El Gouna

Can one destination combine coastal living, everyday services, and leisure activities? El Gouna does just that. It was conceived by Samih Sawiris in the late 1980s, with Orascom Development beginning its development in 1989. The project started with lagoons and hotels before golf courses were introduced, gradually becoming a residential and resort community rather than a single coastal compound.

Located on the Red Sea near Hurghada, the town combines residential neighbourhoods with marinas, schools, healthcare facilities, offices, retail and leisure amenities. Its shoreline extends for 10 km, while its urban structure includes more than 40 neighbourhoods, serving both holidaymakers and long-term residents. Property options range from studios and apartments to townhouses, twin houses and standalone villas. 

El Gouna Location and Access

El Gouna is located on the Red Sea, 25 km north of Hurghada and approximately 445 km from Cairo. Its location provides road and air access, making it convenient for both residents and visitors.

From Cairo, the road journey takes around five hours via Hurghada - Al Ismaileya, Hurghada - Cairo, and Route 65M. Cars and buses are among the main ways to reach the town, while local access from Hurghada is supported by Hurghada - Al Ismaileya Road, Hurghada - Cairo Road and Gouna - Hurghada Road.

From Cairo and Hurghada

Hurghada is considerably closer, with a journey time of around 33 minutes between the two destinations. This proximity makes Hurghada a convenient access point for visitors travelling to the town.

Air travel provides another convenient option through Hurghada International Airport, located around 40 km away. The destination also receives more than 60 daily flights from Western and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the Middle East.

Roads, Airport and International Access

For international visitors, flights from major European capitals take around four hours, while flights from Cairo also take approximately four hours.

With road connections to Cairo and Hurghada, along with the proximity of Hurghada International Airport, the town offers several access options for both local and international visitors.

El Gouna Size, Districts and Urban Structure

The town is part of the Red Sea Governorate and is located within the Hurghada area. It covers approximately 36.9 square kilometres, equivalent to around 8,800 feddans. Around 58% to 60% of its total area has been developed, while the remaining land provides room for further expansion. Its urban structure combines residential, tourist and service areas with beaches, lagoons and open spaces.

How the town is divided

The town includes several distinct areas. Downtown serves as a lively hub for shops, restaurants and entertainment, while Abu Tig Marina is known for its waterfront setting, restaurants, shops and spaces for walking, jogging and cycling.

Other areas are larger, including Cyan Neighborhood at 121 acres, Shedwan at 419,000 sqm and North Bay at 440,000 sqm. Their property mixes also differ, with Cyan offering standalone villas, twin houses, townhouses and apartments, while North Bay focuses on twin houses and standalone villas.

Services and Amenities in El Gouna

The town supports everyday living through education, healthcare, shopping, workspaces and recreational facilities, extending beyond hotels and beaches.

Education and Healthcare

Schools include The Montessori House Trillium and Gouna International School, alongside specialised institutions such as German Hotel School El Gouna, Technische Universität Berlin Campus and El Gouna Technical Nursing Institute.

Healthcare services include a fully equipped hospital, medical clinics and health and wellness facilities, supporting both residents and visitors.

Shopping, Work and Everyday Services

The service network includes banks, retail outlets, offices, co-working spaces and a conference centre. Shopping destinations include Abu Amer and Diwan Bookstore in Downtown, Azza Fahmy Jewelry in Abu Tig Marina, Gourmet Market and In Your Shoe.

Co-working spaces offer WiFi, dedicated desks, seating and outdoor areas, with security, lockers and cleaning services. Meeting rooms are available 24/7, alongside shared spaces, training rooms and private offices.

Sports and Recreation

Recreational facilities include more than 100 restaurants and cafes, marinas, hotels, beaches, swimming pools and water-sports facilities. Sporting options include padel tennis, squash, tennis, horse riding and 18-hole championship golf courses, while Sea Cinema and El Gouna FC add entertainment and sporting venues beyond the waterfront.

