Location
Sharm el Sheikh is situated on the Southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, the Red Sea on one side and the mountains of Mount Sinai on the other, often known simply as “Sharm,” Sharm el Sheikh is the Red Sea resort for scuba diving, snorkeling and family fun. The jewel of the Sinai, with history going back thousands of years.
This resort area is one of the most accessible and developed communities on the Sinai Peninsula. All around are Bedouins, colorful tents, mountains and sea. There are small, intimate hotels with modern designs, as well as larger hotel complexes belonging to International chains, plus about all the amenities one could expect of a tourist center, including casinos, discos and nightclubs, golf courses and health facilities. In fact, with diving and snorkeling, windsurfing and other water sports, horses and camel riding, desert safaris, and great nearby antiquities attractions, it is almost impossible for a visitor to ever suffer from boredom.
Four miles south the southern section of the town stands on a cliff overlooking the port. and is a great view.
Na’ama Beach is one of the centers of the tourist activities. Located just north of Sharm, this area is developing into a resort town of its own. Most hotels at Na’ama Bay have their own, private beaches with comfortable amenities such as chairs, shades and even bars. Shark’s Bay is also nearby, and again is a growing resort community with more and more to offer, along with several diving centers.
The small harbor known as Sharm el-Moiya is located next to the civil harbor, has accommodations for boats, and includes a Yacht Club with rooms.
For those who live to shop, the Sharm El-Sheikh mall provides shops with both foreign and local products, including jewelry, leather goods, clothing, pottery and books.
It has been said that this is a must visit for all diving enthusiasts. There are many diving sites along the 10 mile beach between Sharm el-Sheikh and Ras Nusrani.
Attractions
Without a doubt, Sharm el Sheikh is one of the best diving destinations in the world. The warm waves of the water engulf you whether you are bathing on the sandy shores or exploring the depths of Coral Reefs. The wreck of the Thistlegorm is consistently voted one of the bet in the world and other wrecks include the Dunraven and the Louilla sits on top of Gordon reef, which is a nice wall dive. Most of the dive schools in Sharm usually run a trip out to one of the wrecks.
After exploring the coral reefs, why not take out a super-fast quad bike, or mounting a camel to explore the many desert trails, are other ways to explore the unknown side of this rocky coastline and an alternative way to soak up some sunshine and fresh air.
Visit or stay overnight in a Bedouin camp under thousands of stars. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover the true spirit of their magical, beloved country. The desert offers serenity and escape from day-to-day life.
If you want to experience
How to get there
BY AIR;
There are many airlines to choose from to Sharm El Sheikh – Ophira Airport (SSH) situated in Sharm El Sheikh
BY ROAD;
Choose From the many car companies within the city, but driving is not for the feint hearted. Public transport is very reasonable and there are coaches which travel to all major cities.
BY RAIL;
Trains are an excellent way to travel within Egypt. There are air-conditioned express trains as well as ordinary trains which tend to be a bit slower and less likely to have Air conditioning. Note that trains do not go to the Sinai or the main beach destinations of Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh.
BY BUS/COACH;
Buses range from luxury to overcrowded. But they service all towns in Egypt. In general, the faster more luxurious buses will run between major cities and tourist destinations. Tickets can be bought at bus stations and often on the bus itself
Festivals
Each region has its own festivals which are closely linked with the Muslim culture of Egypt.
Eating Dining Shopping
Na’ama Bay is the lively centre of Sharm El Sheikh and offers a wide array of free-standing restaurants, bars and shops.
History
Prior to 1967, Sharm el-Sheikh was little more than an occasional base of operations for local fishermen; the nearest permanent settlement was in Nabek, north of Ras el-Nasrani (“The Tiran Straits”)
After the Sinai was restored to Egypt in 1982, the Egyptian government embarked on an initiative to encourage continued development of the city. Foreign investors – some of whom had discovered the potential of the locality during the Israeli occupation – contributed to a spate of building projects. Environmental zoning laws currently limit the height of buildings in Sharm el-Sheikh so as to avoid obscuring the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Sharm el-Sheikh’s major industry is foreign and domestic tourism, owing to its dramatic landscape, year-round dry and temperate climate and long stretches of natural beaches. Its waters are clear and calm for most of the year and have become popular for various watersports, particularly recreational scuba diving and snorkeling (which many consider to be among the best in the world).
Useful telephone numbers
Emergency Number 122
Airport Information
Tourist Office: Tel; +44 (020) 7493 5282
Holiday rents online:
National Transport Line
24 hour medical service