Popular beaches in Sharm el-Sheikh

Sharm el-Sheikh is the very place where the desert meets the red sea, creating the perfect conditions for a beach vacation. That is why the best beaches of Sharm el-Sheikh are known far beyond its borders.

General information about beach vacations in Sharm el-Sheikh

The city is located in the south of the Sinai Peninsula, near the Red Sea. The coastline is winding, with bays, cliffs and coral reefs, thanks to which the beaches in Sharm el-Sheikh are also incredibly beautiful. Due to the reefs there are almost no strong waves, and the wind from the sea is often refreshing, especially in the summer heat.

The sea in Sharm is a real treasure. The water is turquoise, clear and ideal for snorkeling. Thanks to the dry climate, the sea warms up quickly and stays warm for a long time. Beaches are clean, very good, with excellent infrastructure for vacationers. Blue flag is not often found here, but this is only because the program in Egypt does not work everywhere.

The beaches of Sharm el-Sheikh are different. There are pebble, and there are sandy - mostly artificially poured near the hotels. And below is the average water temperature by month.

There is no law prohibiting smoking in Egypt. But many hotels themselves monitor the cleanliness of the beaches, so they limit smoking and even the use of plastic. Be sure to check the rules on the spot.

The most popular beaches

It is difficult to determine which is the best or which is the cleanest beach in Sharm el-Sheikh, because there are so many of them and they are all good in their own way. Here are the top beaches to choose from.

Ras Um El Seed

If you're looking for a place with stunning corals right off the shore, this is it. People come here for snorkeling, underwater photos and colorful wildlife. This is one of the best beaches in Sharm for reef lovers.

The beach is located in the Hadaba area, on a high cliff, south of the Old Town. You can get a shuttle bus to Hadaba, and further - 5-10 minutes on foot. Nearby are the El Cid Lighthouse, a lookout point and the El Sahaba Mosque. Entrance can be paid, depending on the specific place, because the beach itself, although narrow, but very long.

The surface is coarse sand and coral chips, and the entrance to the water is only from platforms. The bottom is deep, so it may not be too comfortable for children. There are sun beds, showers, toilets, small cafes and bars, mask and fin rental. Wi-Fi most often works only at the cafes.

Monte Carlo

A luxury beach at the hotel of the same name. People come here not just to sunbathe, but to feel themselves on the cover of a magazine. Beautiful décor, stylish furniture and service at the level - everything for maximum relaxation. The beach is in the Hadaba neighborhood, about 15 minutes from Naama Bay and about 20 minutes from the airport. You can walk to the Old Town in 10-15 minutes. Public transportation doesn't reach here, so you have to take a cab.

This place is best suited for couples, older tourists and those who want silence and aesthetics. Not the best choice for large companies or families with children. It is quite expensive and there is not much space, but it is accompanied by appropriate VIP-level service and a minimum number of tourists "from the street". There is security, spa area and massage.

Ras Nasrani

This is one of the most picturesque bays in the northern part of Sharm, often visited by divers and underwater enthusiasts. The reefs here run along the shore and the water is crystal clear even in windy conditions. The shore itself is relatively narrow, with golden sand, sometimes with small pebbles. Entering the water - most often from the pontoons, but there is also from the shore. The sea is quickly gaining depth, and the bottom is coral, so slippers are mandatory.

Infrastructure mainly belongs to hotels, but the beach is available and "from the outside" - in some areas you can rent a sunbed. There are showers, toilets, rental of a variety of sports equipment, bars, Wi-Fi, massage marquees. Once in a while hotels hold evening events. Nearby there are several diving centers.

Sharks Bay

Despite the name, you will not see sharks here, but there will be reefs, silence and quality hotels. This area is loved by experienced tourists and those who prefer to relax away from the hustle and bustle. The beach is compact, sandy, but with coral areas. Entrance to the sea from the pontoons, and a bonus - a view of the island of Tiran.

The beach of Sharks Bay is only 5 km from the airport, no more than 10 minutes drive. It's difficult to get there by shuttle bus, it's easier to take a cab. The infrastructure mainly belongs to hotels and public areas here is almost no, and therefore relatively few people. This place is suitable for adults and couples who want privacy. But there is very little entertainment for children.

Al-Fanar

Another beach in the Hadaba neighborhood, near Ras Um El Sid. It is quite remote from the center and from the airport, but it is a place for connoisseurs of beautiful views, music and cocktails. It's very cozy and has lots of photogenic nooks. The shore is narrow, with wooden decks and stairs to the sea. The entrance to the water is only from a pontoon, but the water is clear and the bottom is deep. There is all necessary infrastructure and excellent cocktail bars.

