Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore, the sun shining on your face, and the smell of salt in the air. You look out the window and see a turquoise sea sparkling under the clear sky, surrounded by golden sand and rugged mountains. You are in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt’s Red Sea paradise, and you are about to have the best vacation of your life.
Sharm El Sheikh is a resort town on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Red Sea splits into two gulfs: the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt, attracting millions of visitors every year. Sharm El Sheikh offers something for everyone, whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, culture, or history. You can enjoy the pristine beaches, the world-class diving and snorkeling, the thrilling desert safaris, the ancient monasteries, and the vibrant nightlife.
In this article, we will show you how to plan the perfect vacation at Sharm El Sheikh, with tips on where to stay, what to do, and what to expect. You will learn how to choose the best accommodation for your budget and preferences, how to explore the amazing attractions and activities in and around Sharm El Sheikh, and how to make the most of your time and money. By the end of this article, you will be ready to pack your bags and book your flight to Sharm El Sheikh, the ultimate Red Sea getaway.
Where to Stay in Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. Depending on your travel style and preferences, you can choose from the following areas and types of accommodation:
Naama Bay:
This is the main tourist hub and the center of nightlife in Sharm El Sheikh. It has a long promenade lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs. It also has a sandy beach with many water sports and activities. If you want to be close to the action and enjoy the lively atmosphere, Naama Bay is the place to stay. However, it can also be noisy, crowded, and expensive.
Sharm al-Maya:
This is the old town and the original fishing village of Sharm El Sheikh. It has a more authentic and local feel, with a traditional souk (market), a mosque, and a harbor. It also has a quieter and more relaxed beach, with fewer tourists and vendors. If you want to experience the culture and history of Sharm El Sheikh, Sharm al-Maya is the place to stay. However, it can also be less convenient, as you will need to take a taxi or a bus to reach other attractions and areas.
Nabq Bay:
This is a newer and more upscale area, located about 20 km north of Naama Bay. It has a long and wide beach, with clear water and coral reefs. It also has many luxury resorts, golf courses, and shopping malls. If you want to enjoy the nature and the comfort of Sharm El Sheikh, Nabq Bay is the place to stay. However, it can also be isolated, as you will need to travel further to reach other attractions and areas.
Dive resorts:
These are specialized hotels that cater to divers and snorkelers, offering dive packages, equipment rental, courses, and guides. They are usually located near the best dive sites, such as Ras Mohammed National Park, Tiran Island, and Shark’s Bay. If you want to focus on diving and snorkeling, dive resorts are the place to stay. However, they can also be less suitable for non-divers, as they may have fewer facilities and amenities.
All-inclusive resorts:
These are hotels that offer everything you need for your vacation, such as meals, drinks, entertainment, activities, and transfers. They are usually located on private beaches, with pools, spas, and sports facilities. If you want to have a hassle-free and stress-free vacation, all-inclusive resorts are the place to stay. However, they can also be less flexible, as you may have less choice and variety in your dining and leisure options.
Beachside hotels:
These are hotels that are located on or near the beach, offering easy access to the sea and the sand. They are usually cheaper and simpler than resorts, but still offer basic facilities and services. If you want to have a budget-friendly and cozy vacation, beachside hotels are the place to stay. However, they can also be less comfortable, as they may have smaller rooms, lower standards, and fewer amenities.
Here are some of the best accommodation options in Sharm El Sheikh, according to our research and reviews:
Best dive resort: Camel Dive Club & Hotel.
This is the most reputable and experienced dive shop in Sharm El Sheikh, offering high-quality diving and snorkeling services since 1986. Their hotel is also excellent, with a rooftop terrace, a delicious breakfast, and a relaxing pool. Prices start from $50 per night, including breakfast and diving.
Best all-inclusive resort: Rixos Sharm El Sheikh.
This is an all-inclusive resort that has everything you need for your vacation, such as 12 pools, 7 restaurants, a sports club, and a spa. It is located on a private beach overlooking the Red Sea, and guests also have free access to Rixos Aquaventure Park, a water park with slides and rides. Prices start from $200 per night, including all meals, drinks, and entertainment.
Best beachside hotel: Xperience St. George Homestay.
