Sharm el-Sheikh is best known for the Red Sea—one of the best places for diving and snorkeling on the planet. But the resort also offers plenty to do out of the water: the desert, the Sinai Peninsula, markets, and nightlife. A quick guide on where to start.
Table of Contents
- What Sharm el-Sheikh Is Known For
- Top Things Not to Miss
- Things to Do by Interest
- Things to Do with Kids
- Tips
- FAQ
What Sharm el-Sheikh Is Known For
Sharm el-Sheikh is an international resort located at the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea. It is world-renowned for its exceptional underwater world: corals, tropical fish, sea turtles, and one of the region’s best dive sites—Ras Muhammad. Just outside the city lies the Sinai Desert, home to Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery. The climate makes it a year-round destination.
The main thing you should make time for
Go snorkeling among the coral reefs
Snorkel right off the shore—at Ras Um Sid or on an excursion to Ras Muhammad. The underwater world of the Red Sea is worth seeing at least once.
An Evening at the Old Market
The atmosphere of the Eastern bazaar, with its spices, silver, hookah cafes, and shopping, is a must-see cultural experience at the resort.
Sunset and Sinai
Sunset over the mountains of the Sinai Peninsula or—for those willing to stay up all night—sunrise at the summit of Mount Sinai (2,285 m).
Desert Excursion
ATVs or camels in the Sinai Desert with dinner in a Bedouin tent—a single day away from the beach changes your entire perspective on the trip.
Things to Do Based on Your Interests
Diving and the Sea: Ras Muhammad reefs, the Strait of Tiran, dive centers offering PADI courses (for more details, see the sections on snorkeling and water sports).
Culture and history: St. Catherine’s Monastery (6th century), Mount Sinai, Bedouin villages.
Shopping: The Old Market (spices, jewelry, papyrus), Soho Square, Il Mercato—see the article on shopping for more details.
Spa and Relaxation: Hammam, massage, hotel spas (see the section on spa services for more details).
Nightlife: Naama Bay, Soho Square (more details in “Where to Go at Night”).
Things to Do with Kids
Snorkeling in quiet coves (Ras Nasrani, Ras Gamila) for children ages 6–7 and up, camel rides at sunset, Soho Square with amusement rides and an ice rink. Sharm is a family-friendly resort; most hotels have children’s pools and entertainment programs. A detailed guide to children’s activities can be found in a separate article about vacationing with kids.
What Sharm Doesn’t Have—or Has Very Little Of
Sharm el-Sheikh is a resort, not a historic city: there are practically no architectural landmarks in Sharm itself, nor are there any museums. All of the cultural and natural attractions are located outside the city. For those interested in museums and galleries, it’s best to plan a separate trip to Cairo. On the other hand, the marine experiences here are truly unbeatable—they alone make the trip worthwhile.
Tips
- Plan to go snorkeling on your first day—so you can immediately understand why people come here.
- On days 3–4, head to the desert or the Sinai Peninsula—it’s a completely different experience.
- The best shopping is in the evening at the Old Market, when the heat has subsided and the stalls are bustling with activity.
FAQ
How many days should you spend in Sharm el-Sheikh?
4–7 days are enough for the beach, the market, the desert, and the Sinai; for serious diving, 10–14 days.
Is it possible to take a day trip to Dahab?
Yes, it’s about 80 km and an hour’s drive—a popular day trip for divers and anyone looking to swap the resort atmosphere for a more laid-back vibe.
What to do in Sharm if it rains?
It practically never rains in Sharm—less than 10 mm per year. If you happen to have a gloomy day, head to Soho Square for shopping, spa treatments, and sightseeing.
Is it worth going to Mount Sinai?
Yes, if you’re up for a nighttime hike (~2–3 hours)—it offers one of the most impressive sunrises in the region.
Is there anything interesting in Sharm for non-divers?
Yes: desert tours, Mount Sinai, St. Catherine’s Monastery, markets, and nightlife—enough to fill a week without diving.
