Vacation in Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the most popular resorts in Egypt, located on the Red Sea coast, on the Sinai Peninsula. For many years, the city has remained one of the main destinations for beach holidays, especially in the autumn and winter seasons. Tourists are attracted by the warm sea, coral reefs, the large number of All inclusive hotels, and the opportunity to combine a classic beach holiday with excursions and boat trips.

At the same time, a holiday in Sharm el-Sheikh depends greatly on choosing the right bay and hotel. The different areas vary in terms of service, infrastructure, and beach type. That is why the same resort can be perceived very differently by families with children, snorkeling enthusiasts, or tourists for whom active holidays and urban infrastructure are important.

 
Why Choose Sharm el-Sheikh

The resort’s main advantage is the Red Sea. Even in winter, the water temperature remains comfortable for swimming. The seawater is clean and transparent, which means it is perfect for snorkeling and diving.

In many bays, coral reefs are located right next to the shore. For this reason, tourists do not have to buy separate sea excursions to see the underwater world. In many hotels, it is enough simply to step down from the pontoon to swim alongside the reefs and observe the local marine life.

Another reason for its popularity is the well-developed hotel base. The resort offers both large family hotels with aquaparks and vast grounds, as well as quiet options for couples, city hotels, and full-fledged 5-star resort complexes.

Many tourists choose a holiday in Sharm el-Sheikh precisely because of the all inclusive system. This format is especially comfortable for families and for those who prefer to spend most of their time within the hotel grounds.

An additional advantage remains the climate. Unlike most Mediterranean resorts, the swimming season here continues practically all year round.

 
When Is the Best Time to Visit Sharm el-Sheikh

Spring is considered a comfortable period for a trip. In March, the air is already pleasantly warm, and by April and May the sea becomes noticeably warmer. In addition, the strong summer heat has not yet arrived, which is why the spring season is suitable not only for the beach, but also for excursions, walks, and trips into the desert.

Summer is the hottest period of the year. In July and August, the air temperature often exceeds +38°C, so during the day it is difficult to spend a long time under the open sun. This season is more often chosen by tourists who tolerate heat well and plan to relax mainly by the pool or by the sea.

Autumn is considered the best time for a trip. In September, the sea remains warm after the hot season, and in October and November the temperature becomes noticeably more comfortable. It is precisely during this period that a holiday in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt is in high demand. In autumn, it is comfortable to swim, go on excursions, and spend a lot of time in the sun without the risk of overheating.

Winter, like autumn, is also excellent for all types of holidays. During the day, it is warm enough for swimming and sunbathing, although temperatures drop noticeably in the evening. The main feature of winter is the wind. Some areas, especially Nabq Bay, are quite strongly exposed to winds. That is why in winter it is better to choose enclosed bays, such as Naama Bay, Sharks Bay, and Ras Um El Sid, which are considered better protected from the elements.

 
Districts of Sharm el-Sheikh

The resort areas differ greatly in atmosphere, beaches, and infrastructure. A common mistake tourists make on their first visit to Sharm el-Sheikh is choosing a hotel only by its star rating, without taking into account the specific features of the bay.

Naama Bay. One of the most famous and versatile areas of the resort. The bay has a large concentration of restaurants, shops, promenade areas, and other useful infrastructure. As a rule, hotels have a private beach and a gentle sandy entry into the sea, which is why Naama Bay is often chosen by families with children. The main advantage of the area is the combination of a beach holiday with developed urban infrastructure. One drawback may be the large number of tourists during peak season.

Sharks Bay. An area located close to the airport, with an excellent selection of premium hotels. Sharks Bay is known for its sandy beaches, reefs located very close to shore, transparent water, and calm atmosphere. The bay is especially popular among fans of snorkeling and classic seaside holidays. In many hotels, entry into the sea is exclusively from a pontoon, so families with small children should check the beach details in advance.

Nabq Bay. A modern district with large family hotels, a long coastline, and spacious grounds. The key advantage is the wide selection of hotels with aquaparks and developed infrastructure for holidays with children. However, in winter Nabq Bay can be quite windy.

Ras Um El Sid. One of the best districts for diving and snorkeling. Here you will find bays with beautiful coral reefs and extremely clear seawater. The area is most often chosen by tourists for whom the underwater world of the Red Sea is especially important, and the hotel selection is also quite broad: from family options to small complexes for couples’ holidays.

Hadaba. An urbanized district of the resort, with shops, cafés, and hotels of different levels and budgets. Nearby is the Old Market, where tourists come for souvenirs, fruit, and oriental sweets. Hadaba is located on an elevation, which is why its coast is rocky and steep, and the beaches are covered with imported sand. The living reef begins right from the shore, so you will need to swim directly into deep water; when entering the sea from the pontoon, it is better to have special coral shoes with you.

Soho / White Knight Bay. A modern area located near Soho Square. It stands out for its wide variety of restaurants, evening shows, and many places for walking. Mainly high-level 5-star hotels are located here. The district is more often chosen by couples and tourists for whom evening infrastructure is important.

