Sharm El Sheikh holidays

It’s all about unwinding at this sunny seaside retreat at the tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. Holidays to Sharm El Sheikh unfold in a slow, steady rhythm. Spend days diving the coral reefs of the Red Sea, browsing bazaars for exotic spices and exploring the desert from atop a camel. Come dusk, watch the sunset over the sand dunes as you dine under the stars.

Sharm El Sheikh holiday highlights

Temple Reef
Temple Reef
Panayis Chrysovergis

Underwater wonders

Renowned for diving, the Red Sea is a great spot for both seasoned divers and first-time snorkellers on holiday to Sharm El Sheikh. The Ras Mohammed National Park is a haven of underwater biodiversity. Swim alongside schools of colourful fish, turtles and dolphins. To go deeper, explore the coral reef or dive the SS Thistlegorm wreck, a British World War II vessel.

Desert adventures

Experience the thrill of the desert with an Egyptian safari adventure on holidays to Sharm El Sheikh. Hop on a quad bike, choose a traditional camel trek or opt for a jeep tour to explore the mystical Sinai desert. Witness the sunset over the sand dunes, and finish with a Bedouin dinner under the stars.

Foodie heaven

Discover Egyptian cuisine on a holiday to Sharm El Sheikh. Along Naama Bay, you’ll find seafood galore, like calamari, shrimp and grilled fish seasoned with local herbs and spices. Be on the lookout for Egyptian classics such as ‘koshari’ (rice, lentils and pasta), ‘ful medames’ (fava bean stew) and ‘baklava’ (pastry dessert). For maximum variety, indulge in mezze platters packed with flavour.

Sharm El Sheikh: Know before you go

Language

Arabic

Currency

Egyptian pound (E£)

Time zone

UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST)

High season

October – April

Low season

June – August

Find the best time to go to Sharm El Sheikh

Weather in Sharm El Sheikh

May – October: Sharm El Sheikh boasts year-round clear skies and sunshine. But the hot season here is no joke, with daytime temperatures often over 32°C. Spend your days paddling in the Red Sea. Just remember to apply plenty of sun cream and drink lots of bottled water.

November – April: The city experiences a mild cool season, with daily highs hovering around the low 20s°C from December to February. The sea should be warm enough for swimming. But you’ll want to make sure your hotel pool is heated before diving in. Pack for warm days and cool nights. And be prepared for strong winds, especially in March or April.

Events in Sharm El Sheikh

Sham El-Nessim (April or May): This nationwide festival welcomes the arrival of spring.Many hotels host parties for the occasion. Check to see if yours does or if there's a local celebration you can join.Don’t miss the traditional Sham El-Nessim dish, ‘feseekh’ (salted mullet).

New Year’s Eve (December): Hotels, resorts and clubs pull out all the stops with lights, music and parties to welcome in the new year. Head to SOHO Square for free entertainment and fireworks at midnight.

Ramadan (varies): Sharm El Sheikh is quiet during the days of Ramadan, but the city comes alive after dark. The Old Market displays colourful lights, lanterns and streamers. Join locals for ‘Iftar’ (the evening meal after fasting), and enjoy free music and entertainment.

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The best neighbourhoods in Sharm El Sheikh

Naama Bay

Naama Bay is where to stay in Sharm El Sheikh for leisure, adventure and entertainment. During the day, enjoy the beach with its golden sands and clear waters. At night, head to the Pirates Bar for a cocktail and live music, or try your luck at the Sinai Grand Casino.

Good for: Nightlife, swimming, dining

Hadaba

The clifftop location of Hadaba provides a panoramic vista that’s hard to beat. This neighbourhood is a favourite for its sea views and spectacular sunsets, as well as being a less touristy area. Dine at hotel rooftop restaurants, or check out the quirky decor at Farsha Mountain Lounge.

Good for: Markets, seafood, relaxation

Nabq

Renowned for its natural beauty and modern luxury, Nabq is the best neighbourhood to stay in Sharm El Sheikh for spectacular beaches, coral reefs and views of the Red Sea and Sinai Mountains. A protected conservation area, Nabq Bay has thriving mangrove forests, desert landscapes and marine life. Head to the bustling promenade for cafes, shopping and entertainment.

Good for: Sea view, coral reefs, cafes

Things to do in Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh Museum
Sharm El Sheikh Museum
Panayis Chrysovergis

Family friendly things to do

Families fare well in Sharm El Sheikh. Discover the Red Sea’s marine life in a glass-bottom boat, or sample Bedouin culture with a desert camel ride. Splash into fun at Aqua Blue, a water park with 64 slides and eight pools. And nothing beats a lazy day in the sand at one of the nearby beaches.

