In Sharm, beauty isn’t hidden—it’s everywhere: the crystal-clear reef off the coast, the silhouette of Mount Sinai at sunset, the starry desert sky. We’ve put together a list of spots you won’t want to miss with your camera.
Contents
- Top Beautiful Places—A Quick List
- Architecture and Unusual Buildings
- Panoramas and Scenic Viewpoints
- Waterfronts and the Sea
- Places to Watch the Sunset
- Seasonal Beauty
- Where to Take Photos
- Tips
- FAQ
Top Beautiful Spots — A Quick List
- Naama Bay at sunset—an illuminated promenade overlooking the sea
- Ras Muhammad—corals and the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea
- Mount Sinai at sunrise—one of the most impressive landscapes on the Sinai Peninsula
- The Colored Canyon—canyon walls in shades of red, yellow, and burgundy
- The Old Market in the evening—lights and an Eastern atmosphere
Architecture and Unusual Buildings
Soho Square —a complex designed in the style of a Mediterranean piazza, featuring fountains and architecture atypical for Egypt; at night, it features a light-and-music fountain.
Naama Bay Mosques —several beautiful mosques with minarets that look stunning against the evening sky.
Panoramas and Viewpoints
There aren’t many high points in Sharm el-Sheikh, but the Hadaba district is situated on a hill—from there, you can enjoy a good view of part of the resort and the Sinai Mountains in the distance. The best panoramic view, however, is found outside the city—a climb up Mount Sinai offers a view of three seas (on a clear day—the Gulf of Aqaba, the Gulf of Suez, and the Sinai Peninsula).
Promenades and the Sea
The Naama Bay promenade is the resort’s main walking area. The scenery here is truly special: on one side are the mountains of Sinai, and on the other is the Red Sea with its crystal-clear waters. Sharm el-Maya Bay, near the Old Market, is less crowded with tourists and perfect for a quiet evening stroll.
Sunset Spots
Sunsets in Sharm—over the mountains of the Arabian Peninsula: the sun sets in the west, behind the red mountains of Sinai, painting the sky in vivid hues. Best viewing spots: the open-air terraces of Naama Bay restaurants, the promenade near the Sharks Bay hotels, and a sunset yacht tour (~4:00–7:00 p.m.).
Seasonal Beauty
Winter—when the Sinai is particularly clear in the crisp air. April–May—the time when the water is at its clearest and the corals are at their best. In summer, sunrise over the Sinai Mountains is the only time of day when the heat doesn’t detract from the beauty of the landscape.
Where to Take Photos: The Best Spots
- The underwater world with a mask and camera—from 7 to 10 a.m. (light, fish, clarity).
- Naama Bay Promenade—the “golden hour” is 20 minutes before sunset.
- The Colored Canyon—the best light is around 9–11 a.m.
- Mount Sinai—sunrise (the ascent begins around 10:00 p.m.).
Tips
- Bring a waterproof case for your phone or an inexpensive action camera—the Red Sea is worth it.
- Colored Canyon—the colors fade under the direct midday sun; it’s better in the morning.
FAQ
Where is the most beautiful place in Sharm el-Sheikh?
Underwater at Ras Muhammad—for nature lovers. Sunrise on Mount Sinai—for those who appreciate scenery.
Is photography allowed inside mosques?
Outside—yes. Inside—check with the staff for permission; you cannot take photos of people praying.
What is the Colored Canyon?
A gorge in the Sinai Desert (~140 km from Sharm) with rocks of various colors—red, yellow, and orange. Accessible via a guided tour or by rental car.
Do I need a special camera for underwater photography?
A smartphone in a waterproof case ($10–20) or a GoPro will suffice; a dedicated underwater camera is unnecessary for amateur photography.
What’s the best time of day to take photos of Naama Bay?
The “golden hour” is at sunset and after sunset—when the promenade is lit up and the water isn’t glistening as it does at midday.
