Sharm El Sheikh is a popular beach resort town in Egypt. It is a well-known getaway spot for water sports enthusiasts from all over the globe.
The Red Sea sandy beaches of Sharm El Sheikh have exceptionally clear waters and coral reefs with marine life that make scuba diving an absolute must.
Read our expert travel guide to find out everything you need to know when traveling to this Egyptian paradise: from historical sites to outdoor activities, restaurants, weather, and required travel documents for Egypt.
Where is Sharm El Sheikh?
Sharm el sheikh Traveler Guide advice all International travelers often wonder whether Sharm El Sheikh —sometimes spelled Sharm al-Shaykh— is in Africa or Asia.
The truth is that Sharm El Sheikh is located in Sinai, which —oddly enough— belongs to Asia. The rest of Egypt, though, is located in Africa. Therefore, the country of the pharaohs is divided between Asia and Africa at the Suez Canal.
This resort city is located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, in South Sinai Governorate, on the coastal strip along the Red Sea.
How far is Sharm El Sheikh from Cairo?
The distance from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh is roughly 480 kilometers, and you can get from one to the other by plane or road. Flights from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh take about an hour, whilst getting there by taxi, bus, or rental car, takes roughly 6 and a half hours.
If you are wondering whether you can visit both Sharm El Sheikh and Cairo, the answer is that it depends on 2 main factors:
- How long you intend to stay in Egypt
- How you are getting from one location to the other
Since getting there by road takes quite a few hours and you will need several hours to see Cairo, you would be better off either flying in —if you are pressed on time— or spending the night if you are taking a bus or driving.
How far is Sharm El Sheikh from the Pyramids?
The distance between the Pyramids of Giza and Sharm El Sheikh is 388 km. However, if you are going there by road, they’re roughly 515 kilometers apart.
How to get to the pyramids from Sharm El Sheik:
- Bus ride, which will take about 7 hours
- Flying, which is the easiest and quickest way since flights take roughly an hour
Pro tip: Flights are cheaper if you leave Egypt as your home country when booking.
Is there a ferry from Hurghada to Sharm El Sheikh?
There used to be a fast ferry service connecting the 2 main Red Sea destinations in Egypt. However, ferries no longer operate between Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada City. That is why no tickets have been available for the past year or so.
What to do in Sharm El Sheikh?
There are countless things to do in Sharm El Sheikh, from strolling down Naama Bay, enjoying its palm tree-lined promenade to diving in Ras Muhammad National Park. This Egyptian resort city has something for every taste and budget.
Historical places in Sharm El Sheikh
Make sure to visit the following Sharm El Sheikh landmarks during your stay in Egypt:
- Al Mustafa Mosque
- Coptic Orthodox Church
- El Sahaba Mosque
- Musical Fountain Sharm el-Sheikh
- The Heavenly Cathedral
Outdoor activities in Sharm El Sheikh
Adventure lovers visiting Sharm El Sheikh will surely enjoy the multitude of outdoor activities on offer, including:
- Climbing Mount Sinai
- Having fun in Ras Um Sid Aquapark
- Quad Biking in the Desert
- Snorkeling at the Blue Hole
- Taking a camel ride
Sharm El Sheikh for nature lovers
There is so much to see in and around the resort city, including:
- Ras Mohamed National Park
- Tiran Island
- Shark’s Bay Beach
- El Fanar
- Mangrove Beach Nabq Bay
- Na’ama Bay
- White Lagoon
- Colored Canyon
Budget-Friendly activities in Sharm El Sheikh
Tourists visiting on the cheap can easily find inexpensive things to do in Sharm El Sheikh. You will not want to miss out on the following:
- Soho Square in Sharm El Sheikh is always bustling and vibrant and features fountains, restaurants, lounges, and an ice rink, as well
- Deep-sea diving
- Quad biking
- Stargazing at a Bedouin dinner
- Ride a camel in the desert
- Sail in a glass-bottom boat cruise to view coral reefs
- Shop in Dahab
- Kitesurfing
Shopping in Sharm El Sheikh
Here are the best places to shop in Sharm El Sheikh, whether you’re looking to go to a shopping mall or a traditional old market:
- Genena City Mall
- Il Mercato Shopping Plaza
- La Strada Shopping Center
- Mall Darya Nabq Bay
- Old Market
- Secret Of Egypt
- Soho Square
Where to stay in Sharm El Sheikh
Here is a list of some of the best hotels in Sharm El Sheikh, from the most luxurious, to the best value:
- Aurora Oriental Resort Sharm El Sheikh
- Baron Resort Sharm El Sheikh
- Charmillion Club Aqua Park
- Cleopatra Luxury Resort Sharm El Sheikh
- Concorde El Salam Hotel Sharm El Sheikh
- Falcon Naama Star
- Movenpick Resort Sharm el Sheikh
- Parrotel Beach Resort
- Renaissance Sharm El Sheikh Golden View Beach Resort
- Royal Grand Sharm Hotel
- Savoy Sharm El Sheikh
- Sharm El Sheikh Hotels and Places to Stay
- Tropitel Naama Bay
- White Island Sharm El Sheikh
- Xperience St. George Homestay
Is Sharm El Sheikh safe?
If you are worried about whether Sharm El Sheikh is a safe or dangerous destination, you can rest assured. According to the UK Foreign Office, Sharm el-Sheikh is now considered safe to visit.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has lifted its restriction on flights between Sharm El Sheikh and the United Kingdom. They have also stopped their advisory against non-essential travel to Sharm El Sheikh.
Most locations in Egypt are considered safe, including Sharm El Sheikh and its surroundings:
- Sharm El Sheikh perimeter
- Sharm El Sheikh airport
- Sharm el Maya
- Hadaba
- Naama Bay
- Sharks Bay
- Nabq
Nevertheless, the FCO warns against traveling to the following:
- The Governorate of South Sinai excluding the aforementioned locations
- The area west of the Nile Valley
- The Nile Delta regions, excluding the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh
The Egyptian authorities maintain a significant security presence across the country, especially at important sites.
Best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh
Foreign travelers wondering when should I visit Sharm El Sheikh? are happy to find out that the best times for swimming and diving are during April, and from mid-October to mid-November.
Sharm El-Sheikh has an arid climate. It is generally warm and dry there, although summer months can be humid.
Sharm el Sheikh weather is quite pleasant in the spring and autumn. Spring lasts from March to May and has average temperatures of 25 °C during the day. Whereas fall lasts from September to November with average temperatures of 31ºC.
Summers are usually quite hot, with average temperatures around 37ºC between June and August. Make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated, should you choose to visit Sharm El Sheik during this time of year.
Winters in Sharm El Sheikh last from December to February with average temperatures of about 19 °C. If you are looking for cooler weather with few chances of rain, this would be a great time to visit.
Expert tips:
- Get familiar with the cultural dos and don’ts when visiting Egypt.
- Make sure to book your trip well in advance if you want to visit Sharm El Sheikh in spring or autumn.
- Check out what documents you need to travel to Egypt and ensure they are all up-to-date.
- Apply for an eVisa for Egypt prior to your departure in order to avoid standing in line for hours for a visa on arrival.