Just on the outskirts of Hurghada city centre is a small resort town called Makadi Bay. Tucked away between the mountains, stretching deserts, and the glistening Red Sea, this little town offers something for every holiday style.
Solo travellers, family vacations, romantic getaways, or a holiday for exploring the interests of Egyptian culture, there is a resort for everyone.
Aerial view of Makadi Bay (Image credit Marc Ryckaert)
In this guide, we’ll cover where it is, what to do there, where to stay, and why it should be on your Egypt travel list.
Where Exactly is Makadi Bay?
Located just 30 km away from Hurghada centre and around a 30-minute drive from Hurghada International Airport, it is close enough to the city for you not to miss out on anything, but far enough away for you to get the full effect of rest and relaxation.
With the shoreline of the Red Sea being the main attraction of this small ‘little piece of heaven’, and its peaceful and clean ambiance, it's easy to forget yourself here and any worries you might have.
Top Hotels in Makadi Bay
With plenty of options to choose from, here are just a few of the best options:
- Fort Arabesque Resort, Spa & Villas: Perfect for beach lovers and snorkellers, with a stunning house reef, great service, and beautiful accommodation.
For Arabesque Resort, Makadi Bay
- Jaz Makadi Resort Collection (Jaz Makadina, Jaz Aquaviva, Jaz Makadi Star): Known for great service, family-friendly amenities, and proximity to the golf course and waterpark. Any one of these resorts is perfect for a family holiday.
Jaz Makadina Hotel
- Serenity Hotels and Resorts: A beautiful resort with two sides, a family-friendly side and a couples-friendly side, with an in-house arcade, water park, and fairground, spacious rooms, landscaped gardens, and excellent dining. You can use both when staying in one or the other.
Serenity Alpha Beach, Makadi Bay
- Tia Heights Makadi Bay: Offers a balance of affordability and amenities with direct beach access. Perfect for snorkellers and swimmers alike.
Tia Heights Resort, Makadi Bay
Most resorts sit directly on the shoreline and have walk-in sea access. Although Makadi Bay is known to have choppier waves, it has perfect coral reefs.
Diving and Snorkelling
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver or snorkeller and want to explore more of the underwater world, Makadi Bay is the perfect place to do that.
With pristine waters, vibrant coral reefs, a variety of marine life, and even its own wreck to explore, there is no lack of choice or opportunity for experience. Since most resorts have direct access from their beaches, you don’t even really have to go far to experience it all; however, some resorts also have their own jetties, so you can go further out to sea without actually going far from the resort's touch base.
Snorkelling and Diving in Makadi Bay
What More Can You Do There?
Since Makadi Bay is a little way from the city, it is a great question to ask. With most resorts hosting everything you would need, there is actually little to no reason, other than exploring, to need to leave. That being said, there are plenty of Makadi Bay tours available, with convenient transfers:
- Quad biking and desert safaris: The perfect location to explore the sands. In between mountains and desert hills, most resorts have their own quad bikes on hand for you to rent and go out with, accompanied by a tour guide, of course.
Quad Biking by the Sea
- Horse riding at sunset: A local stable is situated in the middle of Makadi Bay, where the most magnificent horses are ready to take you on the ride of your life. Trot along the shoreline as the sun sets behind the mountains and get ready to see a new perspective.
Horse Riding by the Sea
- Golf at Madinat Makadi: With a large private golf course, if golf is your thing, you don’t have to miss out on the weekly golf appointment, or maybe you would like to take the opportunity to start making golf your thing.
Madinat Makadi Golf Course
Spa and Wellness
Maybe you are looking for pure relaxation and rest, both offered in most resorts in Makadi Bay. The majority of resorts have their own extensive SPAs, all operated by certified therapists and offering a variety of large programmes with both traditional and Western treatments.
Shopping in Makadi Bay
While shopping is limited compared to Hurghada, you can still find:
- Souvenirs and local crafts at Makadi Mall
- Handmade jewellery, oils, and spices in resort gift shops
- Duty-free shopping at the airport or on organised trips to Hurghada
For a full shopping day, consider a short trip to Senzo Mall in Hurghada, which features international brands, local stores, and cafés.
So What Makes Makadi Bay So Special?
With pristine beaches with soft white sand, spectacular coral reefs and marine life just offshore, all-inclusive resorts with spa and wellness facilities, desert landscapes for off-road and Bedouin experiences, a family-friendly atmosphere with activities for all ages, and wellness treatments available, there really is nothing more you could want from a special vacation.
