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One of Egypt’s oldest and most popular holiday resorts, Sharm El Sheikh wins fans for its breathtaking location on the Sinai Peninsula. The Red Sea coast provides white-sand beaches and some of the finest diving in the world, with crystalline waters teeming with underwater life, wrecks and coral reefs. As well as the diving, Sharm El Sheikh is the ideal place for desert safaris, where you can trek through the dunes and camp out under the stars.
33 °C
Visit in April and May for slightly cooler temperatures. Winter temperatures are milder with 23°C being the high in November and 18°C being the low in January and February.
5 hours
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH).
Sharm El Sheikh’s beaches are some of the most idyllic on the Red Sea coast, with swathes of pristine sand and smooth, white pebbles curving around the clear, blue-tinted waters. Speckled with palm trees and set against rolling, dramatic scenery, the beaches enjoy one of the prettiest spots in the country. The sand is dotted with shady, thatched umbrellas and loungers, with a good choice of places to eat and drink nearby. The water sports activities in Sharm El Sheikh are superb, so why not learn to windsurf or kayak in the beautifully warm water?
The spectacular diving opportunities off the Red Sea coast are the biggest attractions in Sharm El Sheikh. The calm, clear waters hide a mesmerising world of coral reefs, brightly coloured marine life and fascinating wrecks. There are plenty of places to dive for all ability levels, with the pros getting to experience the likes of Shark Reef and Jackson Reef. There’s plenty of adventure to be had back on dry land, too, with the region’s spectacular desert inviting exploration. Take a jeep safari through the dunes or spend the night in a real Bedouin camp.
Sharm El Sheikh’s old town is a great place to experience a little Egyptian culture. The old market is filled with bustling stalls selling Bedouin handicrafts, silver jewellery and leather goods. It’s also the best place in Sharm El Sheikh to try some tasty Egyptian street food like koshari, a mix of rice, lentils and tomato sauce. If you’re on holiday with family, kids of all ages will enjoy a day out at Aqua Blu Water Park. Situated at a local hotel but open to non-guests, the park has over 40 fantastic water slides and nine swimming pools, including the high-octane Kamikaze and special areas for little kids.
Beach lovers: A real beach lover’s paradise, Sharm El Sheikh has sweeping beaches of white sand and clear waters, dotted with rippling palm trees.
Divers: One of the best places in the world for scuba diving, keen divers can spend days exploring the hidden wrecks and colourful reefs.
Families: Sharm El Sheikh is ideal for families, with modern hotel resorts, gorgeous beaches and a popular water park on your doorstep.
Language: The language spoken in Sharm El Sheikh is Arabic.
Currency: The currency used in Sharm El Sheikh is the Egyptian pound.
Local time: Sharm El Sheikh is 2 hours ahead of GMT/UK time.
Fly to: Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH).
Flight time from UK: Approximately 5 hours
Tourist Information: Further Sharm El Sheikh tourist information can be found at http://en.egypt.travel/city/index/sharm-el-sheikh.
Visa and health: Before you travel, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt for recommendations and advice on visas and health for your holiday to Sharm El Sheikh.
Temperature: Summer average of 33°C.
Best time to visit: April and May for slightly cooler temperatures. Winter temperatures are milder, with highs of 23°C in November and lows of 18°C in January and February.
Sharm El Sheikh’s hot summers begin in April, with the high temperatures lasting all the way to October. July and August experience an average of 13 hours of sunshine a day, as well as the hottest average temperatures of around 33°C, although the mercury often hits the high 30s.
By taxi: Taxis are the easiest way to get around in Sharm El Sheikh. Licensed taxis are blue and white and there are a number of official taxi ranks in the resort. Many taxis will have a meter, although it’s best to check the price before you get in.
By mini bus: The mini buses in Sharm El Sheikh run very frequently all over the resort. They don't serve routes, and instead will stop where you want and can be flagged down from everywhere. Mini buses are the cheapest method of transport.
By bus: A more traditional bus service makes longer journeys to nearby cities and resorts, making them a good and affordable way to make day trips.
Diving competition: Sharm El Sheikh is one of the world’s finest diving destinations, and in October, the International Diving Competition comes to town. The event attracts diving enthusiasts from all over the world to compete in the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea.
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