sharm el sheikh tourist places

17 Top-Rated Things to Do in Sharm el-Sheikh

Written by Jess Lee Updated Dec 24, 2023

Sharm el-Sheikh is the Sinai Peninsula's major tourism center and one of the world's top diving destinations .

It was the underwater tourist attractions of the Red Sea –particularly the waters of the Ras Mohammed Marine Park just south of town–that put "Sharm" center stage on Sinai's tourism map in the first place, and for anyone planning an Egypt diving holiday, this is one of the best destinations in Egypt.

This is also one of Egypt's best destinations if you just want to chill out on the beach . Non-divers will find plenty of land-based things to do, as Sharm is day-tripping distance to many of the Sinai Peninsula's historic and natural sightseeing attractions.

It's a particular favorite for family-friendly holidays due to the excellent facilities on offer. You can find a good selection of resorts in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Whether you're here for the sand or the sea-life, Sharm el-Sheikh is a great choice for a beach break after exploring the temples and tombs in the rest of the country.

Plan your trip with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Explore Ras Mohammed National Park

Dive the thistlegorm wreck, soak up the sun at naama bay, dive the jolanda reef site, snorkel off ras um sid beach, day trip to saint catherine's monastery, climb mt. sinai, relax on the beach at shark's bay, dive jackson reef, snorkel or dive the blue hole, day trip to dahab, wreck dive the dunraven site, shop at sharm old market, snorkel or dive the gardens sites, dive thomas reef, scramble around the colored canyon, discover the nature reserve of nabq protectorate, map of things to do in sharm el-sheikh.

Ras Mohammed National Park is what put Sharm el-Sheikh on the tourist map.

Surrounded by some of the world's most incredible dive sites, this peninsula, 38 kilometers south of Sharm, is home to glorious beaches with excellent snorkeling just offshore, the world's second-most-northerly mangrove forest, and a saltwater lake.

While diving trips concentrate on the offshore reefs, land-based day trips to Ras Mohammed explore the peninsula's desert environment and its beaches with swim and snorkel stops along the way.

The best beaches are Old Quay Beach (with its top-notch coral reef easily reached from the shore) and Aqaba Beach.

Travelers seeking a good view should head to the Shark Observatory cliff-top , right on the southern edge of Ras Mohammed, where views stretch across both sides of the Red Sea.

For many advanced divers, a trip to Sharm el-Sheikh means only one thing: diving the Thistlegorm.

One of the top wreck dives in the world and among the top places to visit in Egypt , this ship packed full of cargo to resupply British troops was sunk during World War II by German bombers.

Fish now flit through its rooms and cargo holds filled with jeeps, motorbikes, and armaments that never made it to the front.

The wreck is situated in the Straits of Gubal , off the western coast of the Sinai Peninsula, so diving trips are offered as overnight liveaboard tours.

These dive tours generally include at least two dives of the Thistlegorm wreck, plus dives at the Dunraven wreck (or one of Ras Mohammed's dive sites) along the way.

Many also include night dive opportunities at the Thistlegorm site.

Fringed by a white-sand beach and swaying palm trees, Naama Bay is the epicenter of Sharm el-Sheikh's resort life.

There are plentiful restaurants, cafés, and souvenir stores if you get bored of the sand, but Naama Bay is really all about the beach.

A pedestrian-only promenade rims the entire beach area, backed by a cluster of luxury and mid-range resorts.

For those looking for a holiday full of sloth-like sunbathing, Naama Bay is one of Egypt's best beaches .

The entire beach area has excellent facilities, including ample sun-shades and loungers, and the beachside cafés mean you don't even have to move from your patch of sandy bliss all day.

Note that the entire sweep of beach here is sectioned into separate areas owned and run by the hotels, with complimentary access for resort guests.

When choosing your Naama Bay accommodation, especially if it's not beachfront, always check what beach access they provide.

Jolanda Reef (also called Yolanda Reef ) is one of the most popular dive sites in the Ras Mohammed Marine Park area .

Dive trips here (accessed by boat from Sharm el-Sheikh) usually include Shark Reef as well, making this a two-for-one deal with a kaleidoscope of fish life and corals to be seen.

Jolanda Reef is home to the wreck of the Jolanda, an old Cypriot freighter ship that had been carrying a cargo of bathroom porcelain when it ran aground on the reef in 1980.

As well as the highlight of exploring the wreck site, the steep, rainbow-colored coral walls of Shark Reef that lead to the wreck, and Jolanda Reef's coral garden plateau, are prime sea life spotting destinations.

Scorpionfish, crocodilefish, turtles, moray eels, and barracuda are all regularly spotted by divers here.

One of Sharm el-Sheikh's best snorkeling destinations is Ras Um Sid Beach, right at the southern tail of the town, near the lighthouse.

Here, people slouch on the beach, or at the café on the cliff above, between snorkeling trips into the water, where an excellent coral reef is just offshore and so easily accessed by non-divers.

Farther away from the sand, Ras Um Sid Reef is perfect for first-time forays into diving and is used as a try-dive site by many local dive operators.

If you're just here for the snorkeling, though, there is still plenty of variety of reef fish to see closer to the shore.

Address: Al-Fanar Street

The Sinai Peninsula's top historical destination, St. Catherine's Monastery sits at the foot of Mt. Sinai, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments.

One of the oldest working monasteries in the world, this Greek Orthodox hermitage is home to the famous "burning bush" of the Old Testament, which many of the Christian pilgrims who visit are specifically here to see. The bush is a rubus sanctus bramble that is native to the Sinai.

One of the highlights of a visit to Saint Catherine's Monastery is the museum, which showcases a selected collection of some of the monastery library's glittering cache of religious icons and ancient manuscripts. The library (not open to visitors) is renowned for containing one of the most important early Christian manuscript collections in the world.

The monastery is 209 kilometers northwest from Sharm el-Sheikh, within the Sinai's barren mountainous interior.

Group tours from Sharm are offered both as overnight trips, including the hike up Mt. Sinai for sunrise, and as early morning departures to just visit the monastery.

Inland from the sun-drenched beaches of the coast, the Sinai's rugged, mountainous heart is rawly beautiful.

For a taster of this craggy landscape, head 209 kilometers inland from Sharm el-Sheikh to hike up to the summit of Mt. Sinai to see an expanse of orange-hued peaks rippling out before you.

Revered by all three of the major monotheistic faiths as the place where Moses received the 10 Commandments, the summit hike is a pilgrimage for many people (and usually combined with a visit to St. Catherine's Monastery , which sits at the trailhead for the hike).

There are two main trails up to the top. The Camel Trail is a well-worn switchback path, while the Steps of Repentance is a more difficult, but much more scenic, set of stone-cut staircases that was carved out by one of the monastery's monks.

From Sharm el-Sheikh, most tours travel overnight to reach the trailhead in the wee hours of the morning so that the hike up the Camel Trail is completed in the cool, dark hours, and the summit is reached in time to watch sunrise over the surrounding peaks.

One of Sharm el-Sheikh's newer resort development areas, Shark's Bay sits 11 kilometers north from Naama Bay.

The vibe here is slightly more exclusive, with some of Sharm's most luxurious five-star resorts and hotels clustered around Shark Bay's sweep of sand.

As with Naama Bay, the beach areas are run by the individual hotels, which means facilities are well-kept and there are restaurants and cafés right on the sand. The snorkeling right off the shore, is also good here.

Behind the beach, the focus of Shark's Bay life is the Soho Square Center . This mall complex is home to some of Sharm el-Sheikh's top restaurant and café choices, as well as shops selling Egyptian craft work and other souvenirs.

In the evenings, Soho Square has a regular 'dancing fountain' display at its central fountain and plenty of various free family-friendly musical performances and entertainment . After dark the mall complex bustles with vacationers.

This means Shark's Bay resort guests often choose to not move from this northern section of Sharm for their entire vacation.

The Straits of Tiran , in the Red Sea's Gulf of Aqaba , are home to some of Sharm el-Sheikh's prime dive sites for experienced divers, and Jackson Reef is usually on most diver's lists to cross off on a Sharm vacation.

This is the most northerly reef in the Straits of Tiran group, and it's known for being one of the top spots in the area for hammerhead shark and manta ray sightings.

The reef is home to a plethora of soft and hard coral gardens, and advanced divers can also explore the wreck of the freighter Lara, which ran aground in 1981.

The Sinai's most notorious dive site is the Blue Hole, just north of Dahab and 100 kilometers north from Sharm el-Sheikh.

This sinkhole's infamy is due to the number of lives it has claimed, but all the deaths that have happened here are due to divers diving beyond the normal recreation diving limits.

Despite the site's reputation for danger, divers who stick within sensible limits are perfectly safe here, and the fish life and incredible vistas of ethereal blue below make this an incredibly beautiful dive.

As the Blue Hole can be accessed from the shore, it's also a popular snorkeling spot, with plenty of fish life to see flitting near the surface if you don't fancy heading into the depths.

Dahab, 90 kilometers north from Sharm el-Sheikh, is the Sinai's backpacker beach resort and a chilled-out alternative to the holiday package feel of Sharm el-Sheikh.

The rocky shoreline here is lined with open-air cafés and restaurants, while a little shopping district winds its way up to the main highway in a jumble of souvenir shops.

There is some excellent diving and snorkeling here, with nearly all the local dive sites accessed from the shore, and most people who choose to base themselves in Dahab are here for a dive-centric vacation.

Dahab's laid-back atmosphere, though, is also great for a day out from Sharm el-Sheikh.

The SS Dunraven had been traveling from Mumbai (then Bombay) back to the UK, when it hit the reef and sunk just off the tip of the Sinai Peninsula in 1876.

Today, this 80-meter steam ship, torn in two pieces on the sea floor, is home to a rich variety of fish, which have made their home within the barnacle-encrusted hull.

Divers here regularly spot big schools of colorful reef fish with cardinalfish, goatfish, scorpionfish, and pipefish all patrolling the area.