This is a budget-friendly 4-star hotel that offers comfortable and clean rooms, with balconies and sea views. It has 4 outdoor pools, a gym, and a spa, and offers 3 meal packages. It is located near the old town and the market, and provides a free shuttle to two private beaches. Prices start from $30 per night, including breakfast.
What to Do in Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh is not only a place to relax and enjoy the sun and the sea, but also a place to have fun and adventure. There are so many things to do in Sharm El Sheikh, that you will never get bored or run out of options. Here are some of the best attractions and activities in Sharm El Sheikh, that you should not miss:
Diving and snorkeling:
Sharm El Sheikh is one of the best diving and snorkeling destinations in the world, with over 250 coral reefs and 1,000 species of fish. You can explore the underwater wonders of the Red Sea, such as colorful corals, exotic fish, turtles, dolphins, sharks, and even shipwrecks. You can choose from many dive sites, such as Ras Mohammed National Park, Tiran Island, Shark’s Bay, and Thistlegorm. You can also take diving and snorkeling courses, from beginner to advanced levels, and get certified by professional instructors. Whether you are a novice or an expert, you will be amazed by the beauty and diversity of the marine life in Sharm El Sheikh.
Desert safaris:
Sharm El Sheikh is surrounded by the Sinai desert, which offers a different kind of adventure and scenery. You can experience the desert life and culture, by visiting the Bedouin villages, riding camels, and enjoying a traditional dinner and show. You can also have some adrenaline and excitement, by driving quad bikes, buggies, or jeeps, and exploring the sand dunes, canyons, and oases. You can also witness the stunning views of the sunset and the stars, and feel the magic and mystery of the desert.
Historical and cultural tours:
Sharm El Sheikh is not only a modern resort town, but also a place with a rich and ancient history and culture. You can learn more about the history and culture of Sharm El Sheikh, by visiting some of the historical and religious sites, such as the Monastery of St. Catherine, the oldest working Christian monastery in the world, where you can see the Burning Bush, the Well of Moses, and the Library of Manuscripts. You can also visit the Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, and enjoy the panoramic view of the sunrise from the summit. You can also visit the Pharaonic Island, where you can see the replicas of the temples and statues of the ancient Egyptian civilization.
Nightlife and entertainment:
Sharm El Sheikh is not only a place to relax and enjoy the day, but also a place to party and have fun at night. You can find many nightlife and entertainment options in Sharm El Sheikh, such as bars, pubs, clubs, casinos, and shows. You can dance the night away at some of the famous clubs, such as Pacha, Space, and Hard Rock Cafe. You can also enjoy some live music, comedy, and performances at some of the venues, such as the Sinai Grand Casino, the Dolphina Park, and the Alf Leila Wa Leila. You can also have some family-friendly fun at some of the attractions, such as the Soho Square, the Hollywood Sharm El Sheikh, and the Cleo Park.
What to Expect in Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh is a wonderful and welcoming place, but it is also a different and unique place, with its own culture, customs, and climate. To make your vacation more enjoyable and comfortable, you should know what to expect in Sharm El Sheikh, and how to prepare and behave accordingly. Here are some of the things you should expect in Sharm El Sheikh, and some of the tips and advice you should follow:
weather and climate:
Sharm El Sheikh has a hot and dry climate, with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F) and an average rainfall of 3 mm (0.1 in) per year. The hottest months are July and August, when the temperature can reach 40°C (104°F) or more. The coolest months are January and February, when the temperature can drop to 15°C (59°F) or less. The best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh is from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. You should pack light and breathable clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid heatstroke.
Culture and customs:
Sharm El Sheikh is a cosmopolitan and tolerant place, where you can find people from different backgrounds, religions, and nationalities. However, it is also a part of Egypt, which is a predominantly Muslim country, with its own culture and customs. You should respect the local culture and customs, by dressing modestly, especially in public places and religious sites, avoiding public displays of affection, alcohol, and pork, and observing the Islamic holidays and practices, such as Ramadan and prayer times. You should also learn some basic Arabic words and phrases, such as hello (salam), thank you (shukran), and sorry (aasif), and use them when interacting with the locals. You will find that the locals are friendly and hospitable, and will appreciate your efforts and respect.
