Ras Mohammed National Park
Egypt's first national park, with coral reefs at Shark and Yolanda Reef, the Eel Garden, mangrove channel and desert viewpoints.
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About Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh sits where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba. Naama Bay is the lively centre; Sharks Bay, Nabq and Coral Bay hold large resorts; Old Sharm keeps the original market. Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran offer world-class reefs, and Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine's Monastery are an overnight trip away. Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) has direct flights from Europe. Weather is warm and dry year-round, with October to May best.
- Capital
- El Tor (governorate capital of South Sinai; Sharm El Sheikh is the main resort city)
- Largest city
- Sharm El Sheikh
- Population
- About 73,000 residents (2017 census), plus a large tourist population
- Languages
- Arabic, English (tourism), Russian, German and Italian (common in resorts)
- Currency
- Egyptian Pound (EGP)
- Time zone
- Africa/Cairo (UTC+2; UTC+3 during daylight saving)
Explore Sharm El Sheikh by topic
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Best places to visit in Sharm El Sheikh
The 16 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Tiran Island and Straits of Tiran
Reef snorkelling at Jackson, Woodhouse and Gordon Reefs in the narrow straits between the Sinai and Tiran Island.
Naama Bay Promenade
Pedestrian strip of cafes, shisha lounges, shops and bars along the sheltered bay at the centre of the resort area.
Old Market (Sharm El Maya)
The original town, with Egyptian cafes, spice and perfume stalls, a mosque square and the small fishing harbour nearby.
Ras Um Sid Reef and Lighthouse
A lighthouse promontory with a snorkelling reef accessed from a short pier and a popular sunset viewpoint.
Al Sahaba Mosque
A large white mosque with a prominent minaret and domes, a landmark of the resort area; visitors should dress modestly and avoid prayer times.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Sharm El Sheikh Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Sharm El Sheikh, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Sharm El Sheikh
- Days 1-2Sharm El Sheikh city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Sharm El Sheikh
- Days 1-3Sharm El Sheikh comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Sharm El Sheikh, departure
Where to stay in Sharm El Sheikh
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget EGP 2,000-3,500 (~$40-70)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range EGP 6,000-10,000 (~$120-200)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury EGP 20,000-40,000 (~$400-800)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh
Terraced luxury resort on the Montazah headland with private beach, house reef and several restaurants. Indicative rate EGP 15,000-30,000 (~$300-600) per night; season and booking channel change the price, and the exact entrance should be confirmed on the booking page.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Ritz-Carlton, Sharm El Sheikh
Cliff-top luxury resort with private beach, spa and Red Sea views. Indicative rate EGP 15,000-30,000 (~$300-600) per night; season and booking channel change the price, and the exact entrance should be confirmed on the booking page.
Check rates on Booking.comHyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh Resort
Large hillside resort with a private beach, pools and several restaurants. Indicative rate EGP 7,500-15,000 (~$150-300) per night; season and booking channel change the price, and the exact entrance should be confirmed on the booking page.
Check rates on Booking.comSheraton Sharm Hotel, Resort, Villas & Spa
Big beach resort on the Montazah bay with a house reef and spa. Indicative rate EGP 7,500-15,000 (~$150-300) per night; season and booking channel change the price, and the exact entrance should be confirmed on the booking page.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Sharm El Sheikh
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Farsha Cafe
Cliffside beach-lounge cafe with sea views, shisha and a long menu of grills.
Al Fanar Restaurant
Tent-style restaurant beside the Ras Um Sid lighthouse serving Bedouin and Egyptian grills and shisha.
Safsafa Restaurant
Casual Egyptian restaurant in the Old Market area, popular for grills, mezze and local tea.
Fares Seafood Restaurant
Seafood house where fish is chosen by weight and grilled or fried.
Fish Market Restaurant
Fresh-fish restaurant where the catch is displayed on ice and cooked to order.
Pomodoro Restaurant
Long-running Italian restaurant on the Naama Bay promenade.
Book a food tour in Sharm El Sheikh We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Sharm El Sheikh
Transportation options in Sharm El Sheikh include local buses, taxis, and rental cars. Check local conditions before planning your travel.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EGP, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | EGP 1,000-2,000 (~$20-40) | EGP 3,500-6,000 (~$70-120) | EGP 15,000-30,000 (~$300-600) |
| Food (per day) | EGP 400-700 (~$8-14) | EGP 1,200-2,000 (~$24-40) | EGP 3,000-6,000 (~$60-120) |
| Transportation | EGP 150-300 (~$3-6) | EGP 400-800 (~$8-16) | EGP 1,000-2,500 (~$20-50) |
| Activities | EGP 450-500 (~$9-10) | EGP 900-1,200 (~$18-24) | EGP 1,000-2,500 (~$20-50) |
| Daily total | EGP 2,000-3,500 (~$40-70) | EGP 6,000-10,000 (~$120-200) | EGP 20,000-40,000 (~$400-800) |
Best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh
Weather through the year in Egypt
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Egypt.
Sea stays warm all year; wind can raise waves in spring.
Essential travel tips
- Book Ras Mohammed and Tiran trips in the morning.
- Carry EGP cash for park fees.
- Take a taxi at night between bays.
- Check advisories before desert trips.
- Bring reef shoes.
- Eat in the Old Market for local prices.
Safety information
Drink bottled water only.
Agree taxi and boat fares in advance or use apps.
Keep passport originals for desert and checkpoint trips; keep copies in the hotel.
Snorkel with a supervised group.
Use sunscreen and hydrate.
Dress modestly outside beaches.
Emergency numbers: police 122, ambulance 123, fire 180, tourist police 126.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh?
October to May for warm weather; July and August are very hot.
How much does it cost?
A budget day costs EGP 2,000-3,500 (~$40-70); mid-range EGP 6,000-10,000 (~$120-200). EGP 50 = $1.
Is Sharm El Sheikh safe?
It is a major resort with visible security. Check current official advisories and follow safety advice at sea.
Do I need a visa?
A free Sinai-only entry stamp (about 15 days) is available for stays in South Sinai resorts; otherwise about USD 30 for a visa.
How far is the airport?
SSH is about 10-20 km from Naama Bay; a taxi costs EGP 250-500 (~$5-10).