Sharm el-Sheikh is one of Egypt’s and the Red Sea’s most well-known beach and tourism destinations. This lovely nation is rich in history and culture and is also great for those who want to relax and have fun in luxury resorts, excursions, nightlife, and other activities. Fine sandy beaches and a gorgeous sea full of wonderfully colorful fish await you only a few meters from the reef. There are several activities to do and see in Sharm el-Sheikh, and in this post, we will highlight the most important ones so that you can get the most out of your Egypt trip.
Sharm el-Sheikh, why visit?
Sharm el-Sheikh, also known as Sheikh’s Bay, is one of Egypt’s most renowned beach and tourism destinations. It is part of the administration of the South Sinai Governorate and is situated in the southern section of the Sinai Peninsula, overlooking the Red Sea. Not only is it a vacation town, but it has also become widely recognized for holding key world-level political conferences, as well as Arab League summits, since the 1990s.
This Egyptian city has a core full of tourist towns and resorts, while the residential level is mainly populated by laborers from all across Egypt. Outside of its splendid hotels, experiencing its coastline, nightlife, and the various activities it provides, not to mention its many historical monuments and natural beauty…even underwater!
Top things to see and do in Sharm el-Sheikh
So, let’s get to know this wonderful and popular Egyptian resort by seeing in detail the top things to see and do in Sharm el-Sheikh.
1. Nabq Bay
Because of its closeness to the airport, Nabq Bay is definitely the most popular of Sharm el-five Sheikh’s districts in terms of tourism. There are most resorts and tourist communities here, all of which have direct access to the Red Sea. Furthermore, this location has a diverse underwater ecology, making it excellent for a variety of diving activities such as seeing countless wrecks and the spectacular coral reef.
This location is perfect for birdwatchers since there are several species to be seen. Because of its airy atmosphere, high temperatures are endured considerably easier here than in other regions, particularly during sweltering summers. The picturesque beaches of Shark’s Bay and Ra’s Nasrani, as well as Soho Square, are nearby.
2. Old Market
The Old Market, located in the Old City, is unquestionably one of the best things to do and see in Sharm el-Sheikh. Outside of the glamor of hotels and liveliness, it will be able to see the actual essence of this resort, immersing yourself in tradition, which has many characteristics that have been adapted to the West, to go along with the large flow of visitors. A stroll here, particularly in the evening, will enable you to immerse yourself in the lights and colors of Sharm at night. You’ll discover clubs, restaurants, and shops where you may purchase presents and souvenirs—don’t forget to bargain!
The location is easily accessible from your hotel by shuttle or taxi. In addition, the Heavenly Coptic-Orthodox Cathedral and the al-Mustafa Mosque, both towering structures lighted by a thousand lights at night, may be seen.
3. Naama Bay
Naama Bay is a must-see if you’re in Sharm el-Sheikh. It deviates a little from the Egyptian climate you may imagine, yet it embodies the current essence of the area, created by economic and tourism growth. There are still traditional bazaars selling local things here, but there is also a clean sea and turquoise waves.
The perfect location, therefore, is not only for nightlife fans but also for those who wish to go diving, owing to the many diver and snorkeling facilities available, suitable for both professionals and novices.
4. Ras Um Sid
Ras Um Sid is a must-see in Sharm el-southern Sheikh’s region. This relatively calm region, quite near to the city port, is nestled amid a stunning natural setting, shielded by a promontory and sheltered from the winds. Also, for divers, the coral reef is easily accessible from here. This place wonderfully combines leisure and family vacationers, owing to the well-equipped resorts and tourist towns, as well as sports fans who can take advantage of the various activities available, such as snorkeling.
If you want to get away from the wind of Nabq Bay and the noise and bustle of Naama Bay, Ras Um Sid is the place to be. Furthermore, you can always reach these two regions in a maximum of 20 minutes by vehicle, taxi, or hotel transfer.