The boat trip to the dive site takes two hours from Sharm eI-Sheikh, so the Dunraven is often combined as either a day trip with one of the dive sites in the Ras Mohammed Marine Park area or as a stop along the way on an overnight liveaboard trip to dive the Thistlegorm wreck.

Sharm Old Market (also known as Sharm al-Maya) is the town's souq (bazaar) area, where twinkling Arabic lamps, traditional shisha pipes, and finely engraved woodwork can be found in abundance.

It's best to come at sunset or later, when the worst heat of the day has dissipated, and you can shop and browse in comfort.

Egyptian craftwork is cheaper here than you'll find in other Sharm el-Sheikh shopping destinations such as Soho Square and Naama Bay.

The area is full of inexpensive and cheerful restaurants and cafés as well, so it's a good place to visit for dinner and a stroll in the evening.

This is one of the best areas in Sharm el-Sheikh to seek out classic Egyptian cooking, as the restaurants of the resort areas focus on more international fare. Head here for traditional café life complete with shisha and Arabic coffee as well.

On the edge of the market area is the new Al-Sahaba Mosque with an imposing facade that cherry-picks influences from Fatimid, Mamluk, and Ottoman mosque styles.

Non-Muslims are welcome to visit the mosque outside of prayer times, though the exterior architecture is the true highlight rather than the interior. After dark, the mosque is lit up, which makes for dramatic photos.

Address: Sharm al-Maya Road

At the northern end of Naama Bay, the Gardens Reefs stretch out just offshore from the coast.

This reef system is actually three different snorkeling and diving sites called Near Garden, Middle Garden and Far Garden that can be accessed by both the shore and by boat.

If you just want to snorkel, Near Garden is the best (and easiest) site to access, and is home to some amazing coral pinnacles with plenty of flitting clownfish and butterfly fish in residence.

Far Garden and Middle Garden are often used as dive sites for beginners learning to dive, and provide an excellent taster of what the Sharm el-Sheikh area offers.

Thomas Reef is the smallest reef in the Straits of Tiran and is renowned for its abundance of soft coral gardens .

Dive trips here are usually part of a boat day trip including one of the other Straits of Tiran Reefs–most often the neighboring Gordon Reef.

Due to the site's strong currents, diving here is recommended for experienced divers. It's also a popular site with technical divers, as the deep "three arches" area can be explored by advanced divers.

Plenty of fish life, including clownfish, pufferfish, and giant moray eels, can be spied while drift-diving along the site, and the rainbow-colored soft and branching corals are among the most pristine and vivid in the Red Sea.

The swirling mineral-rich layered rock formations of the aptly named Colored Canyon are one of the Sinai's top out-of-the-water natural attractions .

The canyon, 177 kilometers north from Sharm el-Sheikh, is a showcase of the natural beauty of the desert, carved out of by millennia of wind and water whittling away the rock.

There are plenty of opportunities for visitors to scramble along the canyon path, accessing the rose-pink striped interior of the rock face.

For nature lovers, this is one of Sharm el-Sheikh's top days out. Exploring the bizarrely-shaped pinnacles and boulders, which have been brushed with shimmering red and orange hues, offers up some fantastic photography opportunities.

Wear walking shoes with a decent tread if you want to visit, and bring along plenty of water.

Just to the north of Sharm el-Sheikh (around 20 kilometers from the central Naama Bay area), Nabq Protectorate is a coastal desert landscape of arid beauty and home to the world's most northerly mangrove forest .

The landscape here inside this nature reserve is a vista of sand dunes, lonely beaches, and arak bushes, and it's one of Egypt's most important protected wilderness sites, with a huge amount of birdlife, as well as endemic gazelles and ibexes.

For snorkelers, the beaches here offer pristine reefs easily accessed from the shore, while inland, this is also a good area for hiking and cycling trips.

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City Break: Many here for the sun and sea decide to skip the capital, but Egypt's big, bustling metropolis is the beating soul of the country. Dive into the chaos with our guide to Cairo . Be sure to allow time to explore the city, as well as the Pyramids of Giza .

More on Egypt

Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt: The Ultimate Guide

Sharm El-Sheikh is one of Egypt’s most popular tourist destinations – with good reason – offering visitors a unique combination of relaxation, adventure, and luxury. Sharm is located on the Sinai Peninsula’s southern tip, renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. The city has numerous ancient landmarks, including the 12th-century Monastery of Saint Catherine and the historic Old Town of Sharm El-Maya. 

Sharm is one of the best places to stay in Egypt if you are looking for a base from where you can easily explore the rest of Egypt. Whether you’re looking to explore Egypt’s rich history, enjoy the sun and sea, or relax in style, use this guide to plan your next Sharm El-Sheikh vacation.

Best Known For: Enjoying the Red Sea

Sharm El-Sheikh is world-renowned for its stunning coastline along the Red Sea. The warm waters of the Red Sea are home to a diverse range of marine life, including over a thousand species of fish and hundreds of coral varieties. This makes it a paradise for divers, who can explore the vibrant underwater world and see everything from tiny seahorses to massive whale sharks.

There are plenty of other ways to enjoy the Red Sea in Sharm El-Sheikh. Why not go snorkeling with our by take a glass-bottomed boat excursion, or relax on one of the many beaches, relishing the breathtaking vistas?

Sharm El-Sheikh: Essential Travel Information

Interactive map of sharm el-sheikh.

More Things to See in Sharm El-Sheikh

What else is there to do in Sharm El-Sheikh, you ask?

Mount Sinai: Visiting Mount Sinai is an unforgettable experience that should be at the top of any traveler’s list when exploring Sharm El-Sheikh. One of the most popular ways to experience Mount Sinai is by taking a sunrise tour. This guided excursion will have you hiking to the mountain’s summit in the early morning hours, arriving just in time to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the surrounding desert landscape.

Discover the Desert: The rugged desert expanse is just waiting to be explored. We offer an unforgettable two-day camel tour and desert camping experience departing from Sharm El-Sheikh – perfect for exploring the stunning desert landscape.

Saint Catherine Monastery : This ancient relic – dating back to the 6th century – will leave you amazed. Visit the UNESCO site that draws travelers and pilgrims alike.

Where to Stay

Sharm El-Sheikh is filled with luxurious resorts boasting private beaches and top-class amenities. When considering where to stay in Sharm El-Sheikh, there are many popular areas to consider.

Old Town: Sharm El-Maya, also known as the Old Town, is perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the local culture and experience the traditional way of life in the city.

Na’ama Bay: Located just 3 miles up the coast from Sharm El Maya, Na’ama Bay is known for its beautiful beach. It boasts some of the city’s best hotels, nightlife venues, and restaurants.

Shark’s Bay: Shark’s Bay is known for its many resort hotels and beautiful beaches with views of Tiran Island. Perfect for a relaxing beach vacation with plenty of amenities and activities.

If you’re still feeling spoiled for choice, our Egypt package tours offer an unforgettable experience with expert local tour guides to renowned destinations and attractions, taking care of all the details for you.

Sheikh El-Sharm’s Restaurants & Markets

Sharm El-Sheikh is a culinary paradise, offering many food options and vibrant markets. The Old Market is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts, with its narrow alleyways filled with eclectic shops and bustling stalls. Here, you can immerse yourself in the riveting culture, rub shoulders with the locals, and explore a variety of traditional Egyptian goods and wares.

The market is a treasure trove for food lovers, with enticing aromas filling the air as vendors serve mouth-watering delicacies such as morish koftas, succulent kebabs, and fresh seafood. Sharm El-Sheikh’s diverse culinary scene offers street food to sit-down restaurants, satisfying every palate.

If you want to explore more of the delicious food in Sharm, consider booking one of our Egypt Food Tours .

Our Recommendation: Things to Book Ahead 

When traveling anywhere, there is always a list of things you should book beforehand. We recommend ensuring that your accommodation and your airport transportation are arranged before you arrive in Sharm.

Sharm El-Sheikh is a popular choice for travelers looking for a base to explore the rest of Egypt. One of our most popular tours, the Cairo and Highlights of Egypt 4-Day Tour departing from Sharm, books up quickly, so we always recommend booking this one in advance.  Our Tours Leaving from Sharm El-Sheikh are also highly recommended to check out. Additionally, this range of Package Tours is best for adventurous travelers who want to see the best of Egypt.

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11 Best things to see & do in Sharm El-Sheikh

Sharm el-Sheik, Sinai Peninsular, Egypt

Ras Mohammed National Park [Scuba diving & snorkelling]

Ras Mohammed National Park, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt

Bucket List Experience

This national park, set on the tip of the Sinai peninsular, protects one of the world’s greatest marine ecosystems – a coral reef, just offshore – that’s home to more than 1,000 species of fish, and 200 species of coral. There’s world-class diving, from shark reefs to wrecks, and, with most of the reef close to the shore and just below the surface, world-class snorkelling too. Visibility is excellent – regularly 30m.

Night dives are also possible here, with the possibility of seeing octopus, cuttlefish and the other crawlers of the deep. If you’ve never done one – it’s an entirely different experience.

For serious divers, there are world-class dive sites beyond Ras Mohammed, accessible by 2- or 3-day live-aboards. Check out Big Brothers, Elphinstone Reef, and Jackson Reef.

Adult price: £30

Good for age: 8+

Duration: 1-3 hours

St Catherine’s Monastery

Sharm el-Sheik, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt

At the base of Mount Sinai, set amid a dramatic and harsh desert landscape, is the Greek Orthodox monastery of St. Catherine. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this remarkable monastery was built by order of Emperor Justinian I (527-565) to protect the biblical ‘Burning Bush’, where Moses received his instructions to lead the Israelites out of Egypt in Canaan. The living bush in the grounds – now surrounded by a protective fence – is apparently the original.

The monastery is one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world, and it is still used by a religious community. It remains a holy pilgrimage site.

Adult price: £2

Good for age: 18+

Duration: 3-5 hours

Climb Mount Sinai

This 3-mile trail, high on religious significance, leads up to the rocky summit where Moses is believed to have received the Ten Commandments.

Most tours start in the early hours, to see the sunrise and the dramatic colour shifts in the surrounding desert landscapes.