Safety and security:
Sharm El Sheikh is a safe and secure place, where you can enjoy your vacation without any major worries or problems. However, you should also be aware of some of the potential risks and challenges, such as petty crimes, scams, traffic, and health issues. You should take some precautions and common sense measures, such as keeping your valuables and documents in a safe place, avoiding walking alone at night, bargaining and agreeing on prices before buying or using any service, following the traffic rules and signs, and avoiding tap water and street food. You should also have a valid passport, visa, and travel insurance, and register with your embassy or consulate in case of any emergency.
How to Make the Most of Your Vacation at Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh is a place where you can have the vacation of your dreams, with so many options and opportunities to enjoy and explore. However, you should also plan and prepare well, to make the most of your vacation at Sharm El Sheikh, and avoid any disappointment or frustration. Here are some of the tips and advice on how to make the most of your vacation at Sharm El Sheikh:
Book in advance:
Sharm El Sheikh is a popular and busy destination, especially during the peak seasons and holidays, such as Christmas, New Year, Easter, and Eid. You should book your flight, accommodation, and activities in advance, to secure your spot and get the best deals and discounts. You can use online platforms, such as Skyscanner, Booking.com, and Tripadvisor, to compare and choose the best options for your budget and preferences.
Be flexible and open-minded:
Sharm El Sheikh is a place where you can experience and discover new and different things, that may surprise and delight you. You should be flexible and open-minded, and try to embrace and enjoy the diversity and variety of Sharm El Sheikh. You should also be prepared for some unexpected and unpredictable situations, such as delays, cancellations, changes, and misunderstandings, and try to handle them with patience and positivity.
Be adventurous and curious:
Sharm El Sheikh is a place where you can have fun and adventure, with so many things to do and see. You should be adventurous and curious, and try to explore and experience as much as you can of Sharm El Sheikh. You should also try to go beyond the touristy and commercial areas, and venture into the local and authentic areas, where you can meet and interact with the locals, and learn more about their culture and lifestyle.
Be respectful and responsible:
Sharm El Sheikh is a place where you can relax and enjoy, but also a place where you should respect and protect. You should be respectful and responsible, and try to follow and support the local rules and regulations, the environmental and social initiatives, and the cultural and religious values. You should also try to contribute and give back to the local community, by volunteering, donating, or supporting local businesses and organizations.
Conclusion: Why You Should Visit Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh is a place where you can have the perfect vacation, with so many benefits and advantages. You can enjoy the beautiful and diverse nature, the rich and ancient history and culture, the fun and exciting activities and attractions, and the comfortable and luxurious accommodation and services. You can also have a memorable and meaningful vacation, by learning and discovering new and different things, meeting and interacting with friendly and hospitable people, and respecting and protecting the environment and the community. Sharm El Sheikh is a place where you can have the best of both worlds, the modern and the traditional, the relaxing and the adventurous, the familiar and the exotic. Sharm El Sheikh is a place where you can have the ultimate Red Sea getaway.
FAQ
- Q: How to get to Sharm El Sheikh?
- A: You can get to Sharm El Sheikh by plane, bus, or car. The easiest and fastest way is by plane, as Sharm El Sheikh has an international airport that connects to many cities around the world. You can also take a bus from Cairo, which takes about 8 hours, or a car, which takes about 6 hours.
- Q: How much does it cost to visit Sharm El Sheikh?
- A: The cost of visiting Sharm El Sheikh depends on many factors, such as the season, the duration, the accommodation, the activities, and the personal preferences. However, you can estimate an average daily budget of $100 per person, which includes accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. You can also save money by booking in advance, choosing cheaper options, and bargaining and negotiating prices.
- Q: What are the best things to buy in Sharm El Sheikh?
- A: The best things to buy in Sharm El Sheikh are the local and handmade products, such as carpets, pottery, jewelry, spices, perfumes, and papyrus. You can find these products in the souk (market), the bazaar, or the shops, where you can also enjoy the atmosphere and the culture of Sharm El Sheikh. You can also buy some souvenirs and gifts, such as magnets, keychains, t-shirts, and postcards, that represent Sharm El Sheikh and Egypt.
