Search the travel guide:

Resort

• Sharm el-Sheikh Travel Guide
• Travel Information
• Shopping
• Restaurants
• Nightlife
• Activities
• Negatives
• Photos
• Hotels in Sharm el-Sheikh

Rants and Raves

• Write a Travel Review

Egypt Map

• 

Directory

• Travel Insurance
• Hostels
• Useful Resources

Fish in the Red Sea © Igo Verlinde

Overview
A world-acclaimed dive centre and the most developed of the Red Sea resorts, Sharm el-Sheikh has many holiday activities, luxury accommodation and restaurants available. Most Sharm el-Sheikh hotels and diving centres are situated four miles (7km) from the city at Naama Bay and it has become a busy holiday resort with plenty of shopping opportunities, late night entertainment and an attractive holiday atmosphere. Numerous dive sites are within reach of Sharm el-Sheikh, including the huge drop-offs at Ras Mohammed in the extreme southern part of the peninsula, the Straits of Tiran, various wrecks and 28 sites located along the coast that are reached by boat. Naama Bay has a gently sloping sandy bottom, is ideal for dive classes, and provides diving and snorkelling opportunities for all levels without having to use a boat or car to get there. Besides excellent diving and snorkelling, which are the main activities when in Sharm el-Sheikh on holiday, there are plenty of watersports available if one feels like doing more than just soaking up the sun. Add a vibrant nightlife with casinos, discos and nightclubs and one can't complain of boredom!

Shopping
Avid shoppers will find a good variety of goods in the old market and Sharm El-Sheikh mall, where shops sell both foreign and local products, including jewellery, leather goods, clothing, pottery and books. Naama Bay offers a more upmarket shopping experience at the Naama Centre, where shopkeepers are less inclined to bargain but everything from souvenirs to scarves can be had.

• Don't buy snorkelling or dive gear in Sharm or anywhere in Egypt for that matter. The quality is very uneven and prices quite high. Bring your own equipment where possible. Oxygen bottles are ok though. : Macie...See More Tips  |  Add Tip

 

Restaurants
Between Sharm el-Sheikh's two tourist districts of Old Sharm and Naama Bay, there are a huge variety of dining options while on holiday, from hotel restaurants and international fast food chains like KFC, to local eateries and fresh fish. Anything from Mexican to Japanese is represented in Sharm el-Sheikh.

• Piccasso bar is owned by an English lady, she cooks great Sunday lunches and quiche. Well worth a visit. : liz...See More Tips  |  Add Tip

 

Nightlife
Sharm el-Sheikh casinos, discos, pubs and bars cater to those ready to party the night away while on holiday. Entertainment ranges from dance clubs to informal hangouts, with local favourites like the Pirates Bar, Zabadi and The Tavern Pub.

• Pacha is definitely the mega club of the resort and the whole open air dancing experience is pretty great. : Macie...See More Tips  |  Add Tip

 

Activities
On holiday in Sharm el-Sheikh, diving and snorkelling are the main activities but there are a range of other activities available including horseback and camel riding, golf, desert safaris and health treatments, and a variety of watersports. The desert holds numerous attractions and trips are offered to Mt Sinai and St Catherine's Monastery, among others.

• If you are a diver, get Carmel or Sinai Divers. Dont skimp out ! go straight to Ras Mohammad or Dahab!! Dont waste time with reefs. : Sri K...See More Tips  |  Add Tip

 

Negatives
Shopkeepers and hawkers can become a nuisance but a polite though firm 'no, thank you' should ward them off.