The trail starts at the beautiful 6th-century monastery of St. Catherine , built to protect the biblical ‘Burning Bush’ where Moses received instructions to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

Adult price: £35

Good for age: 13+

Adventures in the Sinai Desert [Quad biking, camel rides, Bedouin dinners]

These multi-activity desert adventure tours bundle up a selection of bucket list desert experiences.

First, there’s desert quad biking, usually on a pre-determined route out to a desert camp (around 30 mins – 1 hour). There you’ll alight for a short camel ride, before settling into a ‘Bedouin camp’ for a meal and a live entertainment show. Some will also have telescopes set up for star gazing.

There are a variety tours offering different opt-ins and opt-outs of the above activities, so you can often avoid those that don’t appeal.

It’s touristy, yes, but a lot of fun if you don’t take it too seriously. Cultured travellers expecting an authentic experience will be disappointed, so set your expectations and enjoy the chance to spend some time in the desert.

Adult price: £50

Duration: 5 hours

Walking with Bedouin in the Sinai Desert

St Catherine's, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt

The Jebaliya are a Bedouin tribe who have protected the monastery of St Catherine’s for many centuries. Their knowledge of the area is the key to a great desert walk here – through hidden gardens, past beautiful rock formations, and to remote, simple lodges.

The walking in this region is spectacular; to do it with an authentic Bedouin guide – and a cameleer to carry baggage – makes for a unique and memorable experience.

Adult price: £20

Duration: 1+ day

Have a hammam in Sharm el-Sheik

Hammams, or Turkish Baths, are an authentic and traditional Middle Eastern experience and there are several places to try it in Sharm (ask your hotel for recommendations).

It starts in a heated room, promoting perspiration, followed by a full body wash, exfoliation and deep cleansing, and massage. Options usually range between 1 and 2 hour treatments.

Known for their relaxing and rejuvenating properties, these baths are great for skin health and overall well-being, as well as a chance for some welcome cultural immersion.

Adult price: £25

Duration: 1-2 hours

Hiking in the Coloured Canyon

This 40m-deep canyon beguiles with undulating layers of ochre, gold, crimson, and mauve. It was formed over millions of years by the erosive forces of wind and water on sandstone and limestone; the colours come from the crystallisation of different minerals.

Day tours from Sharm el-Sheik will involve a 2-hour drive through the desert, then 2-3 hours of hiking through the most appealing parts of the landscape.

This traditional souq is the best shopping in Sharm, with a jumble of textile, food and craft stalls, plus cafes selling decent local Egyptian food. Come after sunset to avoid the heat, sip Arabic coffee and perhaps smoke a shisha pipe. It’s a surprisingly authentic experience given its location in Sharm.

Snorkelling at White Island

This striking sandbank island, which emerges only during low tides, shimmers like a white mirage surrounded by turquoise water. As well as its natural beauty, it’s renowned for snorkelling and diving, with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life below the surface. The full-day trips will include a snorkel stop at Ras Mohammed, which is close by.

Duration: 1 day

Al-Sahaba Mosque

Sharm’s most famous landmark is this beautiful mosque, a showcase of traditional Islamic architecture, built in 2017. Inside, it dazzles with intricate Quranic calligraphy adorning the walls and oversized stained-glass domes overhead. You can climb to the top of the minarets for views of the region.

Snorkelling on Ras Um Sid Beach

This beach in Sharm is a renowned spot for fine snorkelling. There are beautiful coral formations and colour fish just offshore. The water is crystals clear and safe for swimming.

Good for age: 10+

Duration: 1+ hours

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10 Top Things to Do in Sharm El-Sheikh

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Situated at the Gulf of Aqaba's mouth on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El-Sheikh is the original Red Sea resort town. Visitors who flock to the city for a change of scene after the Egyptian interior's dusty temples can expect beautiful beaches and world-class reefs for snorkeling and scuba diving . Watersports of all kinds are the premier pastime in Sharm El-Sheikh, and after a rewarding day on or under the water, you can recount tales of your adventures in one of the city’s lively bars. Other attractions range from traditional souks to protected nature areas and eclectic religious sites. 

Discover World-Class Scuba Diving

Underwater photography by Jordi Benitez/Getty Images

There’s something for every diver in Sharm El-Sheikh, from dramatic reef walls to colorful coral gardens, where warm water temperatures and excellent visibility make each dive a pleasure. Sharm’s marine life is exceptionally diverse, with over 1,000 fish species in addition to turtles, rays, and summer whale shark sightings. Shore diving is a great way to keep costs down , but it’s also well worth taking a boat to the world-famous reefs of the Straits of Tiran, where plunging walls offer the best chance of pelagic fish and shark sightings. Check out Emperor Divers for fun dives and PADI courses. 

Dive Sharm’s Famous Shipwrecks

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For advanced divers, the biggest appeal of a Sharm El-Sheikh dive trip is the area’s iconic shipwrecks. The first on most people’s bucket list is the SS Thistlegorm , arguably one of the most famous wreck diving sites on the planet. During World War II, the Thistlegorm set sail from Scotland loaded with supplies for the Allied Forces in Egypt, where it was sunk by two German bomber planes. Most of its cargo, including motorbikes, Bedford trucks, and Bren gun carriers, can still be seen onboard today. Other famous wrecks include the Cypriot cargo ship Yolanda and the British steamship SS Dunraven. 

Try Your Hand at Other Watersports

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If you prefer to stay on top of the water, there are plenty of other ways to get your dose of sun and sea in Sharm El-Sheikh. Most shore diving sites are also accessible to snorkelers, while boat trips take snorkelers out to the more remote Straits of Tiran and Ras Mohammed reefs. You can even admire the reefs without getting wet on a glass-bottom boat tour. For those who like more high-octane watersports, opportunities abound for banana boating, tubing, kayaking, windsurfing, parasailing, and more. Want to learn to kitesurf? Kite Addicts can teach you in just 2.5 days.

Spend the Day Relaxing on the Beach

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Many of Sharm’s best beaches are located in Ras Mohammed National Park, but for sun-worshipping sessions in the city itself, Naama Bay is the most popular choice. Here, a wide stretch of golden sand fringed by restaurants, cafés, and lively resorts constitutes Sharm’s main tourist hub, a place to socialize, swim, and spend all day reading on one of the many sun loungers. Further north, Shark’s Bay is a slightly quieter and more authentic alternative, while Ras Um Sid at the southern end of town is renowned as the most rewarding shore diving and snorkeling beach in Sharm El-Sheikh. 

Experience Sharm’s Eclectic Nightlife

The epicenter of the city’s nightlife is open-air nightclub Pacha , where world-renowned DJs entertain the crowds until well into the next day. Little Buddha brings Buddha Bar’s trendy sounds to this corner of the Sinai Peninsula; while Bus Stop Lounge is a more laid-back nightspot with a pool table, drink specials, and great music. If you’d rather sit back and swap dive tales over a few beers than sweat it out on the dance floor all night, head to Camel Roof Bar for the Friday night Divers Party; or sit back and admire stunning ocean views at Farsha Café .

Look for Wildlife in Ras Mohammed National Park

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Encompassing 185 square miles of land and sea, Ras Mohammed National Park is the jewel in Sharm’s ecological crown. It includes the region’s best beaches and dive sites, many of which are accessible from shore. In addition, a saltwater lake, the world’s second most northerly mangrove forest, and areas of the inland desert provide a sanctuary for plenty of rare wildlife. Keep an eye out for the vulnerable Dorcas gazelle and Nubian ibex, as well as over 140 bird species, including the endangered Egyptian vulture. The park is located roughly 25 miles south of the city at the very tip of the peninsula. 

Shop for Souvenirs at Sharm Old Market

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For an immersion into the local culture, pay a visit to Sharm Old Market. This crowded souk sells everything you’d expect from an Egyptian bazaar, including pyramids of fragrant spices, silver jewelry, and Arabic lamps inlaid with colored glass. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs while simultaneously honing your haggling skills. You’ll also find some of the cheapest restaurants and cafés in the city. Grab a seat and spend the evening sipping mint tea and smoking shisha while watching the rest of the world go by. The market is located in the far south of Sharm, near Al-Sahaba Mosque. 

Admire the City’s Religious Sites

Martina_L/Getty Images 

Although most people come to Sharm for its beaches and reefs, there are plenty of cultural sites, including several beautiful places of worship. Although completed recently in 2008, Al-Mustafa Mosque replicates the Fatimid architecture of Cairo’s iconic Al-Azhar Mosque and is particularly beautiful when illuminated at night. Al-Sahaba Mosque, located in the Old Market, cherry-picks the best architectural elements of the Fatimid, Mamluk, and Ottoman styles, while the Coptic Heavenly Cathedral stands out for its ceiling fresco of St. John’s vision of The Apocalypse.

Sample Traditional Egyptian Food

You can find most cuisines in Sharm El-Sheikh, from Cajun to Mexican. However, if you’re keen to try something a little more local, make sure to check out the city’s Egyptian restaurants. The top-rated choice on TripAdvisor is El Kababgy , located within the Mövenpick Resort on Naama Bay. Opt for kebabs and kofta from the traditional charcoal grill, or try an authentic tagine or hawawshi (local bread stuffed with minced meat). Luxor is another Egyptian fine dining option in SOHO Square, while local favorite El Hoseni in the Old Market offers tasty staples for a fraction of the price. 

Take a Day Trip to Mount Sinai

 robertharding/Getty Images

For a complete change of scene, visit Mount Sinai in the peninsula’s interior. Believed to be the mountain where God appeared to Moses to give him the Ten Commandments, it is a pilgrimage for Christians, Jews, and Muslims (Prophet Muhammad also spent time here in the late sixth century). Hike to the top of the mountain in time for sunrise via the Camel Trail or the more scenic but challenging Steps of Repentance, then pay a visit to Saint Catherine’s Monastery with its world-famous collection of religious art and manuscripts. Mount Sinai is a 2.5-hour drive from Sharm.

