Sharm el-Sheikh is undoubtedly one of the jewels in the crown of the Egyptian coast with thousands of holidaymakers flocking there every year.
It boasts a rich heritage and stunning scenery so it is easy to see why it remains one of the most popular destinations for those wanting a summer holiday. Besides the amazing resorts and almost endless beaches there is a side to Sharm el-Sheikh that not many embrace while they are there.
The city forms the gateway to expansive deserts and has become a hotspot for tourists wanting something a little different. This vast landscape provides trips that are hugely unique and give that once in a lifetime experience that many people are looking for from their holiday.
However, it is not just about the deserts and resorts. There is so much to see and do around this glorious corner of Egypt, so let’s take a look at what you need to know when you venture to Sharm el-Sheikh.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Sharm El Sheikh is the destination for pretty much guaranteed sunshine. Summer can be scorching hot but winter is much cooler, and a huge departure from the wind and rain of Europe.
Being at the tip of Africa it is not surprising that it gets very hot in Sharm el-Sheikh over the traditional holiday season months. The city only experiences two seasons throughout the year – winter and summer. The former provides hot days and cool nights while the latter is simply hot.
While some may feel that it can get too hot, peaks of 38 degrees C are typical during July, there is some respite thanks to a sea breeze. As we move through spring into summer, Sharm el-Sheikh really begins to hot up and you need to be prepared. However, this warm weather makes it ideal for cooling down in the Red Sea or lounging by the pool.
While there may not be as many tourists in Sharm in the winter as during the summer months, there is still plenty to do. As it is not too hot you can get more out of your break and really relax during the winter months. December and January see temperatures around 19 and 20 degrees C making it perfectly pleasant to walk around during the day. It means that spending hours by the beach is a reality and you don’t have to plan your holiday around the weather.
How Long to Go For
From scuba diving to sightseeing to just lounging around by the pool, there is plenty to keep everyone entertained for a few days, a week, ten days or a full fortnight.
Top Things to Do
Sharm El Sheikh provides enough options to keep even the fussiest traveller entertained. Here are a few suggestions on why visiting Sharm El Sheikh is a great idea; I tried them and were thrilled to have a most enjoyable holiday.
Beaches
The Egyptian resort is home to some of the best beaches in the country with pristine white sands complemented by the clear waters of the Red Sea. There are public and private beaches where you can kick back and relax; have a dip in the ocean and then relax some more. Sharm El Sheikh is a popular tourist attraction and the beaches in Na’ama Bay and Shark Bay are popular. Watch out or you may have to pay to use the beach even if you don’t want to sit on the chairs provided.
Watersports
Get a bit adventurous and explore the beautiful coral reefs while snorkelling. The majority of beaches will offer numerous watersports such as windsurfing, parasailing and canoeing. These exciting activities will create a truly memorable experience and one you will reminisce about for years to come. Sharm el Sheik is also one of the best destinations to go scuba diving in the world.
Diving
One of the reasons why people keep coming back to Sharm el-Sheikh is its amazing diving spots. It is one of the main activities near the city and gives people the chance to explore the warm waters of the Red Sea. The reefs of Tiran and Ras Mohammad are renowned as being two of the best diving spots in the world and can be reached by regular boat trips.
Ras Mohammad is situated at the southernmost point of the Sinai Peninsular and is where the currents of both the Gulf of Aqaba and Gulf of Suez meet. It attracts huge schools of fish with barracudas, sharks and morays brought to the area thanks to the increase in plankton numbers. Boats leave Sharm el-Sheikh every day and some will even take you to the wreck of the SS Thistlegorm which is regarded as one of the best places in the world to explore.
Cleo Park
Away from the beach there are plenty of family-friendly activities to get involved with. The Naama Bay is home to a real favourite – Cleo Park. This Egyptian-themed water park is the perfect place to while away the day from the Cleopatra Path waves pool to the Nile Adventure River ride and it is ideal for children of all ages.
Na’ama Bay
This is the place to be if you want to go where the action is, but only at night time. When the sun begins to set, the people here come out to play. There are plenty of shops, outdoor shisha bars, casinos, clubs, restaurants and souvenir stores to browse. We took in the belly dancing show at Pasha, the largest club available, but it was quite expensive.
