Sharm El Sheikh
The coastal city of Sharm El Sheikh, located in the southernmost part of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, is the reigning queen, and hundreds of visitors flock to the town’s stunning beaches throughout the year. There are several activities to keep guests pleased and delighted in Sharm El Sheikh, which is well-known among European travelers as well as Saudis looking for a more calm environment in which to unwind.
Egypt is proud of the transformation of Sharm El Sheikh from a little fishing hamlet to one of the world’s most recognizable tourist destinations. The city’s tourism industry is thriving, and the economy is expanding as well, thanks to the efforts of Egyptians.
Visitors to Sharm-el-Sheikh experience a more open and laid-back vibe than they would in much of Egypt, making them feel quite at home. Because of the large number of Europeans who pick the city as their vacation destination, the city has adapted to the tastes of tourists, and the locals have acquired the habits of their guests, allowing them to deliver excellent hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere. During the last thirty years, it has grown from nothing to become a thriving beachside luxury resort town that offers year-round sun and thriving nightlife.
- What is the location of Sharm El Sheikh?
- When is the best time to go to Sharm El Sheikh?
- Things to do in Sharm El Sheikh
- Attractions in Sharm El Sheikh that are highly recommended
- The Historical Development of Sharm El Sheikh
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What is the location of Sharm El Sheikh?
It is situated in Egypt’s Red Sea, in the Gulf of Aqaba, across the coast of the Sinai Peninsula, and is part of the Red Sea.
This resort region, which is organized along a single major road between the beautiful waves of the Red Sea and the mountains that surround it, provides a plethora of lodging choices, cafés, restaurants, bars, and some of the most exciting nightlife in Egypt.
When is the best time to go to Sharm El Sheikh?
The best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh is spring or autumn. The ideal time to visit Sharm will most likely depend on how well you cope with the heat and humidity. The finest months for swimming and diving are March, April, and May, as well as October to mid-November. When it’s too hot, it might be tough to sunbathe or walk outside during the day. This is particularly true in August when the temperature of the water is comfortable and you can go for lengthy dives.
Check this article Best Time to Visit Egypt
Things to do in Sharm El-Sheikh
1- Scuba Diving in Sharm El Sheikh
Many individuals go to Sharm el Sheikh only to take advantage of the region’s world-class scuba diving opportunities. The diving sites in the area are often considered some of the best in the world due to Sharm’s secluded position close to the tip of the Sinai Peninsula, the southernmost point of the peninsula. The Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez are separated at this position, which is the most significant reason. The abundance of nutrients in this area is a direct cause of the success of marine ecosystems like coral reefs.
Ras Mohammad is well known as one of the best places in Egypt for scuba diving. Visitors in Sharm el Sheikh have access to scuba diving and snorkeling boat trips to enjoy the underwater world while on vacation. This peninsula is 38 kilometers south of Sharm. It has beautiful beaches, great snorkeling right off the shore, the second-northeast mangrove forest in the world, and a saltwater lake.
2- Explore the Thistlegorm Wreck
Dive trips to the wreck in the Straits of Gubal, which is off the western coast of the Sinai Peninsula, usually last two days and include an overnight stay on a liveaboard vessel.
Most of the time, these plans include two dives at the Thistlegorm wreck, dives at the Dunraven wreck, and/or dives at one of Ras Mohammed’s other diving spots.
3- Go snorkeling at Ras Um Sid Beach
Many snorkelers go to Ras Um Sid Beach, which is at the southernmost point of Sharm el-Sheikh and near the lighthouse.
People take a break from snorkeling at the beautiful coral reef nearby by relaxing on the beach or at the café perched on the cliff above the water. Even people who don’t dive can quickly get to the reef.
4- Diving in the Blue Hole
Scuba divers have a reputation for taking a significant risk by visiting the famed blue hole. Its structure comprises a long tunnel known as the arch, filled with nitrogen narcosis and having a depth of 55 meters (181 feet), and a shallow opening known as the saddle, which is only 6 meters (20 feet) deep. The bottom of the arch extends to about 120 meters (394 feet) on the seaward side, where the depth drops to over a thousand meters (3,500 feet).
5- A day trip to the Dahab
The charming city resort of Dahab, situated on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula about 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Sharm el-Sheikh, is known for its watersports, which include scuba diving, snorkeling, kiteboarding, and windsurfing. Dahab is well-known not just as a gateway to the Sahara and the local Bedouin population but also as the location of the Blue Hole, the world’s most hazardous diving location.
6- Mt. Sinai Day Trip
Mount Moses is close to Sharm el Sheikh, in the general area of Saint Catherine. Most people think it is the holy mountain where Moses is said to have gotten the Ten Commandments. Followers of the Abrahamic religions believe in Mount Moses as a sacred place because the Bible talks about it several times. People go to the mountain to see a miracle that God has done there that is still happening.
7-Day Trip to the Colored Canyon Egypt
In the heart of Sinia’s magnificent desert, the Colored canyon has been a natural wonder for millions of years. Its 700 meters of naturally weathered stone formations in a rainbow of colors will leave you with a lasting impression. These vibrant and intriguing rock formations are around the height of 16 stories, allowing them to provide a wild and unrestricted view of nature.
Attractions in Sharm El Sheikh & Places to Visit
1- Ras Mohammed National Park
Ras Mohammed National Park is home to world-renowned coral reefs, wreck diving, superb snorkeling, and a diverse variety of marine life, all of which are available for visitors to explore and enjoy. Ras Mohammed National Park was instrumental in establishing Sharm el-Sheikh as a popular tourist destination. It is bordered by some of the most magnificent diving locations on the planet, has beautiful beaches with good snorkeling close offshore, is home to the world’s second most northerly mangrove forest, and has an extraordinary saltwater lake. Anyone visiting Sharm el-Sheikh should make the trek there at least once. The greatest beaches are Old Quay Beach and Aqaba Beach, which are both located on the coast.
