Are you planning a holiday to Egypt? Are you still torn between Dahab and Hurghada? We’ll help you decide between Dahab and Hurghada. And honestly, the decision is a lot easier than you might be thinking.
Stay tuned to find out if you should spend your vacation in Dahab or Hurghada.
Dahab vs. Hurghada: Main Similarities and Differences
- Dahab is a laid-back town famous for diving, windsurfing, and hiking.
- Hurghada offers all-inclusive resorts, family-friendly beaches, and many excursions.
- Personally, we prefer Dahab due to its more authentic feel laid-back atmosphere and better outdoor activities.
- Top Dahab activities include Scuba diving, free diving, hiking Mount Sinai, windsurfing, and relaxing at Laguna Beach.
- Choose Dahab for peace and adventure; Hurghada for convenience and variety.
- Dahab vs. Hurghada: Main Similarities and Differences
- Hurghada: Why to Go and Why Not to Go
- Hurghada at a Glance
- Dahab: Why to Go and Why Not to Go
- Sharm El-Sheikh: Are People Still Going to Sharm?
- 5 Activities You Can’t Miss Out on in and around Dahab
- The Bottom Line
- FAQs
Hurghada: Why to Go and Why Not to Go
Hurghada has been and continues to be a top destination in Egypt for travelers and casual tourists alike. In many ways, Hurghada is a compromise between Sharm El-Sheikh and Dahab.
On the one hand, it has tons of all-inclusive and boutique hotels and offers all the typical excursions you would expect from an Egyptian tourist destination: camel rides, quad rides and trips to diving sites, beautiful beaches, even Cairo and the Great Pyramids of Giza.
On the other hand, it is not just a resort place such as Sharm El-Sheikh, but also backpacker and digital nomad destination. In Hurghada and especially in El Gouna, you can also find a large number of expats away from the masses of resort hotels. This makes Hurghada very liveable in the longer term.
Personally, we’d say that Hurghada is your shout, if you like to be pampered and if you are planning to do as many activities as possible in a short time. Additionally, it is closer to Cairo, Giza and Luxor, making it a good base to explore the big archaeological sites of Egypt from.
Hurghada at a Glance
- Hurghada is a resort town on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, stretching about 40 km.
- It has over 250 hotels catering to various budgets.
- The area enjoys an average temperature of 25°C (77°F) with year-round sunshine.
- Popular for water sports like diving, windsurfing, and snorkeling.
- Located roughly 500 km southeast of Cairo, near historic sites.
Dahab: Why to Go and Why Not to Go
In many ways, Dahab has established itself as THE place to go in Egypt for backpackers. There seems to be a common vision of one not merely planning to go to Dahab but rather being called by Dahab. So, why is that?
For one, Dahab “lacks” many of the things that you might have in mind when thinking about Hurghada. In Dahab, you will not find huge hotel chains with enormous complexes and all-inclusive options. In Dahab, you will not find a bustling city center and great infrastructure. And most importantly, in Dahab, you will not find a common Egypt holiday experience with all its excursions and vanity. So, what does it have then?
Dahab, much contrary to its larger counterparts in the country, Hurghada and Shark El-Sheikh, is a small Bedouin town in South Sinai, some 80 kilometers northeast of Sharm El-Sheikh on the Gulf of Aqaba. This dusty Bedouin town is located further from the mainland cities of Cairo, Giza and Luxor than Hurghada and requires you to cross the Suez Canal, if you are not flying into Sharm El-Sheikh Airport.
Since the 1980s, Dahab has attracted a growing number of foreign tourists, many of whom have made Dahab their second – or even first – home. Today, Dahab has grown into a lively mix of native Bedouins, Egyptians and expats from all over the world that contribute to local restaurants and culture. While devoid of large hotels, it does have number of boutique hotels and some smaller resorts as well as rental apartments at affordable prices for long-term stays.
Dahab is mainly known for its diving sites and coral gardens, that are among the world’s most famous. Above all, the Blue Hole in Dahab, a blue hole of 100 meters just off the Sinai coast, has gained international fame among scuba divers and free diving enthusiasts alike. Moreover, Dahab is a prime location for windsurfing, hiking and rock climbing in the Sinai mountains. Sports aside, Dahab has recently also become a hotspot for wellness and spirituality.
