# Sharm El Sheikh - Page: https://www.sunnyegypttravels.com/en/guide/sharm-el-sheikh - Destination: Sharm El Sheikh - Last updated: 2026-10-03 Everything you need to plan a trip to Egypt's Red Sea resort town β€” the best things to do, where the divers go, what a day actually costs, and how the whole town fits together. ## About Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where two seas meet and the desert drops straight into some of the clearest water in the world. It's built around a handful of bays β€” Naama Bay, Sharks Bay, Nabq β€” each with its own hotel strip, house reef and pace. What makes it work as a destination is the range: you can spend a morning underwater at a national park, an afternoon doing nothing on a sunbed, and an evening climbing a mountain in the dark to catch sunrise from the top of Sinai. Most of it is bookable as a half-day trip, so a week here rarely feels repetitive. Did you know? The Red Sea is the world's northernmost tropical sea, and around 10% of the species living in it are endemic β€” found nowhere else on Earth. Ras Mohammed, at Sharm's southern tip, became Egypt's first national marine park back in 1983 to help protect them. ## Quick facts - **Fish Species**: 1,000+ - **Coral Species**: 200+ - **Dive Sites**: 30+ - **Sunny Days a Year**: 300+ ## Top attractions - **🌴 Naama Bay Promenade**: Sharm's beating heart β€” a palm-lined beachfront strip of cafΓ©s, dive shops and restaurants. Free to walk, and the easiest place to grab a taxi anywhere else on this list. - **β›² SOHO Square**: A modern entertainment plaza with an ice rink, dancing fountain shows every evening, and dozens of restaurants β€” free to enter, popular with families. - **πŸ›οΈ Old Market (El Souq)**: Sharm's authentic bazaar side β€” spice stalls, papyrus shops and grill restaurants. Bargaining is expected; 30-40% off the first price is normal. - **πŸ•Œ Al Sahaba Mosque**: Twin minarets and Ottoman-style domes right next to the Old Market β€” one of the most photogenic buildings in town, especially at blue hour. - **🐒 Ras Mohammed National Park**: Egypt's first marine national park β€” the reason most divers pick Sharm over anywhere else on the Red Sea coast. - **🚒 The SS Thistlegorm wreck**: A WWII British cargo ship sunk in 1941 in the Strait of Gubal, its hold still full of motorcycles, trucks and rifles β€” ranked among the world's best wreck dives, for certified divers only. ## Where to stay - **🌴 Naama Bay**: Best for first-time visitors and walkable nightlife. The original resort strip β€” palm-lined promenade, open-air cafΓ©s, and most 4-5 star hotels within walking distance of each other. - **πŸ–οΈ Nabq Bay**: Best for families and all-inclusive stays. North of the airport, with newer, more spread-out gated resorts, calm lagoon-like water and better house reefs β€” though you'll rely on hotel shuttles more than walking. - **🀿 Shark's Bay**: Best for divers on a budget. Right on one of Sharm's best house reefs, with smaller, more informal hotels and a dive-focused crowd. Close to SOHO Square. - **πŸ›οΈ Old Market district**: Not a hotel area β€” this is the original fishing-village core, home to Al Sahaba Mosque, the spice souq and the cheapest, most authentic food in town. Worth an evening visit even if you're staying elsewhere. - **⛰️ Hadaba & Ras Um Sid**: Best for dramatic cliff views, mature travellers and quieter stays. A plateau above the cliffs south of Naama Bay, with upscale resorts, the iconic Ras Um Sid lighthouse reef and far fewer partygoers. You'll need a taxi to get anywhere else. - **🏝️ Ras Nasrani**: Best for divers, isolation and luxury seekers. The northernmost strip, right next to the Tiran Straits dive sites β€” newer upscale properties, long private beaches and almost zero passing traffic. ## How to get there - **By air (the fastest route)**: For European and Gulf travellers, flying directly into SSH airport is the easiest option β€” charter and scheduled carriers run year-round from London, Manchester, Milan, Rome, Frankfurt, Munich, Moscow, Istanbul, Warsaw, Prague and Dubai. From Cairo, EgyptAir runs multiple daily domestic flights (about 1 hour, from €60). - **Airport transfer & taxis**: Pre-booked hotel