SHARM EL SHEIKH & RAS MOHAMMED
Sharm El Sheikh is the ultimate Red Sea paradise, renowned worldwide for its crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and vibrant resort life. It is the perfect gateway to the untouched natural wonders of the Sinai Peninsula.
This sun-soaked destination offers a blend of world-class diving and snorkeling with exciting desert adventures and a lively metropolitan atmosphere. It is truly the jewel of the Egyptian Riviera.
Most Popular Attractions
Marine & Natural Wonders
Ras Mohammed National Park (Marine): Egypt’s first and most famous marine reserve, a world-class destination for diving and snorkeling.
Shark and Yolanda Reefs: Located within Ras Mohammed, consistently ranked among the world’s best dive sites, famous for large pelagics and the wreck of the Yolanda.
White Island (White Lagoon): A pristine, soft-sand shoal that emerges from the Red Sea, often visited as part of Ras Mohammed boat tours.
Straits of Tiran: An area northeast of Sharm El Sheikh with four major, challenging dive sites (Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon Reefs).
SS Thistlegorm Wreck: A famous World War II cargo ship wreck, accessible as a day trip dive from Sharm El Sheikh.
Ras Mohammed National Park (Land): Explore the terrestrial section with its rugged cliffs, desert terrain, and unique geological features.
Magic Lake: A salt-laden bay in Ras Mohammed, where visitors often swim and where the water color is said to change with the sunlight.
Mangrove Channel: A small forest of saltwater mangroves in Ras Mohammed, a rare sight in this arid environment.
Earthquake Crack: A large crevice in the ground caused by a historic seismic event, also located within Ras Mohammed National Park.
Ras Um Sid: A famous headland with a historic lighthouse, offering excellent shore diving and panoramic views.
Shark’s Bay: Known for its calm, crystal-clear waters and excellent snorkeling right off the beach.
Nabq Bay: A protected area north of Sharm, featuring unique desert flora, birdlife, and a quieter coastline.
Cultural & Historic Excursions (Day Trips from Sharm)
Mount Sinai (Jabal Musa): A spiritual and physically demanding sunrise or sunset hike to the mountain where Moses is traditionally believed to have received the Ten Commandments.
St. Catherine’s Monastery: One of the world’s oldest working Christian monasteries, located at the foot of Mount Sinai and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Dahab & the Blue Hole: A nearby, more bohemian town famous for the Blue Hole, a deep underwater sinkhole and dive site.
Colored Canyon: A striking geological formation near Dahab, offering hiking through narrow, beautifully multi-hued sandstone gorge walls.
City Core & Entertainment
Naama Bay: The bustling, vibrant heart of Sharm El Sheikh, lined with hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars, famous for its beach and nightlife.
SOHO Square: An upscale, modern entertainment complex featuring dining, shopping, an ice rink, a bowling alley, and a famous dancing fountain.
Old Market (Sharm El Maya): The historic and authentic part of the city, excellent for local shopping, spices, souvenirs, and traditional Egyptian food.
Al Sahaba Mosque: A stunning, recently built architectural masterpiece in the Old Market, featuring striking Islamic design.
Al Mustafa Mosque: Another impressive and large modern mosque in the city, known for its grand dome and towering minarets.
Hollywood Sharm El Sheikh: A family-friendly entertainment park with dinosaur statues, dancing fountains, and a range of shows and eateries.
Activities & Experiences
Dive or Snorkel in Ras Mohammed National Park: Experience one of the world’s most spectacular protected marine parks, famous for the Shark and Yolanda Reefs, vibrant coral walls, and diverse fish life.
Explore the Thistlegorm Wreck: Take a deep-sea diving trip to one of the most famous and well-preserved World War II shipwrecks globally, sunk in 1941.
Take a Desert Safari by Quad Bike or Buggy: Venture into the Sinai desert at sunset, experiencing the dunes and mountainous landscape on a guided adrenaline-fueled tour.
Relax on the Beaches of Naama Bay: Enjoy the popular, bustling hub of Sharm El Sheikh, offering excellent swimming, sunbathing, and beachfront cafés and restaurants.
Visit the Al-Sahaba Mosque: Marvel at the stunning modern Islamic architecture of this grand mosque in the Old Market area, particularly beautiful when lit up at night.
Go on a Glass-Bottom Boat or Submarine Tour: For a dry experience of the Red Sea’s coral reefs, take a tour that allows you to view the underwater world without getting wet.
Hike to Mount Sinai (Jabal Musa): Undertake an early morning or overnight trek to the summit, traditionally considered a holy site, to witness a breathtaking sunrise.
