About Sharm el Sheikh

Sharm el Sheikh is located in Egypt between the clear waters of the Red Sea and the stunning backdrop of Mount Sinai on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Sharm el Sheikh started life as little more than a fishing village until the late 1960's when under temporary Israeli control the first holiday visitors started to arrive. Today Sharm el Sheikh has become one of the most popular holiday destinations for British travellers as this desert resort offers adventure and relaxation in equal measures.

Sharm el sheikh is in fact made up of a number of different areas, notably the most popular being Naama Bay, as well as Sharks Bay, Nabq, Ras Um Sid, The Tiran Straits (Ras Nurani) and the national park of Ras Mohammed. The city of Sharm el Sheikh has played host to a number of improtant Middle East peace conferences in recent years which has led it to be known also as the City of Peace.

Naama Bay

Naama Bay was one of the first areas where hotels first lined this coastline and today has become one of the most popular areas to stay. This area is full of stylish and luxury hotels with a beautiful paved promenade along the golden sandy beach. Naama Bay is also the place to head for in the evenings where you will find many shops, restaurants and sheesha cafes  in the south west corner of the bay.

Ras Um Sid

Ras um Sid is located next to the local lighthouse and has a small sandy beach backed by high cliffs where many hotels are located. The beach here is small and can often get crowed at busy times however the reef just off the beach here is an excellent place to snorkle and explore the corals and marine life. The nighlife is low key and most visitors will head into Naama Bay which is about 10 mins drive away.

Sharm el Maya

Sharm el Maya is the name given to the area known as the old town which is where the main port and marina can be found as well as a number of restaurants and fast food outlets including the Hard Rock Cafe. There is a beautiful sandy beach that has a profusion of palm trees lending a welcome shade in the hot summer months. The market here is an excellent place to pick up bargains and is far cheaper than Naama Bay. Nightlife is on the quiet side but Naama Bay is about 15 mins drive away.

Sharks Bay

Just north of Naama Bay you can find Sharks Bay, although you won't actually find any sharks here. This is a great spot to explore the reefs and the local fish just love to come up close to you as well. Again like its neighbouring Naama Bay this was one of the first places to build hotels back in the 1980's and is now fully developed where there is a good selection to choose from. Again Naama Bay is about a 10 mins drive away.

Sharm el Sheikh is an oasis of adventure blessed with natural beauties including idyllic beachs, rare and beautiful coral reefs and stunning mountains. The city lends itself to tourism and therefore those seeking the "off the beaten track" experience will be a little disappointed. Sharm bustles with commercial life selling local goods, diving tours and sports activities. The city comes alive at night time as the streets become stage to the local entertainers.