Up until 1968, Sharm el-Sheikh was nothing more than a quiet fishing community. But in recent years, it has become one of Egypt‘s most popular beach resorts, with tourists coming from all parts of the world. Hot in the summer, while pleasant and warm in the winter, Sharm remains the leading tourist sport in the Sinai Peninsula. Just check out this mix of fantastic things to do and see!
Undoubtedly Sharm el-Sheik is the watersports Mecca of Egypt: you name it, this resort has it. Get your flippers on and take a tour of Egypt’s coral reefs scuba diving. The Red Sea bottom is scattered with shipwrecks and its waters have some of the world’s most diverse marine life. You can also try kite surfing, waterskiing and windsurfing. And don’t worry if you’re not a confident swimmer – glass-bottomed boat trips are available in Sharm el-Sheikh at all times!
Located on the southern tip of Sinai, this nature reserve spreads out for 480 square kilometres. You will absolutely fall in love with the place the moment you get there for its untouched deserts, white-sand beaches and dive and snorkelling sites with some of the most exotic names going (Jackfish Alley, Anemone City and more), topped up by the 1,000 species of fish, 150 different crustaceans and families of turtles that flounder beneath the surface.
Na’ama bay is the centre of all action in Sharm el-Sheikh. If you’re looking for a fun, relaxed day on the beach, close to all the action, consider spending your sunbathing sessions here. You are more likely to feel a Mediterranean vibe rather than an Egyptian one but many people head to Na’ama as it provides the perfect balance of relaxation and hedonism.
The Heavenly Cathedral is Sharm’s newest and biggest Coptic church. Voted one of the world’s 10 most beautiful churches in 2010, when it was finished, it features impressive frescos and religious murals of Biblical scenes such as The Creation and The Exodus. Built in only two years, the cathedral is located in the Hay el Noor district, not far from the twin minarets of El Mustafa mosque. Prepare to be blown away by St John’s vision of The Apocalypse, which can be seen staring ominously down from the ceiling.
Head to the Dolphinella and enjoy one of the best marine experiences in town. Customers are usually picked up from their hotel in air-conditioned comfort and taken to the site, where they play and swim with three friendly dolphins, enjoying their company and experiencing the unforgettable feeling of coming closer to nature.
The cherry on top of your experience in Sharm el-Sheikh is undoubtedly to be found at Alexandro’s, a traditional shisha bar that’s known as one of the best in the city. Sharm el-Sheikh has a variety of bars, but many feel the service and quality of shisha flavors offered at Alexandro’s far outweigh all of the others in the resort. So take your shoes off, lay back on the floor cushions, pick your flavor shisha and enjoy for as long as you wish.
Alexandro Cafe, Il Mercato, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, +20 102435510
You can’t leave Sharm el-Sheikh without having at least once experienced a star gazing night excursion. This is set to be a fabulous evening of entertainment, fun for all ages, young or old. You will head out to the desert, where you’ll experience traditional Bedouin hospitality. The evening begins with an Egyptian feast in a candlelit tent. As the sun completely sets, your guide will take you out to some enormous telescopes, all set up for you to gaze into the uber-clear night sky, straight up at the Milky Way.