 
Beaches and the Sea

The beaches of Sharm el-Sheikh differ considerably from those in many other resorts in Egypt. The main feature of the coast is the large number of coral reefs, which begin practically right from the shore. That is why not only classic sandy beaches are common here, but also pontoons leading out to considerable depth.

Sandy beaches. For families with children and tourists who value comfortable entry into the sea, bays with sandy entry and shallow water near the shore are usually more suitable. Such beaches are more often found in Naama Bay and in certain sections of other districts. However, a significant part of Sharm’s coast is aimed specifically at snorkeling and diving. In bays with reefs, entering the water directly from the shore may be limited because of the coral plateau and shallow water. In such cases, hotels build pontoons that allow direct access to the deeper part of the sea. For underwater-world enthusiasts, this is considered an advantage: corals, tropical fish, and Red Sea fauna can be observed right next to the beach.

When choosing a hotel, it is important to check in advance:

• - the type of beach;
• - the specifics of entering the sea;
• - the length of the pontoon;
• - the depth near the shore;
• - the presence of currents and wind in that bay.

 
It should also be kept in mind that coral reefs are protected by law. On many beaches, it is forbidden to step on corals or enter closed reef areas. For comfortable movement through shallow water and rocky sections, tourists are often advised to use special coral shoes.

 
Hotels in Sharm el-Sheikh

Hotels in Sharm el-Sheikh differ not only by service level, but also by the features of the bay in which they are located, their beaches, and the distance to certain leisure spots. In this resort, this is especially important, because two neighboring hotels of the same category can offer a completely different experience: one may be suitable for a quiet family holiday, while the other is better for active snorkeling or evening entertainment.

 
Family Hotels

These are oriented toward an extended holiday inside the complex. Such hotels have large private grounds, several pools, aquaparks, children’s clubs, animation, and other infrastructure elements. However, large hotels have one particular feature: the distance from the more remote accommodation blocks to the beach can be significant. In some cases, the walk to the sea takes 10-15 minutes, which is why it is important for tourists to check the layout of the grounds in advance.

 
Hotels for Couples

Most often, they focus on privacy, atmosphere, and quality of service. In such complexes, there is usually less active animation and children’s infrastructure, while more attention is paid to a la carte restaurants, SPA areas, sea views, and quiet, welcoming beaches.

 
Budget Options

These are more often found in Hadaba and part of Naama Bay. Among them, you can find worthwhile options with a good balance between cost and quality. However, in this segment it is especially important to carefully study reviews and features. A low price may be connected not only to the level of service, but also to a long distance from the sea, an outdated room stock, or an inconvenient entry into the water.

 
5-Star Hotels

Sharm el-Sheikh is considered one of the largest resorts in Egypt by the number of 5-star hotels. Most of these complexes operate on an all inclusive basis and offer the highest-quality resort infrastructure: several restaurants, pools, aquaparks, SPA areas, private beaches, sports grounds, and high-level evening shows.

 
Hotels with a Good Reef

A separate category is made up of hotels with reefs, which are especially popular among fans of snorkeling and diving. Most often, they are located in Sharks Bay and Ras Um El Sid, where coral reefs are right next to the beach. It is precisely these hotels that allow you to swim alongside corals without needing to buy separate sea excursions. However, it is important here to take into account the specific nature of the coast, which is not suitable for a beach holiday with children.

 
Hotels Close to Entertainment

For tourists who value walks, restaurants, and nightlife, hotels near Naama Bay and Soho Square are suitable. Here there is a large selection of cafés, shops, hookah lounges, promenade areas, and entertainment spaces. This format is more often chosen by tourists who do not want to spend their entire holiday exclusively within the hotel grounds.

 
What to Do at the Resort

The main activity remains diving and snorkeling. The Red Sea is considered one of the most important regions for underwater recreation, thanks to its transparent water and coral reefs. Yacht trips are especially popular. Usually, such trips include stops for swimming and snorkeling near reefs, and some routes pass through the area of Tiran Island, which is considered one of the most famous marine locations near the resort. Excursions in Egypt and Sharm el-Sheikh are not complete without trips to Ras Mohamed. The national park is famous for its beautiful reefs, clear water, and seascapes. An excellent option is a desert excursion. ATV safaris, buggy rides, and jeep tours including visits to Bedouin camps are popular at the resort. Most often, such programs are organized toward evening, when the heat subsides. Among historical destinations, trips to Saint Catherine’s Monastery, located at the foot of Mount Sinai, are in high demand. Such excursions are usually chosen by tourists interested in the region’s history, religious monuments, and the natural landscapes of the Sinai Peninsula. For evening walks, many tourists go to Soho Square - a modern tourist area with restaurants, shops, show programs, and night lighting. A more picturesque part of the city is considered to be the Old Market, where you can buy spices, souvenirs, textiles, hookahs, and oriental sweets. 

