Sharm El Sheikh Travel Guide – Explore Egypt’s Red Sea Heaven
Sharm El Sheikh has earned the reputation as the “City of Peace” over the past six decades, offering travelers from around the world the chance to experience the history, beauty, and tranquility of the Red Sea. This guide provides every traveler with detailed information about Sharm El Sheikh, written by professional tour operators, guides, and travel consultants who know every aspect of this spectacular Egyptian city. Sharm El Sheikh is a true piece of heaven and one of Egypt’s most beautiful destinations, located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula along the Red Sea coast.
The city is famous for hosting international conferences and diplomatic meetings, reflecting its importance and strategic value. Sharm El Sheikh combines luxury, adventure, and culture, making it an ideal destination for families, solo travelers, and couples seeking an unforgettable Egyptian getaway.
Climate and Weather
Sharm El Sheikh enjoys a tropical desert climate with long, hot summers and warm winters. Average temperatures range from 21°C to 33°C (70°F to 91°F), making it a year-round destination for sun-seekers and adventure lovers. The city’s climate is perfect for water sports, beach relaxation, and desert exploration.
History of Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh began as a small fishing village before transforming into a strategic location for the Egyptian Navy. The city was occupied during the Suez Crisis in 1956 but returned to Egypt in 1957. Over the years, international peacekeeping forces were stationed here, and the city officially became part of Egypt following the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty in 1979.
Following this, the Egyptian government launched a series of development projects to turn Sharm El Sheikh into a world-class tourist destination. Today, it is known for luxury resorts, pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and world-famous diving sites.
Top Attractions in Sharm El Sheikh
1. Ras Mohammed National Park
Ras Mohammed is one of the world’s best diving destinations, featuring over 220 species of coral and 125 types of soft coral. Popular diving and snorkeling sites include Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef. Beautiful beaches include Old Quay Beach and Aqaba Beach.
2. Nabq Protectorate
This protected area preserves Egypt’s coastal desert wilderness, hosting endemic gazelles, ibexes, and migratory birds. Visitors can enjoy the northern mangrove forest and desert dunes.
3. Dahab
Dahab is a charming resort town known for its relaxed atmosphere, dining, shopping, and excellent water sports including diving and snorkeling.
4. The Blue Hole
Famous among divers worldwide, the Blue Hole is a natural underwater sinkhole over 100 meters deep. Its calm waters and vibrant coral reefs provide a spectacular diving experience.
5. Ras Um Sid
Ras Um Sid offers pristine beaches perfect for snorkeling and enjoying the clear waters of the Red Sea.
6. Shark’s Bay
Shark’s Bay is known for luxury resorts, five-star hotels, and the Soho Square Center, offering shopping, dining, and nightlife.
7. Colored Canyon
Located 177 km north of Sharm El Sheikh, the Colored Canyon features mineral-rich layered rock formations ideal for hiking and photography.
8. St. Catherine’s Monastery
Built in AD 565 at the foot of Mount Sinai, St. Catherine’s Monastery is one of the oldest working monasteries in the world. It houses the famous Burning Bush and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai is a sacred mountain in the Sinai Peninsula, famous for the biblical story of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments. Visitors can hike via the Camel Trail or the Steps of Repentance, often combined with a visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery to witness sunrise over the desert.
10. Thistlegorm Dive Site
The Thistlegorm shipwreck is one of the world’s most renowned wreck dives. It contains remains of British troops and military equipment sunk during World War II, located off the western coast of Sinai in the Straits of Gubal.
11. Naama Bay
Naama Bay is the main tourist hub in Sharm El Sheikh, offering hotels, cafes, restaurants, and a lively bazaar.
12. Sharm Old Market
The Old Market showcases traditional Egyptian craftsmanship, including Arabic lamps, engraved woodwork, shisha pipes, and local herbs and spices.
Activities in Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh offers a diverse mix of activities for every traveler. Adventure seekers can explore desert safaris, quad biking, and hiking in the Sinai Mountains. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy snorkeling, diving, swimming with dolphins, kite surfing, and windsurfing. Cultural and historical tours include visiting St. Catherine’s Monastery, Mount Sinai, and the vibrant Old Market. The city also offers a lively nightlife with bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Nearby Excursions
Sharm El Sheikh serves as a gateway to exploring Egypt’s historic sites, including Cairo with the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor with its temples and the Valley of the Kings, and Aswan with its stunning monuments and artifacts. Travelers can book personalized tours to experience the best of Egypt’s culture, history, and natural beauty.
Why Visit Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh combines luxury, adventure, culture, and relaxation into one unforgettable experience. Whether you want to dive into the Red Sea, explore the desert, enjoy world-class resorts, or visit historical sites, Sharm El Sheikh has something for everyone.
For travelers planning their dream Egyptian getaway, Book Egypt Travel offers exclusive tours, excursions, and travel packages to Sharm El Sheikh and beyond, ensuring an unforgettable and seamless vacation.
