Free El Gouna Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your El Gouna trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
El Gouna
El Gouna photo 2
El Gouna photo 3
All photos

El Gouna, Egypt blends Red Sea beaches, lagoons, diving, kitesurfing, marinas, watersports, desert outings and relaxed evening culture.

A Planned Coastal Town

El Gouna stretches along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, about 25 kilometres north of Hurghada, across a landscape of desert, lagoons and low mountain horizons. Conceived as an integrated resort in the late 1980s and developed by Orascom Development, it differs from a conventional Egyptian city: its neighbourhoods, hotels, villas, marinas, restaurants and leisure facilities were planned around a network of saltwater lagoons and carefully landscaped streets. The result is a relaxed, self-contained destination whose architecture draws on Egyptian forms while accommodating an international community of residents and visitors.
Read more about El Gouna

Marinas, Lagoons and Outdoor Life

The town’s social centre is divided between areas such as Downtown, the Abu Tig Marina and the waterfront at Abu Tig Marina’s commercial promenade. Cafés, restaurants, galleries and small shops bring activity after sunset, while the lagoons create a sense of openness between residential districts. Along the coast, warm water, reliable sunshine and offshore reefs support snorkelling, diving, kitesurfing and sailing. Golf, cycling and organised desert outings provide alternatives on land, although the surrounding desert remains as important to El Gouna’s character as its built environment.

A Contemporary Red Sea Culture

El Gouna is less a place of ancient monuments than a modern Egyptian experiment in coastal development. Its appeal lies in the combination of resort infrastructure, watersports, international dining and Egyptian hospitality, with occasional arts, music and environmental initiatives adding cultural depth. Visitors should think of it as a compact base for sea-based activities and unhurried evenings rather than as a historic city centre; Hurghada and the wider Red Sea region provide the principal connections to Egypt’s broader heritage.

When is the best time to visit El Gouna?

Best: February–March, December · 24–26°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January230
February (best)240
March (best)260
April300
May330
June360
July370
August380
September360
October320
November280
December (best)240

Getting to and around El Gouna

How to get there

The principal gateway is Hurghada International Airport, which serves El Gouna and lies south of the resort. Visitors generally continue by pre-arranged hotel transfer, private car or taxi along the coastal road; the journey is regional rather than an airport transfer within the town itself. Hurghada also has long-distance coach connections with other Egyptian cities, although services and journey conditions can vary. El Gouna is accessible by road from Hurghada and the wider Red Sea coast, while organised excursions may connect it with nearby desert and marine sites. There is no railway station or commercial airport in El Gouna.

Transportation

El Gouna’s districts are spread across a planned network of roads, lagoons and landscaped areas, so walking is pleasant within individual neighbourhoods but less practical for longer cross-town journeys in the heat. Hotels commonly help arrange taxis or local transfers, and tuk-tuks are also used for short journeys in parts of the resort. Cycling is possible and suits the generally flat terrain, although visitors should take care in strong sun and around traffic. Boats operate in connection with some lagoon and marina activities, while excursions to reefs or islands normally use organised boats rather than public transport.

Best attractions in El Gouna

El Gouna’s attractions are shaped by water, open space and planned resort life rather than ancient monuments. Abu Tig Marina provides a polished waterfront setting for strolling among boats, restaurants and low-rise buildings, while Downtown brings together cafés, shops and public spaces in a more central atmosphere. The lagoons are part of the town’s visual identity and can be explored through organised boat trips or viewed from bridges and waterfront paths. Along the Red Sea shore, beaches and nearby reef sites support snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing and kitesurfing, with conditions varying by season and wind. Golfers can use the resort’s course, and cyclists find relatively flat roads between districts. Art and cultural programming, including events associated with the resort’s community, adds an occasional creative dimension. Beyond El Gouna itself, desert excursions and boat journeys to offshore reefs offer access to the wider landscape, but these should be understood as organised regional activities rather than attractions within the town.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in El Gouna

El Gouna’s most representative landmarks are modern structures and planned landscapes rather than monuments inherited from antiquity. Abu Tig Marina is the town’s clearest architectural focal point, arranged around a sheltered harbour with low-rise buildings, pedestrian promenades and waterfront façades. The bridges and channels crossing the lagoons express the central idea behind the resort’s design, bringing water into residential and commercial districts in an otherwise arid setting. Downtown provides another recognisable civic and commercial centre, with public spaces and buildings influenced by simplified Egyptian architectural motifs. The resort’s hotels, villas and gateways form a coherent visual language of arches, courtyards, shaded walkways and warm-toned façades, though styles vary between developments. Its beaches and marina are also important cultural markers: they represent the modern Red Sea economy built around leisure, watersports and international tourism rather than the religious or imperial history embodied by Egypt’s older landmarks.

