Overview

Sharm El Sheikh is Egypt’s premier international beach destination, offering a rich mix of history, nature, water activities, excellent dining, and shopping. With its year-round warm climate, crystal-clear waters, soft sandy beaches, and a wide variety of hotels and resorts, it’s a paradise for beach lovers. Renowned for having some of the world’s best diving spots, this destination is particularly popular among divers worldwide. Sharm El Sheikh is perfect for those seeking an all-inclusive experience, featuring affordable yet luxurious 5-star resorts that provide everything for an ideal beach vacation. From exploring the majestic Mount Sinai to snorkeling along vibrant coral reefs, here’s our guide to the top things to do in Sharm El Sheikh.

Things to See & Do

Al-Mustafa Mosque: The Sahaba Mosque in Old Town is beautiful. Local Egyptian architect Fouad TAwfik Hafez designed it. He was inspired by Ottoman and Mamluk architecture. The mosque is relatively new as its foundation was only laid in 2011. It’s free to visit and a place to worship, so be sure to dress modestly.

Diving and Snorkeling in Sharm El Sheikh: The Red Sea is home to beautiful coral reefs and Ras Mohammed National Park. Whether a seasoned diver or a beginner, there are plenty of dive sites suitable for all levels. Snorkeling is also a great way to view the colorful marine life and reefs. Many visitors will get a guide to go by boat to different dive sites in the area.

Ras Mohammed National Park is located 12 miles from Sharm El Sheikh. Known as the crown jewel of the Red Sea, the park has some of the world's most beautiful coral reefs and marine life. You can take a guided tour and spend the day snorkeling or diving to explore an underwater world of vibrant flora and fauna. The reef is home to nearly 250 types of coral and 1,000 species of fish!

Quad Riding and Desert Safari: If you are seeking some thrill and adventure by exploring the desert landscapes of Sharm El Sheikh with sandboarding or dune bashing. For a new experience, consider visiting Bedouin camps to learn more about the unique local culture.

Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Mary & St.Mina: The Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Mary & St. Mina was founded by Pope Cyril V of Alexandria. Pope Cyril was the longest-serving pope and worked tirelessly to strengthen the Coptic Church and its community. He advocated for religious rights and social justice for Coptic Christians in Egypt.

This cathedral was built in 2010. The interior of the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Mary is stunning. Prepare to be awed by the stained-glass windows and chandeliers. You will enjoy this cathedral if you love beautiful architecture and religious history. Mass is open to the public and draws a small local crowd.

Mt. Sinai: Explore the outdoors with a hiking tour of Mt. Sinai. You can walk the steps as Moses when you take an overnight excursion, as it is believed to be where Christians believe Moses (Musa) saw the burning bush and received the Ten Commandments. You’ll want to hire a guide because there are multiple military checkpoints to make this trip.

Na’ama Bay: Explore Na'ama Bay, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sharm El Sheikh, famous for its stunning beach and vibrant nightlife. You can swim in its clear waters and enjoy a variety of water sports by day. And at night, explore the palm-lined promenade with its many restaurants and cafes. This is also a great place to go shopping.

Old Town: Explore the Old Town Market, also known as Old Town. Wander the maze of narrow streets filled with lively souks, where you can haggle for spices, textiles, and souvenirs. The Old Market offers a glimpse into the city’s history and traditional lifestyle. Don’t forget to sample some traditional Egyptian street food along the way. And be sure to practice your haggling skills - bargaining is common practice and the best way to score a deal.

Water Activities in Sharm El Sheikh: In addition to diving and snorkeling, Sharm el-Sheikh offers a wide range of water sports for thrill-seekers. From parasailing and windsurfing to jet skiing and glass bottom boat rides, there’s no shortage of ocean-friendly activities.

Hidden Gems

Though Sharm El Sheikh has plenty to enjoy, it has several hidden gems to explore as well.

Nabq Bay: For a relaxed and tranquil setting, Nabq Bay is a must. It's a secluded beach area far from the crowds and an ideal place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. You can sit back on the soft sands, swim in the clear warm waters, or snorkel with the marine life.

Dahab: Dahab is a coastal city in the southeast of the Sinai Peninsula and just an hour away from Sharm El Sheikh. It's a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts and a great spot to surf, play water sports or relax on the beach. It even has a great local market to buy souvenirs.

The Blue Hole: This spot is a favorite among diving enthusiasts, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and colorful marine life. Situated along the Red Sea coast near Dahab, the Blue Hole plunges to a depth of around 400 feet. This natural underwater sinkhole is home to stunning coral reefs and fascinating underwater formations. While it's a must-visit for divers, the Blue Hole is also known for its challenges, so it's highly recommended to dive with an experienced guide.

Colored Canyon: One of the natural wonders of Sinai and great for adventure seekers is the Colored Canyon, a series of colorful rock formations. You can hike through the valley and admire unique geological formations formed by millions of years of erosion. Some describe it as a maze of mythical rocks, reaching heights of 130 and 260 feet. Its colors range from dark red and orange to yellow and white, creating stunning landscapes you have to see to believe.