Sharm El Sheikh Egypt | Red Sea Diving & Beach Resorts

Discover Sharm El Sheikh's Wonders

Sharm El Sheikh, perched at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, is one of Egypt’s most famous Red Sea resort destinations. Known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, it attracts divers and snorkellers from around the world. The beaches of Naama Bay, Shark’s Bay, and Nabq offer a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, while luxury hotels, lively promenades, and world-class restaurants create a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Beneath the waves, the Ras Mohammed National Park and Tiran Island boast some of the region’s most spectacular marine life. Inland, the dramatic desert landscape invites travellers to explore Bedouin culture, ride camels, or star-gaze under pristine night skies. Sharm El Sheikh offers sun, sea, and excitement year-round for families, couples, and adventure seekers.

Current Weather

96.08 °F - Clear Min/Max: 96.08 °F / 96.08 °FFeels: 98.82 °F Humidity: 36%5 Day Forecast

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Description

Sharm el-Sheikh — or just 'Sharm' — sits on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, and its story is surprisingly recent. Until the late 20th century, it was little more than a fishing village, but its strategic position at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba meant it played a role in several regional conflicts, especially during the Suez Crisis and the Arab-Israeli wars. After the Sinai was returned to Egypt in the early 1980s, Sharm began to shift gears — from military outpost to peaceful resort town. It even hosted international peace talks, earning the nickname 'City of Peace'. Since then, tourism has boomed. Sharm is now one of Egypt’s top Red Sea destinations, known for its diving, year-round sun, and wide range of resorts. The city stretches along 30 km of coastline, with Naama Bay at its centre and other pockets like Sharks Bay and Nabq growing fast. With around 35,000 residents, it blends tourism infrastructure with glimpses of everyday Egyptian life. It’s modern, safe, and easy to navigate, but the dramatic desert and mountain backdrop reminds you you’re still in the Sinai.

Useful information

Population:

12,000 (2025)

Currency:

Egyptian Pound (EGP, LE, and E£)

Emergency Info:

Police: 122
Tourist Police: 126
Ambulance: 123
Fire Brigade: 180

Opening Hours:

Do & See

King Tut Museum

Tucked inside Genena City Mall in Naama Bay, this small museum is all about the boy king Tutankhamun. It’s made up of around 130 replicas of items found in his tomb—his golden mask, coffin, jewellery, chariot, and more.

Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai, also known as Jabal Musa, is where, according to Christian tradition, Moses got the Ten Commandments. The mountain stands over 2,200 metres high and can be climbed by two main routes: the Path of Moses, a long stairway with around 4,000 steps, or a slightly easier trail starting east of St Catherine’s Monastery. At the top, you’ll find the small Chapel of the Holy Trinity and views stretching over the Sinai Desert.

Mustafa Mosque

Located near Sharm’s Old Market, Al Mustafa Mosque is one of Sharm’s most iconic sights. Built in 2008, it’s hard to miss with its two 72-metre minarets and carved stone dome that’s especially striking when it’s lit up at night. It’s an active mosque, so it's best to avoid during prayer times. Around it, you’ll find a more local side of Sharm, with small shops, cafés, and everyday street life.

Nabq Nature Reserve

Just north of Sharm (roughly 35 kilometres), this protected area mixes desert, mangroves, and coral reef into one quiet stretch of coastline. You’ll spot mangrove trees growing straight out of the sea, and if you’re lucky, herons, foxes, or even a gazelle in the dunes. The offshore reef is solid for snorkelling, and the seagrass beds sometimes attract turtles.

Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve

Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Ras Mohamed is where the Sinai Desert meets the Red Sea. You can come for a hike among dry canyons and mangroves, or just stay in the water—this is one of Egypt’s best snorkelling spots, with drop-offs, coral walls, and plenty of fish. Keep in mind it's desert heat, there’s no shade, and facilities are minimal—so come prepared with water, snacks, and sun protection.

Saint Catherine's Monastery

Built between 527 and 565 AD at the foot of Mount Sinai for Emperor Justinian, this monastery later took its name from St Catherine of Alexandria, whose remains are said to rest here. It’s more fortress than church, with thick stone walls guarding the Church of the Transfiguration, the chapel of the Burning Bush, and a monks-only library packed with ancient manuscripts. Inside, you’ll find mosaics, religious ornaments, and some of the oldest illuminated manuscripts in the world on display. Outside, don’t miss Moses’ Well and the garden with centuries of history. The place is open most mornings but closed on Fridays, Sundays, and Orthodox feast days. Still active today, the monastery holds importance across Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, and continues its Greek Orthodox traditions uninterrupted.

