Sharm El-Sheikh

شرم الشيخ

Premier upscale resort destination at the southern tip of Sinai, famous for pristine coral reefs and luxury all-inclusive hotels. The Naama Bay district is the entertainment and dining hub with a stunning corniche.

Things to do

• Ras Muhammad National Park Snorkeling — Explore Egypt's most famous coral reef system with vibrant fish species and pristine underwater walls at the southern tip of Sinai Peninsula.
• Naama Bay Beach & Corniche Walk — Stroll along the palm-lined waterfront promenade lined with shops, cafes, and bars with views of the Red Sea's turquoise waters.
• Diving at Shark Reef & Yolanda Reef — Experience world-class wall diving at two legendary dive sites featuring steep drop-offs, abundant marine life, and the famous Yolanda shipwreck.
• Old Market (Souk) — Browse traditional Egyptian handicrafts, spices, textiles, and souvenirs in the bustling bazaar near the Corniche.
• Colored Canyon Day Trip — Venture into the Sinai interior to hike through stunning multi-hued sandstone canyons with natural rock formations near the Bedouin village of Nuweiba.
• Desert Safari & Bedouin Camp — Experience traditional Bedouin culture with camel trekking across the desert followed by a night under the stars with local cuisine and music.

Food to try

• Grilled Hamour Fish — Fresh locally-caught grouper seasoned with lemon, garlic, and olive oil, typically served whole and grilled over charcoal at beachfront restaurants.
• Seafood Mezze Selection — A spread of small plates including hummus, baba ganoush, tabouli, grilled shrimp, calamari, and fresh bread that exemplifies Eastern Mediterranean dining.
• Kushari — Egypt's beloved street food combining lentils, rice, pasta, and chickpeas topped with spiced tomato sauce and crispy fried onions.
• Bedouin-Style Zarb (Lamb Kebab) — Slow-cooked lamb marinated in traditional spices and herbs, typically prepared in a pit oven during desert camp experiences.
• Fresh Mango & Guava Juice — Freshly pressed tropical fruit juices available at juice stands throughout Naama Bay, often blended with ice and mint for refreshment.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Code Respect — While Sharm is cosmopolitan, dress modestly away from beaches and resort areas, particularly when visiting local markets or eating in Egyptian restaurants.
• Haggling in Markets — Bargaining is expected and culturally normal in the souk; starting at 50-60% of the asking price is typical and considered part of the shopping experience.
• Islamic Prayer Times — Many restaurants and shops may have reduced hours during the five daily prayer times, particularly at midday and evening; plan accordingly.
• Arabic Greetings Matter — Learning basic Arabic phrases like 'As-salaam alaikum' (peace be upon you) and 'Shukran' (thank you) earns genuine appreciation from locals.