Sharm El Sheikh Holidays

The warm temperatures that hit Sharm El Sheikh during summer make June, July, and August the best time to visit. The average temperatures usually hit the low 20s but can easily climb above 30°C in August. Winter temperatures often drop a little lower during the day and hit temperatures well below 20°C at night, so bring along some warmer clothes for the nights out in Sharm El Sheikh.

Dive in the Tiran Reef

The real reason tourists visit Sharm el-Sheikh is because of the incredible diving options, and the Tiran reef is considered one of the best spots in the world. The Strait of Tiran is a thin watery passage at the beginning of the Gulf of Aqaba, and in the middle of the canal are some of the most popular reefs in the region. The area has an increase of salinity due to the low amount of deep water from the sea, and scuba divers frequently see fishy predators, including sharks.

Visit Ras Mohammad National Park

The other popular diving destination is the Ras Mohammed, a national park found around a dozen kilometres from central Sharm el-Sheikh. The area has mangrove forests and underground caves, and tourist divers love the national park because of the diverse marine life. Under the clear water you can find 200+ species of coral, 1000+ species of fish and countless other species of turtles and urchins. A highlight of the underwater adventure is the chance to explore the wreckage of the S.S. Thistlegorm, settled at the seabed just off the coast.

Four-Wheel Drive in the Sinai Desert

Guests looking to see a bit beyond the gorgeous green reefs can check out the desert interior on quad bikes. It is recommended that you set out early to avoid the clouds of dust lifted by other riders. A good glimpse of the terrain can be accomplished with two hours of riding along dusty, rocky, and hot tracks. It is a good idea to wear adequate clothing such as long sleeves, and never forget a helmet. Expect to be very dusty after the journey, but the sunset photographs over the desert dunes are priceless.

Board a Glass-Bottomed Boat

Those visitors sheepish about getting their feet wet can still see some of the best marine life by way of the ferries or glass bottom boat tours. Excursions on the glass bottom boats are an all-day affair: they leave from the Na’ama Bay and cruise over the coral reef to the Near Garden and Far Garden, which have one of the area’s wonders. Keep a look out for the comically titled ‘great brain’ coral.

Sharm Old Town

Divided into six different areas of shopping that contain almost all things necessary and indulgent, this old market is located on the western side of the dock where cruise ships pass regularly. Ferries travel to the Hurghada area where there are few signs of tourist developments and plenty of opportunities to mix with the locals. The old town has practically everything available to buy at a negotiable price, and day-trippers can also find a bite to eat at one of the various restaurants.

Hadaba

Located near the Sharm Old Town, the Hadaba and Ras Om El Seed are two areas that have merged together to form a fashionable neighbourhood where many locals live alongside groups of expats. The area has shops and cafes as well as many five-star hotels, which stand shoulder-to-shoulder along the pristine coastline. It is one of the top places to stay because of the location relative to the resort’s best beaches, and there is also a waterpark for the kids.

Mount Sinai

The most important historic site in the region is this biblical mountain. The site is teeming with natural beauty and well endowed with cultural and religious history. It is said that Moses trekked up the mountain to receive God’s Ten Commandments, and now this site receives visits from religious pilgrims, adventure seekers and historians alike. Those looking for a change from the shopping and relaxation of Sharm el-Sheikh should get their hiking boots prepared for the seven-kilometre hike to the summit.

Bedouin Desert Tours

Guests wishing to experience the true nomadic experience can also take a Bedouin tour. Many excursions include a ride from the hotel to a camping spot in the middle of the desert. Guests then mount camels for a gentle—if sometimes uncomfortable—ride through the mountainous desert, learning about Bedouin life as the sun sets. The end of the ride includes a break for tea and a chance to smoke a water pipe, though the real climax of the day tour is a candle-lit dinner in the middle of the sandy wilderness.

Tip * Booking your Tours, Transfers & Airport Parking before you go will save your money & time and ensure a stress free start to your holiday

Shark's Bay

Spend a day on the water snorkelling and swimming here, or take some time to visit the nearby shops, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Edelweiss Equestrian Centre

This centre specializes in horseback and camel rides that take travellers to destinations across the desert.

Sinai Mountain

See a new perspective of Sharm El Sheikh from this mountain, which offers views of the entire region, and you can even take camel tours from local companies.

Pyramids Diving Centre

Find the best places to dive in the city and learn everything you need to know about scuba diving with a class from this diving centre.

El Fanar

This tourist destination features a snack bar and has rentals for chairs, towels, and everything else you need for a day at the beach.

St. Catherine Monastery

This historic building was built by early Christians to commemorate Biblical events, and it has a large number of tapestries and artwork from the 5th century.

Space Vision Sharm

This group offers tours of the desert that let visitors stay overnight in tents and learn more about space, constellations, and the stars.

Fish Cure Spa

At this spa, you can get a traditional pedicure involving live fish that slowly slough off dead skin.

Kite Junkies

Learn the fundamentals of kite surfing before climbing onto a boat and seeing the city from the ski at this kite surfing centre.

Ras Mohamed National Park

This national park offers a variety of activities, including snorkelling, scuba diving, and boat riding.

Airport Services

Most visitors arrive at Sharm el-Sheikh by plane. The international airport is 10 kilometres outside of Na’ama Bay and has good shuttle transports that whisk new arrivals to the beach in no time. The only problem is that schedules can be unreliable. Taxis are another option, but can be overpriced, and as many drivers don’t use meters they are renowned for charging over the odds.

