAY BY PLANE FROM YOU? THEY ARE LOCATED IN THE MOST POPULAR SUMMER HOLIDAY DESTINATION—EGYPT.

AN AQUARIUM-LIKE SWIMMING EXPERIENCE

If you want something a bit different from what awaits you at the much loved Adriatic seaside, the Egyptian town of Hurghada might make an impression on you this summer. Hurghada is situated on the coast of the Red Sea, which is known for its healing properties, and the Arabian Desert, and that is what makes it quite unique: it combines a beach holiday with a desert adventure— camel riding tours. Swimming in the waters of the Red Sea feels like swimming in a huge aquarium. The sea is known for its reefs coral species diversity and is home to more than 1,000 species of fish. It is therefore not surprising that Hurghada is one of the international centres for water sports enthusiasts: from diving to windsurfing.

THE MOST GORGEOUS BEACHES

You cannot go wrong with wherever you decide to stay in Hurghada, but if we had to pick the most beautiful beaches, we would have to name but a few. The most popular one is Sahl Hasheesh Beach which is located on a sandy bay on the Egyptian Red Sea coast, just 15 minutes from Hurghada Airport. Stretching over 12 km of white sandy beaches, it is home to the largest beach resort complex in Egypt. Makadi Bay is one of the places preferred by many tourists for holiday because it is tailored to meet their needs. You can spend leisurely days on a deserted and secluded beach there and enjoy stunning views of the Red Sea. It is a small beach in the very centre of Hurghada. Situated on an elongated steep cape opposite the island of Juzu Abu Minkar and next door to Hurghada International Airport, it is almost entirely built up with expensive hotels and catering establishments. And as icing on the cake, we single out Mahmeya Beach, which is part of the Giftun Island National Park. After roughly 45 minutes on the water, you will arrive at Giftun Island and realise what a privilege it is to be here.

ALL INCLUSIVE SERVICES

Hurghada holidays are mostly hotel based with reasonably priced “all inclusive” package deals for you to choose from. Private beaches, swimming pools, catering services, a range of facilities for young and old that will delight you all equally, numerous props, etc. You will not need any money at all in Hurghada except for souvenirs and optional short trips, such as going on a desert safari which includes visit to a traditional Bedouin village, snorkelling in crystal-clear water, taking a cruise on the Nile, riding quads through the desert just like in the films where you are the main star, etc. As of May this year, the airline “Air Cairo” has launched regular direct flights between Sarajevo and Hurghada, and between Banja Luka and Hurghada, twice a week, and passengers are able choose whether to travel for 8, 11 or 12 days. If you are travelling with a travel agency, the price includes almost everything: air transport, hotel accommodation and hotel transfer, and everything else that comes with the hotel accommodation. You still need a tourist visa for Egypt and you can obtain it directly on arrival at an immigration checkpoint in Egypt.

AN OFFER YOU CANNOT SAY NO TO

Once you are in Hurghada, it would be a real shame not to experience this mystical and exotic country the way you never imagined before— just through history and its pyramids. And there is no better way to learn more about one of the oldest civilisations on the planet, whose culture, art and science have had a strong impact on the development of mankind, than to go on a cruise on the Nile River, which is the very lifeline of Egyptian civilisation. A 220-kilometre Nile cruise will allow you to understand why this river has been the essence of life to the Egyptians since ancient times and learn about Egypt’s famous cities Luxor, Aswan, and finally the magnificent Abu Simbel Temple, situated deep in the Nubian Desert, near the border with Sudan. Of course, it seems a shame to miss enjoying the “aquarium” or the desert, so you can go diving with dolphins, windsurfing, take a ride on a submarine, go on a camel safari or quad ride in the desert, and experience much more of what Hurghada has to offer.

LONELY PLANET, THE WORLD-FAMOUS AUSTRALIAN TRAVEL GUIDE PUBLISHER, HAS PUBLISHED ITS ANNUAL LIST OF MUST-VISIT COUNTRIES, CITIES AND REGIONS FOR 2022, AND EGYPT IS AMONG THE TOP TEN. THAT IS ONE MORE REASON TO SPEND YOUR HOLIDAY IN HURGHADA

YOUR SUMMER WILL NOT GO TO WASTE IN EGYPT

Unlike the holidays in our region, in Egypt you will not have to worry about the weather forecast. Even though Egypt is a desert country with an average summer temperature of 32 degrees Celsius, its dry climate and light breeze will make you feel comfortable and you will not sweat much. This destination is special— Egypt and Bosnia have the summer season at different times of the year, so if you have not been to seaside in the traditional summer season, you can always jump on a plane to Egypt before or after the season.