Situated at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, and surrounded by the waters of the Red Sea, Sharm el Sheikh has grown into one of the most beloved tourist resorts in Egypt.

Sharm el Sheikh hotels are of a good standard, with many luxury properties to be found along the stunning stretch of coastline. Some of the best-known names in the hotel industry have properties on the Sharm coast such as Hilton, Rotana, Sol, Iberotel, Radisson Blu, Maritim, Renaissance, Park Inn, Novotel, Moevenpick, Melia, Ritz-Carlton and Jaz.

Many of the hotels in Sharm el Sheikh offer accommodation on an all-inclusive basis, so some holidaymakers rarely leave the grounds of their hotel as there is a such as huge choice of food, drink and entertainment available - and it's all paid for in advance.

Hotels, from mid-range accommodation to four- and five-star hotels, often have very good standards of food and drink available, though you shouldn't miss the chance to tuck into local cuisine in Sharm's cafés, especially those in the old town, Sharm el Maya. Family restaurants and attractions populate SOHO Square, which is Sharm's downtown area.

There are a number of resorts that are considered to be a part of Sharm. You can book hotels in Nabq Bay, Naama Bay, Sharks Bay and Om el Seid Hill, among others. While Sharm el Sheikh is lively and busy, Nabq Bay is developing rapidly but still offers a quieter place to rest your head. Naama Bay is the heart of Sharm el Sheikh and is where to head for fun-filled evenings and easy access to bars and eateries. Sharks Bay is laidback and full of old-world charm, while Om el Seid Hill is also a quiet part of the wider resort.

Visit this popular destination and add to your own list of great attractions.

Top five attractions

Watersports

Warm seas and blue skies mean you can try your hand at any of the countless watersports on offer at a variety of beaches.

St Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai

One of the world's best-known monastic buildings sits at the foot of the mountain many believe was used by God to deliver the Ten Commandments to Moses.

Sharm el Maya

Sharm el Maya is the old town which is full of ancient charm. Here you'll find bustling bazaars as well as international food joints. It shares its name with one of the most popular bays of Sharm el Sheikh.

Ras Mohamed National Park

Overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez, this stunning landscape showcases the Sinai Peninsula at its very best.

Aqua Blue Water Park

Although part of a hotel complex, non-guests can pay an entrance fee to join in the fun at this huge water park.

It's not a packed calendar of events, but what is on is sure to please visitors.

International Camel Competition; April: It needs to be seen to be believed - this annual festival deals with the serious business of finding the fastest camel in Sinai.

International Shopping and Tourism Festival; July: A brilliant bid to encourage tourism - hotel prices are lowered and discounts at stalls and shops are offered to holidaymakers. It's a great idea, though bear in mind it's held at the height of summer with the potential for 40C+ temperatures.

TangoconSharm; November: Perhaps more associated with South America, the tango is also worshipped once a year in Sharm el Sheikh. Competitions and shows are packed out for this unusual spectacle. Lessons are abundant too, so there are no excuses.