"Isolated Egyptian Beach Paradise"
Sharm El Sheikh Tourism
Sharm El Sheikh is an Egyptian resort town nestled in the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, between Mount Sinai and the Red Sea, that has resorts spread all over. Known for its coral reefs, sheltered sandy beaches, and turquoise waters, Sharm El Sheikh is one of the best diving spots in the world. It is also regarded as the city of peace, owing to several International Peace Conferences hosted in town.
Sharm El Sheikh is full of places like Ras Mohammed and Tiran Island, renowned for great scuba diving experiences. With Neema Bay in the vicinity, it is a town with resorts spread across large areas, making exploring on foot impossible. There are many historical sites like St. Catherine's Monastery, Sharm Old Market, and Al-Sahaba Mosque. With year-round warmth and sunshine, it is an ideal escape from the winter blues.
Sharm el Sheikh is known for its various adrenaline-pumping activities. With some of the world's most pristine coral reefs and an abundance of marine life, Sharm el Sheikh is a diver's paradise. Snorkeling, windsurfing, and scuba diving are the most popular sports here hence, making beaches a bit crowded. Desert Safari and Camel Trekking in the magical Sinai desert are also popular here. A number of day trips can be taken from Sharm el Sheikh, including a tour to Dahab for a more offbeat experience.
Sharm el Sheikh has a unique nightlife experience. Apart from the experiences and activities offered by resorts during evenings, the town boasts a good number of shisha bars where various dance and music performances take place to entertain guests. There are some casinos and bars as well to have a more colorful experience.
Must Know Before You Travel to Sharm El Sheikh
- Taxis: Apart from private taxis, a cab service provider called Sharm Taxi is available. Also, for safety purposes, prefer using white and blue taxis with the symbol on top, these are registered cabs.
- Airport Transfers: The city center is well connected to other areas including the airport via a network of minibusses, taxis, and shuttle services.
- Arabic Route Numbers on Buses: If you plan to use buses to get around, familiarise yourself with Arabic numerology to understand the route numbers written on the buses.
- Checkpoints on the Roads: While coming by road, carry receipts for the alcohol purchased, if any.
- Free Sinai Visa Stamp: Citizens from the US, UK, Europe, and Israel (only Taba crossing) can get a free Sinai Visa Stamp if they choose to fly directly to Sinai. It is valid only for Sinai, for 15 days. There is no need to apply for a visa for Egypt if there is no intention to visit anywhere apart from Sinai.
- Where to Stay: Luxury and mid-ranged accommodations are available around Nabq, Soho Square, and Naama Bay areas. Naama Bay and Sharks Bay are the best food and nightlife areas.
- Dressing: Dressing conservatively and avoiding wearing bikinis on the streets is highly recommended.
- Snorkeling Experience: Consider Dahab( 1 hour away from Sharm) for a less crowded snorkeling experience.
Things To Do In Sharm El Sheikh
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Shopping in Sharm El Sheikh
Shopping in Sharm el Sheikh is a vibrant experience, offering a variety of goods and souvenirs for visitors to take home. Here are some major areas and markets to explore:
- Naama Bay: Located in the heart of Sharm el Sheikh, Naama Bay is a bustling hub for shopping. Here, you'll find a mix of modern shopping malls, souvenir shops, and local boutiques.
- Old Market (Sharm el Sheikh Market): This traditional market offers a glimpse into local life and culture. Visitors can browse through stalls selling handmade crafts, spices, clothing, and jewelry. Bargaining is common here, so don't hesitate to negotiate prices.
- SOHO Square: A popular entertainment and shopping complex, SOHO Square features a range of shops selling designer brands, Egyptian handicrafts, and unique gifts. It's a great place to shop, dine, and enjoy live entertainment.
- Il Mercato Shopping Mall: Located in Hadaba, this modern shopping mall boasts a variety of stores selling everything from fashion and accessories to electronics and souvenirs. It's a convenient spot for those staying in the Hadaba area.
- Camel Dive Club & Hotel: This dive center and hotel is also home to a souvenir shop where visitors can purchase diving equipment, clothing, and souvenirs to remember their time in Sharm el Sheikh.
Prices here are peaked, so haggling with the retailers is required.
When it comes to souvenirs, Sharm el Sheikh offers a range of unique items that capture the essence of Egyptian culture:
- Traditional Egyptian Clothing: You can find colorful scarves, dresses, and tunics adorned with intricate patterns and designs.
