Almost all beaches in Hurghada are attached to hotels and resorts and technically private — access for non-guests usually means paying a day fee of around 100–200 EGP, which typically includes a sun lounger and access to the pool. This is worth knowing before you arrive expecting free public beaches; there are very few.
The best stretches of sand are in the resort zone south of Sakkala, where hotels like the Marriott and Coral Beach Rotana have well-maintained beaches with calm water and full water sports facilities. The Elysees Dream Beach and Old Vic Beach near the boulevard are popular, moderately priced day-trip options for non-guests.
For a better experience away from the resort strip, head to Sharm El Naga Bay about 30 km south — a protected bay with a house reef and much fewer crowds. Or take a boat to the Giftun Islands, where the sand is white, the water is brilliant, and the reef begins just offshore.