Sharm el-Sheikh

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DESTINATIONS egypt sharmelsheik

Sharm el-Sheikh

Surrounded by a crystal-clear, deep-blue sea and a breath-taking desert landscape, Sharm el-Sheikh has developed into one of the most popular holiday destinations in Egypt. Come here to relax in one of the many well-developed tourist resorts, or dive at the area’s unique coral reefs. But ’Sharm’ is far more than just a resort town. It is also an ideal spot to discover real Egyptian culture and to travel to the neighbouring historic sites such as the renowned Mount Sinai.

The City

Sharm el-Sheikh - "Sharm" for short - is one of the fastest developing holiday resorts in Egypt. What was a sleepy fishing village less than two decades ago, is now a buzzing tourist destination with some 35,000 inhabitants. Its rocky mountains, beautiful deep-blue sea and its breath-taking desert landscape make it a popular sight for globetrotters from across the world. Situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm is an area of beaches and resorts stretching some 30 kilometres, with Naama Bay forming the main tourist centre.

Do & See

Even if you do not want to spend your entire holiday on stunning Red Sea beaches, there are still plenty of reasons to come here. Sharm gives you a taste of real Egyptian life and culture, and serves as a base to visit some of the historic sites that surround it. Its crystal-clear water and unique sea life have also made Sharm one of the finest diving spots in the world.

Dining

As a seaside resort, Sharm has become famous for its excellent seafood, such as fresh shrimp and deep-fried calamari. Sharm’s international clientele and its many top-notch resorts mean you can find excellent restaurants that serve nearly anything from French, Thai, American and Japanese cuisine to traditional Egyptian food.

Cafes

With the stifling heat of Egypt surrounding you, a hot coffee might be the farthest thing from your mind, but do not give up hope. Taking a break and sipping on an Arabic coffee is surprisingly invigorating and if that is not your cup of tea, there is always the icy alternatives to lessen your thirst.

Bars & Nightlife

What better thing is there than to relax with a cold beverage after a long day of sightseeing or sunbathing? Sharm has many top-notch bars that serve anything from exotic cocktails to imported European beer. Sharm is famous for its lively and diverse nightlife. Enjoy a drink in the stylish Little Buddha bar, or quench your thirst with a pre-party cocktail at the Bus Stop. Then move on to one of Sharm’s bigger venues such as the famous Pacha Nightclub. Whether you want to chill-out or rave until dawn, Sharm has it all.

Shopping

Without a doubt, Naama Bay is the top spot in Sharm for shopping. The lively tourist area is packed with fashionable clothes shops, jewellery stores and other shops offering pretty much anything. As the Naama Bay area is a thriving night life spot, many shops here stay open until midnight or even later. In Nabq you can find Al Khan and La Strada, two malls with shopping, food and entertainment and in Al Hadaba the main shopping spot is Il Mercato. Do not be afraid to haggle - it is well expected, and prices can be brought down significantly if you demonstrate enough persistence.