By Gilly Bachelor, Travel Expert

For many, winter sun often means the familiar destinations: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote. Beautiful, of course — but sometimes you want something different, somewhere that combines sunshine, style, adventure, and value without the crowds or the usual resort routine. That’s where El Gouna, on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, comes in.

Some of my clients visit El Gouna as a standalone escape, while others pair it with a wider Egyptian journey including Cairo and Luxor, offering a mix of modern relaxation and historical exploration.

A Unique Winter Sun Setting

El Gouna is often called the “Venice of the Red Sea” for good reason. Built across 36 interlocked islands, it features sparkling lagoons, golden beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. As a gated town, it offers a peaceful, exclusive atmosphere — you can explore the marina, beaches, and town without the usual tourist hustle and bustle.

Sunshine You Can Count On

While the UK shivers, El Gouna enjoys reliable warmth throughout winter:

  • November: highs 28°C / lows 18°C, sea 25°C

  • December: highs 24°C / lows 15°C, sea 23°C

  • January: highs 22°C / lows 13°C, sea 22°C

  • February: highs 23°C / lows 13°C, sea 22°C

  • March: highs 25°C / lows 15°C, sea 23°C

Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and outdoor activities — without the higher prices or over-crowding of more traditional winter sun destinations.

Something for Everyone

El Gouna blends relaxation and activity. Nine PADI diving centres make it a diver’s paradise, while desert excursions offer quad biking, sand surfing, and sunset adventures. Families can enjoy beach days and pools, while couples can soak up the serenity.

Hotels & Dining

With 18 hotels, there’s something for every taste and budget. Some top picks include:

Adults-only:

  • Casa Cook El Gouna – boutique luxury with a wellness focus

  • Three Corners Ocean View Hotel Prestige – chic, vibrant, by the marina

Families:

  • Mövenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna – kids’ clubs, pools, and private beach

  • Steigenberger Golf Resort – family-friendly activities plus golf

  • Sheraton Miramar Resort – private beach and multiple pools

Over 100 restaurants and bars ensure every palate is catered for, from local Egyptian cuisine to international gourmet dishes.

Quirky and Sustainable

El Gouna’s charm comes from details like its electric tuk-tuks, sustainable initiatives, and events like the El Gouna Film Festival at the architectural Festival Plaza. Add in the gated exclusivity, and it’s a winter sun destination that feels fresh, modern, and surprisingly different.

Gilly’s Verdict

If you’re tired of the usual winter sun spots and want a destination that’s different, sun-soaked, well-priced, and full of variety, El Gouna deserves your attention. Whether as a relaxing escape or part of a wider Egyptian adventure, it proves that winter sun can be exciting, stylish, and a little out of the ordinary.

Have a look at our handpicked stay at the adults only Casa Cook El Gouna, however, this can be combined with any of the resorts.

If you’re ready to escape the UK winter chill and chase the warm winter sun elsewhere, get in touch! Give us a call on 01902 288104, send us a message, or book an appointment.