Makadi Bay holidays

How to reach Makadi Bay

• Flight time: Flights to Makadi Bay from the UK usually involve flying into Hurghada International Airport. Direct flights to Hurghada from London take around 5 to 6 hours. Flights from other major UK airports, like Manchester and Birmingham, usually have a stopover en route.

• Transfer time: From Hurghada Airport, it takes about 30 minutes to reach Makadi Bay by taxi or shuttle service.

• Price: A taxi from the airport to Makadi Bay costs around £12–£15. Many resorts offer shuttle services, often included in your stay or for a small additional fee.

Best time to visit Makadi Bay

While the climate is dry year-round with plenty of sunshine, the most popular times for holidays to Makadi Bay are the milder months between autumn and spring, with summer only for extreme sun lovers. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help you plan:

• April to May sees temperatures ranging from 24 to 35°C, making it ideal for beach holidays, especially for sunbathers and snorkellers.

• June to September can be very hot, with average temperatures between 35 and 40°C during July and August. This period is perfect for those who don’t mind the heat and are looking for the best prices.

• October to November offers a cooler, more comfortable climate than summer, with temperatures dropping from 30 to 25°C, making this an excellent time for water activities and relaxing.

• December to March is an excellent time for those seeking a break from the UK’s winter chill. With temperatures between 15 and 24°C, this season is perfect for outdoor activities, boat tours and sightseeing.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels and restaurants. Learning a few basic Arabic phrases can be helpful and is appreciated by locals.

• Local habits and customs: Egyptian culture is conservative, so dress modestly when away from the beach – especially if visiting mosques – and public displays of affection are frowned upon. Haggling is common in markets and shops.

• Health and safety: Makadi Bay is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to take standard precautions such as not flaunting valuables and being cautious at night. Tap water isn’t safe to drink, so stick to bottled water.

• Currency: The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency, divided into 100 piastres (pt). ATMs are plentiful in tourist areas, and credit cards are widely accepted. It's helpful to carry some cash for smaller purchases and tips.

• Getting around: Taxis and shuttle buses are the main forms of transport. Taxis are affordable, with short trips costing only a few pounds, but agree on a fare before your journey or insist on the meter being used. Many resorts offer free shuttle services to local attractions.

• Electricity and plug types: Egypt’s supply is 220V, with either plug type C or F. UK travellers will need an adaptor for their devices.

• Time zone: Makadi Bay operates on Eastern European Time (EET), 2 hours ahead of GMT and observes Daylight Saving Time.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers need a visa to enter Egypt. You can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport for around £25 or apply for an e-visa in advance.

Local dishes in Makadi Bay

An exciting part of holidays to Makadi Bay is trying the rich and diverse range of food. Here’s a guide to some of the typical dishes and drinks you must try:

Some typical dishes

• Ful Medames: a popular dish made from fava beans, garlic and lemon juice. It is typically served with bread and is commonly found at breakfast.

• Koshari: A hearty mix of rice, macaroni, lentils and chickpeas, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. It’s a super cheap meal and true Egyptian comfort food.

• Molokhia: A traditional green soup made from jute leaves, often flavoured with garlic and coriander, and typically served with rice or bread.

• Taameya: Egyptian falafel made with fava beans instead of chickpeas, flavoured with fresh herbs and spices, and deep-fried to perfection.

Meat dishes

• Kebabs and kofta: Kebabs are grilled skewers of lamb or chicken marinated in aromatic spices; kofta is minced meat, usually lamb or beef, mixed with herbs and spices before grilling.

• Shawarma: Marinated meat, typically lamb or chicken, slow-cooked on a rotisserie and served in pita bread with tahini, garlic sauce, vegetables and pickles.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Sayadeya: A classic dish in which white fish is cooked with rice, tomatoes, onions and a mix of spices. It is often served with tahini sauce on the side.

• Gambari: Freshly caught prawns often grilled or cooked in a spicy tomato sauce. Hurghada’s location on the Red Sea ensures the seafood is incredibly fresh.

Sweets and desserts

• Basbousa: A semolina cake soaked in syrup and often topped with almonds.

• Kunafa: Shredded pastry filled with cheese or cream and nuts, soaked in sweet syrup.

• Baklava: Layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup.