Developments and Property Types in El Gouna

Residential projects vary in their property types, layouts, and surroundings, giving buyers several options rather than a single housing format.

The differences between residential projects allow buyers to compare more than just property types. Factors such as views, layouts, surrounding amenities and proximity to beaches, marinas or golf courses can also influence the choice. This variety means that buyers can consider different residential settings depending on whether they are looking for a holiday home, a permanent residence or a property with investment potential. 

Key Residential Developments

• Shedwan: Includes standalone villas, townhouses and apartments.
• Swanlake: Offers apartments, penthouses, chalets and duplexes.
• Mangroovy: Features chalets, twin houses and townhouses, with activities such as snorkelling, fishing and windsurfing.

Developers and Property Types

Different developers are associated with these residential projects. Orascom Development is linked with Shedwan and North Bay; Hassan Allam Properties developed Swanlake, while First Residence Development developed Mangroovy.

Property types include apartments, studios, condos, duplexes, penthouses and chalets, alongside standalone villas, twin houses and townhouses for buyers looking for larger residential options.

Marinas, Beaches and Leisure in El Gouna

The waterfront combines marina services, beach clubs, water activities and sports, offering several ways to enjoy the coastal setting.

Marinas and Waterfront Activity

Abu Tig Marina provides metered electricity and water, WiFi, VHF 73 and dry storage for more than 100 boats. Abydos Marina accommodates up to 60 yachts and includes a diesel fuel station and VHF Channel 06, while Fanadir Marina adds shops, retail venues and restaurants.

Sports, Dining and Entertainment

Waterfront venues include El Gouna Sailing Club, KBC Gouna Hurghada, La Playa, Makani Beach Club and Moods Beach Club. Activities include sailing, rowing, diving and kitesurfing, while golf options include Gouna Golf Club and Ancient Sands Golf Club.

Downtown, Culture and Year-Round Town Life

Downtown combines shopping, dining and hospitality, while the cultural calendar includes the El Gouna Film Festival and other events.

Downtown and the El Gouna Film Festival

Dining venues include Karibu Bar and Restaurant, El Bahr and Fish Market, while Cook’s Club Gouna, The Chedi and Sultan Bey Hotel are among the listed hotels.

The El Gouna Film Festival was founded by Naguib and Samih Sawiris and brings together participants from countries including France, China, Palestine, Syria, Egypt and the US.

What Defines El Gouna’s Property Market

The property market includes developments with different locations, developers, and unit types, giving buyers several residential options. This variety allows buyers to compare properties based not only on size and layout, but also on their surroundings, views and proximity to beaches, marinas, golf courses and other amenities.

Orascom Development, Hassan Allam Properties, First Residence Development and Pillarz Real Estate Developments are involved in the development of several named projects. Property types include apartments, chalets, duplexes, penthouses, townhouses, twin houses and standalone villas, offering options for different residential preferences and uses.

The differences between neighbourhoods and developments also create varied residential settings within the town. Some properties are closer to waterfront areas and marinas, while others are positioned near golf courses, beaches or everyday services. This allows buyers to choose a location based on how they plan to use the property, whether as a holiday home, permanent residence or investment.

El Gouna combines residential communities with hospitality, education, healthcare, work and leisure facilities. Its neighbourhoods also differ in their access to marinas, beaches, golf courses, watersports and Downtown, creating a varied coastal living experience beyond a traditional resort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is El Gouna located?

El Gouna is on the Red Sea, 25 km north of Hurghada.

How far is El Gouna from Cairo?

It is approximately 445 km from Cairo, around five hours by car.

How far is El Gouna from Hurghada International Airport?

The airport is around 40 km from El Gouna.

What types of properties are available in El Gouna?

Options include apartments, chalets, duplexes, penthouses, townhouses, twin houses and villas.

Does El Gouna have schools and universities?

Yes, including Gouna International School and German Hotel School El Gouna.

What are some main residential developments in El Gouna?

Notable developments include The Nines, Shedwan, North Bay, Swanlake and Mangroovy.