Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh is a gem on the Red Sea that combines idyllic beaches and unparalleled marine biodiversity with a unique blend of cultural influences. Once a small Bedouin fishing village, Sharm El Sheikh has developed into one of Egypt’s most modern and popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors from all over the world. However, this city has much more to offer than just its luxury resorts. Rather, Sharm El Sheikh invites visitors to dive into turquoise waters teeming with colourful coral reefs, discover its rich history and culture and immerse themselves in its vibrant, cosmopolitan spirit.
Context and history: From the Bedouin Sinai to glitz, glamour and international diplomacy
Sharm El Sheikh is a relatively young city compared to other Egyptian tourist destinations. While cities such as Cairo and Luxor boast thousands of years of Pharaonic history, Sharm El Sheikh only started to rise to prominence in the mid-20th century. For centuries, this region was inhabited by Bedouin tribes from the Sinai region, who lived in harmony with the desert and the sea. However, geopolitics transformed this small settlement into a strategic location. The Sinai Peninsula was occupied by Israel following the Six-Day War in 1967, which led to it being developed for military and tourism purposes. It wasn’t until the 1980s, following the Camp David Accords and the return of Sinai to Egypt, that Sharm El Sheikh began to emerge as an international tourist destination.
Today, Sharm El Sheikh is a city of 70,000 residents that strikes a balance between modernity and unspoiled natural beauty. Luxury resorts, adventure tourism infrastructure and local hospitality blend harmoniously with the Bedouin traditions that still persist in some parts of the peninsula. Besides its tourist appeal, the city has also hosted several important international summits, including several focusing on the Arab-Israeli conflict. These events have helped to solidify Sharm El Sheikh’s place on the map as an important diplomatic meeting point, as well as a popular holiday destination. Despite past setbacks due to terrorist attacks, Sharm El Sheikh is known for its tolerant and respectful atmosphere, earning it the nickname ‘City of Peace’.
What to do in Sharm El Sheikh: Beaches between the desert and the coral, bustling markets and golden mosques
Sharm El Sheikh boasts a wide range of activities and locations that are waiting to be discovered by curious visitors. Here are several spots that we highly recommend visiting during your trip.
El Fanar Beach: a beach with views of the desert
El Fanar Beach is one of the most well-known beaches in Sharm El Sheikh, and it’s not hard to work out why. With crystal-clear waters, rich marine life and stunning corals, it’s perfect for those looking to catch some rays and those wanting to scratch their snorkelling itch. However, what truly sets El Fanar apart from the competition is its iconic lighthouse, which offers fantastic panoramic views across the Red Sea and the vast Sinai Desert. As evening falls, the golden hues of the sun contrast with the deep blue tones of the sea, creating a unique backdrop for those looking to immortalise their holiday in the form of a stunning photograph. So, if you’re looking for a place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature, look no further than El Fanar beach.
Al Sahaba Mosque: an icon of contemporary Islamic architecture
Standing in the heart of Sharm El Sheikh’s old town is the majestic Al Sahaba Mosque, an impressive example of modern Islamic architecture that gazes out to the Red Sea and looks as though it’s been taken from a tale from One Thousand and One Nights. Inaugurated in 2017, its design strikes a balance between traditional design and modern aesthetics. Inspired by the Ottoman Empire, it is characterised by its copper-coloured domes and golden doors. Its slender 76-meter minarets rise high into the sky, while its interior is adorned with muqarnas and intricate details that showcase the skill of local artisans. For visitors, it represents an opportunity to discover Egypt’s culture and spirituality and serves as a great place to dispel misconceptions about the Islamic faith. The mosque houses an international Islamic cultural centre and a religious and cultural library with books in various languages. As night falls, the mosque’s lights create a magical atmosphere, transforming the square in which it stands into a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike.
Naama Bay: Discover Sharm El Sheikh’s thriving nightlife
If El Fanar Beach is a haven of peace and quiet, Naama Bay is the beating heart of Sharm El Sheikh’s buzzing nightlife. Here, visitors can stroll along the beautiful beachfront boulevard which is lined by an endless range of bars, restaurants, and shops. During the day, Naama Bay is populated by beachgoers who come to relax on its soft golden sands and frolic in its shallow waters. But as night falls, Naama Bay comes alive with lights, music and the pleasant aroma emanating from shisha bars. From cocktails by the sea to open-air nightclubs and a bustling market where bargaining is possible and even expected, Naama Bay offers a wide range of options for all types of tourists.
Other places of interest: the hidden soul of Sharm El Sheikh
Beyond the beaches and tourist areas, Sharm El Sheikh is home to several other places that are well worth exploring. For example, you’ll be able to enjoy the scents of spices, the hustle of vendors and the glow of handmade lamps at the city’s Old Market, which offers a truly authentic experience. Furthermore, a visit to the Peace Centre serves as a reminder of Sharm El Sheikh’s importance in international relations and peace efforts in the Middle East.
Diving in Sharm El Sheikh: an underwater paradise in the Red Sea
Sharm El Sheikh is regarded as one of the best diving destinations on the planet, and for good reason! The waters of the Red Sea are home to a stunning diversity of marine life and coral formations. One of the most iconic diving locations is Ras Mohammed National Park: a nature reserve that protects some of the world’s most rare and colourful species. Regardless of their experience level, divers will have the opportunity to enjoy unforgettable dives among schools of tropical fish, reef sharks and shipwrecks steeped in history.
Another popular option is the Tiran Strait where ocean currents nurture the coral reefs, creating an ideal environment for diving. In these waters, divers can explore the remains of ancient shipwrecks and admire the abundant marine life that thrives in this unique ecosystem. We highly recommend taking a day trip to the desert island of Tiran, located 6 kilometres off the Sinai coast. This island is a genuine diving paradise, offering crystal-clear waters and pristine coral reefs.
Nearby attractions: sacred mountains and endless deserts
Sharm El Sheikh is also surrounded by a range of natural and cultural landscapes that are worth exploring. One of the most iconic landmarks is Mount Sinai: a sacred mountain that, according to the bible, was the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Climbing to the summit is a mystical experience, especially at sunrise when the first rays of sunlight start to fall upon the desert.
Near Mount Sinai lies the 6th-century Saint Catherine’s Monastery, which is one of the oldest monasteries in the world. It houses an impressive collection of ancient manuscripts and religious art and is a pilgrimage destination for people from all over the world.
Where to eat in Sharm El Sheikh: tastes of the sea and desert
Sharm El Sheikh is home to a blend of local and international flavours, with eateries ranging from street food stalls to luxury restaurants. In the old town, you can enjoy traditional Egyptian dishes such as koshary and mulukhiyah. In the more tourist-orientated areas, there are a plethora of seafood restaurants offering fresh catches from the Red Sea, including specialties such as grilled fish and shrimp. Places like Farsha Café, located on a cliff, combine spectacular views with a culinary offering that satisfies the most demanding of palates: all in a setting that feels like it’s straight out of One Thousand and One Nights.