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15 Best Places to Visit in Sharm El Sheikh | The Red Sea Paradise

Sharm El Sheikh, nestled amidst the golden sands of the Sinai Peninsula, is a dazzling gem on the Red Sea. This city caters to every traveller's desires, from breathtaking coral reefs to ancient monasteries, and vibrant souks to modern entertainment complexes. So, buckle up as we embark on a journey through 15 things to see in Sharm El Sheikh treasures:

1 - Naama Bay

It is one of the most iconic tourist places in Sharm El Sheikh. Shimmering like an azure jewel, Naama Bay is Sharm El Sheikh's crown. Pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, and a pulsating nightlife make it a haven for sunbathers, divers, and partygoers.

Best Time To Visit: March to May & September to November

Things To Do: Beach activities, dining, nightlife

Hotel Nearby: Naama Bay Promenade Resort

2 - Ras Mohammed National Park

Explore the enchanting Sharm El Sheikh tourist places. Dive into an underwater wonderland at Ras Mohammed National Park. This marine paradise boasts vibrant coral gardens, majestic sharks, and playful dolphins, offering an unforgettable snorkelling and diving experience.

Best Time To Visit: April to November

Things To Do: Snorkelling, diving, wildlife observation

Hotel Nearby: Baron Resort Sharm El Sheikh

3 - Shark's Bay Beach

Bask in the golden sun on the pristine sands of Shark's Bay Beach. Ideal for families, this sheltered bay offers gentle waves, shallow waters, and a vibrant underwater world to explore. It is one of the most beautiful places in Sharm El Sheikh. 

Best Time To Visit: April to June & September to November

Things To Do: Snorkelling, diving, relaxation

Hotel Nearby: Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh

4 - SOHO Square

Step into a world of glitz and glamour at SOHO Square. This upscale entertainment complex boasts international restaurants, trendy cafes, designer boutiques, and live music venues, promising a night to remember.

Best Time To Visit: Year-round

Things To Do: Shopping, dining, entertainment

Hotel Nearby: Savoy Sharm El Sheikh

5 - St. Catherine's Monastery

Embark on a spiritual pilgrimage to St. Catherine's Monastery, nestled amidst the majestic peaks of Mount Sinai. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries in the world, offering a glimpse into centuries of faith and history.

Best Time To Visit: April to June & September to October

Things To Do: Historical tours, photography, hiking

Hotel Nearby: Catherine Plaza Hotel

6 - Mount Sinai

Hike to the summit of Mount Sinai, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments. This challenging yet rewarding trek offers breathtaking panoramas and a profound spiritual experience.

Best Time To Visit: May to September

Things To Do: Hiking, sunrise or sunset views, photography

Hotel Nearby: Daniela Village St. Katherine

7 - The Old Market

Immerse yourself in the vibrant chaos of the Old Market. Check out handcrafted souvenirs, savour authentic Egyptian cuisine, and experience the warmth of local culture.

Best Time To Visit: October to April

Things To Do: Shopping, cultural exploration, dining

Hotel Nearby: Iberotel Palace

8 - Cleopatra's Bazaar

 Transport yourself to a bustling marketplace brimming with Egyptian charm. Witness captivating shows, purchase unique souvenirs, and savour delicious cuisine beneath the sparkling night sky.

Best Time To Visit: October to April & May to September

Things To Do: Shop, watch live shows, and enjoy local eateries.

Hotel Nearby: Park Regency Sharm El Sheikh Resort

9 - Aqua Blue Water Park

Get your adrenaline pumping at Aqua Blue Water Park, the largest water park in Sharm El Sheikh. Plunge thrilling slides, relax in lazy rivers, and soak up the sun in the sparkling pools.

Best Time To Visit: April to October

Things To Do: Water slides, swimming, family fun

Hotel Nearby: Aqua Blu Sharm El Sheikh

10 - Nabq Protected Area

Discover the wonders of the underwater world at Nabq Protected Area. This marine sanctuary boasts diverse coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and a plethora of marine life, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers.

Things To Do: Wildlife observation, photography, nature walks

Hotel Nearby: Rixos Sharm El Sheikh

11 - Hollywood Sharm el Sheikh

Experience the magic of Hollywood Sharm el Sheikh, a unique blend of entertainment and shopping in one destination. This vibrant attraction features dazzling dancing fountains, captivating live performances, and an immersive 7D cinema experience. With a variety of shops and eateries, it caters to all tastes and ages. Children will be thrilled by the lifelike dinosaurs and the animated hosting team, while adults can enjoy a diverse selection of restaurants. Hollywood Sharm el Sheikh is the perfect place for family fun and creating unforgettable memories.

Best Time To Visit: October to April for cooler weather.

Things To Do: 7D cinema, shopping, dining, live shows.

Hotel Nearby: Palma di Sharm Resort Sharm El Sheikh

12 - Al Mustafa Mosque

Admire the intricate beauty of Al Mustafa Mosque, one of the top places to see in Sharm El Sheikh. This is a stunning example of Islamic architecture. Its marble courtyard, towering minarets, and elegant dome offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Sharm El Sheikh.

Things To Do: Architecture appreciation, photography, cultural exploration

Hotel Nearby: Novotel Sharm El Sheikh

13 - The Thistlegorm Wreck

The Red Sea shimmers with hidden treasures, and among them lies the legendary Thistlegorm Wreck, a World War II British cargo ship that met its fate in 1941. Now, this sunken behemoth serves as a captivating underwater museum, beckoning divers with its history, diverse marine life, and unique cargo.

Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to November 

Things To Do: Diving and photography

Hotel Nearby: Coral Sea Sensatori Resort

14 - Terrazzina Beach

Escape the hustle and bustle at Terrazzina Beach, a secluded haven offering pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking views of the Red Sea. Relax under the shade of palm trees, snorkel amongst colourful reefs, and enjoy the tranquillity of this hidden gem.

Things To Do: Beach parties, sunbathing, swimming

Hotel Nearby: Stella Di Mare Beach Hotel & Spa

15 - Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is a deep natural pit that attracts skilled divers. It goes down more than 130 meters.

Things To Do: Diving, snorkelling, photography

Hotel Nearby: Blue Hole Dahab Hotel

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport ( SSH ) is your first stop in a world of enchantment. Compact yet efficient, it connects you seamlessly to the wonders of the Red Sea.

With its strategic location and modern amenities, every traveller's dream of an idyllic escape starts right here.

Sharm El Sheikh is a blend of historical marvels, natural wonders, and modern entertainment. With Almosafer, embark on a journey to these 15 Sharm El Sheikh tourist attractions, complete with comfortable stays and cheap flights to Sharm El Sheikh . Book your trip now and dive into the beauty of Sharm El Sheikh!

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Beach and palm trees on Red Sea in Sharm el Sheikh, Sinai, Egypt.

Things to Do in Sharm El-Sheikh: A Guide to Top Activities, Attractions, and Hidden Gems

Attractions & things to do in sharm el-sheikh, egypt, snapshots from my journey in sharm el-sheikh, egypt (2022), videos from my journey in sharm el-sheikh, egypt (2022), plan your perfect trip with our trusted travel partners, sharm el-sheikh, egypt: ratings, beyond the city: exploring surroundings and stays in sharm el-sheikh, egypt, faq about things to do in sharm el-sheikh, egypt.

Sharm El-Sheikh, nestled between the Sinai Peninsula’s desert and the Red Sea, is a renowned resort town known for its shimmering beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lively nightlife. For those pondering things to do in Sharm El-Sheikh, diving or snorkeling in the Ras Mohammed National Park, a protected marine area with diverse marine life and shipwrecks, and basking on the sands of Naama Bay with its promenade of cafes and shops are top activities.

The town’s Old Market offers a taste of local culture, with its array of spices, perfumes, and handicrafts. Nearby, the desert landscape provides opportunities for adventurous activities, from quad biking to camel treks, with the backdrop of the iconic Sinai Mountains.

Beyond its coastal allure and desert adventures, Sharm El-Sheikh is a hub for wellness and relaxation, with numerous luxury resorts offering spa treatments and wellness retreats. For those seeking the best places to visit in Egypt , Sharm El-Sheikh’s blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and modern amenities makes it a premier destination.

1. Naama Bay

Naama Bay is the heart of Sharm El-Sheikh and a must-visit for anyone traveling to the area. It is a natural bay in Sharm el-Sheikh resort and is considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

Travel Tip: The bay is lined with a pedestrian promenade, so it’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll in the evening.

2. Ras Mohammed National Park

Ras Mohammed National Park is located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula and offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. The park is home to more than 220 species of coral and over 1,000 species of fish.

Travel Tip: Don’t forget to bring your underwater camera to capture the stunning marine life.

3. Tiran Island

Tiran Island is located at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba and is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and is home to a wide variety of marine life.

Travel Tip: The island can only be visited as part of a guided tour, so be sure to book in advance.

4. St. Catherine’s Monastery

St. Catherine’s Monastery is one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery is located at the foot of Mount Sinai and is home to a collection of religious art, manuscripts, and icons.

Travel Tip: Dress modestly when visiting the monastery as it is a religious site.

5. Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai is a mountain in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt that is a possible location of the biblical Mount Sinai. It is a popular destination for religious pilgrimages and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Travel Tip: The climb to the top can be quite strenuous, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.

6. Shark’s Bay

Shark’s Bay is a popular beach destination in Sharm El-Sheikh and is home to a wide variety of water sports and activities. The bay is also a great spot for snorkeling and diving.

Travel Tip: The bay can get quite crowded, so be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot.

7. Old Market

The Old Market is a bustling bazaar in the heart of Sharm El-Sheikh and is a great place to pick up souvenirs, spices, and local handicrafts.

Travel Tip: Don’t be afraid to haggle for a better price, it’s expected in the market.

8. Aqua Blue Water Park

Aqua Blue Water Park is a fun-filled water park in Sharm El-Sheikh that offers a wide variety of slides and attractions for all ages.

Travel Tip: Be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat as the sun can be quite strong.

9. Nabq Protectorate

Nabq Protectorate is a protected area in Sharm El-Sheikh that is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The protectorate is a great place to take a hike and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Travel Tip: Be sure to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes for hiking.

