Sharm El Sheikh
mountains and reef.
Sharm sits where the Sinai mountains run into the Red Sea. The reefs of Ras Mohammed and the Strait of Tiran make it one of the world's great snorkelling and diving areas.
What it is
really like.
Sharm El Sheikh is a resort town on the southern tip of the Sinai peninsula. Behind it, bare red mountains rise straight out of the desert. In front of it, the sea drops away into some of the richest coral reefs in the Red Sea.
Most visitors come for the water. Ras Mohammed National Park, at the very tip of the peninsula, protects reefs and walls with huge numbers of fish, and boat trips run there daily. Many hotels have their own house reef, which you can snorkel straight from the jetty.
Sharm pairs well with Cairo because the flight takes about an hour. It is a good choice for a short city-and-beach trip, and for families who want a large resort with everything on site.
Beyond the beach
St Catherine's Monastery, at the foot of Mount Sinai, is about two and a half to three hours inland. It is one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world. Some visitors climb Mount Sinai overnight to watch the sunrise from the summit.
The best of
Sharm El Sheikh.
The places we build days around. Not a list to tick off: most people choose three or four and leave time between them.
Ras Mohammed National Park
Egypt's first national park, with famous reef walls. Best visited by boat.
The Strait of Tiran
Four reefs in the channel between Sinai and Tiran Island, popular for diving and snorkelling.
Naama Bay
The original resort centre, with a promenade, restaurants and an easy beach.
St Catherine's Monastery
A sixth-century monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai, with a remarkable library and icons.
A house reef
Many hotels sit right on the reef, so you can snorkel before breakfast.
Desert and Bedouin dinner
An evening in the mountains outside town, with dinner and stars.
Sharm El Sheikh,
answered.
Is Sharm El Sheikh good for snorkelling beginners?
Yes. Many hotels have calm house reefs, and boat crews provide life vests and help in the water.
How do we get from Cairo to Sharm?
By a domestic flight of about an hour. The drive is long, around seven hours, so we rarely suggest it.
Can we visit Mount Sinai from Sharm?
Yes. The sunrise climb starts after midnight; a daytime visit to St Catherine's Monastery is easier for most people.
Ways to fit Sharm El Sheikh
into a trip.
Cairo & Sharm Escape
Three nights in Cairo, then three in Sharm El Sheikh with a boat day in Ras Mohammed National Park.
See this journey →
Family Egypt, Made Easy
Cairo, Luxor and the Red Sea with shorter sightseeing days, family rooms and a private car and guide throughout.
See this journey →
Egypt Essentials
Six days for a first visit: Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum, old Cairo, then two full days in Luxor on both banks of the Nile.
See this journey →Tell us how long
you have.
Send your dates and who is travelling. We will suggest how many nights Sharm El Sheikh deserves and what fits around it.