2- Thistlegorm Dive Site
Thistlegorm is a popular diving spot in Sharm El Sheikh, especially for divers. Thistlegorm is considered to be one of the world’s best wreck dives. Even though it was loaded with supplies to reinforce the British forces, it was sunk by the Germans during World War II. The wreck is situated in the Straits of Gubal, off the shore of Sinai’s western coast.
3- The Bay of Na’ama
With its white sand beach and palm palms blowing in the breeze, Na’ama Bay is the heart of resort activity in Sharm El Sheikh. The natural bay is widely regarded as the city’s primary tourist attraction and transportation center. It’s known for its cafés, restaurants, beautiful hotels, and bazaars, to name a few attractions. The beach in Naama Bay is a great place to spend a pleasant and relaxing day sunbathing on the beach with friends or family.
4- The Monastery of St. Catherine
Take a day excursion from Sharm El Sheikh to St. Catherine’s Monastery, which is one of Sinai’s most important historical attractions. Located at the foot of Mount Sinai, this city is a popular tourist destination. It is believed to be one of the world’s oldest operating monasteries, and it is also the location of the renowned burning bush of the Old Testament story.
5- Mount Sinai
Sinai’s rugged interior is a kaleidoscope of natural splendor. Trek up to the summit of Mt Sinai for a day excursion and marvel at the beautiful sunrise from the top, as well as an expanse of orange-hued peaks in the distance. The Camel Trail and the Steps of Repentance are the two main trails that lead to the summit of Mount Sinai, which is revered by all three monotheistic religions as the location where Moses received the Ten Commandments. The Camel Trail is the more challenging of the two trails, and the Steps of Repentance is the more difficult. Most visitors climb the mountain before dawn in conjunction with a visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery, arriving in time to see the sunrise over the desert as they ascend.
6. The Old Market in Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm Old Market, also known as Sharm Al-Maya, is the bazaar (also known as souq) district of the town. The plethora of glittering Arabic lamps, artistically etched woodwork, ancient shisha pipes, and of course the region’s most renowned products herbs and spices are all to be found here. The market is unique in comparison to the rest of Sharm since it is surrounded by a distinct local ambiance.
7- Colored Canyon is number seven on the list
The Colored Canyon, located 177 kilometers north of Sharm El Sheikh, is one of Sinai’s most popular out-of-water natural attractions. These whirling, mineral-rich layered rock formations serve as a display of the desert’s natural splendor, and they are a popular tourist attraction. A day excursion from Sharm to Colored Canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for nature enthusiasts to meander around the canyon while scrambling over the rocks and trekking through the desert landscape.
8- Aqua Blue Water Park
If you are traveling to Egypt with children, spending the day at Aqua Blue Water Park will be a real treat and a lot of fun for everyone. With 44 water slides, games, and pools, this water playground is sure to provide a fun-filled day for people of all ages and abilities.
9- Dolphina Park
Dolphina Park is the only dolphinarium in South Sinai, and it is open year-round. Dolphina Park, which is located in Sharm el Sheik, is home to a pod of dolphins that are kept in state-of-the-art facilities. Witness the enchanting dolphin show and marvel at these magnificent creatures as they play, swim, and display their well-planned routines for you.
10- Mosque of Al Sahaba
In both, its architectural and interior design, the Al Sahaba Mosque incorporates aspects of Fatimid, Mamluk, and Ottoman styles. The mosque, which was designed by Fouad Tawfik, features two minarets that stand at a height of 70 meters, making it the second tallest structure in Sharm El Sheikh. This mosque is often regarded as Sharm’s most impressive architectural achievement.
11- Night of Stargazing
It is impossible to visit Sharm El Sheikh and depart without engaging in some kind of stargazing at least once a night. Invest in a wonderful evening of entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. When you go to the desert, you will have the opportunity to experience authentic Bedouin hospitality. A traditional Egyptian feast will be served first, then once the sun has fully set, you will have the opportunity to stare into the bright night sky, straight up at the Milky Way.
Sharm El Sheikh’s Historical Background
In part, Sharm El Sheikh’s strategic position contributed to its transformation from a tiny fishing hamlet to a major naval port for the Egyptian Navy. It was previously captured by Israel during the Suez Crisis in 1956, but Egypt regained control of the city the following year. It was there that the United Nations stationed a peacekeeping force until 1967 when the Six-Day War broke out and Israel retook control of Sharm el-Sheikh. The Israeli occupation of Sharm El Sheikh continued until the signing of the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty in 1979.
Until 1967, Sharm was little more than a sleepy fishing town on the Arabian Sea. Following Israel’s creation of the town of Ofira, economic development in the surrounding region began to take place, luring tourists as well as financial investments. In addition to the famed Naama Bay Hotel, a hotel was erected on the southern side of the bay and a natural field school was established on the northern side, as well as diving clubs and other facilities.
In 2011, after regaining control of the Sinai Peninsula, the Egyptian government launched a series of initiatives to develop the city of Sharm to turn it into a tourist destination. These efforts were successful, and Sharm is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt for foreign visitors.
Several Middle Eastern peace conferences, including the 4 September 1999 agreement on Palestinian self-rule over the Gaza Strip, as well as several other international business conferences, have been held at Sharm El Sheikh since its beginnings.
Spend time relaxing on the beaches of Sharm El Sheikh after seeing the intriguing history of Egypt as part of one of our Egypt Vacation Packages deals. If you book one of these packages, you might be able to go back in time to Egypt and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
