Travel & Explore Sharm El Sheikh

Whilst many people’s initial idea of an Egyptian holiday involves pyramids, ancient temples and other archaeological treasures, there is much more to the country than just its distinguished past. The 21st century is very much in evidence in comfortable hotels, vivacious nightclubs and in the comprehensive range of entertainment. This is nowhere more true than on the lively, international beaches of Sharm El Sheikh on the Red Sea coast, famous for its diving and magnificent beaches.

This cosmopolitan resort, referred to as the “Red Sea Riviera” with its variety of hotels, restaurants, shops and bars lies at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the desert merges with the crystal clear blue waters of the Red Sea. In recent years, Sharm El Sheikh has transformed itself from a few traditional fishing villages scattered along the coast to one of the finest beach resorts in the Middle East, uniting the simple pleasures of sun, sea, sand and shopping with abundant water sports and some of the world’s best and most easily accessible reef diving.

Sharm El Sheikh is actually a collection of bays and coves – including Na’ama Bay, Sharks Bay, Tiger Bay and Garden Bay. Na’ama Bay is the main entertainment hub. In the evening the promenade comes alive as holidaymakers enjoy the bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Places of interest: Visit the 4th century St Catherine’s Monastery; take a safari to the Coloured Canyon with its beautifully-coloured rock formations.

For the family: Most hotels offer a full programme of family activities and water sports.

Best buys: Sharm El Sheikh provides good shopping opportunities with tourist boutiques selling a wide range of Pharaonic souvenirs, leather goods, jewellery, pottery and beach and diving equipment.

Out and about: Discothèques, restaurants, cafés and nightclubs provide evening entertainment to suit all tastes.

Sporting attractions: Diving, snorkelling, deep sea fishing expeditions and a variety of water sports are available. There is an excellent golf course close by.