Sharm El Sheikh holidays

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

Sharm El Sheikh is generally considered safe for tourists but you should always check the government’s foreign travel advice for up-to-date safety information before you travel. Remember to take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance to cover you while you’re away. As with any destination, try to be mindful of your valuables and surroundings in crowded areas, keep an eye on your belongings at public beaches, and be wary of unsolicited offers and services.

Sharm El Sheikh offers a variety of exciting activities, from snorkelling and scuba diving in the Red Sea to thrilling desert safaris and quad biking. One minute you can be exploring Ras Mohammed National Park, the next, enjoying a glass-bottom boat tours, or taking a camel ride. The Old Market provides a dose of local culture, while daytrips to Mount Sinai and St. Catherine's Monastery offer a glimpse into Egypt’s history.

In Sharm El Sheikh, there are lots of ways to get around. Taxis are readily available, but it's best to agree on the fare beforehand. Many hotels offer shuttle buses to popular spots, while minibuses provide a cheap, though sometimes complex, public transport option. If you prefer driving, car rentals are available. Additionally, areas like Naama Bay are compact enough to explore on foot.

The best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh is typically in spring and autumn, when the temperature hovers between a pleasant 24 and 32°C. Summer months from June to September can be extremely hot, although the coast benefits from a cooling sea breeze. The water temperature is pleasant year-round, making it great for water activities in any season.

Direct flights from the UK to Sharm El Sheikh typically take around five to five and a half hours, depending on the UK departure airport.

Sharm El Sheikh offers several excellent family-friendly hotels catering to guests of all ages. The TUI BLUE Sensatori Coral Sea is a popular choice, featuring a collection of pools, a kids' club, and dedicated family suites. The Rixos Premium Seagate offers a luxurious family experience with its massive aqua park and roster of children's activities. The Coral Sea Water World Resort is also highly rated for its family-friendly amenities, including several pools, a waterpark on-site, and a dedicated children's area.

Sharm El Sheikh boasts several top-notch all-inclusive resorts for every type of traveller. The TUI BLUE Sensatori Coral Sea stands out for its luxury amenities, restaurants, and beachfront location. Another popular choice is the adults-only Meraki Resort, with its stylish beach club aesthetic and á la carte dining scene. For families, the Rixos Premium Seagate is highly rated for its waterpark and kid-friendly amenities. The Steigenberger Alcazar is another great option, with several pools, swim-up rooms and a private beach.

Sharm El Sheikh offers several exciting waterparks. Cleo Park stands out with its ancient Egyptian theme and variety of water attractions. For those staying in or near SOHO Square, the Aqua Park City provides a convenient waterpark experience. Many all-inclusive resorts in Sharm El Sheikh, such as the Rixos Premium Seagate, also feature their own waterparks where you can make a splash without leaving the resort premises. The Albatros Aqua Park, part of the Royal Albatros Moderna, is another option with a wide range of slides and pools.

Yes, Sharm El Sheikh offers several adults-only resorts and hotels catering to travellers seeking a more tranquil, grown-up atmosphere. The Rixos Sharm El Sheikh is a popular adults-only resort, known for its serene overwater cabanas and range of restaurants. The whitewashed Meraki Resort brings all the grown-up Ibiza vibes to Egypt, while Baron Palms delivers a good dose of local culture in its decor, dining and entertainment options.

Sharm El Sheikh offers plenty of reputable dive centres for taking scuba diving courses of all levels. Some popular options include Camel Dive Club & Hotel, Emperor Divers, Sinai Divers, Oonas Dive Club, and Red Sea Diving College.

One of the most popular areas to stay in Sharm El Sheikh is Naama Bay, which is a central location with a good blend of beaches, nightlife, and shopping. Shark’s Bay is seen as a quieter area with more luxury resorts and serene beaches, while Nabq Bay is a newer area known for its all-inclusive resorts and relaxed atmosphere. If its snorkelling and diving you’re after, Ras Um Sid is known as the best spot.

For Sharm El Sheikh, pack light cotton clothing, comfortable walking shoes and beachwear for the beaches and hotel pools. Bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for the strong desert sun year-round. Include modest clothing for visiting mosques, covering shoulders and knees with loose-fitting clothing, and a light layer for air-conditioned spaces and cooler winter evenings.

When visiting Sharm El Sheikh, it's respectful to dress modestly when outside resort areas, especially during Ramadan. Public displays of affection are best avoided. If you're taking photos of people, it's polite to ask for permission first. In mosques, remove shoes and dress conservatively.

Tipping is appreciated in Sharm El Sheikh, though not always expected. In restaurants, a 10% tip is common if a service charge isn't included. For hotel staff and tour guides, small tips are welcomed as a gesture of appreciation for good service.

Sharm El Sheikh offers lively nightlife options. You'll find lively bars and clubs in Naama Bay, while SOHO Square hosts various entertainment venues. Many resorts offer evening shows and live music. For a quieter night, beachfront cafes provide a relaxed atmosphere.

For authentic Egyptian cuisine in Sharm El Sheikh, we recommend exploring local restaurants in the Old Market area. You'll find traditional dishes like koshari, ful medames, and fresh seafood. Many resorts also offer Egyptian nights featuring local specialties.

For shopping in Sharm El Sheikh, you'll find a mix of modern malls and traditional markets. SOHO Square offers upscale shops and entertainment, while Old Market is great for local crafts and souvenirs. Many resorts also have on-site shops for convenience.

Sharm El Sheikh features Naama Bay with sandy shores and coral reefs close to the waterfront, Shark's Bay known for excellent snorkelling and diving sites, and Ras Um Sid offering clear waters and access to vibrant marine life ideal for underwater exploration.

When visiting Sharm El Sheikh, you'll need a two-pin European style plug adapter, either Type C or Type F, which have two round pins. These are the standard socket types found throughout Egypt. We recommend bringing a multi-plug adapter if you have several devices to charge simultaneously.