Hidden spots, secret beaches, and magical corners that only locals know — from someone who's lived here 15 years
"I remember bringing my girlfriend (now wife) here on our third visit as tourists. We were trying to find
something real, away from the hotel buffet. Fifteen years later, living here as a local, I know
exactly where those magic spots are. Let me share the secret corners I've found over the years."
Hurghada is more than resort pools and tourist boats. Behind the obvious are hidden treasures —
places where romance happens naturally. These aren't the places every tourist goes. These are the
places where I take my own wife when we want to feel the magic again.
🌅 Sunset Spot
Sahl Hasheesh Promenade
⏰Best time: 5-7 PM for sunset walk
Forget the crowded Hurghada Marina. Sahl Hasheesh is where elegance meets romance. The promenade
stretches along crystal-clear water with elegant architecture — it looks like Italy but feels like Egypt.
Most tourists don't know about it because it's 20 minutes south of the main resort zone.
Walk hand-in-hand past fountains and palm trees. Stop at The Waterfront café for Egyptian coffee
or fresh juice. Watch fishermen bring in their catch as the sun paints everything gold.
This is where I've seen countless proposals — including a British couple, Mark and... Sarah? just last week.
🔐 Salem's Secret: At the south end of the promenade, there's a small
stone jetty that most people ignore. Walk to the end at sunset. You'll have 360-degree views
of the sea and mountains. I've seen couples kiss there for photos — it's that romantic.
🏠 Hidden Town
El Gouna — The Venice of Egypt
⏰Best time: Afternoon + evening dinner
Thirty minutes north of Hurghada is a place that feels like another world. El Gouna is a private
resort town with canals, colorful buildings, and a pace of life that says "relax, you're on
vacation." No hassle, no crowds, just beauty.
Rent a tuk-tuk (yes, they have those!) and explore the lagoons together. Have lunch at Abu
Tig Marina where yachts float past your table. Browse the art galleries in Downtown.
As night falls, the fairy lights come on and the whole town glows. It's genuinely magical.
🔐 Salem's Secret: Take the free boat taxi across the lagoon at
sunset. It's meant for residents, but visitors can use it. Sitting on that boat with your
partner, watching El Gouna's colors change — it costs nothing but creates memories forever.
Yes, everyone knows Giftun Island. But not everyone knows Mahmya Beach — the exclusive beach
club on the island that limits daily visitors. White sand that's almost pink. Water so clear
you see your feet in two meters depth. Beach beds with umbrellas made from palm leaves.
They serve fresh grilled fish for lunch on the beach. Snorkel together in the morning when
fish are most active. Spend the afternoon in a private cabana. No loud music, no crowds —
it's what the Maldives promises but at a fraction of the price.
🔐 Salem's Secret: Book the "sunrise boat" that leaves at 6:30 AM.
You'll arrive before any other boats. For about an hour, the beach is nearly empty.
Walk the shoreline alone together, swim in peaceful water. Worth the early alarm.
🍽️ Authentic Dining
Sigala Fish Market Area
⏰Best time: 7-9 PM for dinner
This isn't romantic in the European sense — no candles, no fancy tablecloths. But there's
something deeply romantic about choosing fresh fish together from ice boxes, then sitting
at a simple table while it's grilled for you. Real Egyptian couples come here for date nights.
"El Shark" and "Felfela Fish" are my favorites. The owner will ask how you want your fish.
Say "mashwi" (grilled) with "salata baladi" (Egyptian salad). They bring bread, tahini,
and more food than you ordered. The bill? Maybe €25 for two people, stuffed.
🔐 Salem's Secret: Ask for "samak sayadeya" — it's a fish and rice
dish that's not on menus for tourists. It's what fishermen's wives cook. When they serve it
to a couple, they know you're experiencing real Egypt. They respect that.
🌅 Sunrise Spot
Old Town Harbor at Dawn
⏰Best time: 5:30-7:00 AM
I know what you're thinking — 5:30 AM? But hear me: watching sunrise over the old fishing
harbor, with colorful boats bobbing gently, the call to prayer echoing softly, coffee vendors
just opening... it's a moment that connects you to something ancient. And there are maybe
five tourists per month who experience this.
