Sharm el-Sheikh

Sharm el-Sheikh is Egypt's most developed resort city, sitting at the south tip of the Sinai Peninsula backed by rugged desert mountains. The main draws are world-class scuba diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea, with Ras Mohammed National Park and Tiran Island easily accessible. It also serves as a base for desert adventures including Bedouin camps, Colored Canyon treks, and camel safaris. Unlike Egypt's inland cities, Sharm saw little of the Arab Spring turmoil and maintains heavy security, making it a relatively stable tourist hub.

Sharm el-Sheikh remained an insignificant fishing village until the 20th century when it developed as a naval base controlling shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aqaba and Gulf of Suez. Israel occupied the area in 1967 and developed it as a tourist resort until their withdrawal between 1979-1982. By the 1980s, Egypt was becoming a mass-tourist destination and Sharm continued to grow, especially under President Mubarak's support. However, terrorist attacks in 2005 (88 killed), the Sinai insurgency starting in 2011, and the 2015 airliner downing severely impacted tourism. Flights resumed in late 2019, followed by COVID-19 shutdowns. The climate is very dry with sometimes no rain all year; summer days are blisteringly hot while winter days are shirt-sleeve warm but nights are cold with a shimal (cold north wind).

Sharm el-Sheikh Airport (SSH) is the largest in the Sinai, receiving daily charter flights in winter high season. EgyptAir handles local flights while WizzAir operates ultra-low-cost routes from Rome, Milan, Naples, Venice, and Vienna. Terminal 1 handles EgyptAir and EasyJet; Terminal 2 is adjacent. For Sinai-specific entry, see the Sinai article for information on the Sinai visit pass, which allows visa-free travel for up to 14 days.

Local transport includes taxis and local buses. Taxis are inexpensive for getting between areas like Na'ama Bay, Old Market, and the northern districts of Nabq and Montaza (about 12 km from Na'ama Bay). The zebra crossings on main roads are largely ignored by drivers. Many hotels operate shuttle buses to the beach, though some incur local fees. For trips to Dahab, expect to pay LE150 each way by taxi or LE20 to the bus station plus LE5-10 for a pickup into town.

The best time to visit is October through April when temperatures are comfortable (20-30°C daytime) and water temperatures are pleasant for diving. Summer (June-August) is extremely hot (up to 38°C) with blistering days. Winter nights can be cold with the shimal wind. Avoid inland Sinai trips during security warnings—US and Australian governments recommend against non-essential travel to southern Sinai, though Sharm itself and immediate surrounds are exempt.

Most hotels in Sharm, particularly in Na'ama Bay, cater to package tourists with mostly 3-6 star all-inclusive properties. Budget options are very limited; the Egyptian Youth Hostel offers dorm beds at LE105 and private rooms at LE135 for foreigners. Nabq and Montaza areas are about 12 km north, requiring taxis or hotel shuttles. When booking, consider that it's best to knock one star off the official rating to avoid disappointment. Private apartment rentals are economical but vary in facilities.

Resort hotels offer international buffet-style dining, but for authentic Egyptian cuisine try Old Market spots like El Masrien (open 12:00-04:00) serving kebab, kofta, and stuffed pigeon, or Fawanes Cafe in Na'ama Bay for Lebanese food and waterpipes. A 10-15% service charge is added to most bills. Note that pork is not sold even when advertised on menus—it's actually salted beef. Tea and coffee cost around LE15-25 at cafes. Fresh guava juice and Bedouin or mint tea are local must-tries. For hassle-free shopping, Carrefour Express (hidden behind Golden Pyramid Mall on Peace Road) has fixed prices.

Sharm Old Town offers a traditional market experience different from resort areas—ignore touts outside shops and stay firm on prices. Na'ama Bay is the tourist center with huge fans pumping fresh air to street cafes. Desert excursions to Bedouins, Colored Canyon, White Canyon, and quad bike or buggy safaris are highly recommended, with Tiba Safari charging around US$20-25 per person for 2 hours. Boat and snorkeling trips to Ras Mohammed National Park and Tiran Island are popular, with glass-bottom boats available for non-swimmers. For culture, day trips to Saint Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai are available, or longer trips to Cairo's pyramids and Luxor.

As of 2025, Sharm el-Sheikh is generally considered the safest place in the Sinai Peninsula. A wall surrounds the city with military/police checkpoints on main streets and every vehicle is checked upon entry. However, US and Australian governments warn against travel to inland Sinai, Dahab, or road travel to Cairo. Food poisoning and traveler's diarrhea are common among European visitors—avoid food not cooked in front of you, and never drink tap water (bottled water is essential). There have been shark attacks: swim near the coastline with others, avoid swimming at night or early morning, and stay away from ports with unpredictable seas.

Dahab is a relaxed resort 90 km north (about one hour by mountainous road) famous for the Blue Hole dive site. Cairo and Giza offer classical ancient Egyptian sights including the pyramids, Sphinx, and Egyptian National Museum—worth several days. If the ferry resumes, Hurghada connects to Luxor for valley temples and tombs.