Information
City: Sharm El SheikhCountry: Egypt
Continent: Africa
Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, Africa
Overview
Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, where the Red Sea glitters turquoise against white-sand beaches.With powdery white sand, water so clear you can see the seabed, and unforgettable diving spots, it’s now one of the most sought-after destinations in Egypt and across the Middle East.The city’s known for its buzzing nightlife, sleek luxury resorts, and the striking beauty of the desert meeting the turquoise sea.Here’s a closer look at Sharm El Sheikh’s geography: the city sits on the Red Sea coast at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, with the deep blue Gulf of Aqaba stretching to the east and the calmer Gulf of Suez lying to the west.About 500 kilometers, or 310 miles, southeast of Cairo, it’s an easy trip by plane or a long drive past stretches of desert highway.Climate: Sharm El Sheikh has a hot desert climate, with bright sunshine nearly every day and barely a drop of rain in sight.In summer, the heat can climb past 40°C (104°F), the air shimmering in the sun, while winter stays mild, usually hovering between 18°C and 25°C (64°F to 77°F).Being on the coast keeps the weather milder than in much of Egypt, especially in the scorching summer months when inland air can feel like an oven.The land around Sharm El Sheikh carries a long, storied past, with echoes of traders and caravans once crossing its sun-baked paths.For thousands of years, the Sinai Peninsula has stood at the meeting point of trade and armies, where camel caravans once kicked up dust along its narrow passes.This land once lay within ancient Egypt’s borders, and centuries later Roman legions marched through, followed by Arab caravans under the desert sun.Over the past few decades, Sharm El Sheikh has grown from a quiet fishing village, where nets once dried in the sun, into a world-famous resort city.Its rapid growth took off in the 1980s, when the Egyptian government pushed to make it a tourist hotspot, even splashing its golden beaches across travel posters.Its prime location and stunning scenery fueled rapid growth, drawing visitors from every corner of the globe, cameras in hand.Tourism keeps Sharm El Sheikh’s economy alive, from bustling coral reef tours to crowded beachfront cafés.The city’s known for its plush resorts, soft white-sand beaches, and diving or snorkeling spots so clear you can see darting fish twenty feet below.Each year, millions arrive from Europe, Asia, and far-off places, drawn to its sun-warmed beaches, clear blue water, and endless chances for swimming, sailing, or simply stretching out in the sand.Sharm El Sheikh ranks among the world’s best diving spots, drawing visitors to places like Ras Mohammed National Park, Tiran Island, and the Blue Hole in nearby Dahab, where bright reefs shimmer beneath the clear water.Divers, snorkelers, and ocean lovers from around the globe flock here for the clear blue water, the flash of tropical fish, and coral reefs that glow with color.Conferences and events fill the city’s calendar, from international conventions to vibrant cultural gatherings, and in 2006 it even welcomed the World Economic Forum.Sharm El Sheikh is known as one of the Middle East’s key spots for business and diplomatic meetings, where suits gather in glass-walled conference rooms overlooking the Red Sea.Sharm El Sheikh, a favorite stop for travelers from around the world, buzzes with voices, foods, and traditions from countless cultures.You can spot traces of Egyptian, Arab, and Western culture in the city’s ornate balconies, the scent of spiced street food, and the rhythm of everyday life.The city still holds onto its Egyptian roots, yet you can find cafés serving espresso to tourists from every corner of the world.Hospitality and Cuisine: In the city’s lively restaurants and sunlit resort terraces, you can savor everything from spicy koshari and sizzling shawarma to dishes from across the globe, each bite revealing the area’s rich mix of cultures.Thanks to the city’s spot on the coast, seafood’s a local favorite-fresh shrimp and salty oysters show up on nearly every menu.Ras Mohammed National Park, one of Egypt’s best-known marine reserves, sits just beyond Sharm El Sheikh, where turquoise water meets rugged desert cliffs.The park teems with marine life-bright coral reefs, darting fish, and countless other creatures make it famous.This world-famous diving spot boasts crystal-clear water where you can glide past bright coral gardens, slip into shadowy caves, and drift over the skeletons of old shipwrecks.The park shelters dozens of bird species, from bright goldfinches to silent owls, and stretches across rugged desert terrain.Tiran Island sits at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba, where clear blue waters make it a favorite for diving and snorkeling.The island’s known for its dazzling coral reefs, where fish flash like quick sparks, and water so clear you can see the ripples on the sand below.It’s home to some of the region’s most breathtaking dive spots, like Jackson Reef and Woodhouse Reef, where you might spot sleek sharks gliding past, rays sweeping the sand, and flashes of bright fish darting through the coral.Naama Bay sits at the heart of Sharm El Sheikh’s tourism, lined with sleek hotels, palm-shaded resorts, and lively spots for dining and entertainment.The bay draws people in with its golden beaches, warm shallow waves lapping at your ankles, and a nightlife that hums until dawn.It’s a favorite getaway for tourists, whether they’re stretched out on the warm sand or skimming over the waves on a jet ski, catching the wind on a sail, or riding the surf.The area’s famous for its lively promenades, where shop windows sparkle in the sun and cafés hum beside bars spilling music into the street.Sharm El Sheikh Marina is a sleek, modern harbor where gleaming yachts and bobbing boats tie up under the warm Red Sea sun.You’ll find fine dining, stylish shops, and plenty of ways to unwind, all set against a backdrop of cobblestone streets and flowering balconies.The marina bustles with life-kayakers glide past, couples linger over seafood at waterfront cafés, and visitors wander the quay to admire the sleek white yachts rocking gently in their slips.It’s also where boats set out for trips and cruises along the Red Sea, their wakes trailing white foam in the sun.St. Catherine’s Monastery sits in the small town of Saint Catherine, its stone walls weathered by centuries, and it remains one of the world’s oldest monasteries still in use today.It rests at the base of Mount Sinai, where, according to tradition, Moses received the Ten Commandments amid wind and stone.The monastery draws pilgrims from around the world and safeguards treasures-gleaming relics, fragile centuries-old manuscripts, and a library whose shelves hold more ancient texts than any other place on Earth except the Vatican.The monastery holds UNESCO World Heritage status, its stone walls echoing centuries of quiet devotion.Mount Sinai, or Jebel Musa, rises stark against the desert sky and holds a place as one of the most sacred mountains in religious history.Many believe this is the mountain where Moses stood in the wind and received the Ten Commandments.Significance: Each year, thousands of pilgrims and travelers arrive to climb the mountain and watch the first light spill over the summit.The climb to the summit takes about two to three hours, but the view from the top-wind in your face and valleys spread out below-makes it one of the region’s most rewarding journeys.Sharm El Sheikh’s Old Market, or Souk, is a bustling traditional bazaar where you can wander past stalls piled high with fragrant spices, pick up colorful textiles, admire handmade jewelry, and haggle for unique souvenirs.Bright and full of energy, the area gives you a real taste of local life-like the smell of fresh bread drifting from a corner bakery.Significance: The market buzzes with life, a place where you can taste ripe peaches and feel the warm press of the crowd.
Landmarks in sharm-el-sheikh