10. SOHO Square

SOHO Square is a modern shopping and entertainment complex in Sharm El-Sheikh. The square is home to a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Travel Tip: The square is a great place to visit in the evening when it comes alive with music and entertainment.

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Kid-Friendly Activities in Sharm El-Sheikh: 8/10 – Sharm El-Sheikh offers numerous family-friendly activities such as snorkeling and diving at Ras Mohammed National Park, visiting Aqua Blue Water Park, and enjoying the beaches. Many resorts provide kids’ clubs and entertainment programs, making it an excellent destination for families.

Nightlife in Sharm El-Sheikh: 8/10 – Sharm El-Sheikh has a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of bars, nightclubs, and beach parties. Areas like Naama Bay and SOHO Square are popular for their lively nightlife options, including live music, dance clubs, and relaxed beachfront bars. The city’s nightlife caters to a wide range of preferences.

Sport in Sharm El-Sheikh: 9/10 – Sharm El-Sheikh is a hub for water sports, including snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. The Red Sea’s clear waters and rich marine life make it ideal for underwater activities. The city also offers desert safaris, quad biking, and golfing, providing a broad range of sports and adventure options.

Culture and Attractions in Sharm El-Sheikh: 7/10 – While Sharm El-Sheikh is primarily known for its beach and water activities, it also offers cultural attractions such as the Al Mustafa Mosque and Coptic Church. The city’s proximity to significant sites like Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery adds to its cultural appeal.

Gastronomy in Sharm El-Sheikh: 8/10 – The food scene in Sharm El-Sheikh is diverse, featuring Egyptian cuisine and a wide range of international options. Fresh seafood is a highlight, with dishes like grilled fish and calamari being popular. The city has numerous restaurants and street food vendors, catering to various tastes and budgets.

Shopping in Sharm El-Sheikh: 7/10 – Shopping in Sharm El-Sheikh includes modern malls like SOHO Square and traditional markets such as the Old Market, where visitors can buy spices, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs. The city offers a mix of traditional and modern shopping experiences, suitable for different preferences.

Prices in Sharm El-Sheikh: 7/10 – Sharm El-Sheikh is relatively affordable, with reasonable prices for accommodation, dining, and activities. The city provides good value for money, making it accessible for both budget and mid-range travelers.

Average price for a hotel night: $70 Cost of a lunch at a local restaurant: $10 Price of a beer: $4 Price of a coffee: $2.50

For those looking to explore beyond the renowned coral reefs and vibrant nightlife, top day trips near Sharm El-Sheikh unlock the wonders of the Sinai Peninsula. Discover the historic Saint Catherine’s Monastery, the majestic Mount Sinai, and the hidden oasis of the Colored Canyon, each offering an adventure that combines natural beauty with ancient history.

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay, Sharm El-Sheikh accommodations offer a variety of choices, from luxurious resorts with their own private beaches and world-class diving centers to cozy, boutique hotels that provide a more personalized experience. Each ensures a comfortable base to experience this jewel of the Red Sea.

What are the top attractions in Sharm El-Sheikh?

The top attractions in Sharm El-Sheikh include Ras Mohammed National Park, Naama Bay, Tiran Island, and the Old Market.

Is snorkeling or diving a must-do activity in Sharm El-Sheikh?

Absolutely! Sharm El-Sheikh is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, making snorkeling and diving some of the most popular activities.

Can I go on a desert safari from Sharm El-Sheikh?

Yes, desert safaris, often on quad bikes or camels, are a popular way to explore the Sinai desert and experience Bedouin culture.

Are there family-friendly activities in Sharm El-Sheikh?

Yes, families can enjoy Aqua Blue Water Park, visit the Dolphina Park, or take glass-bottom boat tours to view marine life without getting wet.

What nightlife options does Sharm El-Sheikh offer?

Sharm El-Sheikh has a lively nightlife with numerous bars, clubs, and beach parties, especially around Naama Bay.

Is the St. Catherine’s Monastery worth a visit?

Definitely! Located at the base of Mount Sinai, St. Catherine’s Monastery is one of the world’s oldest Christian monasteries and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Where can I get the best views of Sharm El-Sheikh?

For panoramic views of the city and the Red Sea, consider visiting the viewpoints around Ras Um Sid or take a scenic drive through the Sinai mountains.

What local events or festivals are celebrated in Sharm El-Sheikh?

Sharm El-Sheikh hosts the International Shopping & Tourism Festival, which promotes local products, arts, and culture. The city also sees various diving events and competitions throughout the year.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharm_El_Sheikh https://www.getyourguide.com/sharm-el-sheikh-l408

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended, at no extra cost to you.

David Zacik

I like to travel and I run a website about interesting places, food, countries and customs, sharing practical tips and inspiring others. Follow me on YouTube and Instagram .

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• Sharm El Sheikh

30 Fun Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

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Sharm El Sheikh is world famous for its splendid beaches and superb scuba-diving opportunities. There are so many things to do in Sharm El Sheikh in addition to sitting on the beach and soaking up the sun rays.

In this article we list some great activities to make your next trip to Sharm El Sheikh a real once in a lifetime memorable experience! Whether you are a regular visitor to Sharm El Sheikh or planning a trip there for your next holidays, this article will almost definitely provide you with some new inspirations and ideas of how to fill your holiday time to the maximum.

From mosques, traditional markets, scuba-diving, churches, desert safaris, hiking trips and watersports your holiday can be jam- packed with different opportunities to try out something new and take in the gorgeous natural mountainous landscapes and sea vistas.

1 – Marvel at the magnificent Mustafa Mosque

This glorious mosque is the largest in Sharm El Sheikh and can accommodate around 3000 worshippers! The mosque consists of two 72 metre tall minarets which flank each side of the central dome. It was designed by Egyptian architect Fouad Tawfik Hafez and completed in 2008.

At night the mosque is illuminated creating a striking backdrop for some stunning photos! It is located close to Naama bay so attracts many tourists who come to marvel at its exterior. Inside the mosque is also very impressive with low-hanging chandeliers and walls decorated with Arabic calligraphy.

• city tours in Sharm el Sheikh

2 – Stroll around the Old Market

The Old Market is the ideal location to go and pick up some authentic Egyptian souvenirs. Enjoy haggling with local vendors to ensure a good price and soak up the vibrant and bustling atmosphere.

In the Old Market it is possible to find an array of products for example leather goods, herbs and spices, jewellery, textiles, hanging lamps, teas, shoes and more! One particular speciality is the crafted Egyptian engraved woodwork in the form of decorative figures!

Indulge your senses with the smells of Arabic coffee, shisha pipes, frying seafood and sizzling meat from the food stalls. Gaze upon the colourful fruits and vegetables or simply people watch as local Egyptians come to buy and trade their goods.

Open seven days a week the Old Market is a real delight to browse around!

3 – Explore the Ras Muhammad National Park

The Ras Muhammad National Park is a vast area consisting of 480 square kilometres on the southern tip of the Sinai peninsula. The park that is just 12 km away from Sharm El Sheikh is brimming with wildlife. In particular it is popular for its marine diversity, boasting an estimate of around 1,000 different species of fish!

Visitors will be amazed by the sensational pristine coral reefs with the possibility of catching a glimpse of some sea creatures including sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays and perhaps if you are lucky some reef sharks!

The park has a rich diversity of different habitats from desert areas, to mangroves and salt marshes. Taking a tour around the park you may have the chance to spot desert foxes, gazelles, wild goats and lizards.

Check out the information centre within the park to learn more about the different wildlife conservation projects and the local ecosystem.

• Ras Mohammed National Park tours

4 – Soak up the sun in Naama Bay

Naama bay is a natural bay in Sharm El Sheikh and it is a fantastic place to enjoy swimming and snorkelling. There are many restaurants, cafés and bars. Sunbathing on the sandy beaches of Naama bay it is possible to take in the views of the surrounding mountains in the background.

Naama bay is also a great location to try out some water sports such as kayaking, jet skiing or windsurfing. There are many resort hotels in Naama bay perfect for family holidays. Most of the larger hotels offer swimming pools and sports facilities to guests.

Naama bay is very easy to get to from the Sharm El Sheikh International airport and therefore a popular destination among tourists who come to enjoy the Red Sea and the lively night ambiance.

5 – Enjoy the evening entertainment options at SOHO Square

Soho Square is a shopping complex where it is easy to find both Egyptian and international style dining options.

During the evening it is highly recommended to check out the spectacular illuminated fountain with colour changing water jets. Watch on as strobe lights flash and dance across the water.

There are many different entertainment options including an ice rink, a bowling alley and a large kids area with a ball pit and slides. Often there are live music concerts or dance performances for visitors to enjoy. Soho square is a popular gathering spot for both tourists and locals due to its relaxed family friendly atmosphere and plentiful outdoor seating areas.

6 – Adjust your scuba diving mask and plunge underwater

Sharm El Sheikh is considered one of the top scuba diving destinations worldwide due to the excellent visibility and the well-preserved coral reefs. Divers travel here from around the world to marvel at the soft coral beds and have the chance to swim amongst tropical fish.

The Yolanda reef is located within the Ras Mohammed Marine Park and is one of the most famous diving spots. Yolanda reef is named after the wreck of the ship Yolanda, a Cypriot cargo boat that sank in the 1980s whilst transporting bathroom porcelain.

Divers love the Yolanda reef due to the rich coral plateau and the opportunity to spot many different sea creatures such as turtles and barracuda.

Jackson Reef is found in the northern part of the Straits of Tiran and many divers head here with the hope of catching a glimpse of a hammerhead shark, tuna fish or a manta ray. The Jackson reef also houses a cargo boat shipwreck which can be interesting for divers to explore.

Another popular site in the Straits of Tiran is the Thomas Reef which is actually the smallest reef but very much celebrated for its high concentration of bright corals.

The Blue Hole is another notorious diving spot which is located about a 2 hours drive away from Sharm El Sheikh. It is called the ‘Blue Hole’ because it is a sinkhole formed by erosion of the limestone reef. The hole is estimated to be around 100 metres in depth and offers an incredible array of marine life.