SOHO Square

SOHO Square is a big open-air shopping and entertainment spot near the airport, with a dancing fountain show every hour, loads of restaurants, cafés, and bars, plus extras like bowling, an ice rink, a kids’ arcade, and a small souk-style market.

The Bays

Sharm’s bays are the heart of its snorkelling and diving scene, plus great spots for chilling on sandy beaches. Naama Bay is the busiest one: a long beach, with plenty of restaurants and shops, and activities like bungee catapult and horse riding. It’s lively and touristy, perfect if you want options and atmosphere. For something quieter, head to Nabq Bay, a bit further out and more low-key, or take a 20-minute taxi to Shark’s Bay, known for its clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. If snorkelling is your thing, Ras Um Sid is about five minutes from town, also famous for its coral reefs, plus a dramatic cliffside. For diving, Sharm el-Maya near the Old Town is where most diving schools operate.

Dining

Fares

Being in Sharm means fresh fish is never hard to come by, and Fares is another solid option for that. Situated in the Old Market, it’s known for its large portions, no-frills cooking, and wide selection—you pick your seafood from the counter and they cook it how you like. The seafood soup and grilled calamari are big hits among patrons, and prices are fair for the quality and size. It’s usually busy, especially in the evenings, so don’t expect a quiet dinner—but the steady crowd speaks for itself.

Fish Mart Seafood

Fish Mart Seafood is all about fresh catches cooked your way. You choose from shrimp, calamari, and daily local fish, then they grill or fry it right there. The seafood soup gets a lot of praise, and their seafood pasta, loaded with crab, is another crowd favourite. Prices are fair, especially for the quality and portion size, which keeps both locals and visitors coming back for more.

Mahony Restaurant

Mahony Restaurant in Naama Bay has been around for years and is still a favourite for fresh Red Sea seafood. The Mahony Boat—a massive tray of crab, shrimp thermidor, mussels, squid and fish—is enough to fill a few hungry diners with ease. The seafood soup also gets a lot of love from regulars. If seafood’s not your thing, there’s fillet steak and grilled chicken, as well. They don’t serve alcohol, but you can bring your own. A bit of theatre is also part of the experience—dishes sometimes show up with a whistle or on a ship-shaped platter.

Pomodoro

Located in the heart of Naama Bay at the Camel Dive Club & Hotel, Pomodoro is a well-regarded Italian restaurant serving classic dishes. Open from early morning through dinner, the menu features handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, seafood, plus vegan and vegetarian choices—all made with fresh ingredients. You can either eat inside or on the terrace, which overlooks the bay. They’ve also got a decent selection of imported wines and cocktails to go with your meal, and, of course, good Italian coffee to finish.

Rangoli

Rangoli sits on the terrace of Mövenpick Resort with a wide view over Naama Bay and a menu full of familiar Indian dishes. The tandoori options—lamb seekh kebab, chicken tikka, grilled prawns—come straight off the embers and feel properly done, while buttery naans and garlic-cheese rotis are great for scooping up curry. The terrace has a quiet, intimate feel, which makes it a good choice for a romantic dinner for two.

Zodiac

Zodiac is a buffet-style restaurant open from breakfast through late evening, offering a broad mix of international and Middle Eastern dishes. The variety is simply impressive—everything from seafood platters and grilled meats to sushi, desserts, and even English breakfast items shows up. So, if you’re after range and flexibility, it definitely delivers.

Cafés

Arab Bucks

Tucked away in Nabq Bay, Arab Bucks is a casual café-restaurant with proper sit-down meals and a steady local crowd. The menu’s broad—grilled meat, seafood, pasta, pizza, plus beer and cocktails—and the best part? Big portions without the tourist markup.

Basata Cafe

Basata Cafe perches above Sharks Bay, with cosy chill-out spots that open up to wide views of the turquoise Red Sea and a path down to the beach. By day, it’s all calm vibes and sea breeze, with nature reserve surroundings that help you unwind properly. Come evening, the place softens with warm lighting and mellow tunes, making it a solid pick for a quiet, romantic night out—without the crowds you get at Farsha, but just as Instagram-worthy. The menu is simple but tasty: seafood, chicken dishes, pizzas, plus fresh juices and milkshakes. And if you’re into shisha, this place gets top marks for smooth, rich flavours.

Farsha Cafe

Farsha Cafe sits high on a cliff in Hadaba with layered terraces, Red Sea views, and a mashup of rugs, lanterns, and vintage oddities scattered around. It looks like something between a Bedouin lounge and an antique store, and it’s popular—I mean, really popular—especially at sunset. So, come early if you want a spot with a view. The menu is basic: juices, cocktails, pizzas, and shisha. Prices are touristy, and service can feel a bit offhand when it’s busy. That said, if you’re after a place that will look great on your Instagram page and don’t mind a bit of a wait or squeezing in next to strangers, it is definitely worth a stop.

