Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh

Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh: The Complete Red Sea Travel Guide

Sharm El Sheikh sits at the south end of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. It is one of the most famous beach towns in the world. Specifically, it rests between two large gulfs on the Red Sea. Because of this location, it offers clear water, warm sun, and fun desert trips. Whether you travel with kids, a partner, or friends, this guide shows you the top things to do in town.

Years ago, Sharm El Sheikh was just a small fishing spot. Today, it is a key holiday destination for guests from across the globe. Consequently, visitors come here to swim with fish, hike ancient hills, and enjoy warm local service. Below, you will find neighborhood guides, simple travel tips, and exciting tour ideas.

Understanding the Neighborhoods of Sharm El Sheikh

The city covers about 40 kilometers of coast. Therefore, picking the right spot for your hotel makes your trip much easier:

• Naama Bay: First of all, this is the main center of town. It has a long walking path, sandy beaches, shops, and casual cafes.
• Ras Um Sid (Hadaba): This area sits on a cliff south of Naama Bay. Furthermore, it is famous for sea views, old lighthouses, and deep coral spots right near the shore.
• Nabq Bay: On the other hand, Nabq Bay lies close to the airport. It has large family hotels, wind spots for sports, and quiet parks.
• Sharks Bay: In addition, Sharks Bay offers top hotels and the SOHO Square mall. It is a great place to swim and relax.
• Sharm Old Town (Old Market): Finally, this area is rich in local culture. You can buy fresh spices, try street food, and see big mosques.

1. Scuba Dive and Snorkel in Ras Mohammed National Park

To begin, most visitors spend time at Ras Mohammed National Park. It was built in 1983 as Egypt’s first park on the sea. Here, deep water currents mix together. As a result, this natural flow feeds over 200 kinds of hard coral and 1,000 types of fish.

• Shark Reef & Yolanda Reef: Divers place these spots among the best on Earth. For example, you can swim along a huge coral wall that drops deep into the sea. Meanwhile, you might spot rays, big fish, and small reef sharks. You can even see old sink tubs left over from a ship crash in 1980.
• Jackfish Alley: Similarly, this spot is great for basic divers. It has clear sea caves and smooth sand paths where sharks like to rest.
• Anemone City: In contrast to deep walls, this shallow spot is full of soft sea plants. Thus, hundreds of bright clownfish live safely here.

2. Relax at the World-Famous Farsha Mountain Lounge

When late afternoon comes, head to Farsha Mountain Lounge on the Ras Um Sid cliff. This popular cafe is built right into the rock face over the sea. Inside, you will see old rugs, brass lamps, and wooden doors from long ago.

As the sun sets, staff light up hundreds of golden lamps. Consequently, guests sit on floor mats, drink warm tea or juice, and watch boats pass by. For that reason, it is one of the most popular places to hang out at night.

3. Explore the Old Market and Al Sahaba Mosque

If you want to see local life away from hotel pools, spend an evening in the Old Market. This busy area works like an open market. Local sellers offer herbs, oils, leather bags, and soft cotton clothes.

• Al Sahaba Mosque: Standing right in the market center, this large site was finished in 2017. It blends classic Ottoman and Fatimid building styles. Additionally, its two main towers rise 81 meters high. Visitors can view the stone art outside or walk inside between prayer times. Note: Please cover your shoulders and knees before entry. Modest robes are free at the door for women.
• Spice & Perfume Shops: Meanwhile, walk down small stone streets filled with sweet smells. Friendly shop owners will happily offer you tea samples.
• Local Food: Furthermore, try Koshary, a local dish made with rice, pasta, lentils, and tomato sauce. You can also try fresh fish grilled over hot coals.

4. Take a Day Trip to the Seaside Town of Dahab

Dahab sits 90 kilometers north of the city along a desert road. Dahab is much quieter than Sharm. Long ago, it was a small fishing village, and it still feels very calm today. A short day trip usually looks like this:

5. Dive the Historic Shipwreck of the SS Thistlegorm

Besides natural reefs, Sharm El Sheikh is famous for sunken ships. If you are an skilled diver, visiting the SS Thistlegorm is a top pick. Planes sank this 128-meter British boat in 1941 during World War II. Today, it rests 30 meters under the sea. Consequently, divers call it one of the coolest wreck sites on Earth.

During the dive, you can swim inside open storage rooms to see old war gear. For instance, you will see old motorbikes, trucks, boots, and train engines lying on the sea floor.

6. Hike Mount Sinai and Visit St. Catherine’s Monastery

Meanwhile, taking a walk up Mount Sinai offers great views and rich history. Stories tell us that Moses received the Ten Commandments on top of this high peak.

Most tours leave hotel doors around midnight. The night hike takes about three hours along a wide dirt path. After that, you climb 750 stone steps to reach the top. As a result, you land at the peak right as the sun comes up over red rocks.

On the way back down, tours stop at St. Catherine’s Monastery at the base. Built in the 6th century, it is one of the oldest active Christian sites in the world. Inside, you can see old books, art, and a bush linked to Bible stories.

7. Experience Desert Quad Biking and Bedouin Stargazing

Away from the shore, dry hills make a great backdrop for adventure. You can ride four-wheel bikes (ATVs) over sand hills at sunset. Eventually, most trips end at a Bedouin tent camp set inside a quiet valley.

At the camp, hosts share warm tea, flatbread, and a grilled meat dinner. Later in the night, guides use big sky scopes to point out bright stars far away from city lights.

8. Visit Nabq Protected Area and the Coastal Mangroves

Just north of town lies the Nabq Protected Area. This nature park protects rare mangrove trees growing right in salt water. These special trees clean salt out of the water through their roots. Thus, they create safe nesting spots for sea birds like herons. You can walk on wooden paths over water, explore dunes, or view an old metal shipwreck on the reef.

9. Family Water Park Fun at Aqua Blue

Sharm El Sheikh is also a great choice for family trips. Specifically, the best place for kids is Aqua Blue Water Park in Hadaba. Thanks to warm weather all year, this big park stays open in all seasons with pools for all ages:

10. Boat Trips to Tiran Island Coral Reefs

You can easily see Tiran Island from most resort rooms in Sharks Bay and Nabq. While guests cannot step onto the land, day boats take visitors to swim at three main reefs nearby: Gordon Reef, Thomas Reef, and Jackson Reef.

In particular, Jackson Reef is famous for an old metal ship frame resting on the coral edge. Under the sea, you will find soft coral fields, sea turtles, and wild dolphins playing near the boats.

11. Enjoy Nightlife and Shopping at SOHO Square

For a fun night out, head to SOHO Square in Sharks Bay. This walking zone has a light-up music fountain, outdoor food spots, bowling lanes, games, and an ice rink. Because security guards watch all entry doors, it offers a safe space for families to walk and shop.

Practical Travel Tips for Visitors to Sharm El Sheikh

Keep these quick tips in mind to help your trip run smoothly:

Book Your Sharm El Sheikh Excursions Today

Ready to plan your trip to Egypt’s Red Sea coast? Simply reach out to the local team at MSM Travel Egypt to book rides, diving boat tours, quad safaris, and day trips today!