• scuba diving in Sharm El Sheikh

7 – Admire the sumptuous Heavenly Cathedral

The walls of this Cathedral are heavily plastered with frescoes relating biblical scenes. In particular look out for the dramatic depiction of Saint John’s vision of the Apocalypse!

Visitors will have their breath taken away by the opulent chandeliers, the hugely colourful stained-glass windows and intricately painted icons.

It required a team of 19 artists to create this masterpiece of a church and it is known as the ‘heavenly cathedral’ for a reason because the interior blows visitors away by its grace and attention to detail.

8 – Jump on a quad bike for a spin round the desert

Embark upon a thrilling adventure on a quad bike and witness the sheer beauty of the desert firsthand. Feel the wind rushing through your hair as you zip over sandy terrains and connect with a group activity to spend quality time with friends and family.

Quad tours are accessible for beginners or more experienced riders so every level can enjoy and become part of the activity. A quad tour could also give you the unique opportunity to get up close to a traditional Bedouin camp to experience a completely new culture and see how real people live within the desert!

• quad tours in Sharm El Sheikh

9 – Take a snorkelling trip to Tiran Island

Tiran island now belongs to Saudi Arabia but used to be a part of Egypt. The island measures 80 square kilometres and is found in the narrowest section of the Straits of Tiran.

The island is uninhabited and makes up part of the Ras Mohammed National Park.

Crystal clear waters make Tiran island the perfect excursion for some snorkelling. Lots of tour experiences include a boat trip to the island with lunch and an opportunity to snorkel off the boat.

Get away from the more busy tourist areas around Naama bay to these secluded spots to enjoy fish gliding through the calm waters. Graceful rays and turtles are often spotted on these memorable day trips!

• Tiran Island tours

10 – Take in the beauty of the Sahaba mosque

The Sahaba mosque is now the second biggest mosque in Sharm El Sheikh after the Mustafa mosque mentioned at the start of the article. It only opened in 2017 so it is a relatively recent addition in the heart of Sharm El Sheikh.

The mosque blends lots of different architectural styles for example Ottoman, Fatimid and Mamluk creating a dazzling visual effect. The mosque has two 76 metre minarets (only slightly taller than the Mustafa mosque) and can be easily found in a prime location right next to the Old Market.

The mosque has two separate floors for men and women and a library full of islamic teaching texts.

11 – Discover marine life on a glass-floor boat trip

Some boat trips offer visitors the amazing experience of a glass-bottom boat trip with 18 windows to get a jaw-dropping vision of life under the sea. Venture into the depths of the Red Sea waters from the comfort of a boat and without even getting wet!

Some companies offer boat trips aboard a bright red pirate vessel with three different deck areas. Set sail across to the Ras Mohammed National park and pretend to be a pirate for a day in a great family friendly boat experience.

Other boat tours available include trips on luxury yachts, large catamarans or private speed boats. There are even tours involving banana boats for those seeking out more active water-sports adventures. Check out the Tourscanner site to browse all the potential Sharm El Sheikh boat experiences on offer.

• boat tours in Sharm El Sheikh

12 – Gaze up at the night sky

Since Sharm El Sheikh is located in a desert region there are very dark skies at night which provide the perfect conditions for clear visibility of the constellations and planets. There is very little light pollution and often minimal cloud cover giving visitors a great view into the night sky.

There are many stargazing tour experiences on offer starting at around 25 euros per person. Gaze into a telescope and be amazed by the richness of celestial objects the night sky has to offer. A trained guide can help point out the different constellations and perhaps you even have the good fortune to assist a meteor shower or shooting star!

Click the link below to check out the stargazing experiences available, some even including BBQ dinners and camel rides!

• stargazing in Sharm El Sheikh

13 – Discover Bedouin culture with a traditional dinner and show

The Bedouin people are a nomadic Arab tribe that live in the desert of the Sinai peninsula. They are known for their strong sense of hospitality and community values.

Traditionally Bedouins used to live in black tents made from goat hair however nowadays tents are made from more typically modern materials!

Let yourself be swept away by a once-in-a-lifetime dance performance surrounded by the desert involving belly dancing, fire and acrobatics.

Savour the traditional flavours of Bedouin grilled meat on the flame with a cup of Bedouin tea. Many of the tours involving the dinner dance show and a visit to a Bedouin tent also include riding with camels, quad bikes and star gazing!

• Bedouin experiences in Sharm El Sheikh

14 – Mount a camel and parade through the desert

Camels are a timeless symbol of life in the desert and have been used by the Bedouin nomadic tribes for transporting goods along trade routes and in between settlements.

In Bedouin folklore the camel is a symbol of strength and endurance probably due to their incredible ability to survive with little water in such an arid climate. Without a doubt, a ride upon a camel in order to experience the true expanse of the desert is amongst the top things to do in Sharm El Sheikh!

• camel riding in Sharm El Sheikh

15 – Cool off on some of the best beaches Sharm El Sheikh has to offer

When talking about the best beaches in Sharm El Sheikh there are so many that it can be a tough job to narrow it down to a select few.

El Fanar is a paradise of turquoise waters and clean sands nestled between some craggy rocks. There is a relaxed atmosphere with many great snorkeling spots to discover some new aquatic creatures.

While the name may put off some more cautious tourists, Sharks Bay Beach is considered one of the best beaches for snorkeling on the shallow reefs and taking in the sunset with a cocktail in hand.

Another popular beach is Ras Um Sid due to its abundance of fan coral formations. It is nicknamed ‘the Golden Beach’ due to the warm hue of the rocks and sand.

Old Quay Beach is often praised as one of the best beaches in Sharm El Sheikh because of the easy access to its vertical coral reef for snorkeling!

16 – Check out some stunning corals while snorkeling

Marine enthusiasts will definitely agree that snorkeling is a very high priority on the list of things to do in Sharm El Sheikh because just a mask and snorkel can open up a whole new underwater kingdom bustling with activity! The warm waters provide an ideal habitat for starfish, clownfish and parrotfish to name a few.

Use Tourscanner to browse some of the snorkeling tours available with many experiences including a ride in a boat and lunch. Snorkeling tours can last a whole full day or there are also some half-day (3 to 4 hours) options for those who plan to spend the morning topping up the tan on the beach.

• snorkeling in Sharm El Sheikh

17 – Spend quality time in the desert with a retreat or a safari

The peaceful desert near Sharm El Sheikh can be a great way to disconnect from the busy and frantic rush of modern life. Why not use your holiday time in such a relaxing location such as Sharm el Sheikh to reconnect with your spirituality and focus on your physical well-being by considering a yoga desert safari !

Check out the yoga desert holiday experiences on Tourscanner to discover more about what a yoga desert holiday can offer. Yoga and restorative meditation classes whilst contemplating the desert dunes and canyons followed by an evening campfire is certainly a wholesome way to pamper the soul!

For those looking for more of a high adrenaline desert safari, book on to an experience involving sand boarding. Glide over the desert dunes in style and feel exhilarated. Giving sand boarding a try will definitely give you a good body work out and will help improve your balancing skills.

• desert safaris in Sharm El Sheikh

18 – Climb to the summit of the sacred Mount Sinai

Hike up to the summit of sacred Mount Sinai by climbing up the ‘Steps of Repentance’  consisting of 3,750 steps carved into the rocky mountainside. Once at the peak, gaze out over the extraordinary panorama below and watch the sunrise.

Hiking through the night is probably one of the most challenging things to do in Sharm El Sheikh but extremely rewarding with unforgettable views at the top.

According to the Old Testament, it is believed that Mount Sinai is where Moses encountered a burning bush and the voice of God which urged him to attempt to liberate the Israelites. Mount Sinai is steeped in religious significance with Christianity, Islam and Judaism considering it as a holy site.

• Mount Sinai tours

19 – Learn about the historic and religious significance of St Catherine’s Monastery

St Catherine’s Monastery is a 6th-century Monastery located at the foot of Mount Sinai. It is one of the oldest continuously operating Christian monastic communities in the world and an important site of pilgrimage for believers.

The monastery is home to a community of Greek Orthodox monks, one of the oldest branches of Christianity.It is no surprise that St Catherine’s Monastery is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Within the monastery one can find mosaics, icons and a library of very early printed manuscripts. The monastery has strong fortified walls that have protected it against invasions over the centuries.

• St Catherine’s Monastery tours

20 – See the iconic Giza Pyramids with your own eyes

When in Egypt, it seems a shame to miss out on one of the wonders of the Ancient world, the Pyramids! Take a Giza Pyramids day trip from Sharm El Sheikh to explore the 4,500 year old burial sites of the ancient pharaohs.

The Giza pyramids consist of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, the iconic Sphinx and several smaller pyramids. Postcards and photos can not prepare you for the feeling of amazement when seeing the complex in the flesh!

It is absolutely mind boggling to think that the Great Pyramid of Khufu was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years until the completion of the Lincoln Cathedral in the UK during the 14th century!

Hot tip: Read our complete guide about the best Gyza Pyramids tours .

21 – Experience the bustle of historic and downtown Cairo

Cairo is a buzzing dynamic city that has a character like no other! There is no surprise that it is brimming with energy as it is home to around 20 million inhabitants! There are plenty of fascinating things to see in Cairo, for example the Citadel of Cairo is a historic fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Located on top of a hill, the views from the citadel of the Cairo of the cityscape below are incredible and it is even possible to glimpse the pyramids on the horizon if you look carefully! Within the Citadel, visitors should also take a look at the stunning and elegant Muhammad Ali Mosque also known as the ‘Alabaster Mosque’.

Other fantastic things to see in Cairo include a visit to the Coptic Museum in the heart of Old Cairo. The Coptic museum allows visitors to understand more about Egypt’s Coptic Christian heritage and their early artefacts, icons and manuscripts.

Another fascinating place to visit in Old Cairo is the ‘Hanging Church’ which is full of Coptic artwork. It is described as ‘hanging’ because it is believed to have been built upon the southern gate of the Roman fortress of Babylon.