Old Market
If you want something a bit more cultural then head to the Old Market in the centre of Sharm El Sheikh to get a real sense of how the locals live. Get the kids to practice their haggling skills over some delicious treats or souvenirs, such as stuffed camels and bracelets. The lively market place is a hive of sights and smells making it a hugely interesting place to visit for the day. This is a great way to experience the local side of the place while getting those bargains. In fact, bargaining in the Arab world is a way of life that the locals enjoy.
Ras Mohammad National Park
A trip to the Ras Mohammad National Park can be a great way to see the more undiscovered part of Sharm El Sheikh. Take either a boat or land tour to explore the great landscape of this region, the former will take you around the Sinai Peninsula, allowing you to drink in all of the natural beauty this place has to offer.
Ras Mohammad National Park is a protected area marine reserve filled with some of the most amazing bounties of nature’s goodness. I was blown away by the stunning flora of mangrove forests and sea-grass; fauna that boasts over 200 coral species, in excess of 1000 varieties of fish and a large number of star fish, sea urchins, molluscs and crustacean species.
A trip to the area that lies between the Ras Mohammed National Park and Tiran Island is highly recommended. The most breath-taking underwater scenery is to be found in the crystal blue waters with its enormous range of exotic fish, colourful corals and rare reefs. Here you can snorkel or dive and discover the natural sealife that inhabit this part of the world.
Try a Bedouin Adventure
This is one of the best ways to experience traditional Arabic hospitality smack in the middle of the Sinai Desert. The evening begins on a grand note – candlelit Egyptian feast in a tent followed by a relaxing shisha pipe and topped with a nightcap of herbal tea.
Desert Camel Ride
Let’s not forget an absolute if you plan to travel to Sharm El Sheikh with your family is a camel ride. This is an necessity if you are visiting Egypt for the first time. Reasonably priced, these excursions will give you and the whole family an opportunity to explore the desert surrounding the region.
Desert Star Gazing
However, if you are travelling with younger children you can have a stargazer night. One of the more unique things to do in Sharm El Sheikh, you can hitch a camel ride into the desert and use powerful telescopes to see the stars and planets. Most trips will include dinner and entertainment, making for a truly wonderful evening. Take a jumper though as it can get chilly at night.
Mount Sinai
If the desert and diving in the Red Sea are not enough to quench your lust for life then Sharm el-Sheikh has some amazing sights to explore. One that should not be missed is a trip to Mount Sinai (known locally as Jabal Mousa). This holy mountain is known across the world for the ancient Monastery of St Catherine.
This wondrous UNESCO World Heritage Site is thought to be the mountain where Moses received the ten commandments from God. While many tour operators run trips during the day, it doesn’t get much better than experiencing this holiest of holy sites at either sunrise or sunset.
Sharm El Sheikh Travel Tips
Here are some advice and things to know before arriving.
Delicious Food
You cannot go to Sharm El Sheikh without sampling some of the authentic cuisine it has to offer. While you can find the normal Western style food, you should try to get the whole family tucking into some of the local dishes, taking you on a gastronomical adventure.
Grab a bowl of kushari, a dish of pasta and tomato sauce but adds in rice, lentils, caramelised onions, garlic and chickpeas. This is considered to be Egypt’s national meal being served across the country for over 100 years.
Another staple of the Egyptian menu is Ful Medames. Consisting of fava beans and served with oil, garlic and lemon juice. The dish can be traced back to the 12th century and is popular across the Middle East. It can be served in a number of variations with butter, tomato sauce, tahini, fried or boiled eggs and pastrami often included. Alternatively, there’s always the famous favourite, falafel.
Nightlife
The Naama Bay area gets much livelier once the sun goes down, there’s plenty of bars and restaurants to spend the night in.
Events
Internationally renowned DJs spin the decks and various establishments hold Christmas galas and events if you fancy a trip during winter. During the last week in November, the Ostraka Foundation will be hosting its East & West Arts Carnival in Sharm El Sheikh. This highly creative event will see music, dance, folk art, sculpture and seminars all being held in Sharm El Sheikh. There will be plenty of opportunities to get involved and representatives from countries all over the world bringing their own cultural traditions.
Hopefully my guide to Sharm el Sheik, combined with the warm sunshine and stunning Red Sea location, make Sharm El Sheikh a potential place for you to visit. View more of my Egypt travel tips for more recommendations.