Iberotel Arabella

Egypt, my second homeland.

by Pasquello

"Top-Diving & 1001 nights..."

Since a few years now, I do visit the Egyptian Red Sea at least one time a year. Being addicted to diving (C.M.A.S. - diving federation) I managed to know my way up there and feel really at ease when having the warmth of the egyptian sun on my face. It gives me the opportunity to come to full rest but also to meet all kind of nice people (see pic featuring Dani Knöedler from Heidelberg Germany)
In diving I mostly make the choise between cruise (off on sea live a board for one week) or daily trips from shore (mostly Hurghada). The first option is of course the most pure but you need at least a very good diving-level and experiece for this as you go up to open sea diving on places where the current can be really strong ! To dive from shore the reefs around Hurghada are really nice allthough you should realise they are also divable for all tourist-beginners and for that reason sometimes crowded. Finally you should not look for a not touristic spot downtown Hurghada. Hurghada IS tourism, but hey... You are experienced enough in travellin' to find nice places anyway isn't it ?

Dive spots : Hurghada with Abu Ramada, Giftun, Sha'ab Rur, Dolphin House, Tourfafanous, El Fanadir, El Mina
Deep South with St. John's, Elphinstone, Sha'ab Samadai.
Marsa'Alaam.

Other topspots to discover ;
El Gouna, Extreme South, Brother Islands, The North (wreckdiving Thisselgorm, Umbria...), Shaarm El Sheik, Ras Mohammed...

Tip for Tophotel Iberotel Arabella Hurghada http://www.iberotel-eg.com/main1.htm and divingcenter Aquarius (ask for Mustapha or Angie SUPERTEAM !).
http://www.aquarius-redsea.com/

The most important house in Egypt

by FRONA

This beautiful house on the peninsula belongs to the owner of whole El Gouna and one of the most important people in Egypt. I hear he does a lot of work for the poor in the country and God bless him for that. (For security purpose I will not mention who it is). The house is marvellous and I would love to have one just like that ;)

Local small minivans (white)

by ShOcker

Wanna go to the centre, beach or back to your hotel ? Use the local mini busses , they're much cheaper than the transportation the hotel offers you ..

You can always discuss the price with the driver but in and around Hurghada you shouldn't pay more than 2 Egyption pounds .. less than a dollar

Standard local food

by Sambawalk about Colombo Restaurant

Restaurant in Hurghada is not cheap (according to backpacker's standard). Anyway, I had a decent meal at night with grill fish, salad and soup. Each person costs about 25 EGP (May 2006).

I think the food is alright. Since the business is quiet in Hurghada at the time I was here, the food may not be so fresh due to low turnover. So better to take some simple dishes and avoid meat dishes which may be sitting in the fridge (if they have one) for a long period.

Go diving in the Red sea!!

by tomerik

This was really the best excursion we did while staying in Hurghada. This was an all day trip by boat to different locations where one could swim around and go scuba diving.
The colours and the water was absolutely fantastic and is probably something you will not see many other places in the world. The boat made several stops for the travelers to have a great time swimming in the ocean among the many different and colourful small fishes.