• Cairo tours from Sharm El Sheikh

22 – Put on your hiking boots

Hiking lovers can opt for the unforgettable experience of trekking up Mount Sinai. It takes between 2 to 3 hours of uphill ascent to reach the summit so this is definitely a great opportunity for hiking enthusiasts to get stuck in and breathe in some fresh mountain air. The total hiking time is around 4 hours including the descent.

The hike up Mount Sinai transports you away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The remote and peaceful surroundings create a serene atmosphere that allows for introspection, reflection, and a temporary escape from the noise of the modern world!

• hiking in Sharm El Sheikh

23 – Take some fantastic photos of the Colored Canyon

The colored canyon is a natural labyrinth of bright red and golden rocks. The 800 metre gorge of sandstone and limestone provides a kaleidoscope of warm colors. It is even possible to sometimes see purple and blue colors caused by mineral deposits.

The canyon has been created by the receding tides and erosion of the Red Sea and general weathering over the centuries. Learn more about the fascinating geology of the canyon and take the opportunity to take some surreal photos in the narrow maze-like paths and rock walls!

• Colored Canyon tours

24 – Lie back and let yourself unwind with a restorative massage

Completely disconnect with the help of a blissful massage that can help reduce accumulated tension and unknot tight and aching muscles. Indulge yourself whilst on holiday with a ‘Cleopatra massage’ involving natural essential oils and coconut balms.

Alternatively why not try a chocolate scrub full body cleanse or a Turkish bath program including a sauna and steam. Give your body the chance to let go and fully relax after a busy day snorkelling!

• massages in Sharm El Sheikh

25 – Uncover the mysterious ancient city of Petra

Make the most of your time and take a Petra day trip from Sharm El Sheikh , to explore this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a ferry ride all the way from Taba to Aqaba crossing the Gulf of Aqaba into Jordan.

Uncover the hidden secrets of the lost city of the Nabateans who lived there 2,000 years ago. Petra is also called the ‘Rose city’ due to the carved buildings in the pink sandstone rocks.

Marvel at the skill of the Nabateans who managed to develop advanced water management systems such as dams and channels carved into the rock to distribute this precious and essential resource!

The entrance to Petra is through a narrow, winding gorge called the Siq which provides a dramatic and magical introduction to the most celebrated monuments such as the Treasury.

Petra has been featured in several movies, including the famous Indiana Jones film, ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.’ Walking around the ancient stones of Petra you really feel like you are part of a historical film set!

26 – Try out a buggy tour

Glide across the sands of the desert in a two seater or family buggy car! A buggy ride allows you to take in some spectacular desert views whilst having a great laugh with friends or family.

Some buggy tour experiences may also include a stop off at the Echo Mountains to play around with your voices echoing through the vastness of the desert!

• buggy tours in Sharm El Sheikh

27 – Parasail over the Red Sea

Parasailing involves being strapped to a parachute on the back of a boat and soaring above the waters in the air. Experience some excellent views of the Egyptian coastline flying through the air at around 40 to 50 metres!

Parasailing has recently become a very popular activity in Sharm el Sheikh as it gives participants the thrill of sailing through the air without jumping from the height of a plane!

Flying is gentle, safe and smooth but also provides a slight adrenaline hit for extreme sport lovers!

• parasailing in Sharm El Sheikh

28 – Take in the desert or beach on horse-back

One of the most pleasant things to do in Sharm El Sheikh is a sunset horse ride experience either in the desert or on the beach. Gallop across the golden desert sands or feel the sea breeze running through your hair.

Get off the sun-lounger on the beach and get active for an hour or two. Learn more about horse-riding with the help of an experienced instructor who will help guide and instruct you during the excursion.

• horse riding in Sharm EL Sheikh

29 – Splash around at the Aqua Park

Explore the biggest water park in Sharm El Sheikh which contains over 38 different slides and a wave machine. Splash around in the water playground pools or float along the lazy river.

The aqua park is an enjoyable and refreshing place to cool off and spend quality time with family outdoors.

• Aqua Park tickets

30 – Dine out in some of the best restaurants in Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh offers a wide range of dining options. Please note that it is always a good idea to check availability and reserve a table beforehand.

Located in the Old market, Fares Seafood restaurant is a good choice for those who want to experience some authentic fish dishes. Some of their top recommendations include local grilled fish, shrimp, fish soup and lobster. There is a welcoming and lively atmosphere.

Situated in the market of Hadaba, Onions Restaurant offers both Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Visitors can enjoy grilled meats, mezze platters, soups, curry and much more! The portions are generous and the ambiance very friendly and relaxed.

What makes the Umbi Sharks Bay restaurant stand out is the veranda with stunning views of Tiran island. In the evening the pretty lantern lighting creates a romantic vibe as you gaze out to sea. The menu offers something for everyone with seafood, Italian, vegetarian and meat.

You can find the Luxor Restaurant on the Soho square and it specialises in delicious Egyptian and Middle Eastern cuisine. The place combines traditional flavors and local ingredients. When in Egypt it seems a shame not to make the most of trying some really typical Egyptian delicacies! The mood is smart-casual so the dress code highlights that shorts or flip flops are to be left at the hotel.

Enjoy a luxury meal on the breathtaking white sands of the beach of Sharm el Sheikh’s Coral Bay. The Beach Luxury Club offers diverse styles such as sushi, Thai and Mediterranean. The chef’s attention to detail is outstanding and the dishes are served stylishly with finesse.

How to get to Sharm El Sheikh?

Check out the airport transfers from the Sharm El Sheikh International airport to your hotel front door to avoid stress and ensure a smooth journey. There are many professional transfer services available in comfortable vehicles starting from just 10 euros.

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport is only a 15 minute drive away from Naama bay so it is super convenient to get to and from the airport. Avoid the hassle of trying to haggle with local taxi drivers upon arrival and get to your destination as soon as possible after a long flight!

Where to stay in Sharm El Sheikh?

Sharm El Sheikh offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences. There are many resort hotels that offer superb facilities and access to the most beautiful beaches of Sharm El Sheikh. Here are a few ideas of where to stay when planning your next trip to Sharm El Sheikh.

For those seeking sheer luxury, the Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh guarantees guests sleek modern accommodation. The private beach is a great site for snorkeling and the 3,000 palm trees create the ambiance of an Egyptian paradise. Rooms are light and sophisticated and the hotel has excellent spa and fitness facilities. The Four Seasons is renowned for its impeccable service and hospitality. The staff are dedicated to ensuring that guests have a memorable and personalised experience.

The gorgeous Sunrise Arabian Beach Resort enjoys a private beach on Sharks Bay and guests can have the pleasure of views looking out over Tiran Island from the room balconies. There are six different restaurants and plenty of terraces and garden areas. There are activities for kids and six swimming pools so there is definitely the option to find your own peaceful space to completely unwind.

The stylish Savoy Sharm El Sheikh is surrounded by lush tropical foliage and is perfectly located very near the lively SOHO square. There are six restaurants and five bars where guests can chill out to live music.

The Savoy is family friendly with a kids club and a games room. There are several swimming pools with one that is heated during the winter months. Make use of the tennis and squash courts or grab a mask and spend the morning snorkelling on the hotel beach. There are plenty of sunbeds to stake out on and soak in the radiant Egyptian sun!

Rixos Sharm El Sheikh is ideal for special occasions such as honeymoons or anniversaries, the Rixos is a hotel exclusively for over 18s. Located on the beachfront at Nabq bay, the hotel has a gigantic swimming pool and garden zone. The resort offers 7 different restaurants and 9 bars so there is lots of variety! Indulge in the state of the art spa, pump it out in the gym facilities or make the most of some of the great fitness class activities on offer.

The Barceló Tiran Sharm is a great family-friendly option located in Nabq bay. The buffet dining options are tasty and abundant! There are many entertainment options programmed during the evenings such as fire shows, dance routines and live music to delight all the family.

The snorkelling opportunities are impressive from the hotel beach and the views of the mountains across the bay provide a beautiful and serene backdrop. Rooms are comfortable and well-equipped.

• best hotels in Sharm El Sheikh

Where to go next?

With many multi-day trips from Sharm El Sheikh , a trip to Cairo and Alexandria can be easily combined. Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria has a rich history and there are many fascinating cultural sites worth visiting for example the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the fortress of the Qaitbay Citadel.

Take a plane to visit the amazing city of Luxor which has some of the most astounding Ancient Egyptian temples. From Luxor you can also easily visit the giant Memnon Colossi statues and the legendary Valley of the Kings. Admire the Avenue of Sphinxes, the great Obelisk, and the columns of the Karnak Temple. Discover tombs covered in well-preserved colorful hieroglyphs, including the deepest tomb of Seti I with the burial chamber approximately 137 meters below ground level!

Next on your list should be the coastal city of Hurghada , known for its beautiful beaches and exceptional scuba diving opportunities in the Red Sea, with brilliant coral reefs that are a sea lover’s paradise. The more adventurous can enjoy desert activities such as quad tours and camel safaris, while Downtown Hurghada offers an authentic Egyptian experience with its bustling markets and local cuisine.

If you take a visit to Petra why not extend your trip and explore the capital city of Jordan called Amman . Amman has a Roman theatre and the temple of Hercules! Amman also has many beautiful mosques and traditional markets waiting to be discovered.

Sharm El Sheikh can also be a good starting point for a day trip or long week to Jerusalem nestled in the heart of the Judean Mountains. Explore one of the most religiously significant cities in the world where Eastern and Western traditions and cultures intersect!

Final thoughts

There are a huge number of activities and things to do in Sharm El Sheikh for all types of visitors whether you are an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or looking for a relaxing massage experience.

Explore the stunning desert landscapes on a camel safari, immersing yourself in the rich Bedouin culture and traditions. Alternatively, hop on a quad bike and embark on an adrenaline-fueled adventure, traversing the dunes and enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding desert.

Marine enthusiasts will relish the amazing opportunities Sharm El Sheikh provides to swim alongside tropical fish and explore some of the world’s most celebrated diving sites.

For those looking to take a day trip or two away from the beach and the resorts, there are so many historical Egyptian places within reach for example Luxor, Cairo or Alexandria. Delve into Egypt’s ancient past and discover awe-inspiring temples, citadels and tombs that have been mystifying tourists for centuries!