Show more landmarks

Explore El Gouna on the map

Plan your El Gouna trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Neighbourhoods in El Gouna

Best restaurants in El Gouna

Dining in El Gouna reflects its role as an international Red Sea resort while retaining links to Egyptian cooking. Restaurants around Abu Tig Marina and Downtown range from Egyptian and Middle Eastern kitchens to Italian, seafood and other globally familiar styles, with outdoor terraces making the most of lagoon and waterfront views. Visitors can encounter dishes such as ful medames, falafel, grilled meats, mezze, koshari and freshly prepared fish, alongside lighter café food and bakery items. Seafood is particularly natural to the coastal setting, although menus and supply vary. Hotel restaurants provide much of the more formal dining, while independent cafés and casual eateries create a less structured evening rhythm. Egyptian tea, coffee and fresh juices are common features of the day. Prices and payment practices differ between venues, so menus should be checked before ordering, particularly for seafood sold by weight.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in El Gouna

Evenings in El Gouna tend to centre on outdoor dining, marina promenades, hotel lounges and relaxed bars rather than the dense club scene of a major city. Abu Tig Marina is one of the main areas for waterfront drinks and socialising, while Downtown and hotel districts provide cafés, live entertainment and occasional themed events. The resort’s international population supports cocktail bars, sports viewing and music-led evenings, but the atmosphere can change substantially according to season and the local events calendar. Beach gatherings, boat outings and cultural or sporting programmes may also extend the evening beyond conventional nightlife. Visitors should remember that El Gouna remains part of Egypt: alcohol is available in licensed venues, while public behaviour and dress should remain respectful, especially away from resort settings. Check current venue information locally, as individual programmes and opening arrangements are subject to change.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in El Gouna

Evenings in El Gouna tend to centre on outdoor dining, marina promenades, hotel lounges and relaxed bars rather than the dense club scene of a major city. Abu Tig Marina is one of the main areas for waterfront drinks and socialising, while Downtown and hotel districts provide cafés, live entertainment and occasional themed events. The resort’s international population supports cocktail bars, sports viewing and music-led evenings, but the atmosphere can change substantially according to season and the local events calendar. Beach gatherings, boat outings and cultural or sporting programmes may also extend the evening beyond conventional nightlife. Visitors should remember that El Gouna remains part of Egypt: alcohol is available in licensed venues, while public behaviour and dress should remain respectful, especially away from resort settings. Check current venue information locally, as individual programmes and opening arrangements are subject to change.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in El Gouna

Shopping in El Gouna is concentrated around Downtown, Abu Tig Marina and other hotel-linked commercial areas, where visitors find galleries, boutiques, beachwear, jewellery, crafts, souvenirs and everyday resort goods. The retail scene is more curated and compact than the souks of historic Egyptian cities, with many shops oriented towards visitors and residents of the planned community. Egyptian cotton products, handmade accessories, decorative items, spices and packaged foods can provide more locally connected purchases, while art and design shops reflect the resort’s international population. Small independent businesses sit alongside cafés and restaurants, making browsing part of an evening walk rather than a separate market expedition. Visitors seeking the broadest traditional-market experience may find it in Hurghada or another Egyptian city, but should distinguish those larger urban shopping areas from El Gouna’s marina-and-resort retail environment. Bargaining is not universal, so ask politely whether prices are fixed before negotiating.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to El Gouna, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

