Sharm El Sheikh: what to do in the Egyptian desert paradise

Nestled between the golden expanse of the Sinai Desert and the vibrant turquoise waters of the Red Sea, Sharm El Sheikh is a destination that effortlessly blends natural beauty, rich history, and modern luxury. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or someone looking for the perfect beach getaway, this Egyptian gem offers something for everyone. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Sharm El Sheikh.

Where is Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh (Arabic: شرم الشيخ‎), meaning “Bay of the Sheikh,” is located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, where the Red Sea meets the Gulf of Aqaba. Its strategic position makes it a gateway to some of the world’s most stunning coral reefs and an essential stop for travelers exploring the Middle East and North Africa.

Sharm El Sheikh: quick history bites

Today, Sharm El Sheikh is one of the most famous tourist destinations on the Red Sea. However, it originated as a small fishing village and began its commercial development in the late 1960s. Specifically, in 1967, when the entire peninsula came under Israeli control, Jerusalem initiated the area’s tourism development by establishing the nearby city of Ofira, designed exclusively for tourists.

When the Sinai Peninsula returned to Egyptian sovereignty in 1982, the government continued to encourage development in the region, attracting investors from around the world. This led to the creation of hotels and resorts that still define the area today.

What to do in Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh is a modern city built from scratch in the desert to cater to the tourism industry. As a result, it’s not rich in historic landmarks but rather in unique experiences: from exploring the Red Sea to venturing into the Sinai Desert. Here’s what to do in Sharm El Sheikh and the must-try excursions, with links to book them conveniently from home before your trip.

Explore Sharm El Sheikh’s Old Town

Despite its young age, Sharm El Sheikh has “Old Town”, also known as Sharm El Maya. This district is home to shops brimming with spices like cinnamon and pepper, local products such as hibiscus for teas, and stalls offering local handicrafts, textiles, pottery, and souvenirs.

The Old Town is particularly famous for the magnificent El Sahaba Mosque, one of the largest in the Sinai Peninsula. Officially inaugurated on March 24, 2017, it was designed by Egyptian architect Fouad Tawfik Hafez, who worked on the project free of charge. Nearby, you’ll also find the older Al-Mostafa Mosque, located about 5 kilometers away. While less grand, it’s worth a visit for its serene beauty.

PRO TIP

To get to the Old Town, I shared a taxi with fellow travelers, but you can also check with your hotel reception for organized visits or taxi services. Taxis and minibuses are common, but negotiate fares in advance or use ride-hailing apps where available! Alternatively, consider joining a local tour of Sharm El Sheikh*, with transfer from your hotel!

Stroll Through Soho Square

Soho Square is an open-air shopping and entertainment hub that combines a variety of styles and attractions. With LED lights, shops, live music venues, a fountain showcasing light, fire, and water displays, and bronze statues scattered around, it feels like a gathering spot for lost treasures from around the world.

With its lively atmosphere, dancing fountains, and international restaurants, Soho Square is perfect for an evening outing. You can catch live performances or simply soak in the vibrant energy of this cosmopolitan spot.

Go snorkeling

The Red Sea has a breathtaking underwater world and is a favorite destination for snorkeling enthusiasts, offering unforgettable underwater adventures. Sharm El Sheikh, in particular, features numerous snorkeling excursions, starting from Ras Mohammed National Park, just a short distance from the city, that offers unparalleled snorkeling opportunities.

During my visit, I joined a boat tour right to the Ras Mohammed National Park. Equipped with a guide, I explored the coral reef and its vibrant marine life—a breathtaking experience. However, keep in mind that the reef, like others worldwide, faces environmental challenges, so always be respectful.

TO DO: set sail from Sharm El Sheikh to Ras Mohamed National Park and White Island and snorkel in the bright blue waters of the Red Sea. Enjoy an on-board buffet lunch and hotel transfer and discover the stunning marine environment and reefs of the region with this tour*!

Embark on a desert adventure in the Sinai

The Sinai desert, alongside the sea, is the true star of this region. Visiting Sharm El Sheikh without venturing into the inland dunes means missing out on a unique aspect of the area. You can experience it on a camel ride, by quad bike, or in a dune buggy, a small vehicle perfect for desert terrain.

During my trip, I joined a guide for an excursion in the Nabq Desert. We started with sweet Bedouin tea in a traditional tent before heading out to the dunes. There, I tried sandboarding—sliding down sandy slopes with a board—and later visited the Gulf of Aqaba at the Buckthorne Adventure Camp. The experience ended with a traditional dinner as the desert turned golden at sunset, with views of Saudi Arabia in the distance.

TO DO: experience Bedouin life in the Sinai Desert outside Sharm El Sheikh, ride a camel or a quad bike, admire the sunset, watch traditional Bedouin shows, and marvel at the stars through a telescope with these tours*!

Tips & tricks to visit Sharm El Sheikh

The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), but many establishments accept USD or Euros; credit cards are widely used. While Sharm El Sheikh is relatively liberal, it’s advisable to respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or the Old Town.

---

How to get to Sharm El Sheik

Sharm El Sheikh is easily accessible by air, with Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) serving as the primary gateway. Direct flights are available from major cities in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. If you’re traveling from within Egypt, domestic flights from Cairo are frequent and convenient. For those seeking a scenic journey, buses connect Sharm El Sheikh to other parts of Egypt, though the travel time can be long due to the region’s vastness. Alternatively, ferries operate between Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, offering a picturesque Red Sea crossing.

Do you need a Visa?

If your trip is limited to the resorts and southern Sinai coast and lasts fewer than 14 days, you won’t need a visa for Egypt. However, if you plan excursions outside the resort area (such as to Ras Muhammad), you may need to obtain a visa before entering the country. Having a visa is also useful in emergencies, such as repatriation from other airports or hospitalizations outside Sinai. Travel insurance is also highly advisable.

Where to stay

During my trip, I stayed at the Sierra Sharm El Sheikh*. Conveniently situated near the airport and overlooking the vibrant Soho Square, the hotel offered a fantastic location. My room was spacious, impeccably clean, and boasted a delightful view of the swimming pools. The staff were consistently kind and attentive. This hotel is an ideal choice for those seeking to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of Soho Square while enjoying the comfort of their room.

Choosing the Best Time and Duration

The best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is warm but not excessively hot, making outdoor activities more enjoyable. Winter (December to February) is also popular, especially for travelers escaping colder climates, though evenings can be cooler.

For a comprehensive experience, plan to stay for 5 to 7 days. This allows enough time to relax on the beaches, explore the underwater wonders, and embark on desert adventures. Shorter trips of 3 to 4 days are also feasible if you want to focus on specific activities, such as diving or a quick weekend getaway.

*Links marked with an asterisk are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to book or buy something using these links, I will earn a small commission. There is absolutely no extra cost to you, but your purchase helps support this blog and the effort that goes into creating each post. Thank you for your support!