Experience Bedouin Dinner and Stargazing: Enjoy traditional Bedouin tea, food, and hospitality in a desert camp, often combined with an opportunity for amazing astronomical stargazing.
Learn to Dive with a PADI Course: Sharm El Sheikh is one of the top places in the world to get certified due to the warm water, calm conditions, and numerous dive centers.
Shop and Haggle at the Old Market (Souk): Explore the traditional market area for spices, souvenirs, shisha pipes, and local goods, practicing your bargaining skills.
Enjoy Water Sports in the Red Sea: Participate in parasailing, wakeboarding, or banana boat rides from the numerous jetties along the coastline.
Visit St. Catherine’s Monastery: Take a day trip to the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery in the world, located at the foot of Mount Sinai.
Local Tips & Transport
Airport Transfer: Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) is the main entry point. Taxis and pre-booked private transfers are the most common way to reach hotels. Always agree on a fare before starting the journey, or ensure the meter is used.
Local Taxis/Microbuses:
White and Blue Taxis: These are common. Negotiate the price before you get in. It is helpful to know the rough price for your destination from your hotel.
Local Microbuses: These are the cheapest way to travel between Naama Bay, the Old Market, and Hadaba. They operate on set routes. Wave them down, confirm the destination and price, and pay when you get off. They are often crowded but very authentic.
Hotel Shuttle/Limos: Many major resorts offer their own shuttle buses or private limousine services to key locations like Naama Bay or the airport, which are usually safer and more comfortable, albeit more expensive.
Walking: Naama Bay and the Old Market are best explored on foot, but distances between the main tourist areas (Naama Bay, Hadaba, Old Market, Soho Square) are too long for walking, especially in the heat.
Respecting Marine Life: The coral reefs are the region’s greatest asset. Never touch, stand on, or take pieces of coral. Do not feed the fish. Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate ecosystem. Fines for breaking these rules are severe.
Dress Code: Sharm El Sheikh is a resort city, and Western swimwear is perfectly acceptable on hotel beaches and pools. However, when visiting local areas like the Old Market, or traveling outside the tourist hubs, it is respectful for both men and women to dress more conservatively (covering shoulders and knees).
Tipping (Baksheesh): Tipping is customary in Egypt. A small tip (Baksheesh) is expected for small services (carrying luggage, a good taxi ride, restaurant service). Tipping 10-15% in restaurants is standard, and it’s appreciated to tip your dive/snorkeling guide.
Water and Hydration: Do not drink tap water. Stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. The climate is very hot, so keep a bottle of water with you at all times to avoid dehydration.
Bargaining: At markets and small, non-fixed-price shops, haggling is expected and a part of the experience. Start at about 50% of the asking price and negotiate politely to a point you both agree on. Never start bargaining unless you intend to buy.
Ramadan: If visiting during the holy month of Ramadan, be aware that many local businesses may have reduced hours. While tourist activities operate normally, consuming food or drink in public during daylight hours is considered disrespectful.
Hidden Gems/Local Experience:
Farsha Café (Hadaba): A stunning, multilevel open-air café built into a cliff face, known for its unique Bedouin atmosphere, dim lighting, and incredible views of the sea, especially at night.
The Peace Monument: Located near the airport roundabout, this large monument symbolizes the city’s role as a center for peace talks.
Soho Square: A clean, modern entertainment area with shops, restaurants, bowling, and an ice-skating rink, offering a contrasting, more Westernized atmosphere to the Old Market.
Top Restaurants
El Masrien Grill [$15-$25] – A long-standing, very popular Egyptian restaurant in the Old Market known for its traditional, excellent grilled meats (kebab, kofta) and authentic local atmosphere.
Gad Restaurant [$5-$15] – A ubiquitous and beloved Egyptian fast-food chain, ideal for quick, affordable, and authentic staples like foul (fava beans), ta’ameya (falafel), and shawarma.
Boharat Restaurant [$20-$40] – Advertised as the oldest restaurant in Sharm, located in Naama Bay, offering traditional Egyptian cuisine and decor, focusing on classics like molokheya and stuffed pigeon.
Sinai Star Seafood Restaurant [$20-$35] – A popular, long-established spot since 1985 (as the legend goes, where dive masters ate), offering a wide selection of traditional, unpretentious Egyptian-style seafood at reasonable prices.
Abou El Sid [$25-$45] – A higher-end Egyptian restaurant, often located in a hotel but serving classic cuisine with a traditional setting and focusing on dishes like tagines and Egyptian rice.
Khan El Khalili Oriental Café [$10-$20] – An outdoor traditional oriental café, perfect for soaking up the warm Egyptian ambience, often featuring shisha smoking and hot/cold traditional drinks.
