Sharm el Sheikh lies on the coastal strip between the Red Sea and Mount Sinai in Egypt. Known as the City of Peace, Sharm el-Sheikh was originally a destination for divers but in recent years has developed a reputation as a year round holiday destination offering sunny days and balmy nights, stunning scenery and a warm Egyptian welcome.
The resort of Sharm el Sheikh was originally developed around the diving trade, and whilst this remains a major aspect of its attraction, Sharm attracts visitors all year round due to its amazing climate and the range of activities and amenities on offer. The snorkelling and scuba diving, even for absolute beginners is quite simply stunning and should not be missed. The crystal clear water around the reefs is home to over 1000 species of colourful fish, including turtles, manta rays and dolphins. The hotels in the resort are modern and range from budget accommodation to luxurious 5 star international names. In general Sharm remains a relatively inexpensive alternative to other winter sun destinations.
Sharm el Sheikh has something to offer anyone looking for a break in the sunshine at any time of the year. The resort is popular with groups of young people seeking adventure and activity, and with couples of all ages. Children are made very welcome in Sharm, however the hot summer climate, and the type of activities available make this a more appropriate destination for families with older children.
Sharm el Sheikh enjoys an average of 12 hours of sunshine during the summer months, however the temperature can be extremely high at this time and can reach over 40C. This is therefore a good time to visit for lounging on the beach and watersports. Although diving takes place all year round, visibility is best in the spring and autumn months. The average sea temperature in Sharm El Sheikh is 20C in January and can reach 26C from July to September. In the winter, the daytime temperature rarely falls below 20C and this is good time to take advantage of some of the more energetic activities on offer such as horse and camel riding, desert safaris or a round of golf on the beautifully maintained golf course.
Sharm el Sheikh reveals the beauty of the Sinai at its most magnificent, with its majestic mountains and valleys, a number of national parks, as well as some well known nearby tourist attractions such as St. Catherine's Monastery. The resort is set against the backdrop of the dramatic rocky crags of the desert, its shores lapped by the clear warm blue waters of the Red Sea and cooled by the shade of swaying palm trees.
Sinai is the meeting point for three great religions, at the crossroads of Africa and Asia. Close to the resort of Sharm el-Sheihk is Mount Sinai itself, a place of great religious importance to Jews, Christians and Muslims and according to the Old Testament this is where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Many visitors take the three hour climb simply to view the truly breathtaking sunrise.
The larger hotels in Sharm el Sheikh offer nightly programmes of entertainment to suit all tastes. For a more cosmopolitan night out, Naama Bay is a lively centre packed with bars, clubs and restaurants. The atmosphere here is fun and relaxed, and the visitor may choose to dance until dawn, sip cocktails under the stars or wander through the quaint narrow alleyways and pick up a few souvenirs and local crafts at the colourful market stalls.
Sharm El Sheikh has some excellent shops. Good buys include jewellery, gold, handicrafts, and mother of pearl and cotton goods. Shopping in Sharm El Sheikh is a unique experience with few fixed prices, so always decide what to pay and be prepared to haggle. There are many beautiful jewellery shops in Sharm El Sheikh as well as bazaars and perfume shops. Very few shops take credit cards. Make sure you shop around for bargains and check prices shop to shop.
Sharm El Sheikh has the usual range of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, including the ubiquitous KFC, McDonalds and Pizza Hut who will all deliver to your hotel or apartment. For the more adventurous try the wealth of restaurants in Naama Bay and along the sea front promenade where you can eat, Italian, Chinese, Lebanese and Egyptian. Most restaurants do supply a wide range of drinks including wine and spirits; however some are unlicensed, particularly in the Old Market, and here you would need to bring your own beer and wine. Try the Old Market to experience eating with the locals and taste some of the best local Egyptian delicacies and seafood, where prices are very reasonable. For something a bit more special try one of the stunning hotel restaurants: the Four Seasons for Italian, The Ritz for Japanese and the Sofitel for Indian. These restaurants are more expensive but still represent very good value for money compared to equivalent meals in the UK.
Egypt is a predominantly Muslim society with a small Christian population. The Egyptian people are kind, tolerant and non judgmental. They respect other people's opinions and are very fond of the British. However, this is a Muslim country and overtly sexual or overtly drunken behaviour is not tolerated. Topless sunbathing is not acceptable; however dress styles for holidaymakers are the same as most sunshine destinations.
The best time for a cheap holiday to Sharm el Sheikh is towards the end of the year, or in the middle of the summer. Surprisingly the area isn't quite so busy in the peak summer period, however this is due to the temperature being somewhat unbearable during this time. If you can stand the immense heat however, a holiday in May or June could save you some money, although for most people, the slightly cooler temperatures in November and December might be better suited.
The resort specializes in scuba diving, but caters for many other interesting activities including snorkelling, horse and camel riding, desert safaris and golf. The area is also very cheap and you should be able to pick up some great bargains in the market and small shops in town.
The temperature is rarely below 20°C, and can reach as high as 40°C in the peak summer months. In winter the temperature is similar to UK summers, so Sharm el Sheikh is a perfect place to visit if you're after some winter sun.
The cheapest time to visit will be in the extreme heat of the summer or in the winter, but there's also a chance you can find some last minute deals at any part of the year if you keep checking ULookUBook.
