Beyond the standard tourist spots—the reefs and the market—Sharm and its surroundings hide places that few people know about before they arrive. We’ve put together a list of what’s worth seeing outside the resort bubble.
Table of Contents
- Little-known spots you might miss
- Places Steeped in History and Legend
- Unusual Spaces
- Art and the Street
- Unusual Cafes and Establishments
- Common Mistakes When Searching for the “Unusual”
- Tips
- FAQ
Little-Known Spots That Tourists Often Miss
Sharm el-Maya Bay —an old cove near the Old Market where local fishermen used to live before the resort was built. In the evening, there are almost no tourists here, and it has its own quiet atmosphere.
The mangrove forest in Nabq Bay is one of the few mangrove forests on the Sinai Peninsula. It’s right next to the resort hotels, but most guests don’t know about it. The ecosystem is protected.
Desert roads at dawn —Sharm wakes up slowly; at 6 a.m., there’s hardly anyone on the road to the desert, and the Sinai Mountains bathed in the first rays of the sun offer one of the best views that rarely make it onto tourists’ social media feeds.
Places Steeped in History and Legend
Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa) —according to biblical tradition, this is where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Regardless of religious beliefs, the nighttime ascent and sunrise at the summit are an experience that goes beyond the realm of “tourism.” St. Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of the mountain—dating back to the 6th century—is one of the oldest in the world.
The Colored Canyon (~140 km)—in the Sinai Desert, in the midst of complete desolation. It looks surreal: walls of yellow, red, and purple—all created by nature, not set design.
Unique Places
The Aquarium in Naama Bay—a small marine aquarium that gives non-divers a glimpse into the underwater world. Photo galleries at dive centers—some operators display photos taken by their clients as well as professional underwater photographs.
Art and the Streets
There is no established street art scene in Sharm as a systematic phenomenon—it’s a resort, not a bohemian city. But at the Old Market, you’ll find artists who paint cartouches with the buyer’s name or create papyrus murals right in front of you—this is the closest thing to live street art here.
Unique Cafes and Establishments
The hookah cafes in the Old Market offer an immersion into the local rhythm, not intended for tourists: local men, tea, hookah, and soft music. Open in the evening, starting at 7:00 p.m.
A Bedouin tea tent in the desert is part of desert tours, but few people know that you can ask the tour operator to arrange a simple tea party in the tent without ATVs or camels.
Common Mistakes When Searching for the “Unusual”
- Assuming that “unusual” necessarily means a ticketed tourist attraction. In Sharm, the most memorable experiences often aren’t for sale.
- Taking a taxi to the Colored Canyon—it’s better to book an organized tour; that way, you’ll have a guide and won’t risk getting lost in the desert.
Tips
- Go to the Old Market not for shopping, but for the atmosphere—just walk deeper inside, past the tourist-oriented facade.
- For unusual desert locations, you’ll need sturdy shoes and enough water for the whole day.
FAQ
What’s worth seeing in Sharm besides the sea?
Mount Sinai, the Colored Canyon, the Old Market in the evening, and the mangrove forest at Nabq Bay.
What is the mangrove forest in Nabq Bay?
A small stand of mangrove trees right by the seashore—a protected ecosystem where birds nest and young marine creatures live.
Can you visit St. Catherine’s Monastery?
Yes, the monastery is open to visitors during certain hours; modest clothing is required.
How do I get to the Colorful Canyon on my own?
By rental car or SUV (~140 km), with part of the route along desert roads. Most tourists take an organized tour—it’s safer that way.
Is there anything interesting in Sharm for repeat visitors?
Dahab (~80 km) offers a completely different atmosphere, the Blue Hole, and Bedouin culture. It’s worth at least a day trip.