Flamango Fresh Juice

Flamango Fresh Juice lives up to its name with fresh fruit juices that keep things simple and natural. Beyond the juices, they serve hot drinks, iced coffee, and cocktails, plus desserts like waffles and kunafa for those with a sweet tooth.

Vanilla

Vanilla in Na’ama Bay is where you’ll find some of the best Italian gelato in Sharm El Sheikh, alongside fresh juices, smoothies, iced coffees, and milkshakes. They also have a full booze menu, including draft beer, plus a small Italian-inspired food selection with snacks, fresh pizza, and light meals. The terrace is easygoing, with cushions and water pipes if you want to linger.

Bars & Nightlife

Bus Stop Club

Bus Stop Club lives on the grounds of the Sanafir Hotel in Naama Bay, taking over the space Pacha Sharm once made famous and bringing that Ibiza-influenced vibe a distinctly Sharm twist. It’s an open-air setup with a dance floor that winds around pools, paths, and a waterfall, plus VIP lounges and balconies overlooking the action.

Camel Bar & Rooftop

Camel Bar & Rooftop is a staple in Naama Bay’s nightlife, offering a mix of chill vibes and lively entertainment. By day, the rooftop gives you panoramic views of the sea and mountains — a perfect spot to sip cocktails and unwind. When sports games are on, the bar buzzes with fans, and later the vibe picks up with live bands, DJs, and karaoke. The menu covers snacks, cocktails, and shooters, with daily happy hour deals to keep the good times rolling.

Hard Rock Cafe

Hard Rock Cafe in Naama Bay is Sharm’s go‑to for burgers and American classics and a bit of nightlife on the side. By day, it’s a normal restaurant with walls decked in rock memorabilia; by night, it turns into a lively venue with live music or DJs most weekends.

Pirates Bar

Pirates Bar is a short walk from the beach in Naama Bay and sticks to its theme with ship wheels, fishnets, and plenty of nautical décor. It’s popular with tourists, especially for its range of imported draught beers from Ireland, Germany, and Scotland. The menu includes things like lentil soup, grilled calamari, burgers, and sea bass. Prices aren’t the cheapest, but happy hour helps, and the relaxed setup makes it a reliable stop for drinks and a bite near the sea.

Sinai Grand Casino

Sinai Grand Casino in Naama Bay brings a Vegas-style vibe to Sharm El Sheikh with over 200 slot machines, table games, and regular poker tournaments. Beyond the gaming, you’ll catch live shows like belly dancing and jazz starting around midnight. There's also an on-site Italian restaurant and a Sports Bar showing major events like the Premier League and Formula 1.

Shopping

Genena City

Genena City is a shopping and entertainment complex built into a cliffside above Naama Bay. It’s home to a mix of international and local shops, cafés, and fast food spots, plus plenty of entertainment in the form of an indoor ice rink, a few small amusement rides, and the occasional live show at the open-air theatre.

Il Mercato

Il Mercato is an open‑air shopping arcade in Hadaba styled like an Italian piazza. You’ll find a handful of mid‑range clothing shops, Egyptian souvenir stalls, a few pharmacies, and cafés. Some parts feel a bit empty these days, but it’s still a nice spot for an evening stroll if you're after a low-key shopping vibe.

La Strada

La Strada is a compact, lifestyle spot in the heart of Nabq Bay, where you’ll find a handful of souvenir shops, clothing stores, and convenience spots mixed in with cafés and restaurants.

Old Market

The Old Market is a maze of shops selling everything from spices and teas to lamps, leather goods, shisha pipes, and souvenirs. Prices are generally lower than in Naama Bay, but do expect to haggle—it’s part of the deal. The atmosphere ramps up after sunset, with locals and visitors mixing in the busy streets, and you’ll find plenty of cafés and juice bars to take a breather.

Secret of the Desert

Secret of the Desert is a small shop that specialises in natural Egyptian products like essential oils, handmade soaps, perfumes, and skincare. It’s a great stop to find gifts for yourself and all your loved ones.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

If you're after warm weather and clear water—which is why most people come here—the best time to visit Sharm El-Sheikh is between October and April. During these months, it’s sunny but not scorching, the sea’s still warm enough for swimming and diving, and you won’t melt walking around. Summers (June to August) can be seriously hot—we're talking 40°C and up—so come prepared if you’re visiting then. The desert and mountains are best in cooler months, too, so if you're planning to hike Mount Sinai or visit Saint Catherine’s Monastery, stick to winter or early spring.

