About Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh, alternatively rendered Sharm el-Sheikh or Charm el Sheikh, is an Egyptian city located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, in South Sinai Governorate, on the coastal strip along the Red Sea in Asia. Its population is approximately 77,000 as of 2017. Sharm El Sheikh is the administrative hub of Egypt's South Sinai Governorate, which includes the smaller coastal towns of Dahab and Nuweiba as well as the mountainous interior, St. Catherine and Mount Sinai.
Places to visit in Sharm El Sheikh
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Ras Mohammed National Park
Nature · 8 mi from centreA protected area at the tip of the Sinai with some of the Red Sea's richest coral reefs and walls. Most people visit on boat trips for snorkeling or diving, so book with a reputable operator.
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Naama Bay
Beach · 4 mi from centreThe main resort bay, with a beach promenade lined with hotels, restaurants, and dive centers. It is lively at night, and snorkeling is easy from the beach jetties.
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Tiran Island
Nature · 17 mi from centreAn island at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba surrounded by reefs popular for snorkeling and diving. Visits are by boat from Sharm, and currents can be strong, so stay close to your guide.
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Saint Catherine's Monastery
Religious · 53 mi from centreOne of the oldest working Christian monasteries, set at the foot of Mount Sinai. Many tours combine it with a nighttime climb up the mountain, and modest clothing is required.
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Mount Sinai
Nature · 52 mi from centreA rugged peak traditionally linked to the story of Moses, popular for climbing before dawn to watch the sunrise. Bring warm clothes and a flashlight, since nights near the summit are cold.
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Blue Hole
NatureA deep marine sinkhole near Dahab, popular with snorkelers who explore the reef edge. Only very experienced divers should go deep, as it is known for dangerous dives.
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SS Thistlegorm
Historic · 24 mi from centreA British cargo ship sunk in 1941 that still holds motorcycles, trucks, and other wartime cargo, now a famous wreck dive. Plan on a full-day boat trip with an experienced dive center.
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Nabq Protected Area
Nature · 30 mi from centreA coastal reserve north of Sharm with mangroves, sand dunes, and Bedouin settlements. Visit on a jeep or camel tour, and bring sun protection, since there is little shade.
Things to do in Sharm El Sheikh by type
48 tours, tickets and experiences across 8 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Outdoor activities & Adventure 16 experiences 1 Day Snorkeling Onboard a Red Sea Cruise - Full-Day Tour -
City tours 14 experiences Bedouin Dinner in the Desert -
Day Trips & Excursions 6 experiences Explore Sharm El Sheikh - Ras Mohamed Pirates Adventure -
Cruise & Water Tours 6 experiences Cruise - Aqua Scope -
Tour & activities 6 experiences Cruise - Aqua Scope -
Art & culture 4 experiences 2 Days / 1 Night: From Sharm El Sheikh Trip to Cairo -
Amusement Parks 3 experiences Aqua Park - Ticket with Transfers -
Specialist tours 2 experiences 2 Days / 1 Night: From Sharm El Sheikh Trip to Cairo
- Over 6 hours 16
- 3-6 hours 13
- 1-3 hours 9
- Flexible 1
- Private 4
Top experiences in Sharm El Sheikh
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 48 available.
From Sharm El Sheikh: Cairo by Flight
From $382 per adult
Day Trip to Cairo
From $281 per adult
Safari Blue Hole Dahab
From $50 per adult
Discover the City of Dahab
From $70 per adult
Dinner Cruise Fantasia
From $40 per adult
Sharm City Tour
From $38 per adult
Abou Galoum + Blue Hole
From $46 per adult
3 Pools in Dahab
From $41 per adult
Lost Land Discovery
From $80 per adult
Ras Mohamed White Island by Boat
From $45 per adult
Tiran Island by Boat
From $40 per adult
Full-Day Trip to Canyon Salama & Dahab City
From $45 per adult
Where to stay in Sharm El Sheikh
Popular hotels in Sharm El Sheikh, out of 228 properties you can book.
