If you want to travel to Sharm El Sheikh, you are heading to one of the most important tourist destinations in the region and the world. Because this destination is significant and unique, you need travel tips Sharm El Sheikh. This Sharm El Sheikh travel guide will include the best hotels in Sharm El Sheikh.
Join us in this article to learn more about this charming and beautiful tourist city.
Important information about Sharm El Sheikh
Below, we will provide essential information about Sharm El Sheikh, its geographical location, nature, and more:
Sharm El Sheikh is located in the South Sinai Governorate, Egypt. It spans an area of about 480 square kilometers and connects the Gulfs of Aqaba and Suez on the Red Sea coast.
Sharm El Sheikh serves as a link between the continents of Asia and Africa, and it is about 452 kilometers away from Cairo.
The city is characterized by its white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters, along with diverse coral reefs and rich marine life, making it a destination for diving and water sports enthusiasts.
Sharm El Sheikh features many natural reserves, such as Ras Mohammed and Nabq Reserve, which contain unique biodiversity.
The official currency used in Sharm El Sheikh is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Exchange offices are available in the city to facilitate the conversion of foreign currencies.
Important travel tips for Sharm El Sheikh
Stay at Luxury Hotels
We will present a selection of 4- and 5-star hotels that are considered the best places to stay in Sharm El Sheikh:
- Sunrise Arabian Beach Resort: A luxurious 5-star hotel.
- Rixos Premium Seagate Sharm El Sheikh: A fantastic 5-star hotel.
- Savoy Sharm Hotel: A luxurious 5-star hotel.
- Movenpick Resort Sharm El Sheikh: A great 4-star hotel.
- Jaz Fayrouz Hotel: A distinguished 4-star hotel.
Don’t miss dining at Sharm El Sheikh’s luxury restaurants
Dining in Sharm El Sheikh is one of the main pleasures during a tourist vacation. Sharm El Sheikh’s restaurants are luxurious and offer high-quality international meals. Some of these restaurants have stunning views of the Red Sea coast. Here are 5 notable restaurants in Sharm El Sheikh for a special dinner with outdoor seating:
- Dananeer Seafood Restaurant
- The Beach Luxury Club
- Camel Bar & Rooftop
- La Terrazza Domina Coral Bay Restaurant
- Umbi Sharks Bay Restaurant
Try local food
The local food in Sharm El Sheikh is unique and delicious, overlapping with many traditional Egyptian dishes. As a coastal city, seafood holds an important place in the meals served at various restaurants. Here are 5 notable local dishes we recommend:
- Molokhia: A green soup prepared from finely chopped molokhia leaves, served with rice, and garnished with chicken or rabbit meat.
- Grilled Meats: A selection of grilled meats such as kebabs, kofta, and shish tawook, seasoned with special Egyptian spices and grilled over charcoal, served with salads and bread.
- Stuffed Pigeon: A traditional and luxurious dish where pigeons are stuffed with seasoned rice or freekeh, then grilled or cooked and served with rice and salads.
- Koshari: One of the most famous Egyptian dishes, consisting of a mix of rice, pasta, and lentils, topped with tomato sauce, fried onions, and chickpeas, and served with spicy sauce and vinegar.
- Grilled Fish: Fish is seasoned with a mix of local spices and grilled over charcoal, giving it a smoky and distinctive flavor.
Use public transport in Sharm El Sheikh
Local administrations pay special attention to public transport in Sharm El Sheikh, being a tourist city. Tourists can use various public transport options while avoiding peak hours for shared transport.
The importance of public transport in Sharm El Sheikh lies in:
- Low Cost: Minibuses are an economical transport option, with fares ranging between 1 and 5 Egyptian Pounds, helping tourists move around on a reasonable budget.
- Wide Coverage: The minibus network covers key areas in Sharm El Sheikh, such as Hadaba, the Old Market, Hay El Nour, Naama Bay, Nabq Bay, and the International Airport, making it easy to access many tourist destinations.
- Rich Experience: Using public transport gives tourists a chance to interact with locals and learn about Egyptian culture up close, adding a cultural dimension to their trip.
Don’t miss the shopping experience in Sharm El Sheikh
Shopping in Sharm El Sheikh is an unmissable activity, as the city boasts a variety of markets and shopping centers that cater to all tastes and needs. Here are the most prominent places:
- Old Market: One of the oldest markets in the city, blending traditional and modern styles, offering a wide range of local products and handicrafts.
- SOHO Square: A modern shopping and entertainment area featuring international brand stores, as well as restaurants, cafes, and famous entertainment shows like the dancing fountain.
- Genena Mall: It houses numerous shops and entertainment areas, such as an ice-skating rink, cinema, and children’s amusement zones.
Take a yacht tour in the evening
A yacht tour in Sharm El Sheikh offers an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Red Sea, explore its rich marine life, and spend enjoyable time in luxurious and comfortable settings.
Book with reliable companies that offer high-quality services, modern yachts, and professional crews to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Experience diving and explore the depths of the Red Sea
The variety of diving sites, the presence of coral reefs, and the availability of expert teams make diving a worthwhile experience. It is an exceptional and unique activity that tourists rarely find in other destinations.
Professional diving centers are widespread in Sharm El Sheikh, and with the city’s moderate climate most of the year, tourists can enjoy a diving experience in waters with temperatures ranging between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius.
Enjoy the amazing safari adventure
A safari experience in Sharm El Sheikh is an unmissable activity, offering the chance to explore the stunning desert nature. Safari trips allow visitors to admire the beauty of the Egyptian desert, including sand dunes and towering mountains, providing a unique visual experience. This activity also offers a chance to learn about Bedouin culture. Safari trips include diverse and enjoyable activities such as quad biking, camel riding, and sandboarding, adding an atmosphere of adventure and excitement.
Learn about the local culture in South Sinai
Getting to know the local culture in South Sinai, particularly during a visit to Sharm El Sheikh, is an enriching experience that enhances the tourist journey for several reasons. Primarily, it deepens the historical and spiritual understanding of the area, which houses significant historical and religious sites such as St. Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai. These places reflect a deep religious and cultural heritage.
The Bedouin community in South Sinai is known for its unique customs and traditions. Interaction with locals offers insights into their lifestyle, adding a cultural dimension to the journey.
Exploring the local culture also involves discovering the region’s arts and handicrafts, which are famous for their authenticity.
Explore environmental diversity through visiting natural reserves
Visiting natural reserves in Sharm El Sheikh is a fantastic way to discover the region’s ecological and geographical diversity. Sharm El Sheikh combines marine and desert environments. Reserves such as Ras Mohammed and Nabq provide opportunities to explore coral reefs, unique geological formations, and rare plants. Tourists can enjoy activities like diving, camping, and admiring the stunning landscapes. These visits also raise awareness about the importance of preserving the environment and biodiversity. The reserves are ideal destinations for nature and adventure lovers, offering an integrated experience that combines natural beauty with environmental education.