As one of the most popular destinations in the Arabic world, Sharm El Sheikh is an internationally renowned diving location found at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Its deep blue seas have made it one of the fastest growing holiday hotspots of the past fifteen years as it has developed from a small fishing village with little more than 100 natives. It's natural beauty with crystal clear waters, exotic flora and rare tropical fish has enticed more and more visitors with direct flights from the UK to Sharm El Sheikh Airport lasting around five hours. Transfer time to most of the area's resorts takes just 15minutes. Temperatures reach the late thirties during the summer months and rarely slip below 15°C during the daytime in December and January, meaning that Sharm El Sheikh is ideal for winter getaways.
Best for...
Widely considered the leading diving destination in the world, Sharm El Sheikh is a haven for families and fun-seekers...
Sharm El Sheikh is widely considered the premier diving destination in the world and it is ideal for family travellers as there are scuba diving courses available for both beginners and experts. There are also snorkelling trips available and fans of water sports will not run out of things to do. Sharm El Sheikh is also extremely popular with young couples as it has a lively, energetic nightlife scene as well as some glorious golden sandy beaches.
| Temperatures reach the late thirties during the summer months... |
What to do...
For the majority of travellers the attraction of Sharm El Sheikh will be its spectacular beaches, but the resorts are varied and it's important to consider which area will best suit your needs. Most of the resorts offer scuba diving courses that can be pre-booked. Dahab is well suited to couples looking for a romantic getaway thanks to its peaceful setting. Its centre offers a pleasant mix of big name hotels and smaller shops with lagoons, palm trees and an arid desert just a few minutes out of town. Diving in the area is excellent, and the tranquil setting will give you ample time to explore its depths. A particular favourite in Dahab is the Blue Hole, which requires divers to drop 100ft before swimming through a tiny passage to the waters beyond.
Hadaba is another relaxed resort with many private beaches on which snorkelling and windsurfing are particularly popular. Hadaba is just a ten-minute bus ride from Naama Bay, which has some of the most diverse diving sites in the world. Boat rides are also popular and Naama Bay tends to thrive at night when there are many Egyptian-themed events, as well as discos, belly dancing and folk music. As the popular centre of Sharm El Sheikh, it is in Naama Bay that you will find the majority of the best restaurants and shopping facilities as well as famous Sheesha cafes.
Indeed Sharm El Sheikh is full of late night entertainment and nightlife activities and much of this centres around Naama Bay. There are numerous five star hotels in the area and many of the discos, pubs and bars revolve around these tourist spots. The clubbing scene is very lively too, particularly with the Echo Temple offering house and techno parties, as well as the House Nation parties at the Sanifar Hotel. Casinos are also popular in the evenings.
Nabq Bay has also developed from a quiet village into a leading resort just ten minutes from Sharm El Sheikh's centre. Om El Sid Hill has spectacular views of the Red Sea, while the beach at Ras Um Sid is loved by snorkellers.
Related Links:
Sharm el Sheikh Flights
Sharm el Sheikh Hotels
