Sharm El Sheikh – Egypt’s Red Sea Paradise
Sharm El Sheikh, also called the “City of Peace,” is one of the most famous Egypt travel destinations, located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Overlooking the Red Sea, this vibrant resort city is known for its luxury hotels, colorful coral reefs, and year-round sunshine.
Whether you’re looking for diving in Sharm El Sheikh, relaxing on its golden beaches, or exploring world-class attractions like Ras Mohammed National Park and SOHO Square, this guide covers everything you need — history, weather, attractions, hotels, safety, and travel tips.
History of Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm el-Sheik’s history is relatively modern compared to other Egyptian cities. Built in 1968, the city quickly became known as the “City of Peace” thanks to its role in hosting international peace conferences and summits.
By the early 2000s, Sharm El Sheikh transformed into one of the world’s most popular resort towns. In 2005, the BBC ranked it among the world’s top four most beautiful cities. The development of hotels, modern infrastructure, and tourism services earned Sharm recognition from UNESCO as one of the top five “peace cities” worldwide.
Sharm El Sheikh Meaning – A City True to Its Name
The name “Sharm El Sheikh” translates to “Bay of the Sheikh.” Beyond its literal meaning, it symbolizes peace and resilience. Despite facing natural challenges like earthquakes and heavy rains, the city has thrived as a safe and welcoming hub for travelers worldwide.
Sharm El Sheikh is home to advanced monitoring and security systems, ensuring safety for residents and visitors. This strong reputation makes it one of the most secure resort cities in Egypt and the Middle East.
Sharm El Sheikh Weather & Best Time to Visit
Sharm El Sheikh enjoys a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination on the Red Sea coast. Sunshine dominates the skies almost every day of the year.
- Summer (June–August): Hot and dry, with average highs around 33°C (91°F). Sea temperatures reach 29°C (84°F), perfect for swimming and diving.
- Winter (December–February): Mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures averaging 18–22°C (64–72°F). Nights can be cooler, but it’s ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- Rainfall: Very limited, averaging 10–14 mm per year, usually between November and February.
The best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh is from October to April, when the weather is comfortable for exploring both land and sea. For photography lovers, sunsets in spring and autumn create magical golden-hour scenes.
If you’re planning water sports like snorkeling or diving, the sea remains warm year-round, so you can enjoy Sharm’s world-class coral reefs in any season.
Top Attractions in Sharm El Sheikh
Known as the “City of Peace,” Sharm el-Sheik offers world-class attractions that combine nature, culture, and entertainment. Here are the must-visit highlights:
🌊 Ras Mohammed National Park
Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Ras Mohammed is Egypt’s first national park and one of the world’s best diving spots. It is nicknamed the “Paradise of God on Earth” for its coral reefs, islands, mangroves, and diverse marine life.
- Fossils dating back more than 75 million years.
- Unique underwater caves formed by earthquakes.
- Home to rare birds, colorful fish, and coral gardens.
⛪ The Heavenly Cathedral
With breathtaking architecture and stunning interior art, the Heavenly Cathedral is among the most beautiful churches in the Middle East. Its murals narrate Biblical stories from Genesis to the New Testament.
During Easter and New Year celebrations, the cathedral becomes a hub of spiritual gatherings and cultural unity.
🎶 SOHO Square
SOHO Square is Sharm El Sheikh’s entertainment hub, offering international restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Visitors can enjoy the dancing fountain, ice skating, live music, and cultural performances.
It’s the perfect spot for families and couples to enjoy evenings filled with lights, shows, and vibrant energy.
Is Sharm El Sheikh Safe?
Yes — Sharm El Sheikh is considered one of the safest tourist destinations in Egypt. The city is well-guarded, especially in resort areas, and welcomes thousands of international visitors each year. Hotels, attractions, and tour providers place a strong focus on safety, ensuring peace of mind for travelers.
Top Hotels in Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh is home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the Middle East. Here are four highly recommended hotels based on location, service, and guest reviews:
🏖️ Movenpick Resort Sharm El Sheikh
Located on Naama Bay, Movenpick offers breathtaking panoramic views, private beaches, and exceptional dining options. It’s perfect for couples and families seeking both luxury and relaxation.
🌴 Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh
A world-class resort that blends Arabian design with modern luxury. It features multiple pools, fine dining, a private beach, and some of the best diving and snorkeling spots right offshore.
✨ Rixos Sharm El Sheikh
An all-inclusive, adults-only resort in Nabq Bay. Known for its vibrant nightlife, gourmet dining, and entertainment programs, Rixos is ideal for travelers looking for an energetic and luxurious stay.
🌊 Novotel Sharm El Sheikh
A stylish 5★ resort located in the heart of Naama Bay, Novotel combines comfort with affordability. Guests enjoy modern rooms, beach access, and family-friendly amenities.
Travel Tips for Sharm El Sheikh
- Best time to visit: October to April offers the most pleasant weather for both beach activities and sightseeing.
- Pack wisely: Bring lightweight clothes, swimwear, sunblock, and modest attire for visiting cultural sites.
- Diving & snorkeling: If you plan to dive, book tours with licensed operators and don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen.
- Transport: Taxis are widely available, but consider booking transfers through your hotel for reliability.
- Money tips: The local currency is Egyptian Pounds (EGP), but USD and EUR are accepted in many resorts.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience during your Sharm El Sheikh holiday.
Conclusion – Plan Your Sharm El Sheikh Trip
Sharm El Sheikh is more than a beach getaway — it’s a perfect mix of luxury resorts, world-class diving, vibrant nightlife, and cultural attractions. Whether you’re here to relax on the Red Sea, explore Ras Mohammed National Park, or enjoy the buzz of SOHO Square, the city has something for every traveler.
From 5★ hotels like Four Seasons and Rixos to budget-friendly resorts, Sharm El Sheikh caters to all preferences. Add it to your Egypt tour package for an unforgettable holiday.
👉 Ready to plan your dream trip? Explore our carefully designed Sharm El-Sheikh tour packages or tailor-make your own itinerary with Egypt Tours Group.
Sharm El Sheikh – FAQs
Is Sharm el-Sheik worth visiting?
Absolutely. Sharm El Sheikh combines pristine beaches, luxury resorts, world-class diving spots, and vibrant nightlife. It’s one of Egypt’s most visited Red Sea destinations.
How many days do you need in Sharm El-Sheikh?
A 4–5 day stay is ideal to enjoy diving, Ras Mohammed, SOHO Square, and some relaxation at the resorts. Longer stays (7 days+) are perfect if you want to combine excursions like St. Catherine Monastery or desert safaris.
What is Sharm El Sheikh famous for?
Sharm El Sheikh is globally famous for diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea, its luxury resorts, nightlife at SOHO Square, and natural wonders like Ras Mohammed National Park.
What is the best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh?
The best time is between October and April when the weather is warm but not too hot. This period is perfect for outdoor activities, diving, and sightseeing.
Is Sharm El Sheikh safe to visit?
Yes. Sharm el-Sheik is one of the safest destinations in Egypt. The city’s resorts, airports, and tourist zones are heavily secured and welcome millions of international visitors each year.
