Sharm el-Sheikh has grown from a simple fishing village into a thriving tourist destination. The city is often referred to as Sharm and is stunningly situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, between the Red Sea and Mount Sinai. The city is the administrative hub of Egypt's Southern Sinai province, which also includes Mount Sinai and the much smaller coastal towns of Nuweiba and Dahab.

It is a world-famous centre for diving, with many wonderful sites being just a short boat trip away from the city. Snorkelling is also extremely popular with those who cannot dive and with younger visitors. It is possible to see a huge variety of tropical fish just with a snorkel mask, which is great activity for all of the family. As well as water sports, the city also offers numerous activities for both the active and the not so active. These range from bungee jumping and mountain climbing to fishing and sun bathing. There is also a wide selection of excellent restaurants available, offering Middle Eastern delights as well as international and oriental cuisine.