- Spices: Take home a taste of Egypt with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and saffron, perfect for adding flavor to your dishes back home.
- Handmade Crafts: From hand-carved wooden statues to intricate mosaic artwork, there's no shortage of beautifully crafted souvenirs to choose from.
- Jewelry: Egyptian-style jewelry featuring scarab beetles, hieroglyphics, and other ancient motifs make for stunning keepsakes.
- Papyrus Art: Papyrus, an ancient writing material, is often used to create intricate paintings depicting scenes from Egyptian mythology and history.
Food in Sharm El Sheikh
Nightlife in Sharm El Sheikh
Nightlife in Sharm el Sheikh offers a vibrant mix of options, catering to various tastes and preferences. Here's a breakdown of the major areas where you can enjoy drinking, dancing, and experience the hukkah culture:
1. Naama Bay:
- Known as the heart of nightlife in Sharm el Sheikh.
- Bustling with numerous bars, clubs, and lounges.
- Offers a lively atmosphere with music and entertainment until the early hours.
- Popular venues include Pacha Sharm, Little Buddha, and Hard Rock Café.
2. Soho Square:
- Features a diverse range of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- Offers a more upscale and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
- Ideal for a sophisticated night out with live music and themed events.
- Notable spots include Ice Bar, Pangaea, and Zen Lounge.
3. Old Sharm:
- Provides a more authentic and laid-back atmosphere.
- Offers a variety of local bars and pubs where you can mingle with both tourists and locals.
- Perfect for those seeking a more relaxed and intimate nightlife experience.
- Look out for hidden gems like Camel Bar and the Tavern Pub.
4. Hollywood Sharm El Sheikh:
- Offers a unique nightlife experience with its Hollywood-themed decor and entertainment.
- Features live performances, DJ sets, and themed parties inspired by famous movies.
- Great for those looking for a fun and lively atmosphere with a touch of glamour.
Hukkah Lounges:
- Hukkah, or shisha, culture is prevalent throughout Sharm el Sheikh.
- Many bars and cafes offer a wide selection of flavored tobacco and traditional hukkah pipes.
- Enjoy the relaxed ambiance while indulging in this popular Egyptian pastime.
- You can find hukkah lounges in various areas, including Naama Bay, Old Sharm, and Soho Square.
The most notable entertainment spots in the town are Sinai Grand Casino and Dolce Vita Sharm El Sheikh, a nightclub that is situated right in the heart of a desert.
Where to Stay
- Located northeast of Sharm Airport.
- Known for its tranquil atmosphere and long stretches of beachfront luxury resorts.
- Notable landmarks include Nabq Protectorate, a protected area from development.
2. Knights Bay, Sharks Bay, and Coral Bay:
- Situated between Nabq and Naama Bay.
- Home to numerous 5-star resorts like the Four Seasons.
- Soho Square, a nightlife hotspot managed by Savoy Hotels, lies between Coral Bay and Naama Bay.
3. Naama Bay:
- Formerly known as 'central Sharm' due to its abundance of hotels, shisha cafes, shops, restaurants, and bars.
- While the hotels offer a serene retreat, the promenade can be crowded, with persistent shopkeepers and touts.
- Beaches here are easily accessible with minimal coral.
4. Hadaba (Ras Um El Sid):
- Considered Old Sharm, it was the first part of the city to be developed.
- Home to the Old Market and Al Sahaba Mosque, offering a glimpse into the area's history and culture.
- Offers a more traditional atmosphere compared to other areas.
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Local transport in Sharm El Sheikh
Walking and Bicycles: Certain areas of Sharm el Sheikh, particularly along the beachfront and in the city center, are pedestrian-friendly. Walking or renting bicycles can be enjoyable ways to explore these areas at a leisurely pace.
Ride-Hailing Apps: Sharm Taxi operates in Sharm el Sheikh, providing a convenient and often cost-effective alternative to traditional taxis. Alternatively, it can be used to know the cost of the desired right and later haggle with a private taxi driver to agree upon the right price.
Microbuses (Micros): Microbuses are a popular mode of transportation for locals and visitors alike. These shared minibusses operate along specific routes and can be flagged down from the roadside. The route numbers are only in Arab, written in front of the buses.
Car Rental: Several international and local car rental companies operate in the city, offering a range of vehicles to suit different budgets and preferences.
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