Sharm el-Sheikh / Egypt

In the south of the Sinai Peninsula, by the Red Sea, lies Sharm El Sheikh. The city is known for its coral reefs and luxury resorts, attracting thousands of tourists from around the world each year. It is especially popular for diving, snorkeling, and sunny beaches, making it one of the most famous Egyptian tourist destinations. Thanks to the high standard of tourist infrastructure and the presence of security forces, Sharm El Sheikh is considered one of the safest places for visitors in Egypt, with recommended common cautionary principles applying as in other tourist destinations.

What to taste in Sharm El Sheikh?

You can enjoy authentic Egyptian specialties here, as well as dishes with a touch of international cuisine. For a true experience, it's worth trying the local seafood and traditional fresh salads with herbs, served in coastal restaurants. Local delicacies also include:

• Ful medames – cooked fava beans with olive oil, lemon juice, and spices, often served for breakfast,
• Samak Mahshi – fried or baked fish stuffed with herbs and spices, typical for coastal areas by the Red Sea,
• Kebab – lamb or beef seasoned with a mix of spices, grilled or baked, served with bread or vegetables,
• Hummus – creamy chickpea spread with sesame paste, olive oil, and lemon, ideal as an appetizer,
• Baklava – sweet dessert made of layered filo pastry with nuts and honey or sugar syrup, popular throughout Egypt.

Why you'll love Sharm El Sheikh?

Sharm El Sheikh will enchant you with its combination of vibrant atmosphere, exotic cuisine, and opportunities to explore the surrounding natural beauty. In the evening, you can enjoy the vibrant promenade, taste local specialties at traditional markets, or soak up the energy of modern entertainment centers. Every day offers a new adventure – from peaceful relaxation by the sea to boat trips, exploring national parks, or the fascinating underwater world that will remain in memory forever.

Practical tips:

• Official language: Arabic, but in tourist areas such as hotels, restaurants, or shops, you can commonly communicate in English and often in Russian or Italian.
• Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP).
• Opening hours: Shops and restaurants are usually open daily from morning until late evening. In tourist areas and resorts, operations are often continuous. During Friday noon prayers, some businesses may be briefly closed or open later, but this generally does not apply to major tourist sites.
• Public transport: Public transport mainly consists of minibuses and shared vans, which are cheap but do not have fixed schedules or stops, so it is advisable to follow local recommendations. A convenient and often used alternative is taxi services, where it is good to agree on the price in advance. In tourist areas and between resorts, transport is well accessible, but distances are often greater, so walking is rather limited.
• Weather: Sharm El Sheikh has a dry desert climate with very little rainfall throughout the year. Temperatures in winter usually range around 20–25 °C and in summer often exceed 35 °C, with the heat being moderated by the sea breeze due to its location by the Red Sea.

What to visit in Sharm El Sheikh:

• Ras Mohammed National Park – One of the most beautiful natural areas in Egypt. The park is known for its coral reefs, diverse underwater world, and opportunities for snorkeling or diving.
• Naama Bay – The main tourist promenade of the city with restaurants, shops, bars, and beaches. A popular place for evening walks and entertainment.
• Old Market – Traditional market in the historic part of the city, where you can buy souvenirs, spices, clothing, or taste local cuisine.
• Al Mustafa Mosque – One of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the city, known for its modern architecture and evening lighting.
• SOHO Square – Modern entertainment center with restaurants, shops, fountains, an ice rink, and evening shows.
• Nabq National Park – Nature reserve north of the city with mangrove forests, desert landscape, and bird watching opportunities.
• Tiran Island – A popular destination for boat trips from Sharm El Sheikh. The place is famous for its clear water and excellent diving conditions.

The most interesting from the history of Sharm El Sheikh:

The area in the south of the Sinai Peninsula was already part of the territory controlled by various civilizations of Ancient Egypt in ancient times and later also trade routes between Africa and Asia, but the site of today's city remained sparsely populated for a long time. It was mainly inhabited by Bedouin tribes and was more of a remote coastal area without a major urban center. It gained greater significance after the Six-Day War in 1967, when the area was occupied by Israel. After the return of the territory to Egypt based on the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty of 1979, the city began to rapidly develop as a tourist center. Thanks to its location by the Red Sea, beautiful beaches, and coral reefs, it gradually transformed into one of the most important tourist destinations in Egypt. The real tourist boom came only from the 1980s, when the original small settlement began to be developed into a modern resort.

Useful information

• How to choose the right cruise?
• How to choose a cruise company?