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El Gouna: Your Guide to the Red Sea’s Luxury Lagoon Town

Discover El Gouna, the Red Sea's "Venice." This stunning, self-contained luxury town is built on a network of shimmering lagoons. It's a world-renowned paradise for kitesurfers, boasting perfect winds and shallow waters. Spend your days at the chic Abu Tig Marina, enjoy world-class golf and cable-park wakeboarding, or relax at 5-star resorts in a pristine, safe, and eco-friendly environment.

EFT Team
October 29, 2021
Updated: November 7, 2025

Forget what you think you know about Red Sea resorts. Just 25 kilometers north of Hurghada, a different world awaits—a world of shimmering turquoise lagoons, sophisticated marinas, and award-winning architecture. Welcome to El Gouna, the Red Sea’s “Venice.”

This is not just a collection of hotels; it is a meticulously designed, self-contained private town. Built by Orascom Development, El Gouna was created with a vision: to build a chic, sophisticated, and sustainable community that lives in harmony with the sea.

Built on a series of islands and peninsulas, the entire town is connected by a network of saltwater lagoons. This is a place where you can take a water taxi from your hotel to a world-class restaurant, where tuk-tuks are the primary mode of transport, and where the vibe is pure, stress-free luxury.

For the traveler who seeks relaxation, style, and world-class activities in one pristine package, El Gouna is the perfect choice.

Why Choose El Gouna? The “Gouna Advantage”

El Gouna offers a unique, polished experience that sets it apart from any other destination on the Red Sea.

A “Venice on the Red Sea”: The lagoons are the town’s defining feature. This stunning design means most properties are on the water, creating a beautiful, tranquil, and cohesive environment.
The Marinas (The Beating Heart): El Gouna boasts two world-class marinas, most famously the Abu Tig Marina. This is the heart of the town—a stunning harbor filled with gleaming yachts, lined with high-end boutique shops, international restaurants, and chic bars. It’s a perfect-picture destination for an evening stroll, a gourmet meal, or a vibrant night out.
A World-Class Kitesurfing Paradise: This is not an exaggeration. El Gouna is one of the top kitesurfing destinations on the planet. Its wide, shallow lagoons and consistent, steady winds create a massive, safe, and exciting playground for both beginners and pros.
Chic, Safe & Spotless: El Gouna is a private, gated town with a commitment to the highest standards. It is impeccably clean, incredibly safe, and has a sophisticated, European feel. It’s a place where you can walk, bike, or tuk-tuk anywhere, day or night, with total peace of mind.
Egypt’s “Green” Destination: El Gouna is a pioneer in sustainability. It was the first destination in Egypt to receive the Global Green Town Award. From waste management to water conservation, the town is committed to protecting the environment it’s built around.

Top Things to Do in El Gouna: The Best of Land & Sea

Your holiday in El Gouna can be a perfect blend of high-energy activity and pure, blissful relaxation.

1. Become a Kitesurfer (Or Watch the Pros)

This is El Gouna’s number one sport. The northern beaches are dotted with professional kite centers (like KBC and RedSeaZone) offering lessons for all levels. The shallow, waist-deep water and reliable winds make it one of the best places in the world to learn. And if you don’t want to try, just grabbing a drink and watching the sky fill with colorful kites is a show in itself.

2. Live the Marina Life at Abu Tig

The Abu Tig Marina is an attraction in its own right. Spend your days and nights here:

Dine Around: The marina offers an incredible selection of global cuisine, from authentic Italian and fresh seafood to classic Egyptian and modern fusion.
Shop the Boutiques: Find unique fashion, local crafts, and high-end brands in the marina’s chic shops.
Enjoy the Nightlife: As the sun sets, the bars and clubs along the marina come to life, offering a sophisticated but lively atmosphere.

3. Make a Splash at Sliders Cable Park

For adrenaline junkies, Sliders is one of the largest and most impressive cable parks in the world. This is a state-of-the-art water-skiing and wakeboarding complex where you are pulled by an electric cable system, not a boat. It has obstacles and “kickers” for pros, as well as separate, easy-going cables for first-timers. It’s a massive amount of fun for all ages.

