Sharm El Sheikh Overview

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.

Naama Bay is where the majority of the action takes place. It is possible to stay in a hotel in the bay or stay in Sharm’s vibrant city centre. Naama offers an abundance of shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities, and is a great place to visit if you prefer to stay in a quieter location. Sharm el-Sheikh offers a vibrant nightlife, with bars and nightclubs plentiful as well as quieter establishments for those wanting to take it easy.

There are many options available for accommodation, regardless of how much you can afford to spend and where you want to stay. In the centre of the city and in Naama Bay, you will find top-class hotels and luxury resorts next to bed and breakfasts and guesthouses. It is also possible to rent top of the range condominiums and apartments.

Egyptian culture is not just about ancient Egyptians and pyramids; Sharm el-Sheikh offers religious sites that remain just as important today as they were thousands of years ago. It is a city which blends old cultures and new methods to create a holiday destination with something on offer for all who visit.

Sharm el-Sheikh (Sharm) is a relatively new city and does not boast the ancient history that the rest of Egypt is so famous for. The site of Sharm can be seen on maps from as early as 1762, but until the mid-20^thcentury, it was nothing more than a very quiet fishing community.

The very first settlers to make this location their home were a group of native fishermen, whose lifestyles entailed getting up very early every morning to fish in the surrounding seas. Its strategic importance led to its transformation into a major port and naval base for the Egyptian Navy.

In 1967, Israel gained control over Sharm in the Sinai conflict. This marked a huge turning point in the history of this desolate city.

Israel began to shape the city into a tourist destination and built towns nearby, which became Ofira and Naama Bay. Despite all of the hard work and marketing put in by the Israelis, Sharm was still largely unknown and unvisited. It had the allure of the Orient, but lacked major publicity to get it in the forefront of the world’s media.

In 1982, there was a huge shift of power and Egypt once again gained control of Sharm. The Egyptian government started a massive publicity campaign to try and draw the crowds to this stunning city and built luxury resorts. Slowly, the city gained popularity and favour with those who wanted to experience a tropical climate without having to spend an entire day on a plane.

Since the end of the 20^thcentury, the city has hosted a number of important Middle Eastern peace conferences. Because of these, it gained the nickname ‘City of Peace’. In spite of this name, Sharm el-Sheikh has suffered from two major disasters in recent years including a major plane crash and the terrorist bombings of 2005.

Sharm el-Sheikh is hot in the summer and warm in the winter, making it an ideal destination to visit throughout the year. Like the rest of Egypt, Sharm is subject to khamseens throughout April. These are dry winds that blow in dust and sand from the desert. You may prefer to avoid the city during this time

Throughout the summer months, temperatures can reach between 25°C and 35°C, which can make sightseeing very difficult. The city does however benefit from a cool breeze that blows in from the sea.

From September until April, the overpowering heat significantly subsides, although the weather remains extremely pleasant. Throughout these winter months, visitors can expect temperature to remain between 20°C and 25°C. Egypt’s winter months are the country’s peak season, when all of the city’s activities are still available, but the heat is much more bearable.