Tam Tam Restaurant [$15-$30] – Located in Naama Bay, a casual and cozy spot known for its Egyptian and Middle Eastern specialties, including flavorful grilled items.
Fares Seafood (Old Market) [$25-$50] – Highly recommended by locals as one of the best seafood experiences, offering fresh catches where you choose your fish and how it’s cooked (grilled, fried, or baked Egyptian style).
Dananeer Restaurant Sea Food & Steak House [$30-$60] – A local seafood haven on Naama Bay, renowned for its fresh fish and creative seafood soups, but also offers high-quality steaks.
Koutouki [$30-$50] – Specializes in fresh, whole fish and high-quality ingredients with a great attention to detail, often praised as a top-tier seafood option.
Reef Grill [$40-$70] – Located on a clifftop or beachfront with panoramic views, specializing in prime cuts of meat and the freshest local seafood prepared on a charcoal grill (often hotel-affiliated but excellent quality).
Seafood Island [$30-$60] – A Mediterranean-style restaurant (often in SOHO Square) offering a selection of fresh seafood prepared on an open charcoal grill with stunning sea views.
Mahony Restaurant [$30-$50] – A laid-back dining spot with a charming terrace, known for its creative seafood soups and main dishes, a good mix of local and international flavors.
Fish Market [$25-$45] – Located in Naama Bay, offering a selection of fresh catches where you can choose your meal’s preparation style, a reliable choice for quality seafood.
Sharks Bay Umbi Village’s Seafood Restaurant [$30-$50] – Offers a quiet, romantic evening right on the waterline in Sharks Bay with easy, fresh food and a very peaceful atmosphere.
Caligula Hot Rock [$35-$65] – An exciting concept where diners cook their own prime cuts of meat and seafood on a super-heated volcanic rock, offering a fun and interactive experience (often SOHO Square or hotel-affiliated).
Red Sea Fish [$20-$40] – A no-frills local spot known for its generous portions of freshly fried or grilled fish, often a hidden gem for budget-conscious seafood lovers.
Fairuz Restaurant [$25-$45] – A highly-regarded Lebanese restaurant in the heart of Sharm, offering an exciting journey through the subtle and flavorful dishes of the Levant, like meze and mixed grills.
Pomodoro [$20-$40] – A popular Italian restaurant (often in Camel Hotel) known for serving excellent classic pizza, pasta dishes, and Italian grilled meats and fish.
Rangoli [$30-$50] – A top-notch Indian restaurant (often Movenpick Resort affiliated) offering high-quality, authentic curries and tandoori plates with stunning ocean views.
Sala Thai Restaurant [$25-$45] – Brings the vibrant, authentic flavors of Thailand to your table, renowned for its aromatic curries and savory stir-fries, often with a Thai chef.
Il Frantoio [$40-$70] – A charming Italian venue (often Four Seasons affiliated) specializing in traditional Italian dishes like hand-cut ravioli and mushroom risotto, with beautiful indoor and outdoor seating.
Zen [$30-$50] – A highly-rated Chinese restaurant (often SOHO Square affiliated) offering authentic Chinese cuisine with specially imported spices and chefs.
La Cantina [$20-$40] – A Mexican eatery (often SOHO Square affiliated) offering a range of popular Mexican favorites like tacos, fajitas, and nachos in a casual setting.
L’Entrecote Steak House [$40-$70] – A classic French-style steakhouse (often SOHO Square affiliated) known for high-quality imported beef, cooked to your liking and served with secret recipe sauces.
Mandarin Bistro [$15-$30] – Offers a mix of local and international flavors with a focus on high-quality service, excellent for a diverse meal.
Sushi Lounge [$30-$50] – A contemporary Japanese spot (often SOHO Square affiliated) offering modern Japanese cuisine including sushi, sashimi, and cocktails in a trendy setting.
Viva Mar [$30-$50] – A Mediterranean restaurant (often Savoy Hotel affiliated) offering a wide range of fresh Mediterranean dishes with a focus on light, healthy fare.
Akuna Matata [$15-$30] – A food cellar concept (often SOHO Square affiliated) offering an array of ethnic fast-food outlets, including Fish & Chips, Pizzeria, Chinese noodles, and Moroccan cuisine.
Adalar [$30-$50] – A Turkish restaurant (often Savoy Hotel affiliated) that serves a true taste of Turkey, with authentic flavors, meze, and grilled specialties.
Bombay [$25-$45] – An Indian restaurant (often SOHO Square affiliated) serving a wide variety of famous Indian specialties in a warm and attentive atmosphere.
Teppanyaki [$35-$60] – An interactive Japanese dining experience (often SOHO Square affiliated) where a chef prepares your meal right in front of you with a spectacular show.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Pacha Pool Bar & Terrace: Located at the famous Pacha Resort in the Naama Bay area, this stylish bar offers signature cocktails with a great view of the pool and the vibrant club setting.