transfers cost €10-25 per person one-way. Metered taxis run €8-15 to Naama Bay and €15-25 to Nabq Bay. We recommend arranging a private transfer in advance β€” airport taxis often quote foreign visitors 2-3Γ— the local rate. Uber and Careem do not operate in Sharm. - **Overland from Cairo**: The most comfortable overland option is the GoBus or Blue Bus service from Cairo Abbassia or the airport (about 7 hours, from €18). Self-drive is possible on the Suez-Taba road but involves multiple police checkpoints β€” expect a slower trip and bring your passport. Ferry service from Hurghada has been intermittent in recent years; always confirm before booking. ## Suggested itineraries ### 3-Day Itinerary Day 1 β€” Arrival, settle in, sunset walk along Naama Bay.\nDay 2 β€” Full-day Ras Mohammed snorkel or dive boat trip.\nDay 3 β€” Evening quad-bike desert safari with Bedouin dinner, fly out or extend. ### 5-Day Itinerary Day 1 β€” Arrival, Naama Bay & SOHO Square in the evening.\nDay 2 β€” Ras Mohammed boat trip.\nDay 3 β€” Tiran Island snorkel sail (4 reefs).\nDay 4 β€” Colored Canyon hike + desert time.\nDay 5 β€” Old Market shopping, Al Sahaba Mosque, beach afternoon. ### 7-Day Itinerary Day 1 β€” Arrival & Naama Bay.\nDay 2 β€” Ras Mohammed boat trip.\nDay 3 β€” Tiran Island snorkel sail.\nDay 4 β€” Mount Sinai sunrise climb + St Catherine's Monastery.\nDay 5 β€” Colored Canyon & Blue Hole day trip to Dahab.\nDay 6 β€” Desert safari & Bedouin dinner.\nDay 7 β€” Old Market, beach, departure (or add an optional Cairo day trip by air). ## Best time to visit The sweet spot for a Sharm El Sheikh trip is mid-April to early June and September to mid-November β€” those shoulder seasons balance comfortable temperatures, excellent water conditions, fair prices and manageable crowds. - **Best for Diving**: March-May β€” visibility up to 30 metres - **Best for Desert Activities**: October-April β€” comfortable daytime temperatures - **Best for Beach Relaxation**: May-October β€” warm, swimmable sea temperatures - **Best Value Period**: April-May and September-October β€” lower prices, fewer crowds ## Weather by season - **Winter (Dec-Feb, 18-25Β°C)**: Mild, sunny days with cooler evenings around 10-15Β°C. Sea temperature (21-23Β°C) is still swimmable but a wetsuit is worth it for longer dives. Egypt's peak tourist season, so book accommodation early.\n### Top Winter Activities\n- Day trips to Cairo, Luxor or St Catherine's Monastery\n- Desert quad-biking in comfortable daytime temperatures\n- Bedouin dinners under clear, crisp night skies\n- Old Market and Naama Bay evening strolls\n### Winter Travel Tips\n- Pack a light jacket for evenings (10-15Β°C)\n- A 3-5mm wetsuit keeps diving comfortable\n- Book Christmas/New Year stays well ahead β€” this is peak season - **Spring (Mar-May, 22-32Β°C)**: Consistently pleasant, with the sea warming toward 24-27Β°C and winter crowds thinning out. Widely considered the best diving visibility of the year, and a strong pick for desert hikes too.\n### Top Spring Activities\n- SS Thistlegorm and Ras Mohammed dives\n- Blue Hole and Dahab day trips\n- Evening promenades in Naama Bay and SOHO Square\n- Sinai desert trekking\n### Spring Travel Tips\n- March-May offers the best overall water visibility\n- Pack light layers for cooler early mornings\n- Check Ramadan dates in advance β€” some dining hours shift - **Summer (Jun-Aug, 35-45Β°C)**: Hot days, warm nights, and sea temperatures peaking at a very comfortable 27-29Β°C. Low season for hotel prices β€” schedule outdoor activities before 10am or after 4pm and lean on submarine or glass-bottom boat tours to stay cool while still seeing the reef.\n### Top Summer Activities\n- Submarine or glass-bottom boat tours to stay cool while exploring reefs\n- Yacht cruises with snorkeling stops at sheltered bays\n- Evening desert safaris once temperatures drop\n- Water parks and resort pools\n### Summer Travel Tips\n- Use SPF 50+, UPF clothing and a wide-brim hat\n- Drink 3-4 liters of water daily\n- Schedule outdoor tours before 10am or after 4pm\n- Expect the best flight and hotel deals of the year - **Fall (Sep-Nov, 25-35Β°C)**: A second sweet spot after spring β€” warm days, pleasant evenings, sea around 24-27Β°C, and high season starting to build again from October. Good light for underwater photography too.