Hurghada lies on the Red Sea coast and became a popular resort during the Israeli occupation of the Sinai desert, as entrance to the peninsula was closed. There are many coral reefs of Hurghada's coast that provide excellent snorkeling and scuba diving possibilities. There are also some good beaches just outside town. You can visit Geftun Island off the coast for a good diving location. Other interesting places include the House of Sharks and the medieval village of Quesir 140 km to the south. There is an old fort and the beaches are excellent.
There are plenty hotels and restaurants in Hurghada as it is a major tourist place. You can get there by bus from Cairo, but if you are looking for the bus remember that the locals call the town 'Al Ghardaqah', so ask for that otherwise you might end up on the wrong bus.
The monasteries of St Anthony and St Paul sit in the mountains overlooking the Gulf of Suez, in between Cairo and Hurghada. To get to the monasteries you will have to go north from Hurghada and turn at the Zafarana lighthouse. St Paul is just south of the lighthouse, about 15 km inland. St Anthony is 45 km inland on the road from the lighthouse. Behind St Anthony monastery is the St Anthony Cave.
