About the City of Sharm el-Sheikh

Sharm el-Sheikh is one of Egypt’s most popular resorts, where golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an incredible underwater world blend with modern hotels and Middle Eastern exoticism

Geographical Location of Sharm el-Sheikh

Sharm el-Sheikh is located in the south of the Sinai Peninsula, on the Red Sea coast. It is one of the main resorts of the Egyptian Riviera, 500 km from Cairo by road. It stretches for nearly 30 km along the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba, with several bays within the city limits. The most famous of these is Naama Bay.

Data on Sharm el-Sheikh’s area vary, but the most commonly cited figure is 44 km². This is most likely due to the blurred boundaries of the resort areas, which are difficult to define. To the southwest, the resort borders Ras Mohammed National Park, Egypt’s first national park. To the northeast, it borders the Nabq National Nature Reserve.

If you look at the location of Sharm el-Sheikh, you can see that the Sinai Mountains shield it from winds and inclement weather. As a result, the resort enjoys a very stable, albeit very hot, climate. It’s sunny here practically all year round, and the temperature rarely drops below 20 degrees Celsius.

Annual precipitation is very low. The average summer temperature is around +30 degrees, but highs can exceed +40, so be prepared. The average winter temperature is +18 degrees. The water temperature almost never drops below +22, even in January.

A Brief History of Sharm el-Sheikh

Today, everyone knows about Sharm el-Sheikh—which country it’s in and what it’s famous for. The resort is indeed incredibly popular. But well into the 20th century, Sharm el-Sheikh was nothing more than a small fishing village.

In 1967, the Sinai Peninsula was annexed by Israel, and the resort began to develop rapidly. After its return to Egypt in 1982, the city received significant investment, transforming it into one of the region’s most famous tourist destinations.

Today, people visit Sharm el-Sheikh for more than just relaxing on the beach. International conferences, political meetings, and major cultural events are held here. It remains an important economic hub, continuing to develop as one of the most attractive resorts in the Middle East.

The history of Sharm el-Sheikh has another interesting aspect. This region has always been an important crossroads of cultures and civilizations. Nearby lies the biblical Mount Sinai, which has attracted pilgrims and tourists throughout the ages. The ancient caravan routes that crossed the peninsula have also left their mark on the culture and architecture of this place.

Demographics of Sharm el-Sheikh

Data on Sharm el-Sheikh’s population vary, as do figures on its area. According to some sources, the city’s population is 13,000; according to others, it is 35,000, though this figure includes the suburbs. In any case, thanks to tourists, the population increases significantly during the high season. People from various countries also work here, including those from Egypt, Europe, and Asia.

It’s not entirely clear which language is spoken in Sharm el-Sheikh either. Of course, the official language of Egypt is Arabic, but thanks to the highly developed tourism industry, English is used almost everywhere. Russian and Italian are also spoken. Hotel and restaurant staff usually speak several languages.

The Economy and Infrastructure of Sharm el-Sheikh

Sharm el-Sheikh’s economy is entirely focused on tourism. There are no major industrial enterprises here, but the city is home to hundreds of hotels of various categories, entertainment centers, restaurants, and shops. In addition to tourism, fishing plays an important role.

The transportation infrastructure is well-developed: the city has an international airport connecting the resort to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Sharm el-Sheikh is often referred to as the “air gateway” to the Sinai. Most of Sinai’s highways also pass through it.

The easiest way to get around locally is by taxi, minibus, and tour bus. Minibuses can be tricky—they don’t have fixed schedules, and their destinations aren’t usually marked, so passengers have to ask around and figure things out on the spot. There are plenty of taxis, and you can easily hail one on the street at any time, but you should negotiate the fare right away. For excursions, it’s more convenient to book pre-arranged tours that include transfers.

The resort’s architectural style is a blend of traditional Eastern aesthetics and modern design. Many hotels are modeled after Arabian palaces, while shopping centers and restaurants are decorated in the style of Eastern fairy tales.

Culture and Attractions in Sharm el-Sheikh

The first thing to do in Sharm el-Sheikh is to visit the Old City and the colorful Old Market, which offers local products and souvenirs. The jewel of the Old City is the Al-Sahaba Mosque. Equally interesting is the Coptic Cathedral of Heaven with its frescoes.

Be sure to visit “Hollywood Sharm el-Sheikh,” home to Jurassic Park and a host of other attractions. Children and adults alike will be delighted by the “One Thousand and One Nights” park, designed in the style of the story. The SOHO Square and La Strada Mall shopping and entertainment centers are also popular.

The most interesting museums are the National Museum, the Papyrus Museum, and the Aquarium Museum. Nature lovers will enjoy the Wadi el-Weshwash Valley, while those seeking an exotic experience will appreciate the Bedouin village near Mount Sinai. Some hotels feature water parks.

The Underwater World

Sharm el-Sheikh is famous for its rich and colorful underwater world. Clear, warm water, numerous coral reefs, and a wide variety of diving schools to suit every taste and budget create ideal conditions for diving and snorkeling year-round. All necessary equipment can be purchased or rented on site.

Sharm el-Sheikh’s Beaches

One of the resort’s main attractions is its beaches. Naama Bay is one of the most comfortable and popular options. Sharks Bay offers a famous coral reef and ideal conditions for snorkeling. El Fanar is one of the most picturesque beaches with well-developed amenities. Terrazina Beach is a large public beach with bars and parties near the Old City.

Almost everywhere along the coast, you’ll need to wear special beach shoes. This is due to the large number of sea urchins and sharp coral reefs.

Why You Should Visit Sharm el-Sheikh

The main reason to visit Sharm el-Sheikh is for a luxurious beach vacation combined with underwater adventures. And all of this comes with excellent service and the most comfortable immersion in the local Middle Eastern atmosphere.