\n### Top Fall Activities\n- Tiran Island boat trips with gentle currents\n- Colored Canyon and Blue Hole excursions\n- Mount Sinai sunrise hikes\n- Snorkeling with especially lively marine life\n### Fall Travel Tips\n- Reserve accommodation early β€” this is high-demand season\n- Pack light layers for breezy evenings\n- Bring camera gear β€” autumn light suits underwater photos ## Costs and daily budget How far your euros, dollars and pounds go in Sharm β€” realistic numbers for 2026. - **Currency & payments**: The local currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). Most hotels, tour operators and larger restaurants accept euros, US dollars and GBP at posted rates β€” but you'll usually get a better deal paying in EGP. ATMs are common in Naama Bay and at the airport; notify your bank before traveling. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in resorts; American Express is rare. - **Daily budget guidelines**: Budget traveller: €35-55/day (3-star hotel HB, local food, one tour/day). Mid-range: €70-120/day (4-star all-inclusive, mix of excursions). Luxury: €180+/day (5-star beachfront, private tours, spa). All-inclusive packages from Europe often work out cheapest once flights are bundled in. - **Tipping & baksheesh**: Tipping ("baksheesh") is part of the local service culture and expected in small amounts: €1-2 for restaurant waiters, €1 for hotel porters, 10% at sit-down restaurants if service isn't included, and €3-5 per day for excursion guides. Keep small-denomination EGP notes on you for this. ## Travel tips ### πŸ“Œ Good to Know - **Getting around**: Metered taxis and hotel shuttles cover most of the resort strip; agree on a fare before getting in if the meter isn't used. Ride-hailing apps have limited coverage in Sharm compared to Cairo, so a pre-arranged transfer is usually more reliable for airport runs. - **Connectivity**: Local SIM cards are cheap and available right at Sharm airport, with generous data packages β€” pick one up after baggage claim instead of relying on patchy hotel WiFi. ### πŸ•Œ Culture & Practical - **Reef-safe sun protection**: Reef-safe (mineral) sunscreen is worth packing β€” several protected snorkel/dive sites actively discourage chemical sunscreens to protect the coral. - **Dress code away from the beach**: Beachwear is fine at the resorts, but cover shoulders and knees for the Old Market, mosques and St Catherine's Monastery. - **Basic Arabic goes a long way**: "Shukran" (thank you) and "min fadlak" (please) are appreciated everywhere, especially in the Old Market where a friendly word before bargaining tends to soften the opening price. ### πŸŽ’ What to Pack - **Sun & swim gear**: Reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, UV sunglasses and at least two swimsuits so you always have a dry one. - **Modest layer for towns & mosques**: One light, shoulders-and-knees-covered outfit for the Old Market, Al Sahaba Mosque and St Catherine's Monastery. - **Dive/snorkel documents**: Bring your certification card if you dive, and a printed or digital copy of your travel insurance. ### πŸ₯ Health & Safety - **Hydration**: Drink 2-3 liters of bottled water a day, more after diving or a desert excursion. - **Medications**: Pack any personal medication in its original packaging, plus a basic travel first-aid kit. - **Heat awareness**: Midday sun (roughly 12-3pm) is intense even in winter β€” plan the heaviest walking for morning or late afternoon. ### 🌊 Water Activities - **Check conditions before booking**: Wind and visibility can shift with the season β€” ask your operator about conditions before committing to a boat day. - **Never touch the coral**: A light touch can kill coral that took decades to grow β€” keep a comfortable distance and let your guide point things out. - **Pack motion-sickness relief**: Worth having on hand for the longer crossings to Tiran Island or Ras Mohammed if you're prone to seasickness. ### 🍽️ Food & Dining - **Local favorites**: Fresh seafood platters right on the marina, Bedouin flatbread with honey, and Egyptian staples like koshari and ful are