Sharm el-Sheikh: The Red Sea Riviera
Sharm el-Sheikh, situated at the southern extremity of the Sinai peninsula, is without doubt the most celebrated seaside destination of Egypt and one of the most renowned underwater destinations in the world. This resort city, set between the desert mountains of Sinai and the turquoise waters of the Red Sea, offers a unique union of pristine nature, luxury and adventure. Every year millions of tourists from all over the world reach this locality to immerse themselves — literally and figuratively — in a tropical paradise that has no equal in the Mediterranean.
The modern history of Sharm el-Sheikh is relatively recent. Until the seventies of the twentieth century, this zone was little more than an outpost of Bedouin fishermen. It was after the restitution of Sinai to Egypt in 1982, following the Camp David accords, that the tourist development began that would transform this desert coast into one of the most important seaside destinations in the world. Today Sharm is a cosmopolitan city that hosts hundreds of hotels, international restaurants, diving centres and attractions for every type of traveller.
Naama Bay: The Beating Heart
Naama Bay represents the nerve centre of Sharm el-Sheikh. This crescent-shaped bay, protected from the currents and characterised by calm and transparent waters, is the point of reference for tourists who seek a perfect combination of beach, shopping and entertainment. The pedestrian seafront that flanks the bay is lined with restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops and boutiques of every kind.
The nightlife of Naama Bay is legendary: numerous bars, discotheques and venues offer entertainment until the early hours of the morning, with live shows, international music and themed parties. For those who prefer a quieter atmosphere, the lounge bars on the beach offer cocktails at sunset with a view of the sea.
The beach of Naama Bay is ideal for families thanks to the shallow waters and the presence of lifeguards. It is possible to hire sunbeds and umbrellas, or dedicate oneself to water sports such as kayak, banana boat, parasailing and jet ski. Snorkelling is excellent already a few metres from the shore, where the coral reef hosts an impressive variety of tropical fish.
Shark's Bay and the Southern Beaches
South of Naama Bay extends Shark's Bay, a high-level residential and tourist zone. Despite the evocative name, the bay owes its denomination to the harmless reef sharks that once frequented these waters. Today Shark's Bay is known for its exclusive resorts and for some of the best beaches of Sharm.
The particularity of Shark's Bay is its coral reef that begins directly from the shore: it suffices to wear mask and fins and walk a few steps into the water to find oneself immersed in a natural aquarium of unimaginable beauty. The wooden jetties that extend beyond the reef allow access to the deep waters without damaging the fragile coral ecosystem.
Over 30 Diving Sites
Sharm el-Sheikh is universally recognised as one of the best destinations in the world for underwater diving. With over thirty diving sites accessible from the coast or by boat, this locality offers experiences suitable for all levels, from the absolute beginner to the expert diver.
The Wreck of the SS Thistlegorm
The most famous and spectacular diving site of Sharm is without doubt the wreck of the SS Thistlegorm, a British cargo ship of the Second World War sunk in 1941 by German bombers in the Strait of Gubal. Discovered by Jacques Cousteau in 1955, this wreck lies at about 30 metres depth and still conserves intact its war cargo: BSA motorcycles, Bedford trucks, railway wagons, ammunition, boots and even a steam locomotive.
The dive at the Thistlegorm is an unforgettable experience that combines history and marine nature. The wreck, 128 metres long, is today colonised by corals and inhabited by enormous shoals of fish, barracuda, moray eels and occasionally reef sharks. The excursion requires a navigation of about two hours from Sharm and is generally proposed as a daily dive with two plunges.
Ras Mohammed and the Strait of Tiran
The National Park of Ras Mohammed, situated at the southern extremity of Sinai, hosts some of the most spectacular diving sites in the world. Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef form a coral complex of extraordinary richness, with vertical walls that plunge to hundreds of metres of depth and currents that attract large pelagics such as hammerhead sharks, manta rays and tuna.
The Strait of Tiran, which separates Sinai from Saudi Arabia, counts four principal coral reefs — Jackson Reef, Woodhouse Reef, Thomas Reef and Gordon Reef — each with unique characteristics. The currents can be strong, rendering these dives more suitable for expert divers, but the reward is a marine biodiversity without comparison.