4. Explore “Downtown” (Kafr El Gouna)

Discover the colorful, original heart of the town. Kafr El Gouna is built in a traditional Nubian style, with charming cobblestone streets, domed ceilings, and vibrant paintwork. It’s a lovely, photogenic area filled with small, independent shops, cozy cafes, and local restaurants.

5. Dive the Northern Red Sea’s Best Wrecks

While El Gouna’s lagoons are for boating, the open sea is for diving. The town’s dive centers provide quick access to the northern Red Sea’s most famous dive sites, including the legendary Abu Nuhas wreck graveyard. This “ship’s graveyard” is home to at least four massive, accessible wrecks (like the Carnatic and Ghiannis D) that are now spectacular artificial reefs.

6. Tee Off on a Championship Golf Course

El Gouna boasts two championship 18-hole golf courses. With the stunning Red Sea mountains on one side and the turquoise water on the other, it’s one of the most scenic places to play a round in all of Egypt.

7. Relax on a “Private” Beach

El Gouna’s beaches are a mix of private hotel beachfronts and public beaches. The most famous is Zeytouna Beach, located on its own island and accessible by a long jetty. It’s a public beach (with a small fee) offering a bar, restaurant, and great snorkeling around its pier.

Getting Around El Gouna: The Tuk-Tuk Town

El Gouna is designed to be easily navigated without a car.

Tuk-Tuks: This is the official (and most fun!) taxi service. For a small, fixed price, these three-wheeled shuttles will zip you from your hotel to the marina, downtown, or the beach in minutes.
Lagoon Ferries: A relaxing boat shuttle service connects the main resorts and hubs via the beautiful lagoon system.
Bikes & E-Scooters: The town is flat and safe, making it perfect to explore on a rented bike or e-scooter.

Beyond the “Bubble”: Day Trips from El Gouna

El Gouna’s luxury is a perfect home base, but its location is also a gateway to adventure.

Desert Safari: This is a Red Sea classic. Egypt Fun Tours will pick you up for a thrilling quad bike (ATV) safari into the Eastern Desert. You’ll race over dunes, visit a Bedouin village, and watch the sunset paint the mountains.
Hurghada Day Trip: Want a change of pace? We can arrange a day trip to Hurghada to explore the bustling souqs of Dahar, visit the Hurghada Marina, or see the massive Hurghada Grand Aquarium.
The Ultimate Day Trip: Luxor: Yes, you can see the Valley of the Kings from El Gouna! This is the ultimate “Pharaohs and Beach” combo. Egypt Fun Tours specializes in this exact excursion. We will pick you up from your hotel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle for a full, guided day in Luxor. You’ll explore the Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Hatshepsut’s Temple, and be back at your El Gouna resort in time for a late, relaxed dinner.

How to Plan Your El Gouna Holiday

How to Get There: The closest airport is Hurghada International Airport (HGH). El Gouna is a quick and easy 30-minute drive north. We provide seamless, private airport transfers to get you to your hotel door.

Best Time to Visit:

Spring (March-May) & Autumn (Sept-Nov): This is the high season. The weather is perfect, with air and water temperatures both ideal.
Summer (June-Aug): It gets very hot, which is perfect for swimming. For kitesurfers, this is the windiest, most popular season.
Winter (Dec-Feb): The days are warm, but the evenings are cool and the wind can be strong. It’s a favorite time for golfers.

Book Your Perfect, Polished Getaway

El Gouna is the answer for the traveler who doesn’t want to compromise. It’s a world of luxury, sport, and relaxation, all held within one pristine, beautiful town.

Let Egypt Fun Tours craft your perfect El Gouna holiday. We don’t just book your hotel; we plan your experience. From your private airport transfer to your kite-surfing lessons, from your marina dinner reservations to your once-in-a-lifetime private tour of Luxor, we handle every detail.

Contact Us Today to Plan Your Chic El Gouna Escape!

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