Sharm El Sheikh
City

Sharm El Sheikh

Egypt's Red Sea diving paradise with year-round sunshine

Look, Sharm El Sheikh isn't trying to be Cairo or Alexandria. This Red Sea resort town has one job: delivering world-class diving, luxury beaches, and desert adventures under 300+ days of sunshine. Built from scratch in the Sinai Peninsula, it's where coral reefs meet five-star resorts, and Bedouin camps sit minutes from air-conditioned shopping malls. The diving here ranks among the world's best — Ras Mohammed National Park protects some of the most pristine coral in the Red Sea. But here's the thing: Sharm works whether you're planning a family beach holiday, a romantic getaway, or an adrenaline-packed adventure week. The downside? It's entirely resort-focused, so don't expect authentic Egyptian street life. What you get instead is reliable luxury, incredible underwater worlds, and desert landscapes that look like another planet.

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Naama Bay remains the heart of Sharm's action. The curved beach here hosts most of the nightlife, restaurants, and dive centers. Stay at the Four Seasonsor Marriott if you want beachfront luxury, or pick one of the mid-range hotels along the pedestrian promenade for easy access to everything. But Naama Bay gets crowded, especially during peak season. Sharks Bay offers a quieter alternative just north, with excellent house reefs for snorkeling right off the beach. The Ritz-Carlton and Savoy Group hotels dominate this area. For families, consider Nabq Bay further north — newer resorts, wider beaches, but you'll need taxis to reach restaurants and nightlife. Hadaba district, perched on cliffs above Naama Bay, gives you panoramic Red Sea views and luxury villas, though you're a bit removed from the beach action. Old Market (Sharm El Maya) works if you want cheaper accommodation and a taste of local life, but the beaches aren't as nice.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Book all-inclusive resort packages to avoid expensive meal and drink markups — they often pay for themselves after 3-4 days
  • 2.Visit during shoulder season (May or September) for 30-50% savings on accommodation while still enjoying good weather
  • 3.Buy alcohol at duty-free shops in the airport rather than paying resort prices — you can bring it to your hotel
  • 4.Negotiate taxi fares before getting in — agree on a price to avoid meter surprises or inflated tourist rates
  • 5.Eat at local restaurants in Old Market instead of resort dining for authentic food at half the price
  • 6.Book diving packages directly with dive centers rather than through hotels to avoid commission markups
  • 7.Use hotel shuttle buses to Naama Bay instead of taxis — many offer free transport to shopping and dining areas
  • 8.Shop at local markets for souvenirs instead of hotel gift shops — prices can be 70% lower with some haggling

Travel Tips

  • •Bring reef-safe sunscreen — regular sunscreen damages the coral reefs that make Sharm special
  • •Pack a light jacket for winter evenings — desert temperatures drop significantly after sunset
  • •Get your diving certification before arriving to maximize your time underwater — certification courses eat into vacation days
  • •Drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks outside major hotels to prevent stomach issues
  • •Respect local customs by covering shoulders and knees when leaving resort areas, especially in Old Market
  • •Book popular dive sites like Ras Mohammed early in your trip — weather can cancel boat trips later
  • •Bring cash in Egyptian pounds — many local businesses don't accept cards and ATM fees add up
  • •Download offline maps before exploring — cell service can be spotty in desert areas during day trips
  • •Pack motion sickness medication if you plan boat trips — Red Sea conditions can get choppy
  • •Learn basic Arabic phrases like 'shukran' (thank you) and 'ma'a salama' (goodbye) — locals appreciate the effort

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Sharm El Sheikh is generally very safe for tourists. The resort areas have strong security presence, and the Egyptian government prioritizes tourist safety here. However, stay within designated tourist zones and avoid venturing into remote desert areas alone. Political tensions in other parts of Egypt rarely affect Sharm's tourist areas.

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