Sharm Bride Resort Aqua Park & Spa
From $48 per night
Naama Bay Hotel and Resort
From $158 per night
Naama Waves Hotel
From $171 per night
IL Mercato Hotel and Spa
From $156 per night
Aurora Oriental Resort
From $417 per night
JAZ Belvedere
From $238 per night
Falcon Naama Star Hotel
From $66 per night
JAZ Sharm Dreams
From $182 per night
Naama Blue Hotel
From $62 per night
Sunrise Diamond Beach Resort – Grand Select-
From $366 per night
Regency Plaza Aqua Park and Spa
From $167 per night
SUNRISE Montemare Resort -Grand Select
From $402 per night
Best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Sharm El Sheikh is December to March, when average daytime highs are around 73–82°F and rain falls on about 1 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Sharm El Sheikh weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 85° 71° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 87° 72° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 90° 76° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 87° 77° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 90° 76° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 89° 77° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Egyptian pound (EGP)1 US dollar ≈ £53.9
- Language
- Arabic
- Calling code
- +20
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Africa/CairoUTC+3
- Capital
- Cairo
Upcoming public holidays in Egypt
- Christmas Day (Orthodox)عيد الميلاد المجيد
- Revolution Day 2011 / National Police Dayعيد الثورة 25 يناير
- Sinai Liberation Dayعيد تحرير سيناء
- Labour Dayعيد العمال
- Easter MondaySham El-Nessim
- Islamic New Year
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Sharm El Sheikh
These are the airports closest to central Sharm El Sheikh. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- SSH Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport10 mi (17 km) from the city centre
Getting around Sharm El Sheikh
In Sharm the taxis are generally modern models, either Hyundai or Chevrolet. Don't bother with the meter in the taxi: it probably does not work anymore. They soon break due to the dust, and would work out more than the "fixed" prices anyway. Always note the driver's ID number. The tourist police are very helpful if you have a problem, or quickly realise you left something inside, but only with the taxi number.
By bus
There are also a fleet of blue and white tuk-tuks, which are basically small buses, of varying roadworthiness, which are used to ferry the locals around the resort of Sharm el Sheikh. These are a most economical method of transport compared to taxis, which are comparatively expensive. They run on a fixed route from north to south with a diversion to the expat/locals area of Hadaba. To hail a tuk-tuk, wait next to the side of the main street and raise your hand to flag one down as it approaches.
Sharm El Sheikh travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Sharm El Sheikh is December to March, when average daytime highs are around 73–82°F and rain falls on about 1 days a month.
What is the weather like in Sharm El Sheikh?
August is usually the warmest month in Sharm El Sheikh, with average highs of 106°F (41°C). February is the coolest, with average lows of 56°F (13°C). The wettest month is typically December, with about 5 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Sharm El Sheikh?
Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport (SSH) is the closest airport, about 10 miles (17 km) from the centre of Sharm El Sheikh.
What currency is used in Sharm El Sheikh?
Sharm El Sheikh uses the Egyptian pound (EGP). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ £53.9.
What time zone is Sharm El Sheikh in?
Sharm El Sheikh uses the Africa/Cairo time zone (currently UTC+3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Sharm El Sheikh?
In Sharm the taxis are generally modern models, either Hyundai or Chevrolet. Don't bother with the meter in the taxi: it probably does not work anymore. They soon break due to the dust, and would work out more than the "fixed" prices anyway. Always note the driver's ID number.
What are the best places to visit in Sharm El Sheikh?
Top sights in Sharm El Sheikh include Ras Mohammed National Park, Naama Bay, Tiran Island and Saint Catherine's Monastery. A protected area at the tip of the Sinai with some of the Red Sea's richest coral reefs and walls. Most people visit on boat trips for snorkeling or diving, so book with a reputable operator.
What are the top things to do in Sharm El Sheikh?
Popular experiences you can book in Sharm El Sheikh include From Sharm El Sheikh: Cairo by Flight, Day Trip to Cairo and Safari Blue Hole Dahab. Destina Holidays offers 48 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Sharm El Sheikh?
The most popular types of experiences in Sharm El Sheikh are outdoor activities & adventure (16), city tours (14), day trips & excursions (6) and cruise & water tours (6). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Sharm El Sheikh?
Popular areas for hotels in Sharm El Sheikh include Nabq Bay, Naama Bay and Om El Sid Hill. Well-reviewed options include Sharm Bride Resort Aqua Park & Spa and Naama Bay Hotel and Resort.
How many hotels can I book in Sharm El Sheikh?
Destina Holidays currently lists 228 properties in and around Sharm El Sheikh, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