5. St. Catherine’s Monastery
Things to see and do in Sharm el-Sheikh include not just water and leisure, but also cultural tours for Egyptologists who wish to immerse themselves in the country’s past. St. Catherine’s Monastery is roughly 200 kilometers from Sharm and is a must-see trip for anyone looking to detach from the pleasures of the resorts and immerse themselves in a more spiritual dimension. As the oldest monastery ever established, it symbolizes a watershed moment in Christian history. It is a revered site for Islamists, Catholics, and Orthodox alike, dating back to the sixth century. Indeed, it is on Mount Sinai where Moses received the ten commandments inscribed on tablets, according to the Bible.
Typically, expeditions to Mount Sinai begin at night from Sharm, arriving at the peak and commencing with a journey up the stairs to see extraordinary dawn that will help one forget the exhaustion of the trek. You may even take an extra dromedary journey from here if you choose. We stop on the way down the mountain to see the monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in religious artifacts such as vestments, manuscripts, and icons. We suggest that you look at the official website for additional information about visiting St. Catherine’s Monastery.
6. Ras Mohamed National Park
Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve in South Sinai is a half-hour drive from Sharm, but it is also readily accessible by boat, and many towns offer trips to this lovely location. The Reserve, which has been protected since 1983, is a one-of-a-kind location due to the divide of the Red Sea waters between the gulfs of Aqaba and Suez, and it is also a trading and tourist hub.
A must-see in Sharm el-Sheikh for people who like diving with masks and snorkel, as well as bird watching, walking amid the mangroves, and swimming in a salt lake! It is important to note that the current may be quite strong in certain sections, thus it is best to dive only with experienced and licensed instructors. Be aware of uncertified companies that provide tours here. The most popular beaches in the reserve are Main, Bereika, Hidden, and Yolanda Beach, which should not be missed when in Sharm.
7. Pharaoh Island
Among the things to see and do in Sharm el-Sheikh, another must-see UNESCO World Heritage site is Pharaoh’s Island, located in the Gulf of Aqaba. A Byzantine fortress had been built on this Red Sea island during the Middle Ages to guard the trade between the city of Cairo, today’s capital of Egypt, and Damascus. This structure was later conquered by Saladin. Today, it is famous for the wonders of its seabed, which attracts divers from all over the world every year. From the fortress, moreover, a unique panorama can be observed, stretching between Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.
The place can be reached not only from Sharm but also by ferry from Taba. The place, also called Coral Island, is a granite atoll, around which there are wonderful places to dive and discover the coral reef. The best spot is undoubtedly the Picasso Reef, a 24 m underwater mountain where you can be surrounded by a multitude of colorful fish.
8. Taba
Among the activities to do in Sharm el-Sheikh are several day tours that will enable you to fully explore the region, its beauty, and history. Taba is situated in the Gulf of Aqaba, around 200 kilometers from Sharm and near to Israel and Jordan. There is also a recently constructed international airport nearby, which has undoubtedly aided visitor development. The amazing water, rich in seabed like those of Pharaoh’s Island, is probably what draws many visitors to Taba.
For history buffs, about 40 kilometers south of Taba, you may explore Zaman Castle, which sits atop a peak in the Sinai Desert.
9. Activities
For those who do not want to spend their time on the beach or swimming, there are a variety of activities available in Sharm el-Sheikh. In addition to snorkeling and diving, Sharm is a windsurfer’s heaven. Furthermore, you may ride a dromedary in the desert or on the beach, or go on a quad bike safari in the desert. Another must-do activity for connecting with the local culture is to drink tea or eat in a Bedouin tent in the Sinai desert!
10. Nightlife
Nightlife enthusiasts will have no trouble finding bread for their teeth among the things to do and see in Sharm el-Sheikh! In reality, this resort has a plethora of contemporary nightclubs and discos, lounge cafes, and beach parties. The nightlife is centered at Naama Bay and its Prince of Bahrain Boulevard, which houses some of the most prominent nightclubs. Soho Square, near Shark’s Bay, is another neighborhood consisting of clubs and restaurants, as well as an ice skating rink and Culturama, a theater where major screenings of Egypt’s natural and cultural history are presented.
