Sharm el Sheikh sits at the very tip of the Sinai peninsula, where desert mountains run straight into some of the best-known coral reefs on earth. Most of what you'll want to do here is wet. Snorkel straight off the beach, take a boat out to Ras Mohammed or the reefs of Tiran, or learn to dive with one of the many centres in Naama Bay.
Out of the water there's an evening scene of promenades, sheesha cafés and the Old Market, and an easy way into the desert, with trips to Mount Sinai and the monastery of St Catherine. Sharm is spread across several bays, so choose your area first, then your excursions.
Don't miss
Reefs and boat trips
The reason the world dives here.
Ras Mohammed National Park
Nature
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 A protected park on the southern tip of Sinai, where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba. Steep coral walls drop away just off the beach, and the snorkelling is superb, with turtles, reef fish and the occasional shark. Above water, there are desert views, mangroves and cliffs to explore.
Tip: Take a snorkel or dive trip with a licensed operator, and stay off the coral. The reef is the whole point.
Tiran Island
Day trip
Photo: Ahmed elkastawy, CC BY-SA 3.0 A boat trip to the reefs around the Straits of Tiran is one of the classic Sharm days out: crystal-clear water, colourful coral gardens and plenty of fish. Boats usually stop at several reefs, with lunch on board and time to swim between them.
Tip: Pick a smaller boat for a quieter day, and bring a rash vest or a high-factor reef-safe sun cream.
The SS Thistlegorm
Activity
Photo: Woodym555, edited by Fir0002, CC BY-SA 3.0 A British merchant ship carrying supplies in the Second World War, sunk by German aircraft in 1941 in the northern Red Sea. Its holds still contain trucks, motorbikes and locomotive parts, which makes it one of the best-known wreck dives anywhere. It's a long boat trip from Sharm and a dive for experienced divers.
Ras Um Sid
Beach
Photo: Serhio Magpie, CC BY 4.0 A small headland with a lighthouse, a sandy bay and a reef close to shore. It's a popular snorkelling and sunset spot, close to Sharm el Maya, and an easy place to spend a few hours if you don't want a full boat day.
Sharm by day and night
Naama Bay
Neighbourhood
Photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0 The original heart of Sharm, with a wide sandy bay, a long promenade, dive centres, restaurants and bars. It's busy and a bit brash, with plenty of people calling you into shops, but it has the best atmosphere on the coast, especially after dark.
Tip: Stroll the promenade at sunset, then pick a restaurant with a table on the sand.
The Old Market
Market
Photo: Tanya Dedyukhina, CC BY 3.0 A lively quarter in Sharm el Maya, with spices, perfumes, leather, shisha pipes and local sweets, and cafés where men play backgammon and drink mint tea. The white Al Sahaba Mosque nearby is the town's landmark. The market is the nearest thing in Sharm to local life.
Tip: Haggle with good humour, and be firm about what you do and do not want to buy.
Soho Square
Nightlife
Photo: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR), CC BY 3.0 A purpose-built entertainment square at Sharks Bay with restaurants, bars, shops and shows. It's a family-friendly place to spend an evening, with plenty to eat and drink, and open late.
Sinai days out
Mount Sinai and St Catherine’s Monastery
Day trip
Photo: Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA 3.0 Mount Sinai is the peak traditionally linked with Moses, and St Catherine's is one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world, tucked in a narrow valley at its foot. Many trips set out at night to climb the mountain in time for sunrise, then visit the monastery in the morning.
Tip: It is a very long day. Bring warm layers for the summit, sturdy shoes and a torch.
Dahab
Day trip
Photo: Dr. Ondřej Havelka (cestovatel), CC BY-SA 4.0 A laid-back seaside town up the coast on the Gulf of Aqaba, with beach cafés, snorkelling and diving, and mountains behind. It has a very different mood from Sharm's resorts: slower, more bohemian and a little shabby in the best way.
Stargazing in the Sinai desert
Activity
Away from the lights, the desert sky is full of stars. Evening trips by 4x4 head into the mountains for a Bedouin-style dinner, sweet tea and stargazing. It's a quiet end to a day of snorkelling.
Tip: Choose an operator that does not use animals as an attraction.
Family and food
Water parks
Water park
Several big hotels in Sharm have slides, wave pools and lazy rivers, some open to non-guests. They are useful when the wind is up or the little ones need a break from salt water.
Fresh fish and Egyptian grills
Food
Seafront restaurants let you choose from the day's catch, grilled and served with rice, salad and tahini. For something local, try mixed grills, kofta, falafel or a plate of koshari. Round it off with a glass of sweet mint tea.
Where to stay in Sharm el Sheikh
Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in Sharm el Sheikh →
★★★★
Amphoras Aqua
Sharm el Sheikh
Beach 500 m · Spa · Pool
See prices and rooms →
★★★★
Amphoras Blu
Sharm el Sheikh
All-inclusive option · Spa · Pool
See prices and rooms →
★★★★★
Cleopatra Luxury Resort Sharm El Sheikh
South Sinai - SHARM EL SHEIKH
Beach 100 m · All-inclusive option · Spa
From £1,310 a night, taxes incl.2 adults · checked 1 Oct, 17:37
★★★★
Amwaj Oyoun Resort & Casino
Sharm el Sheikh
Beach 50 m · All-inclusive option · Spa
From £114 a night, taxes incl.2 adults · checked 1 Oct, 17:37
★★★★
Barcelo Tiran Sharm Resort
Nabq Bay
Beach 2 km · All-inclusive option · Spa
From £313 a night, taxes incl.2 adults · checked 1 Oct, 17:37
★★★★★
Sultan Gardens Resort
Sharm el Sheikh
Beach 10 m · All-inclusive option · Spa
From £227 a night, taxes incl.2 adults · checked 1 Oct, 17:37
★★★★
Cataract Sharm Resort
Sharm el Sheikh
See prices and rooms →
★★★★★
Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm EL Sheikh
Spa · Pool · Family-friendly
See prices and rooms →
Getting around
Sharm is spread out, so taxis (agree the fare first) and hotel transfers are the main way around. Most excursions collect you from your hotel. For Mount Sinai and Dahab, book an organised trip rather than driving yourself.
When to go
Sharm is warm for most of the year, which is why it's popular in winter and shoulder seasons. Summer is very hot, so plan sea time and shade, and save climbs like Mount Sinai for cooler months.
Questions about visiting Sharm el Sheikh
- What is Sharm el Sheikh best known for?
- Diving and snorkelling on Red Sea coral reefs, year-round sun and big beach resorts, plus easy trips to Ras Mohammed, Tiran and Mount Sinai.
- Is Sharm el Sheikh worth visiting?
- Yes, especially for snorkelling and diving, reliable warm weather and a mix of beach and desert days out.
- What is there to do in Sharm el Sheikh with kids?
- Snorkelling in shallow water, boat trips, resort water parks and an evening out at Soho Square or Naama Bay.
- How many days do you need in Sharm el Sheikh?
- A week gives you time for a couple of boat trips, a day in the Old Market and Naama Bay, and one longer desert or Sinai excursion.
More guides
- Where to stay in Sharm el Sheikh
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