Sharm El-Sheikh – Pearl of the Red Sea

Vacation in one of the most exotic corners of the world – why not! The city is known for its golden sandy beaches, captivating coral reefs, and is a paradise for divers. Another reason why many choose Sharm El-Sheikh, besides the opportunity to relax in comfortable hotels, is the chance to see incredible attractions in the vicinity of the city.

Why Sharm El-Sheikh?

The city amazes and sends you on a magical adventure. At every turn, it offers a variety of entertainment: from beaches and diving to world-famous shows and museums. Where else can you go on a desert safari, beautiful at any time of the day, watch camel races, or go on a night crab hunt?

Main Attractions

Endless beaches: there are about 25 in total, most of them belong to hotels, but there are also free ones. The most popular are Sharm el-Maya – the only beach with natural sand cover, located on the shore of the bay of the same name; Terrazzina Beach in the Old Town, where there are almost no waves, the sea is shallow and clean; Ras Um El Sid – the bay attracts with its sandy and mixed beach areas.

Tutankhamun Museum: the first and so far only state museum opened in Sharm El-Sheikh in 2014, on the lower floor of the Genena City shopping and entertainment center, which you can also visit. In the museum, visitors can see accurate and high-quality copies of the sarcophagus, mummy, and treasures from Pharaoh Tutankhamun's tomb, the originals of which are kept in the Cairo Museum.

Ras Mohammed National Park: one of the most famous diving spots in the world. Dive into crystal-clear waters and explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Naama Bay: a picturesque bay with luxurious hotels, diverse cafes, and vibrant nightlife. Perfect for both relaxation and entertainment.

Soho Square: a modern entertainment center with restaurants, bars, an ice rink, bowling alley, and numerous shops. A place where you can feel the pulse of the city.

Old Market: a bustling part of the city where you can find everything from traditional souvenirs and spices to modern goods. One of the best places to soak up the local atmosphere and buy memorable gifts.

Tiran Island: an island offering some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Red Sea. It is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and coral reefs.

Al Sahaba Mosque, built in 2016, resembles a palace from the story of Aladdin and is considered one of the most beautiful and largest on the Sinai Peninsula. The height of its ornate minarets reaches 81 meters. Travelers can explore Al Sahaba from the inside, but remember that knees, shoulders, and head must be covered, and women cannot enter in trousers.

When to Visit?

The best time to visit Sharm El-Sheikh is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is most comfortable. Summer temperatures can rise to +40°C, making walks less pleasant.

Features of Sharm El-Sheikh

The city is divided into several picturesque districts, through which the El-Salam highway passes. Each of them is unique in its own way:

Naama Bay is the oldest and most bustling part of the city, where you will find many cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. If you like excursions, trips to the nature reserve on Tiran Island, known for its stunning water color and beautiful reefs, depart from the Ras Nasrani area.

The Hadaba area is hidden from the noise of resorts and, in addition to beaches and restaurants, attracts with the entertainment complex "One Thousand and One Nights," where colorful shows with national dances are held. There is also the modern shopping complex Il Mercato.

Another quiet area where tranquility reigns is Montazah. It is suitable for solitude lovers and has the advantage of being only 10 minutes away from the airport.

The Old Town is known for its large eastern bazaar, where the air is fragrant with perfumes and spices. In the Sharks Bay area, pay attention to Soho – the city's central square, which harmoniously combines European and Eastern colors.

Nabq Bay is a popular place among divers and kite surfers due to its windiness. Next to the bay begins the Nabq Reserve, where you will find mangrove forests growing directly in the saltwater, and the island off the coast where the ship "Maria Schröder" sank in the second half of the last century.

Where to Go from Sharm El-Sheikh?

Spending no more than two hours on the road to Cairo, you can visit the world-famous Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum, where you will be greeted by pharaohs' treasures and incredible artifacts. Another worthy place of attention is St. Catherine's Monastery, one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world, located at the foot of Mount Sinai.

200 kilometers from Sharm El-Sheikh is Mount Sinai, often called Moses' Mountain. According to the Bible, it was on its summit that God appeared to Moses and gave him the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments. The mountain is sacred not only to Christians but also to Muslims, so there is both a mosque and Christian shrines on its summit: the Chapel of the Virgin and the cave temple of the Prophet Elijah. Every day, hundreds of pilgrims and travelers come to the foot of Sinai.

Must-Do Activities in Sharm El-Sheikh

Conquer the desert sands at any time of day: watch sunsets as the sun plays on endless dunes, and the horizon turns into a starry sky, or during the day, when you can ride a camel and watch a fire show during an open-air dinner.

Spend an evening at Soho Square: enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants, ice skate, bowl, or just stroll through the beautifully lit square.

Go shopping at the Old Market: buy halva, dried dates, canned coconuts, nougat, spices, and souvenirs. The narrow streets and lively market atmosphere will immerse you in the local culture. And don't forget to haggle — otherwise, you'll be sold goods at inflated prices.

Visit the largest water park in the city — "Albatros," located on the grounds of the five-star hotel of the same name. You'll find 59 water slides, cafes, animators, and a play area for kids.

Master snorkeling or diving: take a boat trip to Tiran Island, during which you can explore the rich marine life. Discover the underwater world of the Red Sea in Ras Mohammed National Park, known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Watch the sunrise on Mount Sinai. There is a legend that all sins will be forgiven for those who perform this simple ritual, and the wonderful view is guaranteed as a bonus.

Try traditional molokhia soup, Egyptian flatbreads, grilled lamb, and fresh seafood.

Flight duration to Sharm El-Sheikh:

Here is the average flight time from major cities:

Tashkent–Sharm El-Sheikh: 4 h 30 m

Tbilisi–Sharm El-Sheikh: 3 h 45 m

Tel Aviv–Sharm El-Sheikh: 1 h 10 m

Guangzhou–Sharm El-Sheikh: 11 h

Doha–Sharm El-Sheikh: 2 h 50 m

Salalah–Sharm El-Sheikh: 3 h 15 m

Visa requirements for traveling to Sharm El-Sheikh:

Before flying to Sharm El-Sheikh, make sure you have all the necessary documents:

Tourist visa: Citizens of many countries can obtain a visa on arrival for up to 30 days. Check the requirements on the Egyptian government's website depending on your country of arrival.

Transit visa: You may need this if you have a layover in Egypt of more than 8 hours.

Business visa is required for work visits and can be arranged through your employer or the hosting company.

To save time, apply for a visa online at the Egypt e-Visa portal.

Uzbekistan citizens can enter Egypt without a visa for up to 30 days.

A vacation in Sharm El-Sheikh is not just a trip; it is an immersion in a world of luxury and innovation, where everyone will find something special. Here you can enjoy a wonderful vacation, magnificent beaches, and modern architectural wonders, creating unforgettable memories for a lifetime.