Top Things to Do and See in Sharm El-Sheikh
Until 1968, Sharm El-Sheikh was just a quiet fishing community but in recent years, it’s become one of Egypt‘s most popular beach resorts – with visitors coming from all parts of the world. Hot in the summer, while pleasantly warm in the winter, Sharm El-Sheikh remains the leading tourist spot in the Sinai Peninsula.
1. Enjoy a Coffee at Farsha Cafe
Cafe, Egyptian, Coffee
Not just a cafe, this joint is a marvel of funky design spilling attractively over different levels – with colourful striped floor cushions, Bedouin tents and swinging red and yellow lamps that glow come nightfall. This is not a place for a quick drink – once you arrive at Farsha Cafe and see the glittering ocean view, you’re not going to want to leave. So settle in for coffee, a few cocktails and perhaps an aromatic shisha pipe. That should take you from a lazy afternoon’s lounging to a full-on night’s carousing, as the atmosphere transforms and house vibes throb.
2. Scuba Dive at Farsha Beach
Natural Feature
The warm, clean, glassily clear waters off the coast of Sharm El-Sheikh are a major draw for the world’s serious scuba divers – and beginners. The Red Sea is a carnival of flickering exotic sea life, from cartoonish clownfish – yes, you’ve found Nemo – to slowly flapping stingrays and wriggling eels. In shallow waters, coral reefs in almost neon tones host blue spotted rays, darting in and out, providing great sights for beginners, while experienced divers descend to amazing old shipwrecks.
3. Windsurf at Nabq Bay
Natural Feature
Sharm El-Sheikh is on the map for its scuba diving, but the combination of strong winds and otherwise gentle marine conditions makes the Red Sea a place to get the hang of windsurfing. Nabq Bay, at the northern end of the resort, is the place to head to – plenty of outfits here offer lessons and equipment. The flat-water lagoon, separated from the open sea by a natural reef, is vast and shallow, so it’s perfect for beginners. As you grow more experienced and speed up, it’s time to head beyond the reef to see how you manage on small waves.
4. Spend the Day at Naama Bay
Natural Feature
Crammed with hotels for all budgets and dive centres for all abilities, Naama Bay has no trouble attracting tourist crowds. It’s a natural sweep of a bay on the Sinai peninsula, where, as well as the diving, the opportunities for snorkelling are plentiful and rewarding. Not that you need to be an activity addict to enjoy yourself here – the place is perfect for the sun-loving, fun-seeking beach bums. Stretch out and do zilch on the palm-edged golden sands, cool off in the clear blue waters and get your card(s) out for the buzzy bars, restaurants and shops off the promenade.
5. Visit Al-Mustafa Mosque
Mosque
6. Walk Through the Heavenly Cathedral
Church
The Copts are the orthodox Christians of Egypt – comprising more or less 10 percent of the nation’s population, although at least a million more believers are scattered around the world. The faith traces its origins back to somewhere around the middle of the first century BCE – after Mark the Evangelist visited Egypt. Completed in 2010, the Heavenly Church is the newest – and largest – Coptic church in Sharm. You’ll be moved by the intricate biblical frescoes and if you crane your neck far enough, you’ll see the Apocalypse of St John the Apostle, an artwork up in the ceiling heights.
7. Enjoy Star Gazer Night
Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark
Belly dancing, check. Camel riding, check. Baking bread with Bedouin tribes, check. This excursion is pure tradition, taking you climbing into the hills to watch the sunset over the Sinai desert horizon. Hungry now, you’ll tuck into a buffet dinner watching embers from the fire spiral into the night sky. The most scintillating moment – quite literally – is the opportunity to peer into a telescope at stars light-years away, as an astronomer tells you all about the enigmas of the galaxy. It’s a late one – but you can always spend the next day recovering by the hotel pool.
8. Stroll Through the Old Market
Market
Summon your courage and get your haggle on at Sharm El-Sheikh old market, which spills around the exquisite Al-Mustafa mosque. It’s a game of how much discount you can talk the vendor into – but don’t fret, they love it. There’s plenty to haggle over, too, from typical souvenirs and Bedouin crafts to a hefty selection of leather goods. Hungry? Sample some of Egypt’s sublime street food such as koshari – a healthy mix of chickpeas, pasta, fried onions, and zesty tomato sauce on a bed of rice and brown lentils. And the market is by far the best place to try it.
9. Swim at Aqua Blue Water Park
Amusement Park, Park
10. Visit Ras Mohammed National Park
Natural Feature, Park
Located on the southern tip of Sinai, this nature reserve spreads out far and wide. You’ll absolutely fall in love with this place the moment you get here – with its untouched deserts, white-sand beaches and dive and snorkelling sites. With some of the most exotic names going – Jackfish Alley, Anemone City and more – topped up by the 1,000 species of fish, 150 different crustaceans and families of turtles that flounder beneath the surface, Ras Mohammed National Park is a wonder to see.
This is an updated version of an article originally by Andreea Pavaloiu.
Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.
Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>
All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.