Sit at the harbor wall. Watch fishermen prepare their nets. A boy will offer you tea —
accept it, pay him 20 pounds (less than €1). Hold hands and watch the world wake up.
Then walk through the streets as shops open. Breakfast at a local "fuul" shop together.
Different romance. Real romance.
🔐 Salem's Secret: Walk behind the main mosque toward the backstreets.
There's a tiny coffee shop called "Ahwa El Masry" — no English sign, just a tiny terrace.
Order "ahwa sada" (plain coffee) and share one cup. It's what old married couples in Egypt do.
🏖️ Quiet Luxury
Soma Bay — The Exclusive Peninsula
⏰Best time: All day, especially sunset
Forty-five minutes south of Hurghada airport is a private peninsula that most tourists
never visit. Soma Bay has three luxury hotels on its own bay — no crowds, no noise,
just pristine beach and clear water. It feels exclusive because it is exclusive.
Even if you're not staying there, you can book a day pass at The Breakers or Kempinski.
Use their beach, their pool, have lunch. Perfect for a special anniversary day.
The house reef for snorkeling is among the best in Egypt — couples swim alongside turtles.
🔐 Salem's Secret: The Kempinski has a thalassotherapy pool overlooking
the sea. Book a couples session late afternoon. Float in mineral-rich water, watching the
sun descend over the Red Sea. I've seen couples emerge holding hands like newlyweds.
Forty minutes south on the coastal road, there's a spot where mountains meet sea in
dramatic fashion. No tourist buses stop here — it's just a viewpoint with parking.
But the view... the Red Sea below, mountains on both sides, sky stretching endlessly.
Arrange a private car (or use KiwiTaxi) to take you for sunset. Bring a blanket.
Sit on the warm rocks as colors change. Stay until stars appear — the Milky Way is
visible here because there's no light pollution. I've taken my anniversary there twice.
🔐 Salem's Secret: Ask your driver to stop at the Bedouin camp
on the way back. Simple tea, warm welcome, and stars above. They don't want your money —
they want to share hospitality. Bring cookies as a gift. Leave with a memory.
🌙 Evening Romance
New Marina's Hidden Corners
⏰Best time: 8-11 PM
Yes, Hurghada Marina is popular. But most couples walk the main strip and miss the
corners. Behind the main restaurants, there are small terraces overlooking the water.
At the far end, near the fisherman's wharf, it's quieter. The moon reflects on the
water. Yachts sway gently. Perfect for slow conversation.
Start with dinner at Moby Dick (seafood) or Casa Rossi (Italian). Then walk to the
very end of the marina — past the ice cream shops, past the tour booths. You'll find
benches nobody uses. Sit there, share gelato, watch the night.
🔐 Salem's Secret: Behind the duty-free building, there's a
tiny shisha café that only locals know. No tourists. Just a few tables by the water.
Order mint tea and share a "meaassal" (molasses) shisha. Not everyone's thing, but
sitting in silence together, watching smoke curl into night air... very peaceful.
🚕 Getting to These Romantic Spots
Some of these places need a car. Local taxis can be... difficult for tourists.
Negotiating prices, language barriers, wondering if you'll arrive safely.
I always recommend booking private transfers instead.
🛬 Airport to Hotel
Driver waits inside arrivals with your name. No haggling, no stress.
Start your romance the moment you land.
🚗 Private Day Trips
To El Gouna, Soma Bay, or desert viewpoints. Car with driver, fixed price,
air conditioning. Your private adventure.
👨👩👧👦 For Families & Groups
Larger cars available for families or groups. Everyone travels together,
no splitting into multiple taxis.
The Red Sea has been inspiring love for thousands of years. From Cleopatra to modern couples,
Egypt has always understood romance. Now it's your turn to discover why.
Help your friends plan their dream trip to Hurghada.
🗺️
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