El Gouna essentials

Currency and Payment
Egypt’s currency is the Egyptian pound, written as EGP or often shown locally as LE. Hotels, larger restaurants, dive centres and many established shops generally accept major bank cards, while contactless payment may be available but should not be assumed everywhere. Cash remains useful for taxis, small purchases, tips and independent businesses, particularly outside the main hotel and marina areas. ATMs are available in the resort, though international visitors should check their bank’s foreign-exchange and withdrawal policies. Keep smaller Egyptian-pound notes where possible, as change can be limited for minor transactions.
Safety
Use ordinary travel precautions in El Gouna: keep valuables secure, pay attention to belongings in busy areas and use recognised taxis or transfers. The sun, heat, dehydration and sea conditions are more immediate practical concerns than urban navigation, particularly during boat trips, diving, kitesurfing and desert activities. Follow the instructions of qualified watersports staff, use appropriate flotation or protective equipment and avoid entering the sea when conditions are unsuitable. Walk carefully after dark around roads, marinas and uneven verges, and take extra care when cycling. Travel advice can change, so check current official guidance before departure.
Emergency Situations
In Egypt, ambulance services can be reached on 123, the police on 122 and the fire service on 180. State the location clearly, explaining that you are in El Gouna and giving the hotel, marina, district or nearest recognisable landmark. Hotel reception and established tour or watersports operators can often assist with translation and local coordination, but they should not replace an emergency call when urgent help is needed. Carry travel insurance details and information about relevant medical conditions, and confirm how your policy handles diving, watersports and desert activities before participating.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when leaving hotel pools and beaches, particularly in more local areas or when visiting religious sites elsewhere in Egypt; swimwear is appropriate only at suitable beach and pool settings. Ask before photographing people, workers or private property, and avoid photographing security installations. Follow reef-protection rules by not touching coral or marine life and by using environmentally responsible operators. Tipping is customary for many hospitality services, but it should reflect the service received. Drink responsibly, respect local customs during Ramadan and avoid assuming that resort informality applies throughout Egypt.
Local Tips
El Gouna is easiest to understand as a series of connected districts rather than a conventional town centre: Downtown suits casual browsing and everyday resort life, while Abu Tig Marina is oriented towards waterfront dining, boats and evening activity. Plan sea excursions with wind, visibility and seasonal conditions in mind, especially for diving and kitesurfing. A lagoon-side or marina setting can feel quite different from accommodation near the open beach, so examine the location carefully when choosing where to stay. For a broader Egyptian experience, combine resort time with a planned visit to Hurghada or a carefully organised regional excursion.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloمرحبا[marhaba]
Goodbyeوداعا[wada'an]
Yesنعم[naam]
Noلا[la]
Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك[min fadlak]
Thank youشكرا[shukran]
Excuse me/Sorryعذرا[aathara]
How are you?كيف حالك؟[kayfa halak?]
Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟[bi-khayr. wa-ant?]
Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟[hal tatahadath al-inglizia?]
I don't understandأنا لا أفهم[ana la afham]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك[uridu an ara al-qaimah, min fadlak]
I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم[ana la akl al-lahm]
Cheers!في صحتك![fi sahtak!]
I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك[uridu an adfa, min fadlak]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!النجدة![al-najdah!]
Go away!اذهب بعيدًا![idhab baedan!]
Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة![itasil bialshurta!]
Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب![itasil bialtabib!]
I'm lostلقد ضللت[laqad dalalt]
I'm illأنا مريض[ana mareed]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...[uridu an ashtari...]
I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج[ana faqat atfarij]
How much is it?بكم هذا؟[bi-kam hadha?]
That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا[hadha ghali jiddan]
Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟[hal yumkinuka khafd al-si'r?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?كم الساعة؟[kam al-sa'ah?]
It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة[al-sa'ah al-wahidah]
Half past (10)نصف العاشرة[nisf al-ashirah]
Morningصباح[sabah]
Afternoonمساء[masa]
Eveningمساء[masa]
Yesterdayأمس[ams]
Todayاليوم[al-yawm]
Tomorrowغدًا[ghadan]
1واحد[wahid]
2اثنان[ithnan]
3ثلاثة[thalatha]
4أربعة[arba'a]
5خمسة[khamsa]
6ستة[sitta]
7سبعة[sab'a]
8ثمانية[thamania]
9تسعة[tisa'a]
10عشرة[asharah]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?أين توجد...؟[ayn tujad...?]
What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟[ma huwa al-unwan?]
Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟[hal yumkinuka an tarini (ala al-khariata)?]
When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة التالية؟[mata al-hafilat al-taliyah?]
A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)[tadhkirah (ila ...)]