The Island of Tiran
The Island of Tiran, visible from the coast of Sharm, is a place of great charm both for divers and for lovers of nature. The four coral reefs that surround the island represent a unique marine ecosystem, with gardens of hard and soft coral of every form and colour, inhabited by sea turtles, rays, Napoleon fish and hundreds of other species.
The boat excursions to the island of Tiran are among the most popular offered by the diving centres of Sharm. The navigation lasts about an hour and a half and offers breathtaking panoramas of the Saudi coast and of Sinai. Besides the dives, it is possible to practise high-level snorkelling on the shallower portions of the reefs.
The Old Market and Local Culture
The Old Market (Old Market or Sharm el-Maya) represents the most authentic face of Sharm el-Sheikh. Situated in the southern part of the city, near the old port, this traditional souk offers a shopping experience completely different from the modern shopping centres of Naama Bay.
Among the narrow alleys of the market are found stalls of coloured spices, perfumes, fabrics, silver jewels, papyri, blown-glass lamps, perfume essences and the unfailing Egyptian handicraft. Bargaining is an integral part of the experience: never accept the first price proposed and enjoy the ritual of the commercial exchange, perhaps sipping a mint tea offered by the seller.
Near the market are found also some of the best fresh-fish restaurants of the city, where it is possible to choose one's own fish directly from the counter and have it cooked grilled or in Egyptian style with sauces of tahini and lemon.
Glass-Bottom Boat Excursions
For those who do not wish to dive but want all the same to admire the wonders of the underwater world, Sharm offers numerous excursions on glass-bottom boats. These vessels, equipped with ample windows on the bottom of the hull, allow the observation of the coral reef and its inhabitants without getting wet.
The excursions depart regularly from the port of Naama Bay and from Sharm el-Maya, with itineraries that touch the most accessible and colourful reefs of the zone. Many boats include also stops for snorkelling and lunch on board, rendering the experience suitable for families with children and for visitors of every age.
Tips for the Visit
How to Get There
Sharm el-Sheikh is served by the international airport of Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH), with direct flights from numerous European cities. From the airport, the resorts usually organise the transfer, or it is possible to take a taxi. The city is reachable also by land from Cairo with a journey of about six hours through Sinai.
Where to Stay
The accommodation offer of Sharm is vast, from five-star luxury all-inclusive resorts to boutique hotels and economical guesthouses. Naama Bay is ideal for those who seek nightlife and services, Shark's Bay for those who prefer tranquillity and snorkelling from the shore, while the zone of Hadaba offers a good compromise between position and price.
Diving Centres
Sharm counts dozens of PADI, SSI and CMAS certified diving centres. Many offer courses for beginners (baptism of the sea) up to advanced certifications. The prices are generally competitive compared to other tropical destinations. Always verify that the chosen centre has updated certifications and equipment in good condition.
Safety in the Water
Always respect the indications of the diving guides and do not touch the corals: besides being a crime punishable with a fine, contact damages irremediably organisms that take centuries to grow. Pay attention to stonefish and sea urchins in the zones of low tide. The use of non-reef-safe sunscreens is strongly discouraged to protect the marine ecosystem.
What to Bring
Besides the normal beach equipment, bring reef shoes to access the coral beaches, personal mask and snorkel, and an underwater camera to immortalise the wonders of the Red Sea. A light jacket is useful for the winter evenings, when the temperature can drop notably after sunset.
Excursions from Sharm
Sharm el-Sheikh is also an excellent base for excursions in the Sinai peninsula. The most popular trips include the Monastery of Saint Catherine and Mount Sinai (with the celebrated nocturnal climb to admire the dawn from the summit), the Colored Canyon with its walls of multicoloured sandstone, the White Canyon and the oasis of Ain Khudra, and nearby Dahab with its famous Blue Hole.
Many tour operators offer also safaris in the desert by quad or jeep, Bedouin dinners under the stars and camel trips along the coast. These experiences allow the discovery of a Sinai completely different from that of the resorts, made of ancestral silences, lunar landscapes and a timeless Bedouin hospitality.
Sharm el-Sheikh is much more than a simple seaside destination: it is a portal towards one of the richest and most fascinating seas of the planet, a place where the beauty of nature fuses with modern comfort to give unforgettable holidays to every type of traveller.
