Sharm el-Sheikh lies at the foot of the Sinai Peninsula—and just beyond the city limits begins one of the most fascinating regions in the Middle East. The Red Canyon, a sacred mountain, an ancient monastery, and pristine reefs—all within a 200-km radius.
Established in 1983 on a cape at the confluence of the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez. The Red Sea’s best underwater reefs are found off the park’s coast. Underwater visibility is 20–30 m; large marine life includes sharks, Napoleon fish, and sea turtles. On land, you’ll find snow-white cliffs, salt marshes, mangrove thickets, and an observation deck overlooking the sea. How to get there: taxi (~30 min) or an organized tour. There is an entrance fee to the park; foreigners need a passport. Best time to visit: April–May and October–November.
A small resort town an hour’s drive from Sharm—it has a completely different vibe: not a five-star resort, but a laid-back hangout for divers and kitesurfers. The main attraction is the Blue Hole, one of the most famous diving and freediving spots in the world: an underwater funnel 130 m deep with an arched passage at 56 m. You can snorkel here right from the shore. How to get there: shared taxi or rental car, about 1 hour.
A gorge in the Sinai Desert with rocks in various shades: ochre, red, lilac, and yellow. The hike along the canyon floor takes 30–45 minutes on foot; in some places, you’ll need to scramble over rocks. The best lighting is before 11:00 a.m. You can get there via organized tours or in a rented SUV (part of the road is unpaved desert terrain). A self-guided trip is possible, but navigating the desert without experience is difficult—it’s better to take a tour.
Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa, 2,285 m) — according to biblical tradition, the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Pilgrims and tourists make the ascent at night: departure around 10:00–11:00 p.m., the ascent takes 2–3 hours along a trail with camel resting spots; sunrise at the summit is one of the most impressive in the region. It can get as cold as 0°C at the summit—warm clothing is essential.
St. Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of the mountain is one of the oldest active Orthodox monasteries in the world, founded in the 6th century. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is open to visitors in the morning; modest attire is required.
If you have one day: Ras Muhammad is the closest and most “beachy” option. Dahab is a good choice if you want a change of scenery and to go diving somewhere else.
If you love nature and the desert: The Colored Canyon—impressive even for those who don’t dive.
If history and a spiritual experience are important: Mount Sinai + the monastery—an overnight trip, but an unforgettable one.
If you’re traveling with children: Ras Muhammad is a good choice—it has a beach and snorkeling for older kids. Mount Sinai—only with prepared children aged 10–12.
Can I visit Ras Muhammad on my own?
Yes, by taxi or rental car (~30 min). Entry to the park requires a passport, and there is an admission fee.
Do I need a visa to travel in the Sinai?
Tourists arriving on a Sinai visa (stamped upon entry to Sharm) are restricted in their travel—the Sinai Peninsula is accessible, but Cairo and mainland Egypt require a full visa. Please verify upon entry.
How long does it take to climb Mount Sinai?
The ascent takes 2–3 hours; the descent takes about 1.5–2 hours. A standard tour departs from Sharm around 9:00–10:00 p.m. and returns in the morning.
What is the Blue Hole in Dahab?
A 130-meter-deep underwater sinkhole with a narrow arched passage at a depth of 56 meters—one of the most famous and dangerous diving spots in the world. Snorkeling in the upper part is accessible to everyone.
How much does a tour to Mount Sinai cost?
Group tours from Sharm—approximately $25–50 per person, including transportation and a guide.
