Things to do in Sharm el Sheikh

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All about Sharm el Sheikh

When to visit

Sharm el Sheikh is popular all year round. Its peak seasons are October to November and March to May, when the weather is hot but not scorching. December and January are also popular, although they can be cooler: The average temperature is 68°F (20°C), and the sea can be cold. If you want to scuba dive, visit between April and November, when the waters of the Red Sea offer the best visibility. The resort hosts events throughout the year, including the popular International Shopping and Tourism Festival in July.

Getting around

If you’re not relying on organized diving trips or tours that include transportation, the best way to reach the Old Town or Naama Bay’s shops and restaurants is by taking a cab or a hotel courtesy bus. Look for the official blue-and-white taxis, but take care to negotiate the price before you get in. You can also take a page from the locals and flag down one of the shared minibuses along the main roads. Or, if you’re ready for challenging traffic, rent a car.

Traveler tips

One of the best things to do in Sharm el Sheikh is also one of the resort’s lesser-known activities: birdwatching. Head to Nabq Bay, a coastal protectorate about 20 minutes north of Sharm, where mountains and valleys taper into beaches and mangrove woods busy with birds. Start at Nabq’s visitor center, then head out by foot, on a four-wheel-drive vehicle, or on a tour. Look for ospreys, spoonbills, and herons around the mangroves; and plovers, terns, and eagles wheeling in the skies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sharm El Sheikh known for?

Sharm El Sheikh is known for sun, sand, and sea—and scuba diving. It’s a popular tourist destination for Europeans in search of winter sun. Travelers come to explore the Red Sea’s underwater world and marine life. They also make trips to St. Catherine’s Monastery, Mt. Sinai, and the Sinai Desert.

What kind of activities can visitors do in Sharm El Sheikh?

Sharm El Sheikh offers everything you’d expect in a resort, from water parks and boat trips to shopping destinations like Soho Square and beaches like Sharks Bay. Scuba diving is one of the best things to do in Sharm el Sheikh. Popular diving sites include the SS Thistlegorm wreck and Ras Mohammed National Park.

Can you visit the Pyramids from Sharm El Sheikh?

Not easily. The Giza Pyramids are near Cairo, about 325 miles (525 kilometers) from Sharm El Sheikh. A day trip means spending 10–12 hours on the bus. If you fly into Sharm El Sheikh and enter on the free stamp, you’ll need to buy a separate visa for the pyramids.

How many days do you need in Sharm El Sheikh?

Scuba divers will want to spend at least three days in either Sharm El Sheikh or nearby Dahab, hitting the Blue Hole, SS Thistlegorm, and Ras Mohammed National Park. If you’re using Sharm El Sheikh as a base for St. Catherine’s and Mt. Sinai, allow at least two nights.

Can you walk around Sharm El Sheikh?

Walking isn’t a great option. Most Sharm El Sheikh hotels are along the coast, so you’ll need a taxi or a driver to get to town. Summer temperatures regularly break the 100°F (38°C) mark. Aggressive vendors and street harassment can make walking stressful, particularly for women without an adult male.

Is it worth visiting Sharm El Sheikh?

It depends on your interests. If you’re a scuba diver or want to climb Mt. Sinai, a stop in Sharm El Sheikh or nearby Dahab is a must. If you only have a week or two to see everything Egypt has to offer, you can skip this seaside resort town.

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