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Destinations / Egypt

Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm el-Sheikh

Red Sea reefs and desert mountains

beachesadventurefamiliesnature
Plan your trip to Sharm El SheikhSee the top 10
73,000Population
ArabicLanguage
EGPCurrency
7 daysIdeal stay
$120-220Typical day

Sharm el-Sheikh is a Red Sea resort at the southern tip of Sinai, famous for coral reefs. Ras Mohammed and Tiran are top dive sites. Mount Sinai and St Catherine's are a long trip away.

Where to start

Top 10 things to do

Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.

  1. Ras Mohammed is a marine park at the tip of Sinai, with coral walls and fish. It is one of the best dive sites in the world.

    Full dayTime needed
    about $5-15Cost
    recommendedBook ahead

    The official reserve schedule lists 5 USD per foreign visitor; some 2026 reports cite higher gate fees, so confirm with your operator.

    Tip. Go on a boat trip; bring your passport.
    See on the map

  2. The reefs of the Tiran Strait are known for coral and fish. They are reached by boat.

    Full dayTime needed
    about $40-80Cost
    recommendedBook ahead

    Tour.

    Tip. Book a snorkeling trip.
    See on the map

  3. Naama Bay is a resort center with beaches and bars. It is busy at night.

    Half a dayTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Go in the evening.
    See on the map

  4. The Old Market has a mosque and stalls selling spices and souvenirs. It is lively.

    2 hoursTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Bargain politely.
    See on the map

  5. Mount Sinai is a mountain where Moses received the commandments. Climbing at night to see sunrise is popular.

    Full dayTime needed
    about $30-60Cost
    yesBook ahead

    Tour.

    Tip. Bring warm clothes.
    See on the map

  6. St Catherine's Monastery is one of the oldest working monasteries. It is a UNESCO site.

    2 hoursTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free; limited hours.

    Tip. Check opening hours.
    See on the map

  7. The SS Thistlegorm is a World War II wreck with trucks and motorbikes. It is a famous dive.

    Full dayTime needed
    about $100-150Cost
    yesBook ahead

    Dive.

    Tip. For experienced divers.
    See on the map

  8. Soho Square is an entertainment complex with restaurants and shows. It is busy at night.

    2 hoursTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Good for evenings.
    See on the map

  9. Al Sahaba is a large mosque in the Old Market. It is lit at night.

    30 minutesTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Dress modestly.
    See on the map

  10. Quad bike trips run into the desert to Bedouin camps. They often include dinner.

    Half a dayTime needed
    about $30-50Cost
    recommendedBook ahead

    Tour.

    Tip. Book with reputable operators.
    See on the map
Map: OpenStreetMap contributors.
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Ready-made itineraries

Choose how many days you have.

Sharm in three days

Add Ras Mohammed and Tiran.

  1. Ras Mohammed National ParkFull day · about $5-15
  2. Naama BayHalf a day · Free
  3. Old Market2 hours · Free
  4. Tiran Island reefsFull day · about $40-80
  5. Mount Sinai sunriseFull day · about $30-60
  6. St Catherine's Monastery2 hours · Free
  7. SS Thistlegorm wreckFull day · about $100-150
  8. Soho Square2 hours · Free
  9. Al Sahaba Mosque30 minutes · Free
  10. Desert quad safariHalf a day · about $30-50
Beyond the city

Day trips

Dahab

Blue Hole.

56 mi · Car about 1.5 hours

Colored Canyon

Rock formations.

87 mi · 4x4 tour

Nabq Protected Area

Mangroves and quiet beaches north of Sharm.

22 mi · Taxi or tour, about 40 minutes

Coloured Canyon

A narrow sandstone canyon with bands of colour.

93 mi · Jeep tour, about 2 hours each way

Plan your dates

Weather and seasons

Best: March to May and October to November. Warm water, mild air.

Busy and priceyShoulderQuiet and cheaper

Temperature

Daily high and average, by month

32°50°68°86°104°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecDaily highAverage

Rain

Typical inches per month

0.00.8JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

January

71°F
Typical daily high
Average64°F
Rain0.1 in
About1 rainy days
Sun strength4.1 kWh/m²

Busy season. Higher prices, bigger crowds.

Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.

Main events

Year

Ramadan and Eid

Dates move each year with the lunar calendar

Some daytime venues close or change hours, and resorts adjust meals and entertainment.

Mar

Peak diving season

Roughly March to November

Warm water and good visibility draw divers to the reefs.

Jan

New Year week

Late December to early January

Hotels run special programs and book out early.

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Know before you go

At a glance

4/5
Safety

The US State Department rates Egypt at Level 2 (increased caution); Sharm is heavily secured; the main risks are sun, reef injuries and touts. Check advice for travel in North Sinai.

2/5
Walkability

Resorts are spread out.

1/5
Public transport

Use taxis and resort shuttles.

Pick your base

Where to stay

The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.

Map: OpenStreetMap contributors. Shapes where OpenStreetMap has a boundary; dashed circles mark areas it only has a point for.
12345

1. Naama Bay

$$

Best for: nightlife

Central.

2. Nabq Bay

$$$

Best for: families

Resorts.

3. Ras Um Sid

$$

Best for: divers

Reefs.

4. Sharks Bay

$$

Best for: snorkellers, couples, families

Quieter bay with easy access to a reef right off the shore.

5. Old Market (Al Sahaba) area

$

Best for: budget, local atmosphere

Cheaper hotels near shops and cafes, but no beach on the doorstep.

Getting there and around

Main airportSharm el-Sheikh International Airport (SSH), 9 mi from the center
To the centerTaxis take about 20 minutes to Naama Bay.
Around townUse taxis or resort shuttles.
Ride appsUber, Careem
Taste it

What to eat

Koshari

Rice and lentil dish.

Grilled fish

Fresh Red Sea catch.

Ful medames

Fava beans.

Bedouin tea

Sweet tea often flavoured with sage or mint.

Good to know

PlugsType C and F, 220 V
Tap waterUse bottled water
TippingTipping (baksheesh) is expected; 10 to 15 percent in restaurants and small notes for services.
PaymentsCards work in resorts; carry cash for taxis and tips.
EtiquetteDress modestly away from the beach. Ask before photographing people.
  • Bring cash for tips.
  • Sun is strong year round.
  • Reef safe behavior is required.
  • The airport is close to town.
  • Check the current government travel advice before you go, as Egypt guidance can change.
  • Agree prices for taxis and bazaar goods before you accept them.
  • Do not touch or stand on coral; it is protected and fines apply.
  • Drink bottled water and use sun protection, especially in summer.

A short history

Sharm was a small fishing harbor until Israel occupied Sinai in 1967 and built early tourism. Egypt regained it in 1982. Resorts boomed in the 1990s. It has hosted many summits, including COP27 in 2022.

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Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.

Plan Sharm El Sheikh