Sharm el-Sheikh attracts tourists primarily for its beach vacations, diving, and water activities. That’s why it’s important to explore the different areas of Sharm el-Sheikh on a map so you can choose a truly convenient option and avoid wasting time traveling.
Geography
On the map, Sharm el-Sheikh is located in the south of the Sinai Peninsula on the Red Sea coast, 500 km from Cairo. The city stretches for about 30 km along the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba and is bordered on both sides by two national parks—Ras Mohammed and Nabq. Sharm is sheltered from winds and inclement weather by the Sinai Mountains.
Districts of Sharm el-Sheikh
A tourist map of Sharm el-Sheikh will help you plan your sightseeing itinerary. But you’ll also need to explore Sharm el-Sheikh by neighborhood to decide where to stay. It all depends on your plans.
The Best Tourist Areas in Sharm el-Sheikh
A map of Sharm el-Sheikh showing the different areas reveals that they are built along the coast, mainly around the bays. They are connected by the main thoroughfare—Peace Road.
- Naama Bay is a very well-developed, older area with all the amenities, excellent infrastructure, and a lively nightlife. On the downside, prices are high and there are large numbers of tourists.
- Nabq is quieter, set back from the shore, has the most “European” feel, and is located closer to the airport. It’s not really a beach destination, but people come here for kitesurfing, and the national reserve of the same name is nearby. There’s also plenty of entertainment on the hotel grounds.
- Sharm el-Maya is a versatile destination with sandy beaches, a mild climate, and a wide range of accommodations. It’s home to the Old City—the heart and center of Sharm el-Sheikh on the map. So sooner or later, any map of attractions will lead you right here.
- People go to Ras Umm Sid for diving and incredible coral reefs. It has a mild climate and a peaceful atmosphere, but there aren’t many other entertainment options. It’s a great choice for a winter getaway.
- Ras Nasrani is another secluded area with fabulous coral reefs for diving and snorkeling. The natural landscape delights visitors with its beautiful rocky terrain. Adjacent to it is the similar Shark’s Bay.
- Hadaba is distinguished by its vast residential area and well-developed infrastructure, featuring affordable shops, cafes, and entertainment centers. However, you’ll have to climb stairs to reach most of the beaches.
There’s no single right answer to the question of which area is best to visit. So, if you have a specific location in mind, first pick the dive center or beach you’re interested in on the map, and then look for accommodations nearby. If you plan to do a lot of walking and exploring, you can look for rooms or apartments farther from the coast—they’re cheaper.
Dangerous Areas in Sharm el-Sheikh
Sharm el-Sheikh is safer than many other cities in Egypt, and it’s a very popular resort. As long as you follow the rules of conduct in the country, you won’t run into any problems. Tourists who are completely unfamiliar with the language and culture of Egypt should avoid areas populated mainly by locals—you might not feel very comfortable there. For example, Hay al-Nur. In addition, it is not recommended to venture into the desert outside the city limits on your own.
Sharm el-Sheikh Tourist Map
We recommend that you familiarize yourself in advance with the location of Sharm el-Sheikh on maps of Egypt, Africa, and the world as a whole. You might find other places of interest in the surrounding area that you can combine into your itinerary. The easiest way to do this is using the well-known Google Maps. You can find a map showing hotels and resorts on Booking.com and similar services.
The maps.me app offers convenient and detailed maps of Sharm el-Sheikh with street views. Download the data in advance and then use it even offline without an internet connection. A good map for tourists, featuring historical and other landmarks, is available on wanderlog.com, and free audio guides can be found in the mytours.city app.
If you’d prefer a printed guidebook rather than just an online map of Sharm el-Sheikh, you can purchase one right there—at the airport, at your hotel, or at tourist shops and other locations. During peak season, there are many places in the city offering guided tours—they also have all the useful information you need.
Conclusion
To ensure a pleasant and comfortable trip, it’s best to figure out in advance where Sharm el-Sheikh is located on the map, explore all the neighborhoods, and decide which one to choose. This will help you better plan your leisure time and excursions, while also avoiding unpleasant surprises once you arrive. We also recommend familiarizing yourself right away with maps of the airport, public transportation, shops, and restaurants. Egypt is a country familiar to many, yet still exotic, so it’s best to be prepared.