Bus and Train Travel

Sharm el-Sheikh has cheap public bus transport options for those looking to save money for activities. It is important, however, to flag down the driver or else he will not pick you up, even at a designated stop. Change is necessary when using the bus and it is advisable to consult the driver about the amount for the destination before getting on. Train connections within the city aren’t very developed and are rarely necessary.

Taxis

Even if you don’t mind paying a bit extra for taxis, it is still a good idea to order one from a reputable company or pick one up in a designated area—it’s safer this way than flagging one down in the street. Try to settle on a price before riding so as to avoid any confusion later on in the journey.

Car Rental

A car hire in Sharm el-Sheikh could be the best option if you plan on moving around a lot. Renting a car is a low-cost way to travel, and an efficient way to get to and from different beaches.

Aqua Blue Water Park

As this is one of the only water parks in Sharm El Sheikh, locals come here in droves on hot days for the water rides and attractions.

Melodies

This old-fashioned building serves some of the best pizza in the city, making it popular with locals who want to avoid the touristy pizza places.

Terrazzina Beach

Terrazzina Beach delights visitors with live music and delicious food, and locals enjoy it because of the low tourist traffic.

La Locanda Steakhouse & Oriental Food

Though this restaurant has an odd name, it has a great atmosphere, friendly waiters, and a variety of different menu offerings.

Wreck Caffe

Seafood dishes and international cuisine make this a hidden gem in the city-and one that tourists don't know about.

Sharm el-Sheikh is a delight for those with exotic culinary tastes. One of the more popular spots is the Little Buddha (Na’ama Bay Hotel), located in Na’ama Bay. This restaurant mixes all types of Asian cuisine—drawing on Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Indonesian influences. The restaurant decor is exceptional and the service is speedy and friendly. It’s also a good place for a night out with friends because after 11 pm the upstairs section of the restaurant turns into one of the area’s prime dance clubs.

Guests who need a short break for a drink and some nibbles should head over to the Havana Bar (Hilton Hotel, Na’ama Bay). On the Na’ama Bay seafront near the promenade, the bar has soothing oriental plants and waterfalls, all connected by a series of quaint bridges. All visitors need to do is buy a drink, relax at one of the outdoor tables, and spend hours people-watching.

A good restaurant for great authentic Egyptian and Middle Eastern cuisine is the El Masrien (Old Market). A charming oriental wonderland with soft background music and lavish decor, this restaurant has an à la carte menu filled with hot and cold Lebanese dishes such as fowl, eggplant and quail.

If you fancy something a little more traditional, a local legend in Italian cuisine is the El Fanar (Ras Umm Sid). This little corner of Italy in the middle of the Sinai desert has a menu that includes fish, meats, sweets, pizzas, and all the imported wines and liquors that anyone could ever want.

A great place to stay for a family vacation is the Hilton Sharks Bay Resort. An all-inclusive resort just outside of the town, the hotel has a private beach, and seven swimming pools. Tennis courts are available for the more active holiday-goers, while golfers will love the challenging course. The hotel is only 10 minutes from the airport by car and has a health club and no fewer than 11 distinct restaurants.

Another elegant and modern haven is the Four Seasons Hotel. This hotel is on the southernmost point of the Sinai Peninsula, and faces out towards the Red Sea and Tiran Island. The main building has two floors, one with hotel information, concierge, health club, spa and several restaurants.

A more affordable resort option is the Logaina Sharm Resort. The hotel is located at Shark’s Bay and is a 48-suite resort that offers distinct swimming pools, and gardens for the whole family. The hotel has a bar/lounge, game room for the kids, laundry service, restaurant and unlimited wireless signal throughout the building.

The beautiful Savoy Hotel is another great spot to rest. The low-rise complex is just three kilometres from the town centre and a 15 minute-drive to Na’ama Bay. The rooms are lined with elegant marble and wood, and include all the amenities you would demand from such a high-calibre brand.

If these options are not to your fancy, you can find lots more information about a hotel in Sharm el-Sheikh online.

Accidents and Health Problems

Tap water is not recommended for drinking and it is preferable for travellers to drink bottled water such as Baraka, Delta, or Siwa.

Sharm el-Sheikh’s health infrastructure is good and the medical staff is usually highly trained.

In the case of emergency visitors should call 123 for an ambulance, 122 for Police or 125 for the Fire Department.

Security

Egypt has a low crime rate, but it is recommended that travellers do not walk by themselves in areas they don’t know or far from the resort, especially at night or in poorly lit areas. It’s also not a good idea to flash jewellery around as it may draw attention for the wrong reasons. It is also prudent to keep a copy of all travel documents somewhere safe, just in case the originals are stolen or misplaced.

Terrorism is a risk, so be especially vigilant in crowded areas frequented by tourists, as they maybe a target for attack. Small collective transport vehicles such as minibuses are a dangerous mode of transport, the Egyptian railway service is poor, and local or regional air transport should only be taken if it meets the European Commission standards.

It is a good idea to adapt clothing to the culture: Egypt is a conservative country so overt displays of sexuality in public can be a dangerous thing. It is also not advised to visit the border with Israel, as the risk of an attack increases dramatically in that area.