El Gouna, Egypt: The Red Sea's Premier Kitesurfing & Sun Destination

Egypt's Most Sophisticated Resort Town

El Gouna is unlike any other resort on the Red Sea. Built from scratch in 1989 by Egyptian billionaire Samih Sawiris, it is a planned city of lagoons, islands, and canals — a kind of Egyptian Venice — with 13 hotels, 100+ restaurants, a marina, an airport, and a water sports scene that draws kitesurfers from across Europe every winter.

The Red Sea here is extraordinary: flat-water lagoons protected by coral reefs, consistent thermal winds from October through May, water temperatures of 22–28°C year-round, and visibility of 20–30m for diving. The sun shines 360 days per year. It is, by any measure, one of the world's great water sports destinations.

Kitesurfing: Flat Water Paradise

El Gouna's kitesurfing scene is centred on two locations: the main lagoon (Abu Tig Marina area) and the famous Kiteboarding El Gouna (KEG) spot at the northern end of town.

KEG (Kiteboarding El Gouna) — the main kite spot. A large, shallow lagoon (knee to waist deep for 500m) with consistent thermal winds from the north. Perfect for beginners and freestyle riders. The KEG school is one of the best in the world — IKO-certified instructors, excellent equipment, and a social atmosphere that makes it easy to meet other kiters.

Abu Tig Lagoon — the main marina lagoon. Flat water, consistent wind, suitable for all levels. Multiple kite schools operate here.

Wind conditions: The thermal wind (north wind) blows consistently from October through May, typically 15–25 knots from 11am to sunset. June through September is lighter and less consistent — still kiteable but less reliable.

Kite schools: KEG (Kiteboarding El Gouna), Kite School El Gouna, Pro Kite El Gouna. Lessons from €50/hour group, €100/hour private. Equipment rental €60–80/day.

Diving the Red Sea Reefs

El Gouna sits at the northern end of one of the world's great diving destinations. The Red Sea's coral reefs are among the most biodiverse on earth — 1,200 species of fish, 44 species of shark, and coral formations that survived the global bleaching events that devastated other reefs.

Best dive sites from El Gouna:

Dive centres: Subex El Gouna, Aquanaut El Gouna. Single dive from €35, PADI Open Water course €350.

Sun, Beach & Bathing

El Gouna's beaches are private — each hotel controls its own stretch of sand. The best public beach access is at Mangroovy Beach (free for kite school clients) and the Abu Tig Marina beach (€15/day sun lounger).

The water temperature is extraordinary: 22°C in January (warmer than the Mediterranean in August), rising to 28°C in August. You can swim comfortably year-round without a wetsuit.

Temperature & Month-by-Month Guide

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Best months: October through April. The thermal wind is most consistent and the heat is manageable.

Where to Eat

El Gouna has over 100 restaurants — an extraordinary number for a resort town. The quality is consistently high.

Where to Stay

Budget (€50–100/night): Mosaique Hotel (boutique, lagoon views, €60–90), Dawar El Omda (traditional Egyptian style, €70–100).

Mid-range (€100–200/night): Sheraton Miramar (private beach, multiple pools, €120–180), Steigenberger Golf Resort (golf course, spa, €130–200).

Luxury (€200–450/night): Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay (45 min south, ultra-luxury, private beach, €250–450), Three Corners Ocean View (El Gouna, private island, €200–320).

Getting There

Fly to Hurghada (HRG) — El Gouna is 30km north. From Amsterdam: TUI/Transavia direct from €180 return. From London: easyJet/TUI direct from £150 return. From New York: connect via Cairo or Amsterdam, from $650 return.

Transfer from Hurghada airport to El Gouna: 30 minutes, €15–20 by taxi. El Gouna has its own internal transport — tuk-tuks (€1–2) and water taxis (€2–3) connect all areas.

Insider Tips

1. Stay at least 7 nights — El Gouna rewards slow travel. The first two days are orientation; the magic starts on day three.

2. The KEG kite spot is best in the morning — wind picks up around 11am and peaks at 2–4pm. Be on the water by 11:30am.

3. Rent a golf buggy — El Gouna's islands and lagoons are best explored by buggy (€40/day). It's the local way to get around.

4. Avoid July and August — 37°C with light wind is uncomfortable for kitesurfing and unpleasant for sightseeing. October–April is the sweet spot.

5. Day trip to Luxor — 4 hours inland, the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple are among the greatest ancient sites on earth. Fly (€80 return) or take the overnight train.