easy to find beyond the resort buffets. - **Drinking water**: Stick to bottled water, and skip ice from anywhere that doesn't look like a proper hotel or restaurant. - **International options**: Naama Bay and SOHO Square cover sushi, Italian trattorias and steakhouses if you want a break from local food. - **Bedouin dinner evenings**: Pre-book a desert dinner show for a live grill, sweet tea and folklore music β€” most hotels can arrange pickup. - **Dining hours**: Lunch runs roughly 1-3pm and dinner 7-10pm (later in summer); during Ramadan, many restaurants shift to serving after sunset. ### ✈️ Travel Logistics - **Visas**: Many nationalities get a free 15-day Sinai-only stamp on arrival; a full paid visa is needed if you're adding Cairo or Luxor to the trip. - **Airport transfers**: Pre-arrange a transfer or confirm the taxi fare before you get in β€” meters aren't always used at the airport rank. - **Emergency numbers**: Police 122, Ambulance 123, Tourist Police 126 β€” see the full Emergency section below for hospitals and more. - **Airport timing**: Arrive about 3 hours before an international departure; security lines can be slow in peak season. ## Shopping - **πŸ“œ Egyptian papyrus**: Hand-painted sheets featuring hieroglyphics or modern designs, €5-50 depending on size β€” best bought at the Old Market or SOHO Square.\n### Buying Tips\n- Genuine papyrus is flexible and doesn't crack when bent\n- Look for detailed, even brushwork\n- Ask for a certificate of authenticity on larger pieces - **🧴 Natural perfumes & essential oils**: Egypt's perfume tradition goes back to Cleopatra's era β€” concentrated fragrance oils sold loose, without the alcohol used in Western perfumes, so a little goes a long way. €10-40 depending on the scent and bottle. Look for licensed perfumers in the Old Market rather than street stalls.\n### Buying Tips\n- Test oils on your skin, not paper β€” they smell different once warmed by body heat\n- Genuine oils don't leave a greasy residue after a few minutes\n- Start with a small sample bottle before committing to a large one - **🌢️ Spices & hibiscus tea**: Cumin, saffron blends and vivid red hibiscus (karkade) tea are Old Market staples, usually €3-15.\n### Buying Tips\n- Smell the spices to check freshness and potency\n- Buy from a stall with visible turnover\n- Vacuum-sealed packs travel better than loose spices - **πŸ’ Bedouin silver jewelry**: Cartouches with your name in hieroglyphics, plus Ankh and Eye of Horus pendants, sold by weight from roughly €20 up.\n### Buying Tips\n- Check for a quality stamp (18K, 21K or 925)\n- Compare prices at more than one shop\n- Order a custom cartouche early in your trip β€” engraving takes a day or two - **🏺 Alabaster carvings**: Translucent stone scarabs, small pyramids and vases, hand-carved in Old Market workshops. €10-100+.\n### Buying Tips\n- Real alabaster feels cool to the touch and is slightly translucent\n- Hand-carved pieces have small natural imperfections\n- Plastic imitations are noticeably lighter and perfectly uniform - **🎨 Colored sand art**: Small glass bottles hand-layered with dyed desert sand into camels, sunsets or your name, made to order at street stalls in a few minutes. €3-20 depending on size β€” best from Naama Bay and the promenade stalls.\n### Buying Tips\n- Watch the artist layer your bottle β€” it's part of the fun and confirms it's made fresh, not pre-made\n- Check the cork or cap is sealed properly before you pack it\n- Ask for a custom name or short message, most stall artists do it free ## Safety tips - Keep a physical photocopy of your passport separate from the original - Make sure your travel insurance specifically covers diving and water sports - Save emergency numbers and your hotel's address in your phone - Stay hydrated even if you don't feel thirsty β€” the desert air is very dry - Only use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before you get in - Respect reef protection guidelines and follow every dive/snorkel safety briefing - During any local health alert, follow the current official guidelines - Learn a few basic emergency phrases in Arabic (see the phrases below) ## Emergency numbers Tourist Police: 126. Ambulance: 123. Sharm El Sheikh International Hospital and several private clinics near Naama Bay handle most tourist emergencies and travel-insurance claims directly. Keep your hotel's front desk number handy β€” they're usually the fastest way to get help translated and coordinated. - **Tourist Police**: 126 - **Ambulance**: 123 - **Police**: 122 - **Fire**: 180 - **General Emergency**: 112 ## Frequently asked questions **🧳 Is Sharm El Sheikh safe for solo travelers?