After visiting six cities in Egypt, I can confidently say that El Gouna is unlike anywhere else in the country. This beautiful city made me feel like I was somewhere completely different. Picture a place full of dreamy lagoons, four to five glamorous marinas decorated with big boats and yachts, fine dining restaurants at every corner, and sunshine all year round. The orange and yellow architecture makes it a picture-perfect destination that feels more like the South of France or Greece than Egypt.
What Makes El Gouna So Unique
One of the things that struck me the most about El Gouna is its peaceful, laid-back atmosphere. Unlike other bustling Egyptian destinations, El Gouna offers a sense of calm and exclusivity that is hard to find elsewhere in the country. The absence of aggressive sellers, the cleanliness of the streets and beaches, and the overall organisation of the town make it feel like a different world. It’s the kind of place where you can wander around the marinas, sip your coffee by the lagoons, and feel completely at ease. This peaceful ambience is what makes El Gouna truly stand out—it’s a side of Egypt that many travellers don’t even realise exists. El Gouna is a private, purpose-built resort city, created around 30 years ago by Samih Sawiris, who wanted a place for him and his friends to keep their boats. What started as a private marina has grown into a luxury destination known for its exclusivity and safety.
The city is extremely safe, and you can only enter with a code provided by your hotel or property rental, checked by security at the gates.
Unlike other cities in Egypt, no one on the beach or streets hassles you to buy anything. It’s peaceful, polished, and quiet.
It’s easy to see why the cream of the crop of Egyptian society—and plenty of international visitors—choose El Gouna as their playground.
Getting There & Around
- El Gouna is about 30 km north of Hurghada.
- The nearest airport is Hurghada International Airport, just 30–40 minutes by car.
- The city is surrounded by beautiful islands and lagoons, perfect for exploring by kayak or paddle.
- Tuk-tuks are the easiest and most popular way to get around within El Gouna. The fare in 2025 is 35 EGP per ride, and they are frequent and reliable.
Where We Stayed: Cook's Club El Gouna
For my February trip, I chose to stay at Cook’s Club, right in the heart of Downtown El Gouna. It’s an adults-only hotel with a modern, stylish design, perfect if you’re looking for a balance of relaxed daytime vibes and a lively atmosphere in the evenings. I’ve visited El Gouna twice now, and during my stay at Cook’s Club, I really appreciated the thought put into the guest experience.
From the moment you step inside, the hotel feels vibrant and welcoming, yet it still manages to keep a laid-back vibe during the day. The open-plan design around the central pool makes everything feel social without being overwhelming. You can easily spend the whole day by the pool, enjoy a book, or grab a bite at the restaurant without feeling like you need to go anywhere else.
Open-Air Gym: I really liked this feature. It’s simple but practical and adds a nice touch for those who want to keep up their fitness routine while enjoying the outdoors.
Board Games & Books: These are scattered throughout the common areas, creating a very homey and relaxed feel. I spent a few afternoons lounging by the pool with a book, which I loved.
Food: The variety here is impressive, and everything I tried was delicious. There’s something for every taste, including plenty of healthy options. The breakfast deserves a special mention—it’s truly exceptional. From the fresh Arabic bread baked in the wood-fired oven to the fresh juices, fruits, and omelettes, it set the tone for the day and quickly became one of my favourite parts of the stay.
Pool Scene: In the afternoons and evenings, the pool area turns into more of a lively social spot, often with house music playing. It brings a good energy to the place, but if you’re after peace and quiet, I would recommend heading to the beach or enjoying the lagoons during those hours.
Location: The hotel’s location is perfect if you want to be close to the action. Whether you want to wander Downtown or head towards the marina, everything is easily accessible. It’s also a favourite base for kitesurfers, thanks to the hotel’s proximity to the best beaches for the sport.
Overall, I found Cook’s Club to be an excellent choice for solo travellers or friends looking for a place that offers both relaxation and a lively evening scene. It’s a hotel that gets the balance right between comfort, design, and social spaces, and I would absolutely stay again when returning to El Gouna.
Cook’s Club El Gouna
Modern, adults-only hotel in Downtown El Gouna, perfect for a stylish stay. Great food, vibrant pool scene, and ideal for kitesurfers. A relaxed yet lively vibe for travellers who want the best of both worlds—beach days and nightlife nearby.
Local Beach Scene & Daytime Activities
The Club House Beach: A popular and lively beach club in town, attracting both tourists and locals. It’s a nice spot to spend the day by the beach, with a more relaxed and social atmosphere. Keep in mind that kids are allowed inside the pool area, which might not suit everyone, but the beach area itself remains a lovely spot to unwind and enjoy the lagoon views.
Lagoon Activities: You can rent paddle boats or kayaks right from the beach and explore the scenic lagoons, which offer beautiful, calm waters and plenty of little corners to discover. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the surroundings at your own pace and see the city from a different perspective.
Nightlife & Dining in El Gouna
- Moods Beach Bar & Restaurant: For me, this was hands down the best beach bar and restaurant in El Gouna. The seafood was some of the best I’ve had in a long time, especially the octopus dish, which was perfectly cooked and full of flavour. Moods combines beautiful beachfront views with a chill atmosphere during the day and a more vibrant vibe as the sun sets. It’s a spot I kept going back to—not only for the food but also for the service and setting. Keep in mind that there is an entry fee if you want to use their beach facilities, including sunbeds and towels, but it’s worth it for the overall experience.
The Tap South: Ideal for starting the evening with cocktails and live music. Great for some bites and drinks before heading to the clubs.
Aurora Club: A must for a night out. Egyptians love to party late, and Aurora fills up quite late. Expect house music or local beats, and an open, lively vibe
- Chicha Restaurant: One of the most popular restaurants—book well in advance. Their Mexican dishes like tacos and mushroom rice are amazing. I tried the lamb, which was good but not outstanding.
- Zouni Lounge Bar: Known for its lively atmosphere and a good spot to unwind after dinner. I didn’t love the food (we tried the sushi), but it’s perfect for drinks and a relaxed vibe afterwards.
Things to Do in El Gouna & Hurghada
El Gouna:
Explore the marinas and admire the yachts
Visit Downtown for local shops and cafés
Try water sports like kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and snorkelling. El Gouna is also known as a world-class kitesurfing destination, especially on the northern beaches where the wind conditions are ideal. If you’re a beginner, keep in mind that you will need to take a course first before heading out on the water.
Lagoon cruises and boat trips
Dolphin watching tours, often more intimate than those in Hurghada
Nearby islands like Mahmya Island and Paradise Island offer pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters
Golfing at El Gouna Golf Club
Hurghada (Day Trip):
- Giftun Islands snorkelling trips
- Desert safaris and quad biking
- Explore the old town El Dahar
- Visit Hurghada Marina for a lively evening scene
If you’re dreaming of an Egyptian destination that offers luxury, privacy, and a completely different vibe from the usual chaotic cities, El Gouna should be at the top of your list. It’s a place where you can unwind, explore, and indulge—whether you’re into water sports, fine dining, or just soaking up the views with a cocktail in hand.
El Gouna is truly Egypt’s best-kept secret, and once you visit, you’ll understand why so many people keep coming back.
