About
Sharm El Sheikh is a resort city on the southern tip of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, on the Red Sea coast of Africa. Also known simply as Sharm, or as the City of Peace, it is the country's main resort destination on the Red Sea, where desert hills meet clear water.
Why visitors come
The city is best known for its diving and snorkeling. The coral reefs offshore are the main draw, and many visitors spend their days in the water, whether they are experienced divers or first-time snorkelers looking at fish from the surface. Beaches line much of the coast, so time in the sea is easy to fit around the rest of a stay.
Staying and going out
- Luxury hotels make up much of the accommodation, many with their own beaches and dive access.
- The modern resort area has restaurants and a lively evening scene, with bars and shops along its main streets.
- Ras Mohammed National Park is within easy reach, a protected stretch of coast and reef that makes a common day trip from the city.
The mix of desert scenery and tropical water gives Sharm El Sheikh a distinct character. It suits travelers who want a seaside base with reefs at the doorstep and comfortable hotels, and who are happy to use the city as a launching point for days on the water and in the national park.
