Sharm El Sheikh: A Guide to Egypt’s Most Popular Tourist Destination

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. History of Sharm El Sheikh
3. Geographical Location
4. Climate
5. Attractions in Sharm El Sheikh
6. Beaches in Sharm El Sheikh
7. Diving and Snorkeling
8. Shopping in Sharm El Sheikh
9. Nightlife in Sharm El Sheikh
10. Accommodation Options
11. Conclusion

Introduction:

Located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh is one of Egypt’s most popular tourist destinations. This vibrant city offers a mix of sun, sea, and sand, along with a wide range of attractions, activities, and amenities that cater to every taste and budget. From world-class diving sites to luxurious resorts, and bustling markets to vibrant nightlife, Sharm El Sheikh has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what this city has to offer, and why it should be on your travel bucket list.

History of Sharm El Sheikh:

Sharm El Sheikh has a rich and varied history that dates back to ancient times. It was known as ‘Per-Nefer’ during the reign of the pharaohs and was an important trading hub thanks to its strategic location on the Red Sea. In the 7th century, the city was occupied by the Rashida Caliphate, and later by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. During World War II, Sharm El Sheikh was a key battleground between Allied and Axis forces, with the city changing hands several times.

After the war, Sharm El Sheikh remained a small fishing village until the 1980s when it was discovered by international tourism. Today, it is one of the most popular destinations in the Middle East, attracting millions of visitors every year.

Geographical Location:

Sharm El Sheikh is located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, between the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea. It is approximately 500 km southeast of Cairo and 300 km northeast of Hurghada. The city is surrounded by rugged mountains, including Mount Sinai, which is considered a holy site by Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

Climate:

Sharm El Sheikh has a desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature in summer (June to August) is around 35 °C, while in winter (December to February) it drops to around 20 °C. The city receives very little rainfall, with the most precipitation occurring between November and March.

Attractions in Sharm El Sheikh:

Sharm El Sheikh offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the top things to see and do in the city:

1. Ras Mohammed National Park: Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Ras Mohammed is a protected area that is home to a diverse range of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and over 1,000 species of fish. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling or diving in the clear waters, or take a boat tour to explore the coastline.
2. Old Town: Sharm El Sheikh’s Old Town is a charming area with traditional architecture, narrow streets, and a bustling market. Here you can find everything from handmade crafts and spices to clothing and souvenirs.
3. Soho Square: Soho Square is a modern entertainment complex with restaurants, cafés, shops, and a cinema. It also features a large ice rink, which is a popular attraction during the hot summer months.
4. Mount Sinai: For those interested in history and religion, a visit to Mount Sinai is a must. This mountain is believed to be where Moses received the Ten Commandments.

 5. Naama Bay: Naama Bay is one of the most popular areas in Sharm El Sheikh, with a long sandy beach, clear blue waters, and a wide range of shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy some water sports.

6. St. Catherine’s Monastery: Located at the foot of Mount Sinai, St. Catherine’s Monastery is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors can explore its ancient architecture, beautiful gardens, and religious artefacts.
7. Aqua Blue Water Park: The Aqua Blue Water Park is a popular attraction for families, with water slides, wave pools, and other fun water activities.

Beaches in Sharm El Sheikh:

Sharm El Sheikh is renowned for its beautiful beaches, which offer crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and a range of water sports and activities. Here are some of the top beaches in the city:

1. Naama Bay Beach: Naama Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Sharm El Sheikh, thanks to its long stretch of white sand, clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and a range of water sports, including jet skiing and parasailing.
2. Sharks Bay Beach: Sharks Bay Beach is a quieter and more secluded beach, perfect for those looking for a more peaceful atmosphere. It offers calm waters, stunning views, and a range of water activities, including snorkelling and diving.
3. Ras Um Sid Beach: Ras Um Sid Beach is located at the southern end of Sharm El Sheikh and is known for its stunning coral reefs and marine life. It’s a popular spot for snorkelling and diving, and also offers a range of other water sports and activities.

Diving and Snorkelling:

Sharm El Sheikh is a world-renowned destination for diving and snorkelling, thanks to its clear waters, abundant marine life, and stunning coral reefs. Here are some of the top dive sites in the city:

1. Ras Mohammed National Park: Ras Mohammed is one of the most famous dive sites in the world, offering a diverse range of marine life and stunning coral formations. Visitors can see everything from sharks and turtles to colourful fish and sea anemones.
2. Tiran Island: Tiran Island is another popular dive site, with crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a range of marine life, including barracudas, dolphins, and manta rays.
3. Shark’s Bay: Shark’s Bay is a shallow dive site that is perfect for beginners. It offers calm waters, beautiful coral formations, and a range of colourful fish, including clownfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish.

Shopping in Sharm El Sheikh:

Sharm El Sheikh offers a wide range of shopping opportunities, from traditional markets to modern shopping centres. Here are some of the best places to shop in the city:

1. Old Market: The Old Market is a traditional market with narrow streets, colourful shops, and a bustling atmosphere. Here you can find everything from spices and perfumes to souvenirs and clothing.
2. Naama Bay: Naama Bay is home to a range of shops, including souvenir stores, jewellery shops, and clothing boutiques. It’s the perfect place to pick up gifts for family and friends.
3. Soho Square: Soho Square is a modern shopping and entertainment complex with a range of shops, restaurants, and cafés. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon or evening, with something for everyone.

Nightlife in Sharm El Sheikh:

Sharm El Sheikh is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues. Here are some

of the top places to experience the city’s nightlife:

1. Pacha Sharm El Sheikh: Pacha is a world-famous nightclub chain with a location in Sharm El Sheikh. It offers a range of music genres, including house, techno, and EDM, and is known for its lively atmosphere and international DJs.
2. Little Buddha: Little Buddha is a bar and nightclub that offers a unique Asian-themed atmosphere, with a range of music genres and international DJs. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
3. Hard Rock Café: Hard Rock Café is a well-known chain of restaurants and bars, and the Sharm El Sheikh location is no exception. It offers live music, a range of drinks and food, and a lively atmosphere.

Conclusion:

Sharm El Sheikh is a beautiful and exciting destination that offers something for everyone, from stunning beaches and world-class diving to shopping, dining, and nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled trip, Sharm El Sheikh has it all. With its warm weather, clear waters, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder that it has become one of Egypt’s top tourist destinations. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to experience all that Sharm El Sheikh has to offer.