Welcome to Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh is Egypt's premier resort destination, carved into the dramatic desert mountains at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. With guaranteed sunshine 360 days a year, world-class diving and snorkeling, Bedouin desert adventures, and a lively restaurant and nightlife scene, it attracts over 1 million visitors annually from across Europe, Russia, and the Middle East.
If this is your first visit, you're in for a treat — but a little preparation goes a long way. Here's everything you need to know.
Best Time to Visit Sharm El Sheikh
The short answer: October to April is the sweet spot for most visitors.
- October–November: Warm, uncrowded, excellent diving conditions. Shoulder season pricing. Our top recommendation.
- December–February: Busiest and most expensive period (European winter escape). Water temperature 22–24°C. Book accommodation and tours well in advance.
- March–April: Warm days (25–30°C), quiet beaches, spring pricing. Ideal for families.
- May–September: Extremely hot (35–42°C air temperature). Water is bath-warm (28–30°C). Fewer tourists but beach and pool time only — desert activities are impractical in peak heat.
Top 5 Things to Do on Your First Visit
1. Snorkel or Dive Ras Mohammed National Park
This is the unmissable experience. The national park's reefs are among the world's finest, and a full-day boat trip visits multiple sites with equipment, lunch, and an English-speaking guide. Even non-divers can snorkel the reef tops. Browse snorkeling and diving tours →
2. Watch the Sunrise at Mount Sinai
The hike to the summit of Mount Sinai (2,285m) to watch the sunrise is one of life's great travel experiences — and it's just 2.5 hours from Sharm. You start the ascent at midnight by camel or foot, reaching the top in time for a spectacular dawn. A licensed Bedouin guide is required and added to all tour bookings.
3. Explore the Coloured Canyon
The Coloured Canyon is a narrow sandstone gorge in the Sinai desert whose walls glow in shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple. A morning jeep safari with a short hike through the canyon takes 4–5 hours and is a must for desert lovers.
4. Stroll and Dine in Naama Bay
Naama Bay is Sharm's main promenade — a strip of restaurants, cafes, shops, and bars running along the seafront. In the evening it comes alive with shisha cafes, seafood restaurants, and live music. Most hotels are within easy reach. Try the fresh grilled fish at any of the seafront restaurants.
5. Take a Glass-Bottom Boat Ride
If getting in the water isn't for you, a glass-bottom boat lets you watch the reef from the comfort of a dry seat. These 2-hour trips run from Naama Bay several times daily and are perfect for families with young children or non-swimmers.
Safety in Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh is genuinely safe for tourists. The resort area is heavily patrolled and security is visible everywhere. Here are the key safety points:
- Crime: Petty theft is rare. Keep your usual city-level awareness — don't leave valuables on the beach unattended.
- Water safety: Only swim at beaches with lifeguards, especially if you're not a confident swimmer. The open sea can have unexpected currents.
- Sun safety: The Egyptian sun is intense even on cloudy days. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen, reapply every 90 minutes in water, wear a rash guard, and stay hydrated.
- Street harassment: Shop touts and taxi drivers can be persistent. A polite but firm "no thank you" and walking away works every time. Never feel pressured.
- Traffic: Egyptian driving is chaotic by Western standards. Use zebra crossings where available and be alert when crossing roads.
Money and Currency
Egypt's currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). As of early 2026, the exchange rate is approximately 50 EGP per 1 USD. Cash is king in local markets, taxis, and small restaurants. ATMs are widely available in Naama Bay (use bank-affiliated ATMs in mall lobbies for security). Major hotels and restaurants accept Visa and Mastercard.
- Withdraw EGP from an ATM on arrival — airport rates are poor
- Carry small bills for tips (10–20 EGP for guides and hotel staff is appropriate)
- Don't change money with street touts — always use a bank or certified exchange
- Tours and hotels often price in USD/EUR — perfectly normal and acceptable
Getting Around Sharm El Sheikh
- Taxis: Ubiquitous and cheap by Western standards. Always agree the fare before getting in. Naama Bay to Old Market: ~50–80 EGP. To the airport: ~150–200 EGP.
- Hotel shuttles: Many hotels run free shuttles to Naama Bay. Check with your accommodation.
- Rental cars: Not recommended for first-timers due to local driving norms. Quad bike rental is popular for resort-area exploration.
- Tour transfers: All EgyptVia tours include hotel pickup and drop-off from Sharm El Sheikh.
What to Pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) and a rash guard or wetsuit for snorkeling
- Light cotton clothing for day trips; warmer layers for desert nights (October–March nights can reach 10°C)
- Modest clothing for visiting mosques or markets (shoulders and knees covered)
- Good walking shoes or sandals for the Coloured Canyon or Mount Sinai
- Snorkeling mask (optional — available for rent, but your own guarantees a proper fit)
- A head torch if you're doing the Mount Sinai hike
5 Insider Tips
- Book tours before you arrive. The best boats and guides sell out weeks in advance in peak season. Online pre-booking is cheaper than buying from hotel desks.
- Visit the Old Market (Sharm El-Sheikh el-Balad). Most tourists never leave Naama Bay, missing the authentic Egyptian market 15 minutes away. Spices, handmade crafts, and street food galore.
- Combine a Ras Mohammed snorkeling trip with Mount Sinai. The two iconic experiences are on the same peninsula. Doing both in one trip covers Sharm's highlights completely.
- Eat where the Egyptians eat. Local kushary joints, falafel stands, and juice bars are excellent, safe, and a fraction of resort prices.
- Check visa requirements. Most European and CIS passport holders receive a free 30-day stamp on arrival at Sharm airport. Check the Egyptian e-visa portal if you're unsure.
FAQ
Do I need a visa for Sharm El Sheikh?
Most European, Russian, Ukrainian, and Gulf passport holders receive a free entry stamp valid for 30 days in the Sinai Special Zone (which includes Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, and Taba). If you plan to visit Cairo or Luxor, you'll need a full Egyptian visa, available on arrival or as an e-visa online. Always check the latest rules before travel.
Is Sharm El Sheikh suitable for families with young children?
Absolutely. Sharm is one of the most family-friendly resorts in the Mediterranean/Red Sea region. Hotels have children's pools and kids' clubs, the sea at Naama Bay is calm and shallow, and glass-bottom boat trips are great for younger children who can't snorkel yet.
What language is spoken? Do I need Arabic?
English is widely spoken in all tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Russian is also common among resort staff. A few words of Arabic (shokran = thank you, la shokran = no thank you) go a long way and are genuinely appreciated by locals.
How long should I stay in Sharm El Sheikh?
A minimum of 5 days lets you cover the key experiences: Ras Mohammed snorkeling, one desert excursion, and time to relax. 7–10 days is ideal for adding Mount Sinai and Dahab day trips. Two weeks gives you a leisurely pace with repeat visits to favourite spots.
Can I travel alone or as a solo female traveller?
Yes. Solo travelers — including solo women — report feeling safe in Sharm El Sheikh's tourist zone. The resort area is well-policed, hotels are welcoming to solo guests, and joining group day trips is easy and sociable. The usual travel common sense applies.