If you are looking for an as-uncomplicated-as-possible holiday, it is best to stick with Hurghada. But if you are looking for world-class diving in a peaceful and laid-back paradise with a lively local culture instead of fabricated interactions with beach vendors, we highly recommend going to Dahab.
Dahab at a Glance
- Located on Sinai Peninsula’s southeast coast along the Red Sea’s Gulf of Aqaba.
- About 80 km northeast of Sharm El-Sheikh and 465 km from Cairo.
- Covers over 1,130 sq km, divided into Masbat, Mashraba, and Medina.
- Tropical desert climate with year-round sunshine and average 25°C (77°F).
- Famous for calm waters, coral reefs, and excellent diving opportunities.
Sharm El-Sheikh: Are People Still Going to Sharm?
While today’s comparison is mostly between Hurghada and Dahab, Sharm El-Sheikh does deserve an honourable mention, as it ticks some of the boxes both Hurghada and Dahab tick.
Sharm El-Sheikh compares best to Hurghada, hosting multiple large resort hotels with all-inclusive options. If you are planning to stay in an all-inclusive hotel, Sharm El-Sheikh might be your place to go just as much as Hurghada. This also goes for its excursions, covering some of the best Red Sea coral gardens, boat tours and camel rides.
Outside of its comfortable hotels, Sharm El-Sheikh does not have too much to offer though. The strip is carousel of the same stores selling fake products over and over again, the restaurant scene unspectacular and the nightlife average at best. One of the greatest attractions, Farsha Café does offer a beautiful backdrop for photos, but is usually packed with tourists and swarmed by taxi drivers.
Altogether, Sharm El-Sheikh, much like Hurghada, is a conventional resort holiday place. If you are looking for resorts and the occasional excursion, you are good. If you are looking for an authentic feel, you are better off taking a 90-minute bus north to Dahab.
Sharm El-Sheikh at a Glance
- Southern tip of Sinai Peninsula on the Red Sea, 500 km from Cairo.
- Famous for coral reefs and top diving spots.
- Desert climate with 350+ sunny days and mild winters.
- Luxury resorts, nightlife, and water sports.
- Served by Sharm El Sheikh International Airport.
5 Activities You Can’t Miss Out on in and around Dahab
By now, it should be evident that we heavily favour Dahab, when it comes to deciding between Dahab and Hurghada. In the course of this article, we have also made it clear that our preference is in large parts thanks to the world-class activities you can find in Dahab.
These are five activities that will convince you to make your way to Dahab instead of Hurghada:
Scuba Diving in the Red Sea
Scuba diving in Dahab is awesome because the Red Sea here is packed with vibrant coral reefs and tons of colorful fish, making every dive a visual treat. Plus, the water is calm and clear, so even beginners can enjoy exploring the underwater world without hassle.
While it can be argued that the diving sites of Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh are slightly better than Dahab’s, there is plenty of great diving in and around Dahab. Some of the best locations include the Islands dive site, Eel Garden and the Blue Hole. But more on that later.
What makes Dahab great for diving enthusiasts, is that it’s not only super accessible, but also very professional. In Dahab, you can do your AIDA and PADI certifications and count on world-class coaches to dive safely.
Free Diving in the Blue Hole
Out of all the diving sites in Dahab, the Blue Hole in the north of Dahab is probably the most popular. The Blue Hole is, as its name already gives away, a blue hole just off the Sinai coast with a depth of about 100 meters. Its underwater arch at about 55 meters of depth has grown especially infamous over the years, posing a tempting technical diving challenge.
The Blue Hole has claimed the lives of many ambitious scuba divers and free divers throughout the years, the crosses of whom now adorn a cliff on the shore of the Blue Hole. Generally, the Blue Hole is considered safe to swim in, however. If you wish to learn more about the Blue Hole, we highly recommend watch the Netflix documentary ‘The Deepest Breath’
Free diving, scuba diving and snorkelling in the Blue Hole is a great activity because it lets you explore the famous underwater sinkhole with clear, calm water and beautiful coral formations. It’s perfect for experienced divers who want to enjoy stunning marine life and unique underwater landscapes in a safe and exciting way.
Hiking Mount Sinai
Dahab enthusiast like to point out that Dahab is one of the few places in the world, wehere you can go from the top of a mountain to the bottom of the ocean within a single day. And in fact, just a few meters off the Red Sea coast, the Sinai mountains shoot up into the sky.