Shopping

For a traditional Egyptian bazaar experience, head to the Old Market. Browse the narrow alleys for handmade crafts, textiles, spices and traditional goods. Women are advised to dress conservatively when shopping in Sharm El Sheikh’s markets, and haggling is encouraged as long as it’s done respectfully. SOHO Square is the ultimate shopping and entertainment destination, home to a bowling alley, cinema and designer boutiques.

Take in the culture

Delve into culture and history with a visit to St Catherine’s monastery, about a three-hour drive from Sharm El Sheikh. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s been a working Christian monastery since the sixth century AD and offers insight into the past with its ancient texts and works of art. The monastery sits at the foot of Mount Sinai, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments.

Nightlife

After the sun sets, head to Naama Bay for a taste of the cosmopolitan party scene, with lively bars, chic lounges and pulsating nightclubs. For more laid-back nightlife in Sharm El Sheik, the beachfront cafes at Shark’s Bay provide a pleasant backdrop for sipping cocktails while listening to the gentle waves of the Red Sea.

Places to eat

From traditional local cuisine to international flavours, restaurants in Sharm El Sheik cater for all tastes. The catch of the day is served with stunning Red Sea views at The Palms Bar & Grill. In the heart of the city, find authentic Egyptian food at El Masrien Grill. Head to Soho Square for a smorgasbord of international menus.

Beaches

One of the highlights of your holiday will be the spectacular beaches in Sharm El Sheikh. Naama Bay, with its golden sands and palm trees, is ideal for relaxing and catching some rays. And the water is perfect for parasailing or kitesurfing. For a quieter beach with sheltered waters, check out Shark’s Bay or Nabq Bay, which is ideal for snorkelling.

Plan your holiday to Sharm El Sheikh

Budget

This splashy resort city can seem luxurious on the outside, but it’s still possible to plan a cheap holiday to Sharm El Sheikh. You’ll find a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for as little as 300 Egyptian pounds (E£) and enjoy a cappuccino for about E£60. Local beers are less than E£85. But remember that drinking alcohol is restricted to licensed bars and restaurants.

Day trips from Sharm El Sheikh

About half an hour up the coast, Nabq Nature Reserve promises a tranquil mangrove forest with walking trails, snorkelling and birdwatching. The town of Dahab is a laid-back alternative to Sharm El Sheikh. And it’s only a little over an hour’s drive away. While there, check out the spectacular Blue Hole, a popular snorkelling spot just north of Dahab.

Getting around Sharm El Sheikh

For flexibility on your trip to Sharm El Sheikh, consider hiring a car. Taxis are also available for day trips — be sure to agree on a fare in advance. You could also do as the locals do and hop on a minibus. You simply hail them in the street here.

FAQs about Sharm El Sheikh holidays

The locals primarily speak Arabic here. Every city has its own unique lingo, so it's worth picking up a few common expressions to use during your city break in Sharm El Sheikh.
The Egyptian pound (EGP) is the currency you'll use for everyday expenses and excursions during your trip to Sharm El Sheikh.
The best time for cheap holidays to Sharm El Sheikh with pleasantly warm weather is from March to May and September to November. If you like hotter temperatures, the days are long and dry in July and August.
If you're travelling some distance to get here, consider going for a week or longer. This will give you the chance to balance your sightseeing with some relaxation. For a short trip to Sharm El Sheikh from a neighboring city, three to five days are usually enough to visit the top attractions.
Egyptian taxis are readily available and can be a convenient form of transport on holidays to Sharm El Sheikh. The official, registered taxis are white and blue in colour. Always make sure you can see the licence plates and the ID of the driver, and set the price before the journey starts.
January brings the coolest weather for a Sharm El Sheikh holiday. Go then and you can expect lows of 11ºC (52ºF).
With maximum temperatures of 38ºC (100ºF), August is the warmest month in Sharm El Sheikh.
Naama Bay and Soho Square Dancing Fountain are just the beginning of what this city has in store. Check out all the things to do in Sharm El Sheikh and see why it should be your next stop.
The cost of your city break in Sharm El Sheikh will vary according to factors like your departure point, when you want to go, and your chosen hotel. Sharm El Sheikh flights and hotels are usually more expensive during peak times, but you can score savings by booking in the off-peak season.
The rainiest month is January, which gets an average rainfall of 0.3 inch. But don't let a few grey skies dull your Sharm El Sheikh trip — there's still loads to do indoors like indulging in retail therapy, exploring museums, or hanging out in cafes.
Some of the essentials to pack on holidays to Sharm El Sheikh include light, breathable clothing, sunscreen and a hat. For evenings out, smart-casual clothing is ideal.

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