Sharm el Sheikh: Introduction

Sharm el Sheikh (commonly called Sharm) is the most popular of Egypt’s Red Sea coast resorts. The year round sunshine, excellent beaches, plentiful water based activities, and great nightlife have made the destination a favourite haunt for everyone from sun starved Northern Europeans on package tours to serious dive enthusiasts from all over the world.

The coast around Sharm el Sheikh is home to some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world and it’s one of the biggest draws of the region. One of the best places to head for diving is the Ras Mohammed National Park. This marine reserve is home to over 200 types of coral and 1000 species of fish. It’s also where the SS Thistlegorm shipwreck is located which is a highly popular attraction for divers.

There’s a lot more to Sharm el Sheikh than diving and snorkelling though. The desert around Sharm el Sheikh is also a hugely popular attraction. Key sights in the desert around Sharm el Sheikh include the holy mountain of Mount Sinai where it’s said Moses received the Ten Commandments. At the foot of Mount Sinai is the fascinating Monastery of St Catherines. This ancient monastery has significant religious importance and is the site of the burning bush. The Coloured Canyon is another popular attraction of the Sinai region around Sharm el Sheikh. The canyon’s highly unusual rock formations and dazzling natural colours are a must see sight.

Dining out in Sharm el Sheikh is a highlight of a visit, and you’ll find everything from relaxed Bedouin cafes to familiar western eateries in the area. When it comes to nightlife, those seeking a party won’t be disappointed. Some of Egypt’s best clubs are to be found in Sharm with big clubbing names such as Pacha and Buddha Bar having clubs in the trendy area of Na’ama Bay. If all of this sounds bit too energetic, there are plenty of options for purely relaxing. There’s no shortage of fine sandy beaches to laze around on, plenty of laid back cafes to while away your time over a shisha pipe.

Beach holiday destinations don’t come much better than Sharm el Sheikh, and with the sun languishing in the sky all year round, anytime is a great time to visit. Grab your sunscreen and pack your bags, and see why Sharm el Sheikh is such a popular destination.