Sharm El Sheikh: A Charming World of Relaxation, Adventure & Luxury

Located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, in the South Sinai Governorate, along the coastal strip of the Red Sea, the Egyptian city of Sharm El Sheikh is a world of relaxation, adventure and luxury. It is known for hosting many international conferences and diplomatic meetings, and is often referred to as the “City of Peace” due to the numerous international peace conferences held there.

As one of Egypt’s most popular tourist destinations – with good reason – offering visitors a unique combination of relaxation, adventure, and luxury, Sharm El Sheikh area is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life and hundreds of Red Sea coral reef sites, which attracts thousands of tourists from around the world. The city has numerous ancient landmarks, such as the 12th-century Monastery of Saint Catherine and the historic Old Town of Sharm El-Maya.

Home to a diverse range of marine life, including over a thousand species of fish and hundreds of coral varieties, the warm waters of the Red Sea has become a paradise for divers and eco-tourists, who explore the vibrant underwater world to see everything from tiny seahorses to massive whale sharks. Non-swimmers can sunbathe on any of the many beaches, relishing the breath-taking vistas, or enjoy glass-bottomed boat excursions.

Over the years, the tourist economy of Sharm El Sheikh has seen rapid growth, leading to the development of first-class resorts and a vibrant nightlife. A culinary paradise, Sharm El-Sheikh offers many food options and vibrant markets.

With its narrow alleyways filled with eclectic shops and bustling stalls, the Old Market is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. Here, you can immerse yourself in the riveting culture, rub shoulders with the locals, and explore a variety of traditional Egyptian goods and wares. The market is a treasure trove for food lovers, with enticing aromas filling the air as vendors serve mouth-watering delicacies such as morish koftas, succulent kebabs, and fresh seafood. Sharm El-Sheikh’s diverse culinary scene offers street food to sit-down restaurants, satisfying every palate.

The best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh is during the spring and autumn months, particularly from October to April. Temperatures are pleasant and not too hot this period, and ideal for swimming, diving, snorkelling, and exploring the city’s attractions.

What to do in Sharm El-Sheikh?

• Diving and Snorkelling: Explore world-class coral reefs and the abundant marine life of the Red Sea at sites like Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran.
• Desert Safaris: Experience the Sinai desert on a quad bike, camel trek, or even a safari trip to Abu Galum and Wadi Ginai.
• Water Sports: Enjoy parasailing, windsurfing, and other thrilling water activities.
• Cultural Excursions: Visit Bedouin camps for stargazing, or take day trips to Cairo, Luxor, and the pyramids.
• Relaxation: Spend time at the beaches, or indulge in spa treatments for a more relaxed experience.
• Adventure Tours: Go on 4WD tours, mountain biking, or horseback riding to explore the natural landscapes.
• Mount Sinai: Visiting Mount Sinai is an unforgettable experience that should be at the top of any traveller’s list when exploring Sharm El-Sheikh. A sunrise tour is one of the most popular ways to experience Mount Sinai.  Hike to the mountain’s summit in the early morning hours, arriving just in time to witness the breath-taking sunrise over the surrounding desert landscape.
• Saint Catherine Monastery: This UNESCO World Heritage site, an ancient relic dating back to the 6th century, draws travellers and pilgrims and leaves all visitors amazed.

Filled with luxurious resorts boasting private beaches and top-class amenities, there are many popular areas to consider, when considering where to stay in Sharm El-Sheikh.

• Old Town: Sharm El-Maya, also known as the Old Town, is perfect for travellers who want to immerse themselves in the local culture and experience the traditional way of life in the city.
• Na’ama Bay: Located just 3 miles up the coast from Sharm El Maya, Na’ama Bay is known for its beautiful beach. It boasts some of the city’s best hotels, nightlife venues, and restaurants.
• Shark’s Bay: Shark’s Bay is known for its many resort hotels and beautiful beaches with views of Tiran Island. It is perfect for a relaxing beach vacation with plenty of amenities and activities.

Sharm El Sheikh has positioned itself as a leading destination in the field of sustainable tourism, particular after hosting COP27 in 2022. By taking significant steps towards sustainability and minimizing its ecological impact, the city demonstrates commitment to green tourism and safety protocols, which is a powerful message to the global travel community, setting a benchmark for destinations striving for long-term success.

In February 2024, the African-Asian Union (AFASU) honoured Sharm El-Sheikh as the 2024 Tourism Capital City, while the South Sinai Governor, Major General Khaled Fouda, bagged the Man of the Year award.