Living in Hurghada, City Districts and Long-Term Rentals

How Hurghada is laid out

The city stretches along the Red Sea coast. In the north are the old neighbourhoods of Dahar and Sakkala, further south come the residential districts of El Kawther and Intercontinental and the tourist promenade of Mamsha. Even further, south and north of the city, lie the separate resort towns of Sahl Hasheesh and El Gouna.

When choosing a district, decide what matters more to you: low prices and local life, or the sea within walking distance and a foreigner-friendly environment. Many people start in one district and after a few months move to where they feel more at home.

Dahar and Sakkala

Dahar is an old district in the north of the city. It has the traditional bazaar, the fish market, the post office and the long-distance bus stations. Rent and everyday costs are usually lower than in tourist areas and bargaining is easier, but the buildings are old and there are fewer foreigners.

Sakkala is the busy centre of Hurghada with Sheraton Road, hotels, shops, restaurants and the marina. It is easy to get anywhere in the city from here, but in the tourist season it is noisy and crowded.

El Kawther, Mamsha and the Intercontinental area

El Kawther is a residential district right behind Mamsha, often chosen for long-term living. It is calm, with supermarkets, pharmacies and clinics, and the beach is within walking distance. Many Russian-speaking and European expats live here, and prices are average for the city.

Mamsha is a pedestrian promenade more than 4 kilometres long with hotels, cafés and shops. Living here is pleasant and convenient, but it is the most expensive and touristy option, and many flats are rented out by the day. The Intercontinental area next to the promenade is considered quiet, with wide streets and new residential complexes, often with a pool.

Sahl Hasheesh and El Gouna

Sahl Hasheesh is a resort town about 18 kilometres south of Hurghada airport, with hotels and residential complexes by the sea. It is quiet and well kept, but there are fewer shops and services, and you need a car or a taxi to get to the city.

El Gouna is a separate resort town about 20 kilometres north of Hurghada, built by Orascom among lagoons and islands. It has its own infrastructure and a well kept environment, but housing and everyday costs are usually noticeably higher than in Hurghada.

How to rent a flat long term

Landlords in Hurghada often rent both to tourists and to long-term tenants, so terms vary a lot. A few tips will help you avoid mistakes.

• Start with a short-term rental for a couple of weeks, try different districts and only then sign a contract for six months or a year.
• View the flat in the daytime and in the evening. Near the promenade and cafés it can be noisy at night.
• On a long lease the price is often negotiable, especially outside the tourist season and away from the seafront.
• Summers in Hurghada are very hot. Check every air conditioner and agree in advance who pays for its repair.
• Ask how far the beach is and whether entry is paid. Some complexes have their own beach, while in others access to the sea may cost extra.
• A furnished flat is more convenient for the first year. For an unfurnished one you can buy second-hand furniture and appliances.

What to check in the contract

It is better to have a written contract, even if the landlord suggests a verbal agreement. Make sure it covers the following points.

• Parties and address. Names and passport details of both sides, the exact address of the flat.
• Term and price. Monthly rent, currency, payment day and whether the price can change during the term.
• Deposit. The amount, what can be deducted from it and when it is returned.
• Utilities. In many buildings electricity is prepaid through a card meter. Ask who tops it up and whether previous tenants left debts.
• Complex maintenance. Who pays for security, cleaning of the grounds and the pool.
• Repairs. Who is responsible for broken air conditioners, the water heater and appliances.
• Moving out. How much notice you must give and what happens to the deposit if you leave early.
• Residence permit documents. If you need the contract for a residence permit, check in advance with the passport office which document is accepted and whether it must be certified, as the rules for foreigners change.

Transport and daily life

Microbuses run along the main streets. You stop them with a wave and pay the driver in cash, which makes them the cheapest way to get around the city. There are also regular taxis, and it is best to agree on the fare before getting in. Uber works in Hurghada and other taxi apps can be found too, but on the outskirts and in the resort towns there may be fewer cars.

In Dahar everyday shopping is usually cheaper, while El Kawther and the Mamsha area have plenty of supermarkets. The Russian-speaking community in the city is large, so it is easy to find a doctor, a handyman or a tutor by recommendation. How to get to Hurghada from the capital is explained in our article how to get from Cairo to Hurghada.

Finding a home in Hurghada on Tullab

All city listings are on the Hurghada page, and long-term flats are in the apartments for rent section. For the first weeks, a short-term rental is a good fit.

If nothing suits you, post a listing with the district, budget, term and move-in date. Landlords can call you right away or message you on Telegram.