Camel Bar & Roof: A legendary institution in the heart of Naama Bay, the rooftop terrace is perfect for sunset cocktails and offers a relaxed atmosphere before the party downstairs starts.
The Piano Bar (Savoy Hotel): Found within the elegant Savoy Hotel in Soho Square, this sophisticated bar features live piano music, creating a refined and intimate setting for classic and contemporary cocktails.
Sunset View Bar (Mövenpick Resort): Offering stunning panoramic views over Naama Bay, this is a prime spot for enjoying a chilled cocktail while watching the sunset over the Red Sea.
Sofa Bar: Situated in the Il Mercato Promenade area, this trendy spot is known for its plush seating, artistic lighting, and a wide variety of expertly mixed cocktails.
Pirates Bar: Located near the Old Market area, this themed bar offers a fun, casual atmosphere and a generous list of drinks, including local and international cocktails.
Fayrouz Cocktail Bar (Four Seasons Resort): An exclusive and tranquil bar within the luxurious Four Seasons Resort, perfect for a high-end, meticulously crafted drink in a chic setting.
The Beach Bar (Reef Oasis Blue Bay Resort): A casual, beachfront bar that allows you to enjoy tropical cocktails and cold beers with your feet in the sand, situated along the shoreline of the resort.
Oyster Bay (Hilton Sharks Bay): Set on the cliffs of Sharks Bay, this terrace bar offers a stunning vantage point over the sea, ideal for relaxing with a premium mixed drink.
Jolie’s Bar (Mövenpick Resort): A well-known spot in Naama Bay, offering a lively terrace and a comprehensive menu of classic and inventive cocktails, popular for pre-dinner drinks.
Mango Bar (Stella Di Mare Beach Hotel & Spa): A colorful and vibrant bar in the Naama Bay area known for its fruit-based cocktails and lively holiday vibe.
Akuna Matata Cocktail Bar (Near Soho Square): A laid-back and friendly independent bar slightly away from the main resort crowds, offering great value and a strong selection of drinks.
El Fanar Beach Bar: Perched on the cliffside near Ras Um Sid, this spot offers breathtaking views and a relaxed setting for a cool drink after a day of diving.
The Balcony Bar (Rixos Seagate): An elegant, resort-style bar in Nabq Bay offering premium spirits and stylish cocktails in an open-air setting overlooking the complex.
Pacha Sharm El Sheikh: The iconic international nightclub brand is situated in Naama Bay. It is a massive venue known for its celebrity DJs, stunning light shows, and multiple themed rooms playing house, R&B, and commercial hits.
Little Buddha: A famous restaurant and lounge-club concept located in Naama Bay. It transforms into a vibrant, high-energy nightclub after dinner, featuring international DJs and a glamorous, Asian-inspired setting.
SOHO Square Main Stage (Open Air Club): The main entertainment hub in Soho Square often features open-air parties and concerts with live acts and DJs, acting as a large outdoor clubbing space in the center of the complex.
Taj Mahal Club: A massive, outdoor venue in the Nabq Bay area, designed with a distinct Indian/Moorish style. It hosts large-scale electronic dance music (EDM) events and big-name international DJs during the peak season.
Hard Rock Cafe Sharm El Sheikh: Situated in Naama Bay, this world-renowned spot acts as a restaurant, bar, and late-night club with a great sound system, regularly featuring commercial and rock music nights.
Bus Stop (Naama Bay): A long-standing and popular club known for its consistent party atmosphere and a mix of commercial, international, and Arabic pop music, located centrally in Naama Bay.
Space Sharm El Sheikh: A satellite of the famed Ibiza club, this massive venue is found near the Nabq Bay area and is famous for its outdoor dance floor and top-tier house/techno DJs, especially during the summer.
The Stars (Bar & Club): Located in the center of Naama Bay, this spot is a mix between a busy bar and a late-night club, popular for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse music choices.
Dolce Vita (Naama Bay): A lively club with an open-air terrace in the heart of Naama Bay, often hosting theme nights and focusing on commercial dance and R&B music.
White Knight Beach Club: Primarily a beach lounge during the day, this venue near Sharks Bay transforms into an exclusive party spot with DJs and dancing on select nights.
Black House Club (Naama Bay): A smaller, high-energy club located in the vibrant Naama Bay area, known for its intense laser shows and current electronic music.
Red Sea Shisha Cafe & Club (Naama Bay): This venue transitions from a relaxed shisha cafe to a more lively club environment in the late hours, blending traditional Egyptian vibes with modern party music.