Perched on the edge of the glittering Red Sea, Makadi Bay makes the perfect holiday destination for those seeking sun, sea and stunning scenery. It may be one of Egypt’s top resorts but it isn’t overrun with tourists, so you can expect a truly relaxing break under the beating Egyptian sun. Located between the nearby resorts of Hurghada and Safaga, you’ll never be short of things to do, even if all that glorious sunbathing gets too much, if that’s even possible. Perhaps you'd like to treat yourself to a day of massages and skin treatments at one of the high-quality spas close to the beach. Or, if you’re feeling a bit more active, check out the resort’s incredible marine life on a snorkelling trip which will take you to the nearby island of Giftun. Spend the afternoon gazing at the colourful shoals of fish and playful dolphins - you’ll probably never want to come home. If you're in need of a getaway in 2019, then consider a holiday in Makadi Bay; you certainly won’t regret it!
Makadi Bay, Red Sea
(°C) Avg. High Temp
The main pull of a holiday in Makadi Bay is the incredible all-year-round climate. Plonk yourself on the beach and you’re guaranteed to return home feeling sun-kissed and refreshed, having enjoyed a holiday in Egyptian paradise. If you’re into golf, then you’ll be fully catered for here. There are a few courses nearby to choose from, as well as a 72-par championship course, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Non-golfers don’t fret, there’s far more on offer in Makadi Bay. Embark on a boat trip out on the Red Sea and you’ll be amazed by secret coves you find. Dive into the beautiful clear water and feel the stresses and strains of home life floating away. For a real adventure, take a trip to the sand dunes close by where you can drive off-road vehicles over the mounds, or even hop onboard a camel. Either way you’re bound to make memories that will last for a lifetime.
No trip to Makadi Bay would be complete without sampling some of the tasty local delicacies; there are so many flavours to explore within Egyptian cuisine. Go for a Ful wa Temeya, a type of falafel dish, or try a traditional kebab at one of the local restaurants. Some of the more westernised places will serve all sorts of international cuisine that will suit even the fussiest eater. But make sure you explore eateries outside the confines of your hotel, his way you’ll get to taste authentic cooking that you’d otherwise miss out on. Expect plenty of beans, lentils and chickpeas in local recipes, but remember the area’s alcohol regulations. The state has strict rules against the sale and consumption of alcohol in public places or shops. Hotels and tourist facilities are largely exempt from this rule, but remember to check with locals if you are unsure.
The best thing about a holiday in Makadi Bay is the beautiful beach that offers up endless hours of free entertainment for kids. Watch them splashing around in the shallow waters and building sandcastles, while you can just put your feet up. Families will enjoy taking a glass-bottomed boat tour that will show you all the stunning sea life the Red Sea has to offer. If you and your family are feeling especially adventurous then consider combining your Makadi Bay holiday with a trip to Cairo. You can cover the distance by car and once you’ve arrived you can start exploring all the bustling city has to offer. Enjoy the vibrant flea markets and pick up some truly unique souvenirs to take home with you. A one or two day trip to Cairo is the perfect opportunity to show the kids more about the fascinating Egyptian different culture, all while providing them with some very special holiday memories that they can boast about at school.
Makadi Bay is the perfect holiday destination for thrill-seekers. Diving fanatics flock to the Red Sea to discover what lies beneath, but there’s also plenty of opportunity for newcomers to learn how to dive. Expert instructors are on hand to help you get to grips with the equipment, and once you’re confident enough you’ll discover some real underwater gems. You might be transported to El Gouna where divers can explore a decaying shipwreck, providing a fascinating, and ever so slightly creepy experience. For those seeking activities on dry land, you are best off heading to the sand dunes. If you want to you can follow a horseback trail over the sand to explore the landscape in a truly unique way, or the really daring traveler might like to join a quad bike tour. If that’s not your thing then you’ll find plenty to do on the beach - some hotels have set up volleyball nets and you can even locate a tennis court or two if you fancy practicing your serve.
It would be very easy to spend a week-long holiday in Makadi Bay firmly planted on the beach. It really is a gorgeous sandy paradise, where the water appears to sparkle throughout the whole day. All you need to do is find the perfectly located parasol to claim as your own, and simply focus on relaxing. Get stuck into a good book, or plug yourself in to some chilled tunes and feel yourself gradually unwinding. Grab your snorkelling gear and head into the water where you’ll find some beautiful exotic fish to admire. There is an impressive coral reef close to the shore, so be sure to watch your feet on the sharp edges. You’ll quickly see why Makadi Bay is a diver’s paradise; there’s so much to see under the surface. Once back on dry land there’s no shortage of cafes and bars to source a refreshing drink from. Then, head back to your sun lounger and continue with your strenuous afternoon under the gorgeous Egyptian sun. It’s a tough life.
There are plenty of daytime activities on offer during a holiday in Makadi Bay, but thumping nightclubs aren’t really on the agenda here. For that you’ll have to head to the bigger and more touristy resort of Sharm-El-Sheikh, where you can easily party on down until dawn. Sharm is home to Egypt’s best and wildest nightclubs that attract the country's most stylish locals and tourists alike.
Back in the slightly more low-key Makadi Bay, you’ll see plenty of beach-side bars where visitors can sip on cold cocktails while watching the gorgeous sunset. What a perfect way to round off a day spent on the beach. A few spots stay open until late serving refreshing drinks that will keep you cool on a hot summer’s night. If you want to really soak up Egyptian culture then find a place to order a shisha pipe and enjoy the variety of flavours on offer.
Families will be sufficiently entertained, but that’s not to say that Makadi Bay isn’t for couples seeking a cheeky getaway too. The definition of romantic is a long stroll on the beach, right? Well, Makadi Bay beach is ready and waiting for you to leave some footprints in the sand. If you want to explore the sand dunes together, why not try the once in a lifetime experience of traveling by camel? There’s no better way to admire the landscape than from atop a camel. When you want to cool off, head back down to the shore where you can embark on a truly relaxing boat trip to find some coral reefs, all abundant with exotic creatures. Dive in together and see what beautiful underwater creatures you can find. Then, top it off with a glass of bubbly at one of the beachfront bars.
Egypt is so rich in ancient culture that it would be difficult to digest it all in just one week’s holiday. If you really want to get under the skin of this country’s fascinating history then a trip to Luxor is in order. Here you can explore the Valley of the Kings, the tombs of various queens and pharaohs as well as the stunning architecture that dates back thousands of years. If you’d rather stick closer to home, then take a bus from Makadi Bay to Hurghada, the biggest city nearby. Here you can roam the markets and souks in the old town and come away with some unique souvenirs. The two main shopping locations are Sakkala and Dahar, where you’re bound to be dazzled by all the artisan goods on display. Then, stop off at one of the traditional coffee shops and feel like a local, before heading back to Makadi Bay to continue your holiday with a refreshing beverage in hand. If all of what Makadi Bay has to offer doesn’t fill you with excitement about your holiday options in 2018, then we simply don’t know what will.