• Umm Ali: A warm, comforting bread pudding with coconut, raisins, nuts and cream.

Local drinks

• Karkade: A refreshing tea made from dried hibiscus petals, served hot or cold, with a tart flavour similar to cranberry.

• Fruit juices: Freshly pressed juices are popular in Egypt. Try lemon, lime, guava, pomegranate or sugarcane juice.

• Sahlab: A warm, thick drink made from milk and flavoured with rose water, often topped with nuts and coconut. It’s perfect for cooler evenings.

Best things to do in Makadi Bay

With an increasing number of large resorts encircling this small inlet 40km south of Hurghada, Makadi Bay is a prime destination on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure. Here are some of the top things to do during your Makadi Bay holidays:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Makadi Bay Promenade: This scenic promenade is a perfect way to explore the area, check out all the resorts and take in the breathtaking views of the Red Sea, especially at sunset when the sky turns brilliant shades of orange and pink.

• Boat tours: Take a boat tour to enjoy the panoramic views of the coastline. These tours often include stops for snorkelling and a chance to see the vibrant marine life, and arriving back at sundown is a memorable way to see Makadi Bay at sunset.

Day trips in the area

• Hurghada: Just a short drive north of Makadi Bay, Hurghada offers more shopping, activities, tours, dining and nightlife options and is also home to some excellent dive sites. Discover our great deals on holidays to Hurghada.

• Mahmya Island: A short boat ride from Hurghada, Mahmya offers excellent snorkelling opportunities and more peaceful beaches than the mainland. It's a perfect day trip for those looking to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Red Sea away from the busy resorts.

• Luxor: A bit further afield but well worth the journey, Luxor is home to some of Egypt’s most famous ancient sites, including the Valley of the Kings plus Luxor and Karnak temples. A day trip here provides a deeper insight into Egypt’s rich history. Check the best holidays in Luxor for your next getaway.

Activities for families in Makadi Bay

Makadi Bay is perfect for family holidays, offering a variety of activities that cater to all ages. Here are some highlights:

• Beaches: Many resorts have direct access to beaches on Makadi Bay, which have calm, sheltered water that’s safe, clean and perfect for swimming. In addition to watersports like paddleboarding, it’s also possible to walk out along a pier to swim and snorkel right over the reef just offshore.

• Water parks: Several large water parks in the area offer thrilling slides, areas for younger kids and plenty of fun in the water for all ages. These include Makadi Water World and Hurghada’s Jungle Aqua Park.

• Aquariums: Visit the Hurghada Grand Aquarium to learn about the marine life of the Red Sea. With a tunnel and several tanks where you can see sharks, turtles, rays and stonefish, it’s an educational and entertaining experience for kids.

• Go-karting: For high-speed thrills the whole family can enjoy, head to El Gouna Go-Karts, just north of Hurghada. Reserving before you go is recommended.

Wellness in Makadi Bay

• Spas: Many luxury resorts in Makadi Bay feature top-notch spas where you can indulge in massages, facials and a range of body treatments.

• Traditional body care: Experience traditional Egyptian hammam wellness practices at local spas, where you can enjoy a full-body scrub, steam bath and massage.

• Yoga: Several resorts offer yoga in tranquil garden settings with views of the Red Sea, an amazingly peaceful way to destress.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Diving and snorkelling: The Red Sea is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Makadi Bay offers excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities to explore the underwater world. Several dive centres in the bay provide courses and excursions.

• Watersports: Makadi Bay’s clear waters and steady winds make it an excellent destination for watersports. Try your hand at windsurfing, kitesurfing or paddleboarding. Many resorts offer equipment rental and lessons.

• Desert safaris: Explore the stunning Eastern Desert on a thrilling 4WD, dune buggy or quad bike safari. These excursions often include visits to Bedouin villages, camel rides and dinner under the stars, providing a unique insight into the local culture and landscape.

• Boat trips: Explore the Red Sea’s crystal-clear waters, often with stops for swimming, snorkelling or exploring hidden coves and beaches. Trips on glass-bottom boats, or even submarines, offer a way to glimpse the colourful underwater world without getting wet.

• Horse-riding: Take a leisurely ride along the beach or through the desert with one of the local equestrian centres. It’s a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of Egypt and enjoy some quality time outdoors.