In the mountains around Dahab, there is a number of hiking trails that are marked in hiking apps such as AllTrails and Comoot. If you are looking to explore around Dahab, we recommend joining one of the town’s hiking groups to tag along with some of Dahab’s more experienced hiker. The best hike to do around Dahab would be the summit of Mount Sinai.
Hiking Mount Sinai is a great activity because it offers beautiful views of the surrounding Sinai mountains and desert. It is also a chance to visit the historic St. Catherine’s Monastery at the mountain’s base. The hike is rewarding and allows you to enjoy nature and history in one trip, especially because it’s usually done at night to catch the sunrise at the summit.
Windsurfing in the Blue Lagoon
Just a few kilometers north of the Blue Hole, the so-called Blue Lagoon offers another natural wonder that has becomes the focal point of yet another water sport. While technically not a lagoon at all, the Blue Lagoon offers calm, shallow light-blue waters that are mainly frequented by windsurfers.
Windsurfing in the Blue Lagoon is worth it because the water is calm and shallow, making it easy and safe for both beginners and experienced windsurfers. The steady wind conditions help you enjoy smooth rides while taking in the beautiful surroundings of Dahab’s coastline. At the Blue Lagoon, there is several windsurfing schools as well as simple huts offering overnight stays.
If you are not a windsurfer yourself, we recommend making time to pop by the Blue Lagoon for Red Bull’s Winds of Sinai. The Red Bull competitions takes place in the Blue Lagoon every year and offers some of the best kitesurfing in the world. This year’s edition took place in late April and early May. Next year’s has not been announced yet.
Relaxing at Laguna Beach
If you are out of energy from all the diving, hiking and windsurfing in Dahab, we recommend taking a taxi south to Laguna Beach. Laguna Beach, located in a calm bay in the South of Dahab, is the town’s most popular beach and the best place to hang out to enjoy the sun and watch the sunset.
Relaxing at Laguna Beach in Dahab is a great activity because it offers a peaceful and beautiful place to unwind. The beach has soft sand and calm, clear water, making it perfect for sitting, sunbathing, or just enjoying the lovely views of the sea and mountains. It’s a quiet spot where you can take a break from busy life and feel refreshed. Bedouin vendors on the beach sell blankets for shade along with cold drinks and snacks.
Just behind Laguna Beach, you will also find a small lake called Magic Lake that impresses with its turquoise color and high salt content. In the Magic Lake, you can float effortlessly, almost like in the Dead Sea or the salt pools of the Siwa oasis. Just make sure to wash off the salt before heading back to Dahab for dinner to avoid itchy skin.
Already got plans after Dahab? Find out how to get from Dahab to Wadi Rum by ferry.
The Bottom Line
There is no right or wrong way to spend your vacation in Egypt. But be aware that, wherever you choose to go eventually, will decide the vibe of your trip.
Are you looking for the luxuries of an all-inclusive holidays while seeing as much as possible in a short time? Hurghada is your pick.
Are you looking for an off-the-beaten-path location with a laid-back atmosphere and world-class outdoor activities. Dahab is calling you, then.
FAQs
Which is better, Dahab or Sharm?
Both Dahab and Sharm El-Sheikh are great places for a summer vacation, but their atmospheres are very different. While Sharm El-Sheikh is a typical vain resort town, Dahab is a dusty Bedouin town with a big diving scene and a growing expat community.
Is Hurghada or Sharm el Sheik nicer?
In many ways, Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh are very similar. They both offer high-end resorts with all-inclusive options and great diving sites. Overall, however, Hurghada seems to be a bit more inviting when it comes to activities outside of the hotel and nightlife.
Is Dahab, Egypt worth visiting?
Yes, Dahab is absolutely worth visiting. The small Bedouin town is a popular backpacking location and one of the best places in Egypt for outdoor activities. When visiting Dahab, you should be aware, however, that the desert town does occasionally face power and water outages and internet problems.
What’s so special about Dahab?
Dahab has grown from a small Bedouin settlement into a bustling town of Bedouins, Egyptian and internationals alike. In many ways, Dahab has become the ‘Goa of Egypt’, attracting backpackers and digital nomad and promoting a laid-back and alternative atmosphere.
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