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Sharm El-Sheikh Travel Guide

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Best Time to Visit Sharm El-Sheikh

Sharm enjoys sunshine nearly every day of the year.

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal, with temperatures of 26–33°C and warm water, perfect for diving and beach holidays.

Summer (June–August) is very hot, often 38–42°C, but the sea is warm (around 28°C) and resorts offer good deals.

Winter (December–February) is pleasant by day (21–25°C), with cooler evenings and sea temperatures around 22–23°C. It's popular with Europeans seeking winter sun, especially around Christmas and New Year.

Top Things to Do in Sharm El-Sheikh

1. Ras Mohammed National Park

Egypt's first national park protects spectacular coral reefs, mangroves and desert landscapes at the southern tip of Sinai. Famous dive sites include Shark and Yolanda Reef and Jackfish Alley. Visit by boat or by land for snorkelling and beaches.

2. Straits of Tiran

Four reefs in the Straits of Tiran, Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas and Gordon, offer vibrant corals, strong currents and sightings of turtles, sharks and dolphins. The wreck of the Loullia on Gordon Reef is a famous landmark.

3. SS Thistlegorm

One of the world's most famous wreck dives, a British WWII cargo ship loaded with motorcycles, trucks and ammunition, reached by day boat or liveaboard.

4. Naama Bay

Sharm's original tourist centre, with a sandy beach, promenade, restaurants, bars and shops.

5. Mount Sinai and St Catherine's Monastery

Climb Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa), traditionally believed to be where Moses received the Ten Commandments, for sunrise. At its foot, St Catherine's Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world. Most visitors go on organised overnight tours from Sharm.

6. Old Market (Sharm El Maya)

A traditional bazaar with spices, souvenirs, shisha cafés and the striking Al Mustafa Mosque.

7. SOHO Square

An entertainment complex with restaurants, an ice rink, a dancing fountain show and nightlife.

Also worth visiting: Shark's Bay, Ras Um Sid reef, the Heavenly Cathedral (a Coptic church with colourful frescoes), Farsha Café cliff-top lounge, glass-bottom boat trips and quad bike safaris in the desert.

Beyond Sharm El-Sheikh

Dahab: A bohemian town with the famous Blue Hole, about 1 hour away.
Ras Abu Galum: A protected area accessible by camel or boat from Dahab.
Coloured Canyon: Colourful sandstone formations (check current access and travel advice).
Cairo and the Pyramids: About 1 hour by air.

Suggested 5-Day Sharm Itinerary

Day 1 – Naama Bay: Settle in, relax at the beach and explore Naama Bay in the evening.

Day 2 – Ras Mohammed: Take a boat trip for snorkelling or diving in Ras Mohammed National Park.

Day 3 – Tiran Island: Snorkel or dive the reefs of the Straits of Tiran.

Day 4 – Mount Sinai: Take an overnight tour to climb Mount Sinai for sunrise and visit St Catherine's Monastery.

Day 5 – Old Market and SOHO: Explore the Old Market, then spend the evening at SOHO Square.

Why the Red Sea Reefs Are Special

The reefs around Sharm El-Sheikh are among the most diverse in the world, with more than 1,000 species of fish and hundreds of types of coral. Thanks to minimal rainfall and few rivers, the water is exceptionally clear, often with visibility above 30 metres. Red Sea corals are also notably resistant to rising sea temperatures, making them important for global coral research. Protect them by not touching corals, using reef-safe sunscreen and choosing eco-friendly operators.

Sharm Food Scene

Sharm offers international cuisine, but try local dishes such as seafood platters, Sinai Bedouin bread, koshari, mezze, grilled kofta and sayadeya (spiced fish with rice). The Old Market has excellent local restaurants, and Naama Bay has a mix of cafés and bars.

Sharm for Families

Sharm offers family resorts with kids' clubs, water parks and sandy beaches with gentle entry, especially in Nabq Bay. Glass-bottom boats and the dancing fountains of SOHO Square are popular with children.

