Hurghada

Hurghada is Egypt's Red Sea capital for value — a sprawling resort strip fronting some of the warmest, clearest, most coral-rich water on the planet, and the easiest base for anyone who wants beach time between the temples.

The real magic is offshore: island snorkel yachts to Orange Bay and the Giftun reefs, world-class scuba on wrecks and walls, dolphin encounters, and glass-bottom or submarine trips for non-swimmers. Ashore, quad and jeep safaris run into the desert to Bedouin camps, and long day trips reach Luxor or even Cairo.

Hurghada suits families and first-time divers especially well, with year-round sun and a huge choice of budget-to-luxury hotels.