What to See and Do in Sharm El-Sheikh
Sharm El-Sheikh is a beach resort town, nestled between the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea.
Sharm El-Sheikh is a beach resort town, nestled between the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea. Endowed with paradisiacal beaches and stunning religious buildings, it also hosts several diving spots, which rank among the finest in Égypte! Between snorkeling and cultural visits, discover the 6 things to see and do that you absolutely must not miss...
1. Visit Al Sahaba Mosque
Al Sahaba Mosque is a religious edifice, whose construction began in 2011. Designed by architect Fouad Tawfik Hafez, the monument dazzles with its Ottoman, Mamluk, and Fatimid architectural styles.
Considered one of the most important contemporary Islamic structures in the country, Al Sahaba Mosque is, moreover, recognizable by its two minarets standing 76 meters tall! Once night falls, it illuminates to create an enchanting atmosphere…
Note Like any other religious building in Égypte, you should cover your shoulders and arms before entering (if needed, garments are available at the entrance). Free admission. |
2. Explore the Old Market of Sharm El-Sheikh
The Old Market Sharm el Sheikh is a place that is both authentic and touristy, where locals and visitors blend in a warm atmosphere. Ideal for observing local life, the old market is also an opportunity to shop!
3. Relax in Naama Bay
Naama Bay is a famous beach resort. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, numerous restaurants, and fine sandy beach: Naama Bay is the epicenter of the town! In the evening? Take a stroll along the waterfront to enjoy the sunset…
4. Discover Tiran Island
Departing from Sharm El-Sheikh, board a boat heading to Tiran Island. Located less than two hours from the coast, this uninhabited isle is a wonderful diving spot – accessible only through an organized excursion. Depending on the tour operator, the authorized diving time varies.
5. Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine's Monastery
About 3 hours' drive north of Sharm El-Sheikh extends the Sinai Desert in Égypte. It can be explored in different ways:
● By camel: the excursion can be a few hours or a full day until the foot of Mount Sinai,
● By quad or buggy: an opportunity to discover the beauty of desert plateaus, as well as explore their dunes and sand mountains,
● Rock climbing (via a dedicated agency),
● 4x4 safari.
The Sinai Desert is home to Saint Catherine's Monastery. The building, constructed in the 6th century, is located at 1,570 meters above sea level. The ascent to the monastery takes approximately 4 hours of walking (accompanied by a Bedouin guide).
The excursion can also be done at night, so you can witness the sunrise! The entire monastery complex consists of a chapel, basilica, library, well, mosque, and museum – where ancient religious artworks are displayed.
6. Go Diving off Sharm El-Sheikh
The seabeds of the Red Sea are renowned for their biodiversity – which snorkelers can get a beautiful glimpse of just a few meters from shore... But Sharm El-Sheikh also abounds with treasures that require dives with oxygen tanks.
The SS Thistlegorm Wreck
Sunk during World War II, the SS Thistlegorm now rests at 30 meters deep. Ranked among the world's finest sites, this spot allows you to admire military cargo, as well as scorpionfish, batfish, and barracudas!
Ras Mohammed National Park
30 minutes by car from Sharm El-Sheikh, head out to discover the Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve and its seabeds.
Spanning 480 km², this beautiful natural park in Égypte (home to one of the world's finest coral reefs) also harbors sea turtles – which can sometimes be spotted swimming along the reefs. One of its most famous spots is Shark Reef.
To Know The terrestrial portion of Ras Mohammed National Park remains relatively untouched by tourism (and is managed by a Bedouin community, which is responsible for boat excursions on the site). At the entrance, you can admire a gigantic stone arch: the famous Gate of Allah. |
How Many Days Do You Need for a Trip to Sharm El-Sheikh?
Discovering Sharm El-Sheikh can take one to three days, depending on how long you wish to stay and your schedule.
● 1 day: to not miss any must-see attractions, linger over the city's emblematic sites, such as Naama Bay or the old market.
● 2 days: a second day in town allows you to add an activity – such as a boat outing to explore the seabeds, or an excursion into the Sinai Desert (but not both).
● 3 days: three days in Sharm El-Sheikh allow you to fully enjoy the town and its surroundings, while leaving a day to discover Tiran Island.
The City at a Glance ● Governorate: South Sinai ● Population: 73,000 (in 2015) ● Climate: desert ● Best diving spots: Ras Nasrani, The Gardens, Tower, Ras Um Sid ● Gateway to: the SS Thistlegorm wreck, Tiran Island, the Sinai Desert. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Stay in Sharm El-Sheikh?
The place to stay in Sharm El-Sheikh depends on your trip's itinerary… If you want to settle in a lively neighborhood: head to Naama Bay. If you're looking for a base close to the best diving spots, opt instead for Ras Um Sid. Looking for both? Choose Shark Bay!
What's the Best Time to Visit Sharm El-Sheikh?
Sharm El-Sheikh is a pleasant city year-round, particularly between November and December – when temperatures don't exceed 30°C. If you want to enjoy the beaches, preferably avoid the period between June and September, when temperatures hover around 40°C.
What's the Most Beautiful Beach in Sharm El-Sheikh?
The city of Sharm El-Sheikh is dotted with paradisiacal beaches, each with their own appeal and atmosphere (lively, family-friendly, sporty, private, etc.). One of the most sought-after? Shark's Bay Beach!
Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada?
Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada are two renowned beach resorts. If you're planning to go snorkeling, note that Hurghada's seabeds are slightly less steep than Sharm El-Sheikh's, making them easier for beginner divers.
Frequently asked questions
Sharm El-Sheikh is generally considered one of the safest destinations in Égypte for tourists, notably thanks to its well-developed hotel infrastructure and the presence of security forces. However, it is advisable to consult your country's travel recommendations before departure and to obtain suitable travel insurance.
Visitors from English-speaking countries must obtain a visa to enter Égypte. Good news: it's possible to get a visa upon arrival at Sharm El-Sheikh Airport for a tourist stay. You can also apply for a visa online (e-visa) before departure, which is often recommended to avoid queues.
Sharm El-Sheikh offers several snorkeling spots accessible without tank diving equipment: Naama Bay, Ras Nasrani, The Gardens, and Ras Um Sid are among the most popular. The seabeds are rich with colorful corals and tropical fish, visible from the surface.
To get around Sharm El-Sheikh, several options are available: taxis (negotiate before the trip), local minibuses (inexpensive but not very comfortable), hotel shuttles, or car rentals to explore the surroundings such as Ras Mohammed National Park or the Sinai Desert.
Yes, Ras Mohammed National Park is only 30 minutes by car from Sharm El-Sheikh. It's accessible by taxi, rental car, or through an organized excursion. The park offers diving, snorkeling, and terrestrial hiking activities in an exceptional natural setting designated as a nature reserve.