There are few activities - snorkeling, diving, music sets, hookah. Sometimes - themed parties. Suitable for couples, solo travelers and fans of Instagram pictures. Entrance is paid and a place can be booked in advance. Check the cost and opening hours on the spot, because they depend on the season.

Beaches for a vacation with children in Sharm el-Sheikh

Due to the specificity of the bottom and coastline, not all beaches in Sharm are suitable for small children. Here are a few options.

Naama Bay

This is the most famous and busiest beach in Sharm el-Sheikh - it combines everything: beach relaxation, nightlife, restaurants and stores along the shore. The place is loved by those who want to be in the center of events, but at the same time close to the sea. Here life is bustling both day and evening.

The beach is located in the bay of the same name Naama Bay, in the central part of Sharm. From the airport to go about 15 minutes, from the Old Town - 10-12 minutes. But everything you need is in walking distance - promenade, market, shopping street with souvenir shops.

Infrastructure at a high level - there are sun beds, umbrellas, showers, changing cabins, free Wi-Fi in hotel areas, bars, restaurants, toilets, security, equipment rental and storage lockers. There are a lot of water and sports entertainment.

Although noisy, this place is great for families, young people, groups of friends and couples. The beach is free, but if you are not a guest of the hotel, you have to pay for a sunbed and umbrella. It's open all day, but is especially lively in the evening when the DJs start playing and the lanterns light up.

Terrazina

A bright, cheerful, noisy and very Egyptian beach with a unique atmosphere. It is close to the Old Market, the harbor and the Iberotel Palace Hotel, in the bay of Sharm el Maya. The shore is sandy, with a gentle entrance to the water, and the bottom is soft and comfortable. So this is a good place even for children.

During the day you can ride a banana, scooter or snorkeling. In the evening - bars, hookahs, disco and show programs. Entrance is paid, but in some places it is enough to order hookah or food. Nearby are the Old Market, the Al Sahaba Mosque and the souvenir street.

Sharm El Maya Public Beach

This is a rare public beach in Sharm, where both locals and tourists come without the desire to spend a lot of money. The place is atmospheric, with local flavor, ideal for those who want to plunge into the atmosphere of "live" Sharm. It is located in the bay of the same name.

The shoreline is wide, covered with yellow sand, and the entrance to the water is gentle and safe. The bottom is sandy, without corals, comfortable for children. The infrastructure is simple: sun beds, umbrellas, toilets, cafes with shawarma and juices, but showers do not always work. But here it is quite inexpensive.

You can ride on bananas, take a boat, swim, just lie on a towel or have a picnic. Sometimes locals organize beach parties with live music.

Coral Bay

Looking for where to swim in Sharm el-Sheikh with maximum comfort? Here's one of the options! Coral Bay is completely windless, and the coastline is wide and covered with fine sand. There are no strong waves and it is an ideal place for vacation with children or for snorkeling.

There is a standard hotel infrastructure and separate VIP-zones. The entire territory is divided between hotels, and sun beds and awnings are provided to guests for free. An interesting feature - floating pontoons with sea pools. The bottom of these pools is protected by a net, so they are absolutely safe for children.

Tips for tourists

The best time to visit the beach is from 07:30 to 10:00, when the sun is still mild, the sea is calm and there are not so many people and you can find a place in the shade. After 11:00 is the peak hour, and by 13:00 the best beaches of Sharm el-Sheikh are filled to the brim, especially the most popular.

The most aggressive sun is from 11:30 to 14:30, and it is really strong here, even in winter. It's easy to get burned in 20 minutes, so SPF 50+ sunscreen is a must all year round. In addition to sunscreen, sunglasses and hats are worth bringing along:

• Slippers for coral, because sharp fragments are caught even in sandy areas, and water you can step on a sea urchin or slip;
• Cash in Egyptian pounds, because water, sunbed rentals and other services are often in cash;
• A beach towel or mat if you're not going to a hotel beach;
• Snorkeling mask, because even near the shore you can see swarms of colorful fish.

Jellyfish are rare in Sharm, but sometimes appear in August and September. There is trade on the beach, but not intrusive - usually offer fruit, water and boat trips. Drones are officially banned in Egypt, so they can be confiscated at the airport. And don't touch underwater creatures - you may not only be reprimanded, but also fined, especially in protected areas.