Your Guide to Sharm el-Shaikh, Egypt
Traveling to Sharm
Where to Stay in Sharm
Sharm has well over 100 resorts to choose from with luxury boug' to budget friendly options. Many if not most of the resorts are snorkeling/dive friendly as the biggest draw to Sharm is the Red Sea. World-famous coral reefs, colorful marine life, and calm, crystal-clear water make for perfect snorkeling and scuba diving.What to do in Sharm
You are probably exploring Sharm to dive/snorkel or completely unwind at an all inclusive resort. Or a bit of both. I'm a big fan of exploring deep everywhere I visit. I want to see the touristy stuff, the local stuff, off the beaten path, on the beaten path - all the adventures! This trip was specifically for Luca to dive with mom and her friends with JAGScuba. I was prepared for lazy resort days with a few local adventures. Between the both of us (and a few things to do that I researched but didn't do), here's a fun list for what to do in Sharm!Scuba Dive
Snorkel
Snorkeling in Sharm is easy, colorful, and accessible. You don’t need a diving license to enjoy some of the world’s most stunning coral reefs. I snorkeled directly from the resort and it was just incredible!Naama Bay
Naama Bay is Sharm el-Sheikh’s main tourist hub, famous for its lively beachfront and vibrant atmosphere. The best time to go is in the evening: stroll along the promenade, enjoy cafés, restaurants, bars, street performers, and general nightlife. For daytime fun: soft sand, clear waters, and easy access for swimming or water sports. There are a lot of souvenir shops, local boutiques, and small markets scattered along the bay. It's bustling during the day with tourist activity but quite lively at night. Perfect if you want a mix of relaxation and social activity.
Sharm Old Market and Al‑Sahaba Mosque
For a taste of local life beyond the resorts, the Sharm Old Market is a must-visit. Its narrow streets are lined with stalls selling spices, textiles, handmade jewelry, and souvenirs, offering a lively and colorful shopping experience. The market’s energy gives a glimpse into everyday Egyptian culture, where haggling is part of the fun.
In the middle of it all stands the Al‑Sahaba Mosque, a beautiful and peaceful space with classic Islamic architecture. Visiting the mosque provides a quiet contrast to the busy market and a chance to appreciate local traditions and spirituality. Together, these sites offer a richer, more authentic side of Sharm el-Sheikh that complements the beaches and resorts. Note: women must be covered to enter but don't worry, there's a closet made just for tourist - choose your galabeya! Be prepared to tip as well. Also note, the mosque isn't always open and opening hours aren't exactly clear. It's a hit or miss. We were lucky to find it open and empty!
I highly recommend lunch or dinner at Fares Seafood Restaurant. Fresh seafood and authentic Egyptian flavors with super friendly staff, generous portions, and reasonable pricing.
Fun Souvenirs from Old Market
- Spices and teas
- Perfumes, oils, and essences
- Ceramics and pottery
- Jewelry and trinkets
- Scarves, shawls, carpets
- Traditional Egyptian clothing
- Shisha pipes
Day-trip to the desert - quads, camel rides, stargazing, dine with natives on a Bedouin camp
A day-trip to the Sinai Desert is a completely different side of Sharm el-Sheikh, offering adventure and culture in one outing. You can ride quad bikes over rugged dunes, take a more traditional camel ride, and explore the desert landscape. As evening falls, many tours include stargazing, where the clear desert sky reveals countless stars far from city lights. Some excursions even end at a Bedouin camp, where you can enjoy traditional food, music, and hospitality, experiencing firsthand the life and customs of the local desert communities. It’s a magical combination of adrenaline, serenity, and cultural immersion.
Hike or take a day trip to Mount Sinai
A trip to Mount Sinai is a must for adventure seekers and history lovers alike. Many visitors choose to hike to the summit, often starting in the early hours to reach the top in time for sunrise, when the desert and surrounding mountains are bathed in golden light. The climb is moderately challenging but rewarding, offering spectacular panoramic views. At the base, you can also visit St. Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world, adding a spiritual and historical dimension to the excursion. Whether you hike or take a guided day trip, Mount Sinai provides a memorable blend of natural beauty, culture, and history.
Explore the Colored Canyon
The Colored Canyon is a natural wonder just outside Sharm el-Sheikh, famous for its narrow passageways and striking rock formations in shades of red, pink, and gold. A visit here is like walking through a sculpted, multicolored maze carved by wind and water over centuries. The hike is relatively short and suitable for most fitness levels, making it perfect for a half-day adventure. Photographers and nature lovers will especially enjoy the dramatic textures and vibrant colors, while the sense of discovery as you wind through the canyon makes it a fun and memorable excursion for all ages.
Visit Nabq Protected Area
Luxor or Cairo Day Trip
Many resorts also offer day trip to Luxor or Cairo. Short domestic flights connect you to Luxor, where you can explore the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and other ancient monuments, or to Cairo, home to the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum. These flights are typically just 1–2 hours, making it possible to experience Egypt’s rich history without long overland journeys.Is Sharm el-Shaikh Safe?
Yes. And as you drive/ride around (outside of the resorts), one of the first things you'll notice are the big concrete walls with peace signs. These are called the “peace walls,” and they’re part of a major security project by the Egyptian government.
Basically, after past security concerns, including the 2015 downing of a Russian passenger jet, authorities built a 36-kilometer (about 22-mile) barrier around Sharm el-Sheikh. The walls are a mix of concrete slabs and wire fencing, marking the resorts from the surrounding desert and mountains.
What’s really interesting is the black peace signs painted on some of the slabs. They’re meant to symbolize tranquility and reassure visitors that the city is safe and welcoming. Of course, not everyone sees it the same way. There’s been some discussion about how the wall affects local communities, especially the Bedouins. But for travelers like me, it’s a reminder that Sharm is serious about safety while still trying to keep a peaceful, vacation-friendly vibe.
Final Tips
- Don't drink the tap water. No seriously, DON'T! Don't even use it to brush your teeth. Don't eat any foods that are rinsed with it (or do an extra bottle water rinse - on fruit for example). You will find out the hard way if you don't heed this advice. Sharm el-Shitz are REAL.
- Red Sea sun is strong - bring sunscreen and a hat.
- Be prepared to tip tip tip. Tourism is their gig and they want tipped. Dollars, euros, and local currency is all okay. And don't be shy in haggling prices; they enjoy it!
- Wear pants to ride the camels.
- Bring a scarf (women) to cover hair in desert and in mosque.
- Plan your diving ahead of time.