Where to Stay in Sharm El-Sheikh

Naama Bay: Central and lively, close to restaurants and nightlife.
Sharks Bay: Resorts with excellent house reefs, close to the airport.
Nabq Bay: Large all-inclusive resorts and beaches, near the airport.
Ras Um Sid and Hadaba: Clifftop resorts with reef access, close to the Old Market.
Montazah and Ras Nasrani: Quieter luxury resorts.

Compare hotel prices and availability in Sharm El-Sheikh here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Sharm El-Sheikh

Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport (SSH) is about 15 km north of Naama Bay, with direct flights from Europe, the Middle East and Cairo. Search and compare cheap flights to Sharm El-Sheikh to find the best fares.

By Road and Sea

Buses connect Sharm with Dahab and Cairo (about 7–8 hours). Ferries to Hurghada have operated seasonally.

Getting Around

Taxis: Agree on prices in advance or use apps where available.
Minibuses: Cheap shared buses along the main road.
Hotel shuttles: Many resorts provide shuttles to Naama Bay and the Old Market.
Boats: For diving and snorkelling trips.

Travel Costs in Sharm El-Sheikh

Sharm offers excellent value, especially all-inclusive deals. Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP), but many prices are in US dollars or euros.

Travel style	Accommodation	Food & drink	Transport & activities	Daily total
Budget	US$25–50	US$10–20	US$15–40	US$50–110
Mid-range	US$60–140	Included or US$20–40	US$40–120	US$100–300
Luxury	US$200–600	US$50–150	US$150–400	US$400–1,150

Visa & Entry Requirements

e-Visa: Many nationalities can apply online. Since 1 March 2026, a single-entry tourist visa costs US$30 (multiple-entry US$65).
Visa on arrival: Available at Sharm El-Sheikh Airport for eligible nationalities for US$30.
Sinai-only entry stamp: Visitors staying only in the South Sinai resort areas (Sharm, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba and St Catherine) for up to 15 days have traditionally been able to enter with a free "Sinai only" stamp. If you plan to visit the rest of Egypt, you'll need a full visa.
Passport validity: At least 6 months beyond arrival.

Always check the official Egyptian e-Visa portal before departure.

Local Tips for Sharm El-Sheikh

Safety: Egypt is at US Level 2 ("exercise increased caution"). Sharm itself is heavily secured. Governments advise against travel to North Sinai and parts of northern South Sinai, so stick to recommended areas and organised tours.
Reef protection: Don't touch corals, and wear water shoes.
Bargaining: Haggle in markets and with taxis.
Sun: Use strong sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
Tipping: Small tips (baksheesh) are expected for many services.
Water: Drink bottled water only.
Staying connected: Local SIMs are available at the airport, or use a travel eSIM. Get your Egypt eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

Ras Mohammed snorkelling trip: Explore Egypt's top marine park.
Tiran Island boat tour: Snorkel famous reefs.
Mount Sinai sunrise tour: Climb the holy mountain.
Desert quad safari: Ride into the Sinai desert.
SS Thistlegorm dive: A legendary WWII wreck.

Browse and book the best tours in Sharm El-Sheikh here.

FAQ

Is Sharm El-Sheikh safe in 2026?

Sharm is well-secured and considered safe for tourists. Avoid North Sinai and follow your government's advice.

Do I need a full visa for Sharm El-Sheikh?

Not always. A free Sinai-only stamp has been available for stays of up to 15 days in South Sinai resorts.

What is the best time to visit Sharm?

March–May and September–November.

Can I visit Mount Sinai from Sharm?

Yes, on organised overnight tours.

Is Sharm good for snorkelling?

Yes. It has some of the world's best coral reefs.

Conclusion

Sharm El-Sheikh's world-class reefs, easy access to Mount Sinai and reliable year-round sunshine make it Egypt's most complete Red Sea resort destination.

Plan ahead: book your tours and activities on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Sharm El-Sheikh.