** Yes β€” the resort area is heavily geared toward tourism with visible tourist police, and solo travelers (including women) commonly report feeling comfortable walking Naama Bay and booking group tours. **🀿 Do I need to know how to dive to enjoy the reefs?** No β€” most boat trips to Ras Mohammed and Tiran Island include snorkeling stops over shallow reef that need no certification, and beginner 'discover scuba' sessions are widely available. **πŸ“… How many days should I spend in Sharm?** 4-5 days covers the highlights comfortably: a couple of beach/reef days, one desert day (Colored Canyon or Mount Sinai), and time to relax. A week lets you add Dahab's Blue Hole or a Luxor/Cairo day trip. **πŸ›‚ Do I need a visa to visit Sharm El Sheikh?** Many nationalities can get a free Sinai-only entry stamp on arrival, valid for the Sharm/Sinai region for a limited number of days. A full Egypt visa is needed if you plan to visit Cairo or Luxor as well β€” check requirements for your passport before you travel. **πŸ’§ Is the tap water safe to drink?** Stick to bottled water, which is cheap and sold everywhere. Ice in reputable hotels and restaurants is generally made from filtered water, but bottled is the safe default elsewhere. **🎟️ What's the best way to book excursions β€” hotel desk or independently?** Hotel tour desks are convenient but often mark prices up. Booking directly with a licensed local operator (like this site) typically costs less for the same boat, guide and safety standard, since you're not paying a hotel commission layer. **🐠 What are the most popular diving spots in Sharm El Sheikh?** Ras Mohammed National Park (Shark & Yolanda Reef) is the top pick for reef walls and marine life, the SS Thistlegorm wreck is the big draw for advanced divers, and the Straits of Tiran plus Ras Um Sid's house reef are excellent for diving and snorkeling closer to shore. **β˜€οΈ When is the best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh?** March-May and September-November are the sweet spot β€” warm enough to swim, cool enough for desert hikes, and the best overall diving visibility. Summer (June-August) is very hot but has the cheapest hotel rates; winter (December-February) is peak season with mild days and cooler evenings. **πŸ–οΈ What are the best beaches in Sharm El Sheikh?** Naama Bay is the liveliest, with cafΓ©s and dive shops right on the sand. Shark's Bay has a house reef you can snorkel straight from shore, and Ras Um Sid is quieter with dramatic cliff views and one of the best shore-accessible reefs in town. **🏜️ What desert activities are available in Sharm El Sheikh?** A quad-bike safari with a Bedouin camp stop is the classic half-day option, and Sinai's mountains add the Mount Sinai sunrise climb and the Colored Canyon hike as full desert-day trips. Most desert tours end with a Bedouin dinner and stargazing. **🚀 What water activities can I do besides diving?** Snorkeling covers most of the same reefs as diving with no certification needed, and boat trips to Tiran Island or White Island add a full day on the water. For non-swimmers or young kids, glass-bottom and semi-submarine boats show the reef without getting wet. **πŸ“Έ What are the top attractions and places to visit in Sharm El Sheikh?** Ras Mohammed National Park and the Old Market are the two not-to-miss stops, alongside SOHO Square for its evening fountain show, Al Sahaba Mosque for its architecture, and the Naama Bay promenade for an easy evening walk. **πŸ—ΊοΈ What's a good itinerary for Sharm El Sheikh?** 3 days covers the basics: a beach day, a Ras Mohammed boat trip, and a desert safari. With 5-7 days you can add Tiran Island, the Colored Canyon, and a Mount Sinai sunrise climb β€” see the full day-by-day itineraries above.