A Guide to Egypt’s Lost Paradise: Sharm El Sheikh  

An Egyptian paradise, Sharm El Sheikh offers its visitors beautiful beaches and excellent diving spots with temperatures that are warm all year round. Beginning as a small Bedouin village, this now world-famous resort is visited by tourists from all over the world.  As an established resort, it certainly isn’t one of Africas most unusual destinations. Whether it is sunbathing and swimming, shopping or exploring historical sites, this town has something for you. 

Why Sharm El Sheikh?

First of all, it is really easy to get to. There are daily flights with Egypt air and the transfer time from the airport is as little as 15 minutes. Egypt can be reached from destinations all over the world. 

Where to stay?

Then accommodation here is reasonably priced. There are many different options for hotels in Sharm El Sheikh from basic to luxury, you may be surprised how fat your budget stretches. 

Enjoy some of the world best diving

Renowned for the extensive reefs of Ras Mohammed and Tiran Island, Sharm El Sheikh is popular with both beginner and experience divers. With a wide range of dive schools to choose from and plenty of different offers you are spoiled for choice. You can even earn certification such as PADI and work your way through the different stages. 

Sea-life you are likely to encounter include moray, shark, and barracuda. As well as of course, lots of colourful fish. You can take diving trips too which take you out to some more remote destinations. The SS Thistlegorm is a popular one. 

Explore the desert by camel

 

You can enjoy a guided camel trekking in the Sinai desert from Sharm El Sheikh. Immerse yourself in local culture by sampling a traditional Bedouin meal cooked over an open fire as part of your tour. There are also camel treks that allow you to climb Mount Matamir for some fabulous views. Or to learn more about the history why not trek to the ancient Nawamis tombs.

Choose from both day and night tours and you can take a longer trip over a few days exploring more of the area if you wish. Enjoy the diverse landscapes, mountains and rock formations, desert and the odd palm tree oasis. 

Relax at the beach

The sandy beaches, clear waters and sunshine and warm weather year-round make it the perfect place to relax at the beach. Na’ama Bay is the main tourist area of the city, where you will find plenty of people enjoying the sandy beach. There are beach activities to enjoy too, from snorkelling to water skiing. 

If you fancy leaving your comfortable sun lounger for a while there’s lots to do on the fringe of the beach too. From cafes, restaurants, shopping and bazaars. There’s plenty to keep you entertained before you head back to top up your tan. 

Take a tour to Saint Catherine’s Monastery

This UNESCO world heritage site is one of the world’s oldest Christian monasteries. Found at the bottom of Mount Sinai and carved from rock, Saint Catherine’s Monastery was created between 548 and 565 AD. It is worth a visit to see the stunning carving in a unique desert setting. There are some beautiful mosaics and art to see here too. 

The location is also a Christian pilgrimage site as the Mountain is said to be where Moses was given the 10 commandments. So, if you are religious, it is a significant trip you can take as part of your holiday in Sharm El Sheikh. 

Best time to visit 

The best times to go to Sharm el-Sheikh for the popular activities of swimming and diving are between April and October when the temperatures are on average 31°C. However, if you are planning to do some sightseeing, March to April are the preferred months expect daily temperature around 25°C. If you are looking for some winter sun though, you’ll still be comfortable with daily temperatures of around 19 °C.

When will you visit Sharm El Sheikh?

You can visit any time during the year and enjoy a range of activities from exploring and relaxing. Whether it is soaking up the sun and enjoying the clear water, or exploring the historic sites. There is something for you in Egypt’s lost paradise.