Destination Sharm el-Sheikh

To see

Sharm El-Sheikh – or Sharm for short – is one of Egypt’s fastest developing holiday resorts. What was, a mere twenty years ago, just a sleepy fishing village is now a lively tourist destination with 10,000 inhabitants. The rugged mountains, beautiful deep-blue waters and breathtaking desert scenery have made it a popular tourist attraction. Sharm is located on the Southern point of the Sinai Peninsula and covers an area of around 30 kilometres of beaches and holiday resorts, with the Naama bay as the main tourist centre. Sharm gives you a good impression of Egyptian life and culture and is an excellent base to visit the surrounding historical sites from. The crystal-clear sea and the unique marine life also make Sharm one of the best diving locations in the world.

The bays

Sharm has grown into one of the most attractive snorkelling and diving destinations in the world, thanks to its beautiful and diverse marine life. The beaches are also very popular with tourists.

Naama Bay

Naama Bay is by far the most popular place for tourists: a long sandy beach for swimmers and sun worshippers. Many restaurants and shops are also found here.

Nabq Bay

If you are looking for a quieter beach you should visit Nabq Bay, located outside the tourist centres. Or spend a day at Shark Bay, 20 minutes from Naama Bay by taxi.

Ras Um Sid

Ras Um Sid, west of Naama, is an excellent snorkelling location. A five-minute drive from Sharm, it is known for its amazing coral reefs and also has an impressive cliff.

Diving

If you like diving, Sharm El-Maya is the place for you. This bay, located near Sharm’s old town centre, is home to a number of diving centres that can show you the best places to go diving. When selecting a diving school, it is advisable to check whether the school has a professional diving association certification.

Old town

Sharm’s old town centre was not built until the Sixties. This is where a large proportion of the local population lives. The traditional market is popular with bargain hunters because products tend to be cheaper than in the tourist centres. The beach here is quite small, but certainly worth visiting.

Ice skating

It may sound strange, but Sharm has its own skating rink. Skate to your heart’s content, watch an ice hockey match, or just come to cool down on a hot day.
Address: Concorde Hotel, White Knight Beach

Mount Sinai

According to Christian beliefs, this is the mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Needless to say, this has made the mountain a popular destination for pilgrims from all over the world. The mountain, also called the Moses Mountain, is more than 2200 metres high and can be ascended using the Moses Path, a set of nearly 4000 steps, or via another path east of the St. Katharina convent. Once you reach the top where the Chapel of the Holy Trinity is located, you will have a spectacular view of the Sinai Desert.

Ras Mohamed

This breathtaking National Park is located around 30 kilometres from Sharm El-Sheikh, on the southern-most point of the Sinai peninsula. This desert area of 480 square kilometres is populated by a number of exotic mammals, birds and reptiles. Make sure you don't miss the colourful coral reefs.

Tiran Island

This beautiful island, situated on the Gulf of Aqaba between Sharm El-Sheikh and Saudi Arabia, has impressive coral reefs and lagoons – a true paradise for snorkelers and divers. Take a boat from the southern side of the Naama Bay.