El Gouna

El Gouna ("the lagoon") is a purpose-built resort town on the Red Sea coast about 25 km north of Hurghada, founded in 1989–1990 by Egyptian entrepreneur Samih Sawiris and developed by his company Orascom Development. It is built across some 20 small islands connected by lagoons and bridges, with around 10 km of coastline; its architecture was designed by international architects to echo traditional rural Egyptian and Nubian village styles. The town now has around 12,000 residents, its own small airport, multiple marinas, two golf courses, and a large concentration of hotels, restaurants, and dive operators, making it one of the Red Sea coast's most developed resort destinations. It also hosts the annual El Gouna Film Festival.

By Plane

El Gouna has its own small airport; Hurghada International Airport (HRG), about 25 km south, is the main gateway with more international connections.

By Car / Road

El Gouna sits directly on the Red Sea coastal road, a short drive north of Hurghada.

The town is built around lagoons and islands connected by bridges and roads; tuk-tuks and a town shuttle (the "Tuk Tuk" service) are commonly used to get around.

The lagoon-and-island townscape itself, with its Nubian-influenced architecture, is a distinctive sight, along with the marina districts.

Diving and snorkeling on nearby Red Sea reefs, golf at El Gouna's two courses, and watersports in the lagoons are the main draws.

El Gouna has numerous international-chain hotels and resorts.

Hurghada and Marsa Alam, both further down the Red Sea coast.