 
 Holidays with Children

When choosing a family hotel, first of all it is worth paying attention to the type of beach. For children, bays with sandy entry and shallow water near the shore are more comfortable. Such options are more often found in part of Naama Bay and in certain family hotels in other districts.

It is also important to consider the distance from the accommodation building to the sea. In large resort complexes, the grounds can be very extensive, and the walk to the beach in hot weather becomes tiring, especially for families with strollers and small children. Therefore, study the location of the buildings and the terrain features of the grounds in advance.

Parents usually pay special attention to pools. In the winter season, the presence of a heated pool becomes especially important, because the water temperature in regular pools can be cool even when the weather is warm during the day.

For families, the following also matter:

• - the availability of a children’s menu
• - the presence of mini clubs and animation
• - shade near the beach
• - gentle entry into the sea
• - availability of family rooms
• - the presence of an aquapark or water slides

 
When traveling in summer, it is necessary to take the climate into account. In July and August, the air temperature in Sharm el-Sheikh can be very high, which is why walks and recreation in the middle of the day are harder to tolerate, especially for children. That is why spring and autumn are usually considered more comfortable seasons for a family holiday.

 
How Much Does a Holiday in Sharm el-Sheikh Cost

A holiday in Sharm el-Sheikh has different prices depending on several factors at once, which is why the cost of a trip can differ considerably even for tours of the same duration.

One of the main factors remains the season. The highest demand is usually recorded in autumn, during the New Year holidays, and in part of the spring period, when Egypt maintains a comfortable temperature without extreme heat. During this period, the cost of tours and popular hotels is higher. In summer, prices can be affordable, especially for expensive 5-star options.

The hotel category also strongly affects the budget. Sharm el-Sheikh offers both budget city hotels and large five-star complexes with extensive grounds and a broad all inclusive system. The difference in cost between such options can be significant even within the same resort district.

The meal format is also separately important. Most often, tourists choose all inclusive, because this option allows them to understand the basic holiday expenses in advance. However, the resort also has hotels with breakfast, half board, or more extensive meal options, with a la carte restaurants and additional services.

The duration of the trip affects the cost. Short tours are usually more expensive per single day of holiday, while longer trips can be more advantageous in terms of the ratio between price and number of days.

It is advantageous to book hotels in advance, especially for the autumn and winter months. With early booking, the selection of options is considerably wider, and the cost is lower. Exact and up-to-date prices for a holiday in Sharm el-Sheikh must always be checked before booking the tour.

 Pros and Cons of the Holiday

 
 Who Sharm el-Sheikh Is Suitable For

• - The resort is chosen by families with children thanks to the large number of hotels with aquaparks, children’s pools, and entertainment programs.
• - Couples who value a secluded and peaceful holiday, SPA areas, and the sea.
• - Divers and snorkeling enthusiasts. In many bays, the reefs are right next to the beach.
• - Sharm el-Sheikh is also popular among tourists who prefer all inclusive holidays and want to spend most of their time within the hotel grounds.
• - Tourists planning their vacation in winter. Most of the advantages of a holiday in Egypt remain available during this season.

 
Tips for Tourists Before the Trip

Before booking a tour to Sharm el-Sheikh, it is worth carefully studying the features of the chosen hotel and bay. In this resort, even neighboring beaches can differ considerably in terms of depth, seabed relief, and comfort of entry into the water. Be sure to check information about the presence of a pontoon on the beach.

For a Red Sea holiday, tourists are also advised to take coral shoes. They help you move more safely through rocky and coral areas in the water.

Do not forget about skin protection. Even in the winter months, ultraviolet rays in Egypt remain active, so sunscreen products, head coverings, and lightweight long-sleeved clothing are essential.

The comfort of a holiday in a particular season may vary depending on the area. Study in more detail what infrastructure is available in the summer or winter months and which excursions are better to choose at one time of year or another.

Before the flight, it is also worth checking the current entry rules and visa conditions. Separately, you can consult a travel agent.

 
FAQ

When is the best time to visit Sharm el-Sheikh?
Spring and autumn are considered the most comfortable periods.

Is Sharm el-Sheikh suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes. For families, bays with sandy entry and a calm sea are more often chosen.

Where is the best place to stay in Sharm el-Sheikh?
Naama Bay is best suited for a classic hotel holiday, while Sharks Bay and Ras Um El Sid are better for diving and snorkeling.

Are there sandy beaches in Sharm el-Sheikh?
Yes, but a significant part of the coast has entry into the sea from a pontoon because of the reefs.

Are coral shoes necessary?
Yes, if you choose beaches with coral reefs.

Which is better: Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada?
Sharm is more often chosen for reefs and snorkeling, while Hurghada is chosen for a gentler sandy entry into the sea.

Can you go in winter?
Yes, in winter it is warm enough for sunbathing and swimming, but it is better to choose bays protected from the wind.

Ion Admiral
Head Manager & Lead Travel Blogger