Sharm El Sheikh holidays

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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 vibrant and diverse nightlife scene. The main hub for evening entertainment is Naama Bay, where you'll find bars, clubs, and restaurants that stay open late into the night. SOHO Square is another popular area, featuring upscale dining options, bars, and an ice bar. Many all-inclusive resorts host their own evening entertainment programmes with live music, shows, and themed parties. For a more relaxed evening, beachfront cafés and lounges offer shisha and cocktails with sea views. While alcohol is available in tourist areas, it's worth noting that Egypt is predominantly a Muslim country, so some venues may have restrictions.

Sharm El Sheikh is renowned for its vast, sandy beaches. The coastline features sunset-coloured sands and the warm clear waters of the Red Sea. Popular beaches like Naama Bay offer a lively atmosphere with watersports and beachside cafés, while Shark's Bay provides a more relaxed setting that’s ideal for snorkelling. Ras Um Sid is famous for its coral reefs, making it a favourite among divers and snorkellers.

Many beaches are part of hotel complexes, offering amenities like sunloungers and umbrellas. The year-round warm climate and the Red Sea's rich marine life make Sharm El Sheikh's beaches a major draw for those seeking both relaxation and underwater adventures.

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.

Sharm El Sheikh offers a diverse culinary scene, including traditional Egyptian dishes, fresh seafood from the Red Sea and international cuisine in hotel restaurants and tourist areas. You’ll find plenty of beach bars and cafés serving snacks and drinks, and Middle Eastern specialities on the menu like shawarma – marinated, grilled meat stuffed inside a pitta-style wrap – and falafel. Save room for dessert if you’ve got a sweet tooth, too – flaky baklava packed with chopped nuts and sticky syrup is on lots of menus.

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 loads of options for shopping. Sharm Old Town is perfect for traditional souvenirs and local goods, while SOHO Square is home to more international brands. For a larger shopping complex, Genena City in Naama Bay includes shops, a food court, and a cinema.

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 Alcazaris 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.