History of El Gouna

An Ancient Coast Before El Gouna

The coast around modern El Gouna forms part of the Red Sea region, whose history includes ancient Egyptian maritime activity, desert routes and long-established fishing communities. However, El Gouna itself is not an ancient settlement and does not possess the pharaonic, Roman or medieval urban layers found in Egypt’s historic Nile Valley and major Red Sea ports. Its immediate setting was largely open desert and shoreline before resort construction began, making the town a modern development rather than a city that gradually grew from an old village.

The Resort Takes Shape

El Gouna was initiated in the late 1980s by Orascom Development, founded by Egyptian entrepreneur Samih Sawiris, as a privately planned destination on the Red Sea coast. Early development involved constructing hotels, residences, roads, marinas and lagoons in a largely undeveloped environment. The design created a network of districts rather than one dense central settlement, with buildings, public spaces and waterways arranged to support both tourism and permanent residence. This planned origin remains central to El Gouna’s identity and distinguishes it from the more organically expanded city of Hurghada.

Lagoons and Integrated Development

During the 1990s and 2000s, El Gouna expanded beyond its first hotel and residential projects into a broader town with schools, medical services, restaurants, shopping areas, sports facilities and additional accommodation. Excavated lagoons became a defining element of the layout, bringing navigable water into areas that would otherwise have faced directly onto the desert or open sea. Districts such as Downtown and Abu Tig Marina gave the resort distinct commercial and social centres, while new neighbourhoods extended its residential character.

Tourism and the Red Sea Economy

El Gouna’s development reflects the wider growth of Red Sea tourism in modern Egypt, as improved air connections, hotel investment and international interest in diving and winter sunshine transformed the coast. Unlike traditional port towns, the resort was designed from the beginning for a mixed population of visitors, workers and residents. Its economy consequently came to depend on hospitality, watersports, property, retail and services rather than fishing or maritime trade alone. The town’s history is therefore closely linked to Egypt’s late twentieth-century shift towards planned coastal tourism.

Environmental and Cultural Initiatives

As the resort matured, environmental management and community life became increasingly important parts of its public identity. Water conservation, waste management, reef awareness and energy-conscious development have been recurring concerns for a destination built in an arid coastal environment. El Gouna has also hosted sporting, cultural and environmental events, helping it function as more than a collection of hotels. These initiatives reflect the practical challenge of sustaining a modern town in a fragile desert and marine setting, where lagoons, coral reefs and scarce freshwater all require careful management.

El Gouna in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities near El Gouna

The closest cities to El Gouna, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

Egypt
More of the region

Explore more of Egypt

Discover Egypt: From the timeless pyramids to the vibrant Red Sea, experience a land where ancient wonders meet modern adventures.

Explore Egypt
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to El Gouna

Discover El Gouna with Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide covering all attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, and more!

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Plan your perfect trip to El Gouna with Evendo, the comprehensive and free travel guide app. Discover attractions, book hotels and tours, and navigate the city like a local!

  • History of El Gouna and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Experience El Gouna like never before with Evendo, your ultimate travel companion. Our app offers detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Imagine strolling through the beautiful Marina, exploring the vibrant Downtown area, or dining at the exquisite Pier 88 Restaurant & Lounge—all with the guidance of Evendo.

El Gouna is a hub of excitement and beauty, home to the famous Abu Tig Marina, the stunning Zeytuna Beach, and the enchanting El Gouna Lagoon. With Evendo, you can effortlessly plan your visit to these iconic spots and many more. The app provides rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to organize your trip and discover hidden gems.

Take the hassle out of booking with our seamless hotel, tour, ticket, and experience booking features. No more endless searches for what to see and do; Evendo has it all in one place. Plus, with features like the history of El Gouna, travel essentials, and curated local tips, you'll be well-prepared to make the most of your visit.

Navigate El Gouna with ease using our 'Near Me' feature, which shows you attractions and amenities around your current location. Whether you're looking for a cozy café or an exciting water sports activity, Evendo ensures you're always in the know. And the best part? It's 100% free, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.