In recent decades, Egypt has been among the most sought-after tourist destinations for the entire European area, Russia,
China and many Arab countries. Hurghada stands out as the most visited, followed by Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, as well as the cities of Cairo and Luxor.
The village, which later grew into the city of Hurghada, was inhabited in 1905. It was named after the type of plant that thrived in that area in ancient times. Initially, Hurghada was just a fishing village, but oil was discovered in 1913 and in 1921, with the help of the British, production and exports began. Since 1913, this area has been the main and only oil supply field for the Anglo Egyptian Oil Fields and Shell and British Petroleum companies, for the next 25 years.
During the reign of King Farouk (from 1937-1952), a recreation center was built in Hurghada, but after the nationalization of Egyptian industry, it was handed over to the armed forces by President Nasser. During the war between Egypt and Israel, the island of Shaduan, east of the city in the Red Sea, was in the hands of the Egyptians as a radar area. But, during Operation Rhodes, in early 1970, it was attacked by Israeli troops, who occupied the island for 36 hours.
According to the data, Egypt suffered greater losses, but regained the island due to fortunate circumstances. Namely, an explosion occurred in the lighthouse, which was occupied by Israeli troops, and the soldiers died. At that time, President Nasser secretly traveled to Moscow, seeking an alliance with Russia, and within a few weeks, Soviet troops began arriving in Egypt. During the October War of 1973, Hurghada was the target of Israeli attacks as many as four times.
In the eighties, the development of tourism in Hurghada began and today it is the leading summer resort on the Red Sea with rich coral reefs and beautiful beaches along about 40km of coastline.
Today, Hurghada has about 280,000 inhabitants, living in the old part of the city, Dahar, the city center, Sakala, the modern part, El Kausar or the suburban settlement of El Ahyaa and the settlement with villas Megawish. Along Memsha, the pedestrian zone, there are hotels, as well as in the part of the city called Cora.
Hurghada is an ideal summer resort for diving, snorkeling and other water sports. Since the desert stretches along the entire length behind the city, it is also suitable for safaris. In Hurghada you can visit the Aquarium, the Sand City, Mini Egypt Park with miniatures of famous archeological sites throughout Egypt and the Sea Museum, and for those who like to spend a vacation at sea, there are more excursions to the nearby island of Giftun and resorts near Hurghada .
