| 4 mins read
Located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm el-Sheikh is one of Egypt’s most popular tropical getaways. Once an important fishing and Naval port, Sharm el-Sheikh is best known today for its beautiful beaches, stunning waters and plethora of attractions. Visitors from all over the globe pour into this eastern Egyptian retreat every year in search of sun, sand, relaxation and endless entertainment. With a close proximity to a number of other famous destinations, Sharm el-Sheikh has as many exciting day trips as it does local activities. For those planning on vacationing to this Sinai Peninsula hotspot, here’s a few need to know things about Sharm el-Sheikh.
Sharm el-Sheikh Basics
Visitors can reach Sharm el-Sheikh by road, ferry (across the Red Sea from Hurghada) or plane (serviced by Sharm el-Sheikh Airport). Once in town, taxis and local buses are the main modes of transport. Most visitors will be heading for the Na’ama Bay region, the most convenient and tourist-friendly quarter of town. Na’ama Bay is know for its abundance of nightlife spots, restaurants, cafés, shops and accommodation options, so if you’re looking for the all-in-one experience, this is the best spot to book. Accommodation is available outside this tourist quarter, though restaurant, nightlife and shopping will be sparse.
The Beach Appeal
For travelers looking to soak up the sun and relax in the sand, Sharm el-Sheikh will not let you down. With a number of gorgeous beaches lining the glistening Red Sea, comfort and relaxation will not be hard to come across. Na’ama Bay, Sharks Bay and Nabq Bay are the most popular beach destinations, with sand and pebble shorelines leading into shallow, warm waters. Once in the waters, visitors will soon discover another of the region’s most famous appeals: the diving. Home to scores of stunning tropical fish and beautiful coral reefs, Sharm el-Sheikh has some of the best diving in the Red Sea. While many companies offer same-day dive packages to walk-in customers, it’s best to book a dive excursion ahead of time to avoid the masses and overcrowded “popular” dive spots. Find a Sharm el-Sheikh diving guide to help plan and book your unforgettable underwater excursion before you arrive.
While there are some stunning dive spots right off the bays, two of the most popular destinations to visit are off Tiran Island and in the Ras Muhammad National Park. These two destinations are known to have some of the worlds best diving with innumerable amounts of tropical fish, barracudas, sharks and coral reef. A dive, snorkel or glass-bottom boat ride through these world-class marine areas is an absolute must for all visitors. For adrenaline seekers, various water-based exotic sports are also offered all along the bay’s coastlines as well.
Inland Attractions in Sharm el-Sheikh
On land, visitors can enjoy Sharm el-Sheikh’s contemporary attractions as well as some more historic visits in the area. A trip to Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine’s Monastery are two very popular excursions for inland travelers, taking visitors back to biblical times. The supposed location where Moses received the Ten Commandments, Mount Sinai is religiously significant for Christians, Jews and Muslims alike. At the foot of Mount Sinai, stands the 6th century Saint Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest functioning Christian monasteries in the world. Many travelers continue their tours in the surrounding desert regions with Jeep safaris, quad trips, horseback and camelback rides and visits to Bedouin areas and the magnificent Coloured Canyon.
Day Trips from Sharm el-Sheikh
With a number of famous sites and cities only a short trip away from Sharm el-Sheikh, many visitors opt to set aside a few days of their vacation on 1-3 day excursions. From Cairo, Luxor, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem, to trips to Jordan’s world wonder of Petra, tourists will not have to look too far for a day filled with unique experiences and exposure to historical and cultural wonders, a fitting supplement to the relaxing escape enjoyed at Sharm el-Sheikh !
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