Happy travels!

Things To Do In Sharm El Sheikh

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Ideal duration: 1 - 2 days

Best Time: Apr, May, Sep, Oct Read More

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1. Naama Bay

7 km from city center 1 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

Naama bay comprises two main areas, a beach area and a promenade complex with shops and restaurants. It is located near El Salam Road in Sharm El Sheikh. It is visited for diving safaris, snorkelling with fish, or chilling under umbrellas by the beach. The pedestrian walkway, known as the El Salam promenade road, is built right behind the beach for a breezy stroll or shopping experience.

2. Boat Trip to Ras Mohammed National Park

19 km from city center 2 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

The Ras Mohammed National Park is Egypt's first national park and marine reserve. It is located on the Sinai Peninsula, 12 kilometres from Sharm El Sheikh city. The National park is spread over a vast desert with sand dunes, mountains, and valleys overlooking the exquisite red sea reef. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling and scuba diving amongst the red sea's natural reefs and aquatic animals.

3. SOHO Square

14 km from city center 3 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

SOHO Square is one of the most popular shopping and entertainment centres in Sharm El Sheikh. The square is located on White Knight Beach. Famous for its vibrant nightlife, the square boasts many bars, cafes, and a club. The central attraction is the dancing fountain with a light and sound show at night.

4. Al Mustafa Mosque

7 km from city center 4 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

The Al Mustafa Mosque is the largest in Sharm El Sheikh. It is located close to Naama bay on Al Rewaysat Road. The signature features of the mosque are its two tall standing minarets and a huge dome made of carved stone. The mosque's exterior is lit up with white lights giving it a mesmerising night view.

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Sharm El Sheikh Beach and Desert Adventure Tour Package

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7 km from city center 5 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

The Sharm El Sheikh old market is a vibrant souq-style marketplace located in the Qesm Sharm Ash Sheikh region. The central attraction of the market is the El Sahaba Mosque. The old market itself is filled with shops selling souvenirs, food, groceries, clothes, jewellery, and more. You can find Lampshades, lanterns, Arabic perfumes, oils, and local delicacies such as fruits and nuts.

6. Sunrise Hike to Mount Sinai

77 km from city center 6 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

Mount Sinai is one of the most renowned tourist spots in St Catherine town in Qesm. There are two trails en route to the mountain. The first is the Camel Trail, used for going up, and the second is used to travel back to the monastery by 3750 steps leading to the foot of the mountain. A local guide and Government clearance are mandatory to hike the sacred mountain.

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7. Saint Catherine's Monastery

77 km from city center 7 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

St. Catherine’s monastery is a renowned UNESCO world heritage site. The ancient pilgrimage exists at the foot of the mountain in Saint Catherine town, Sinai Peninsula. The Oldest inhabited monastery and library in the world, it is home to texts and manuscripts in some of the most ancient languages in the world.

8. Shark Bay Beach

12 km from city center 8 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

Sharks Bay Beach has clear waters, fine sand, and shallow depth, which make it a popular spot for swimming. The beauty of the marine fauna and coral reefs here is unmatched, so definitely go snorkeling or diving. Encourage yourself to water sports activities like kitesurfing and windsurfing with professional help and stores to rent equipment. The beach has cafes, restaurants, and sit-down eateries with a diverse food menu!

9. Water Sports in Sharm El Sheikh

7 km from city center 9 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

The Sharm El Sheikh resort city is famous for its water sports and adventure activities with its beaches, pools, and coastal reefs. Enjoy various recreational water sports activities such as kayaking, waterboarding, diving, snorkelling, boating, and more. Starfishes, sea urchins, squids, crustaceans, sharks, Eels, and lobsters are only some of the marine animals and fishes found in the Sharm waters.

10. Desert Camel Ride in Sinai Peninsula Desert

10 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

Desert camel ride is a much-coveted activity in the Sinai Peninsula Desert. Mostly desert landscape, the Sinai Peninsula is known for famous for its stunning beaches. It can be reached from Sharm el Sheikh via Nuweiba. The tours can last anywhere from three hours to half a day depending on the package you choose.

11. Tiran Island

25 km from city center 11 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

Tiran Island is a popular tourist destination near Sharm El Sheikh. Water sports such as snorkelling or scuba diving amongst the four rich coral reefs near the island are popular activities while on a tour of Tiran Island.

12. Vibe at Farsha Cafe

9 km from city center 12 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

Situated into a mountainside, in Hadaba, Farsha Cafe is a mountain club cum tea house that gives arabian nights like experience. Guests can lounge on floor cushions, under Bedouin tents, surrounded by swinging lamps, transporting them to another time and place. The cafe's location offers breathtaking views of the beach and sunset.

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Beaches & Islands

Beaches in Sharm El Sheikh

Day Trips from Sharm El Sheikh

13. Day Trip to Dahab

71 km from city center 13 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

The coastal city of Dahab is located in the Gulf of Aqaba, about 2 hours from Sharm El Sheikh. Tourists can take a day trip from the resort island to downtown Dahab, with its relaxed shoreline, seaside restaurants, and shops embedded in the local Bedouin culture. The city is most famous for its diving sites. The famous Dahab blue hole is a popular diving and snorkelling site.

14. See the Colored Canyon

102 km from city center 14 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

About 90 kms north of Dahab lies the Colored Canyon or Salama Canyon, which is said to be around 800 meters long. The Red Canyon derives its name from the phenomenon that occurs when sunlight hits the granite rocks of the canyon. The rocks illuminate with a reddish glow, making the Salama Canyon a magnificent experience.

15. The Heavenly Cathedral

5 km from city center 15 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

Located in the Hay el Noor neighborhood, the Heavenly Cathedral is renowned for its striking architecture and religious significance. Despite being completed relatively recently, the Heavenly Cathedral has quickly gained recognition as one of the top 10 most beautiful churches globally. The cathedral's location near the twin minarets of the El Mustafa mosque.

16. Ras Um Sid Beach

94 km from city center 16 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

Ras Um Sid Beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs with giant clams and is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. It is located in the southern part of Sharm El Sheikh. Soaking up the sun, enjoying the natural cliffs and high surrounding mountains, snorkeling, and diving are major things to do here.

17. Diving in Sharm el Sheikh

9 km from city center 17 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh is a great place if you want to start diving. It has lots of different places to dive and the water is super clear, making it easy for beginners to see everything underwater. There are also many good dive centers where you can get help from experts and use really good gear.

18. Yolanda Reef Site Diving

22 km from city center 18 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

The Yolanda Reef Site is one of Egypt's most popular diving and snorkelling sites located within Ras Mohammed National Park. The Reef extends to over 800m with natural caves and strong currents. It is the site of the wreck of Jolanda, a cargo ship. The remains of the sunken ship can still be seen on the diving expedition.

19. Thistlegorm Wreck Diving

7 km from city center 19 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

The Thistlegorm Wreck Diving site is one of the most popular diving sites of the Red Sea in the Sinai Peninsula. It is located 40 km from Sharm El Sheikh on the peninsula's west coast. The central attraction of the diving site is a sunken world war II cargo ship. The ship, which is split into two halves, is perfectly preserved at the bottom. Ruins of several jeeps, bikes, arms, and ammunition are spread within and across the ship.

20. Blue Hole Diving

72 km from city center 20 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

The notoriously famous Blue Hole diving site is one of the most dangerous diving sites across the peninsula. It is a deep natural sinkhole surrounded by a vertical coral reef wall. It is located at a 10km distance from Dahab on the red sea coast. The site is famous for snorkelling and diving within its crystal-clear waters.

21. Turtle Bay Boat Trip

9 km from city center 21 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

Turtle Bay in Sharm-el-Sheikh, located off Abu Dabbab Beach, is a drift ideal for divers of all levels and expertise. The drift is supported by a rich marine biosystem across a sandy plateau that hosts hordes of green turtles every year during their visiting time. Manatees can also be spotted here amid Turtle Bay's lush seaweeds and coral reefs. One-day boat trips to Turtle Bay usually come with all snorkelling and diving gear provided.

22. Hollywood Sharm El Sheikh

9 km from city center 22 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

Hollywood Sharm El Sheikh is an amusement park, resort, and entertainment centre located on Peace Road in the El-Salam district. The central attraction here is the magnificent fountain show built inside a small lake with paddle boating. Jurassic amusement is popular among kids for its adventure rides, merry-go-round, and go-karting. There is also a 7D cinema in the centre.

23. Al Sahaba Mosque

6 km from city center 23 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

The Al Sahaba Mosque is the second-largest mosque in Sharm El Sheikh. It is the central attraction of the old market in the Qesm Sharm Ash Sheikh region. The mosque is built with beautiful minarets, high ceilings, and ornate gold domes. At a glance, it resembles a magnificent palace with extravagant architecture, an open courtyard with fountains, and a staircase leading to the entrance.

24. Quad Biking

24 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

If you're the type of traveler who prefers adventure over lounging by the pool, quad biking in the desert of Sharm el Sheikh is an absolute must-do activity. Priced at a reasonable around 700 EGP for a thrilling couple of hours, it offers an exhilarating experience. The best times for quad biking excursions are usually around 10am or 4pm to avoid the scorching midday heat.

25. Try Birding in Nabq National Park

29 km from city center 25 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

Nabq National Park, situated between Dahab and Sharm El-Sheikh along the coast, is an extraordinary mix of desert and marine life. One of the park's standout features is its extensive mangrove forests, stretching for about 4 kilometers along the coastline. There are plenty of activities to engage in, such as bird watching, snorkeling, diving, and nature walks..

26. Visit Cairo & Pyramids of Giza

26 out of 26 Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh

The Pyramids of Giza in the Egyptian city of Cairo are one of the most popular day tour sites in Sharm El Sheikh. The historical site is part of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Travellers can visit the Great Pyramid or the pyramid of Khufu, the tallest of the three pyramids. The famous limestone statue of a mythical sphinx, with the head of a human and the body of a lion, is located right across the pyramids.

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