Image: Wikipedia
Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt’s premier resort town, is renowned for its serene beauty, splendid isolation, and vibrant marine life. Nestled at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, the town offers a gateway to azure waters and some of the world’s best spots for diving and snorkeling. The region’s consistently sunny weather, stunning coral reefs, and diverse aquatic wildlife are complemented by upscale resorts, making it a perfect blend for both adventure seekers and relaxation enthusiasts. Sharm El Sheikh thus represents the quintessence of a versatile holiday destination, delivering both thrilling activities and tranquil escapes.
Plan your visit during the cooler months from November to March for a more pleasant experience, as temperatures are milder, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.
Explore beyond the beaches; consider a desert safari or a visit to the nearby Mount Sinai for a taste of the region’s rich historical and natural landscapes.
How to best experience Sharm El Sheikh?
Discover tickets, tours, and activities for Sharm El Sheikh through these providers:
Top things to do & see in Sharm El Sheikh
Select the following sights and activities to discover best tickets and tours available in Sharm El Sheikh.
Sharm El Sheikh: A Gem by the Red Sea
| Country | Egypt |
| Time in Sharm El Sheikh | GMT+2 |
| Language spoken | Arabic |
| Population | 73,000 (UN Data, 2023) |
| Currency | Egyptian Pound (EGP, £) |
| Airports | Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (approximately 6 mi / 10 km). |
Sharm El Sheikh, located on the southern tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, is a vibrant coastal oasis and a premier destination for tourists seeking sun, sea, and sand. Renowned for its sheltered sandy beaches, clear waters, and coral reefs, Sharm El Sheikh is also a haven for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. The city boasts an array of luxury hotels, resorts, and spas that cater to every preference and budget, making it perfect for both leisure and adventure seekers.
Historically, Sharm El Sheikh has significance due to its strategic location and its role in various historical events, including being at the forefront during the conflicts that shaped modern Middle East borders. Today, it stands as a symbol of peace, often chosen to host significant international peace talks and conferences. The city’s culture is a tapestry woven from the threads of ancient traditions and modern influences, evident in its culinary offerings, annual festivals, and daily life.
The mingling of different cultures is visible in the city’s food scene, where local seafood dishes compete with international cuisines to satisfy the palates of its international visitors. The Night Market in Sharm El Sheikh offers an authentic Bedouin experience where one can haggle over spices, perfumes, and traditional crafts.
The city is not just about relaxation and tourism; it also offers opportunities for extreme sports, including windsurfing, kite surfing, and desert safari adventures into the hinterlands of the Sinai Desert, where visitors can explore historic sites like Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery.
By seamlessly blending its rich past with luxury, adventure, and modern amenities, Sharm El Sheikh continues to charm and captivate visitors from around the globe, reinforcing its status as a must-visit destination on the world travel map.
Where is Sharm El Sheikh?
Sharm El Sheikh is located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, bordering the Red Sea.
Distances:
| Route | Distance by car | Time by car |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh | 300 miles (approx.) | 6 hours |
| Alexandria to Sharm El Sheikh | 400 miles (approx.) | 8 hours |
What is Sharm El Sheikh famous for?
Sharm El Sheikh is famed for its world-class diving sites, spectacular coral reefs, and luxury beach resorts, making it a top choice for relaxation and marine exploration.
History
Ancient Times – Before 1967
Sharm El Sheikh, positioned on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, has a storied past that dates back to ancient times. Originally known as a strategic naval base, its significance is evident in various historical texts that mention this region’s strategic and commercial importance. The area was sparsely populated, primarily by Bedouin tribes who roamed the desert, leading a nomadic lifestyle heavily reliant on the scant resources the arid landscape offered. These early inhabitants played a crucial role in shaping the cultural landscape of what would become Sharm El Sheikh.
The Rise of a Resort Town – 1967 to Present
The modern history of Sharm El Sheikh is marked by its development post-1967, following its capture by Israel during the Six-Day War. During this period, the area saw some infrastructural developments. However, it was after the Sinai Peninsula’s return to Egypt in 1982 under the terms of the Egypt-Israel peace treaty that Sharm El Sheikh began to transform into the bustling resort town it is today. The Egyptian government, aiming to promote tourism, invested heavily in developing its infrastructure, constructing hotels, entertainment venues, and other tourist facilities. The city’s natural beauty and unique underwater environments have made it one of the world’s premier tourist destinations, renowned for its spectacular diving opportunities, luxurious resorts, and breathtaking sandy beaches.
Visit Sharm El Sheikh
What to see and do in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Sharm El Sheikh offers a plethora of attractions and activities for visitors:
- Explore the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life by snorkeling or diving in the Red Sea.
- Visit Ras Mohammed National Park, a nature reserve renowned for its preserved ecosystems, both above and below water.
- Enjoy a day trip to the Saint Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world.
- Relax on the sun-soaked beaches such as Naama Bay, offering a mix of natural beauty and modern amenities.
- Experience the local culture by shopping in the traditional markets or trying Bedouin-style dinners in the desert.
Festive Times in Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh hosts various events throughout the year, appealing to a diverse set of interests. One notable event is the Sharm El Sheikh Asian Film Festival, held annually in March, celebrating Asian cinema. Additionally, the city lights up during national holidays such as Sinai Liberation Day on April 25, featuring parades and cultural performances that showcase Egypt’s rich heritage.
Best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh
The best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh is between November and March. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, ideal for beach activities and exploring the outdoors. Avoid the peak summer months when temperatures can be excessively hot, making outdoor activities uncomfortable.
Is Sharm El Sheikh worth visiting?
Sharm El Sheikh is undoubtedly worth visiting, particularly for those who cherish natural beauty and historical richness. It offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re diving among breathtaking coral reefs, basking on golden beaches, or exploring ancient sites, Sharm El Sheikh provides an enriching escape from the mundane, making every visit memorable.