Sharm El Sheikh Travel Guide, Egypt

If you are planning things to do in Sharm El Sheikh, begin with the setting. The city sits on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, on the Red Sea coast, in South Sinai Governorate. It was historically a fishing town and military base, and was developed into a major international resort.

The appeal is simple: warm weather for much of the year, a sea with coral reefs close to shore, and a large choice of resorts, from budget to high-end. Diving and snorkelling are the main activities, and many visitors stay in all-inclusive hotels and spend days by the water.

The city has about 77,000 residents, according to a 2017 figure, and is the administrative hub of South Sinai. It also hosts conferences, concerts and diplomatic meetings. Dahab, Nuweiba, St Catherine and Mount Sinai lie in the same governorate, which gives visitors options beyond the resorts. Some governments advise against travel to parts of Sinai, so check current official advice before you book and before any trip outside the resort area.

Snorkelling and reef trips

The Red Sea reefs are the main reason to visit. Boat trips run to sites near the coast and often include snorkel gear. Allow half a day to a full day. Use reef-safe sun protection, do not touch coral, and check what a trip includes before paying.

Scuba diving

The area is a popular diving base, with courses for beginners and trips for experienced divers. Allow a day or more. Choose a centre that follows recognised safety standards, check equipment, and ask about the marine park rules and fees.

Ras Mohammed National Park

The protected area at the tip of Sinai is known for its reefs and coastline. Allow a full day. Entry fees apply, and rules on swimming and conduct are strict, so go with a reputable operator or check current rules locally.

Naama Bay

The main tourist strip, with a beach, promenade, shops, restaurants and nightlife. Allow an evening. It is busy and touristy, so agree prices before you buy, and expect vendors to approach you in the street.

Mount Sinai and St Catherine’s

Day or overnight excursions go to the mountain and monastery area inland, often leaving in the night to reach the summit for sunrise. Allow a full day. Dress warmly, wear good shoes, and check current tour conditions and access.

Old Market and local life

The Old Market area offers a more local atmosphere than the resort strips, with shops, cafés and spices. Allow an hour or two. Bargaining is expected, so stay polite and know what you want to pay.

Beach and spa days

Many hotels have private beaches, pools and spas, and some sell day passes. Allow an afternoon. Check access rules and prices in advance, since policies differ between resorts and seasons.

Sharm El Sheikh has a desert climate with little rain, hot summers and warm winters. The sea stays warm for much of the year.

• Spring (March to May): warm, sunny and comfortable, though winds can pick up. A good balance of heat and sea conditions.
• Summer (June to August): very hot on land, with warm water for diving. Prices can be lower, but midday heat is intense.
• Autumn (September to November): warm and pleasant, and the sea is at its warmest. A popular period for divers.
• Winter (December to February): mild days and cooler nights. Sea temperatures drop, so you may want a wetsuit, and holiday weeks are busy.

Check hotel rates for Christmas, New Year and school holidays, which can be high.

Most visitors arrive by air. Sharm El Sheikh International Airport serves the resort area, and transfers by taxi or hotel shuttle are usually short. Flights run from Cairo and from various international cities, though routes change, so check with airlines and tour operators.

By road, long-distance buses and coaches connect the resort with Cairo and other parts of Sinai, though journeys are long. Check official travel information on routes and security checkpoints in the region before planning an overland trip.

Within the resort, taxis and minibuses are the main options. Agree on a fare or ensure the meter is used before you set off. Distances between resort areas can be long, so many visitors rely on hotel shuttles or organised excursions.

The area is dominated by resorts, so the best choice depends on what kind of holiday you want.

• Naama Bay: the central strip with shops, restaurants and nightlife. Suits travellers who want choice and activity.
• Shark’s Bay and quieter bays: calmer areas with beach and reef access. Good for families and divers who want a relaxed base.
• Sharm El Maya and the Old Market area: closer to local life and often cheaper, with a more traditional feel.
• All-inclusive resorts: large hotels with food, drinks and pools included. Convenient, but compare what is included and the distance to the reef.

Read recent reviews, and check whether the resort has direct reef access.

Many visitors take a week to relax and add several excursions. Four days is the shortest stay that makes the journey worthwhile if you want to dive or snorkel. If you only want a quick beach break, three days can work.

1. Day 1: arrive, settle in and spend the afternoon at the beach or a reef near your hotel.
2. Day 2: a boat trip for snorkelling or diving, with an evening in Naama Bay.
3. Day 3: a visit to Ras Mohammed National Park.

Extend your stay with a Mount Sinai excursion or a trip to Dahab if you have more time.

Dahab

A smaller coastal town in South Sinai, known for diving and a relaxed atmosphere. It is reachable by road along the coast, and works as a day trip or a separate stay. Check transport options and conditions before you go.

Mount Sinai and St Catherine

The mountain and monastery area inland is a long excursion, usually run by tour operators. It suits travellers interested in landscapes and history. Check access and current conditions before booking.

Hurghada

Another Red Sea resort across the water, reachable by ferry or flight on some routes. It is better as a separate trip than a day outing, and services vary by season.

Cairo

The capital is reachable by flight in roughly an hour, and many tours offer short trips to see the pyramids. These trips are long, so consider staying overnight and check current options.