Passport/Visa

Egypt offers several visa options depending on the traveller's nationality and purpose of visit. Citizens from visa-exempt countries can enter without a visa under specific conditions, such as nationals of the GCC (The Gulf Cooperation Council comprising six countries in the Arabian Peninsula: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) in certain cases. Most other travellers must obtain a visa prior to travel or upon arrival. For tourism, many nationalities are eligible for an e-Visa, which can be applied for online through the official Egyptian e-Visa portal. The process involves submitting personal and passport details, travel plans, and payment of the visa fee. The e-Visa is typically valid for 30 days and can be single or multiple entry, depending on the applicant’s choice. Additionally, travellers from certain countries — including the United States, Canada, Australia, EU member states, and more — may obtain a visa on arrival at major international airports in Egypt. This option requires payment in cash and is also valid for 30 days. However, citizens of countries not eligible for either the e-Visa or visa on arrival must apply for a visa in advance at an Egyptian embassy or consulate. For longer stays, a different type of visa must be secured before travel. It is essential to consult Egypt’s official immigration or consular sources to confirm the applicable requirements.

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) is about 12 km from Naama Bay, the city’s main resort area—roughly a 15–20 minute drive depending on traffic. Taxis, available 24/7 outside the terminal, are the most direct way to get to the city, but it’s best to agree on the fare before you set off, as not all use meters. For a cheaper option, shared minibuses run when full and drop passengers along main routes. Many hotels also offer private transfers or shuttle services that can be arranged ahead of time, which can be a more comfortable choice, especially if you’re arriving late or have luggage.

Public Transport

Public transport in Sharm El Sheikh is limited and primarily consists of local minibuses, which operate along main roads, running from the northern to the southern parts of Sharm El Sheikh and back. To board, passengers need to hail the bus by raising their hand when it approaches, as there are no fixed stops. While these minibuses are an affordable option for short distances, they may not be the most convenient for tourists due to their informal nature and lack of fixed schedules. Additionally, taxi services are readily available and can be a more comfortable choice for visitors. For a more reliable ride, many travellers use Careem, a regional ride-hailing app similar to Uber.

Taxi

Taxis in Sharm El Sheikh are easy to find, especially around Naama Bay, the airport, and major hotels. Whilst a few have meters, drivers usually prefer to agree on a fare upfront—so it’s best to negotiate before getting in. Uber doesn’t operate here, but Careem does and is a good option if you want set pricing and GPS tracking, though availability can vary depending on time and location.

Electricity

In Egypt, electricity runs on 220 volts at 50 Hz. The standard plug types are Type C and Type F, the same two-pin plugs used in much of Europe.

Pharmacy

Pharmacies in Sharm El-Sheikh are easy to find and generally well stocked with everything from basic meds to sun cream, mosquito repellent, and toiletries. El Ezaby Pharmacy is the most reliable chain, with 24/7 branches and hotel delivery. Russian Pharmacy is another good option, with several branches, service in English and Russian, and late-night hours—some even deliver straight to your hotel.

Post

The main post office in Sharm El Sheikh is on Umm El-Sayed Street in the Hadaba area. It handles standard Egyptian Post like sending and receiving mail, express delivery, and local money transfers. Another branch nearby, often referred to as Sharm El Sheikh Sub, operates on the same days but closes earlier, offering similar services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top things to do in Sharm El Sheikh?

Sharm El Sheikh offers a rich mix of sightseeing, guided tours, and local activities. On Keytours you can browse the most popular tours and experiences in Sharm El Sheikh and book them instantly.

What is the best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh?

The ideal time to visit Sharm El Sheikh depends on the experience you're after. Check the current weather and seasonal information on this page to plan your trip around the best conditions.

How do I get around Sharm El Sheikh?

You can arrange private airport transfers and local transport for Sharm El Sheikh directly through Keytours, ensuring a comfortable arrival and easy travel throughout your stay.

Where should I stay in Sharm El Sheikh?

Sharm El Sheikh has accommodation for every style, from boutique city stays to seaside resorts. Explore our handpicked hotels in Sharm El Sheikh to find the right base for your trip.

Can I book tours, hotels, and transfers together for Sharm El Sheikh?

Yes. With Keytours you can combine tours, activities, hotels, and transfers for Sharm El Sheikh in a single booking, making it easy to plan your entire trip in one place.

How do I book a trip to Sharm El Sheikh with Keytours?

Simply choose your preferred tours, hotels, or activities in Sharm El Sheikh on this page, select your dates, and complete your secure booking online. Our team is available to help at any step.