Rising from the desert sands of the Sinai Peninsula like a glittering oasis of turquoise and gold, Sharm El-Sheikh is Egypt’s premier coastal sanctuary. Known as the "City of Peace," this destination has evolved from a quiet fishing village into a world-class hub for divers, sun-seekers, and adventurers.
What sets Sharm apart is its unique geography; it is a place where the dramatic, sun-scorched mountains of the Sinai meet the crystal-clear depths of the Red Sea, home to some of the most vibrant coral reefs on the planet.
Whether you are looking to plunge into the abyss of a famous shipwreck, trek through ancient canyons, or simply enjoy a shisha pipe under a starlit desert sky, Sharm El-Sheikh offers a sensory experience that is both exhilarating and deeply relaxing.
Here is your definitive guide to the top 10 places you must visit to capture the essence of this Egyptian jewel.
1. Ras Mohammed National Park
Located at the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba, Ras Mohammed National Park is arguably the most famous marine protected area in the world. Established in 1983, it serves as a sanctuary for over 1,000 species of fish and 220 species of coral. The nutrient-rich currents at the tip of the peninsula create an underwater "superhighway" that attracts massive schools of barracuda, snapper, and even the occasional reef shark.
For those who prefer to stay on land, the park offers more than just diving. You can explore the lush Mangrove forests, the "Magic Lake" (so named for its shifting colors), and the dramatic earthquake cracks—deep fissures in the earth created by tectonic movements. The view from the Shark Observatory cliff, looking out over the deep blue of the Red Sea, is a powerful reminder of the raw natural beauty that defines this region.
2. Naama Bay
If Ras Mohammed is the heart of Sharm’s nature, Naama Bay is the heart of its social life. This natural bay was the first area of Sharm El-Sheikh to be developed for tourism, and it remains the city’s vibrant center. The area is famous for its long, pedestrianized promenade lined with luxury resorts, international cafes, and bustling bazaars.
By day, Naama Bay is a hub for water sports, with golden sands perfect for a relaxed family afternoon. By night, the area transforms into a neon-lit playground. It is the best place in the city to enjoy authentic Egyptian hospitality; you can sit on colorful floor cushions at a traditional "ahwa" (cafe), enjoy a fragrant hibiscus tea, and watch the world go by. It is the perfect blend of modern convenience and Middle Eastern charm.
3. Shark’s Bay and SOHO Square
Moving slightly north, you encounter Shark’s Bay, an area that has retained a more tranquil, upscale atmosphere compared to the bustling Naama Bay. The beach here offers some of the best "house reef" snorkeling in the city, where you can see parrotfish and blue-spotted rays just a few meters from the shore.
Overlooking the bay is SOHO Square, a modern entertainment complex that feels like a slice of London or Las Vegas in the desert. It is famous for its "Dancing Fountain" show, an ice-skating rink (a true novelty in the desert), and a wide array of high-end dining options ranging from Thai to traditional Lebanese. SOHO Square is impeccably clean and beautifully lit, making it the premier destination for travelers looking for a sophisticated night out with family or friends.
4. The Old Market (Sharm El Maya)
For a taste of "real" Egypt, a visit to the Old Market, also known as Sharm El Maya, is essential. This is not just a tourist trap; it is where the locals shop for spices, textiles, and fresh produce. The air here is thick with the scent of cumin, cinnamon, and roasting meat, offering a sharp and delightful contrast to the manicured resort areas.
The architectural centerpiece of the Old Market is the Al Sahaba Mosque. Completed in 2016, this stunning structure blends Ottoman, Fatimid, and Mamluk styles, featuring soaring minarets and intricate golden carvings that look especially magical when illuminated at night. Wandering through the labyrinthine alleys of the market, you can find everything from handmade leather sandals to intricately carved copper lamps. It is the best place in the city to practice your haggling skills and bring home a piece of Egyptian craftsmanship.
5. Tiran Island
Visible from almost any beach in Sharm El-Sheikh, Tiran Island sits at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba. While the island itself is off-limits to visitors for military and environmental reasons, the waters surrounding it contain four of the most legendary coral reefs in the Red Sea: Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon reefs.
A boat trip to the Tiran Straits is a staple of any Sharm itinerary. You can spend the day on a sun-drenched deck, stopping at various sites to snorkel or dive. The reefs here are vertical walls of coral that drop hundreds of meters into the deep blue, decorated with giant gorgonian fans and bright soft corals. It is common to see dolphins playing in the wake of the boats, making it a dream destination for marine life enthusiasts.
6. Farsha Mountain Lounge
Perched on the side of a cliff in the Hadaba district, Farsha Mountain Lounge is perhaps the most photographed spot in Sharm El-Sheikh. This is not just a cafe; it is an atmospheric masterpiece. The lounge is built in a series of terraces that cascade down the cliff toward the sea, decorated with a chaotic but beautiful collection of antique lanterns, wooden doors, and traditional Bedouin rugs.
The best time to visit Farsha is just before sunset. As the sky turns pink, the hundreds of lanterns are lit, creating a glow that feels like a scene from One Thousand and One Nights. Sitting on a floor cushion, sipping a cold drink, and listening to chill-out music as the sea breeze hits your face is a quintessential Sharm experience. It captures the "Bohemian" side of the Sinai that keeps travelers coming back year after year.
7. Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery
While technically a three-hour drive from the city, a pilgrimage to Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery is the most popular day (or night) trip from Sharm. Mount Sinai is traditionally believed to be the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Most travelers opt for the "sunrise trek," starting the climb at 2:00 AM to reach the summit just as the sun breaks over the jagged peaks of the Sinai.
At the foot of the mountain lies St. Catherine’s Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery in the world. It houses a library of ancient manuscripts second only to the Vatican and the "Burning Bush" of biblical fame. The stark, granite beauty of the high mountains provides a spiritual and geological counterpoint to the coastal fun of the Red Sea.
8. Nabq Bay and the Protected Area
For those who want to escape the crowds, Nabq Bay and its adjacent Protected Area offer a wilder, more rugged version of Sharm. This is the northernmost part of the city, characterized by vast expanses of sand, shallow lagoons, and the northernmost mangrove forest in the world.
The Nabq Protected Area is a haven for birdwatchers, as it serves as a stopover for migratory birds like storks and herons. The waters here are shallow and often wind-swept, making it the premier spot in Sharm El-Sheikh for kitesurfing and windsurfing. It is a place of solitude and silence, where you can walk for miles along the shore and see the rusted skeleton of a shipwrecked freighter (the Maria Schroeder) resting on the reef.
9. SS Thistlegorm Wreck
For serious divers, the SS Thistlegorm is the ultimate "bucket list" site. This British merchant navy ship was sunk by a German bomber in 1941 while carrying supplies for the Allied forces. It now rests on the seabed at a depth of about 30 meters, acting as a perfectly preserved time capsule of World War II.
Diving the Thistlegorm is like exploring a submerged museum. You can see BSA motorcycles, Bedford trucks, armored vehicles, and even crates of Lee-Enfield rifles still sitting in the cargo holds. The wreck is now entirely covered in coral and inhabited by giant moray eels and schools of batfish. It is widely considered one of the top five wreck dives in the world and is accessible via full-day boat trips from Sharm’s main harbors.
10. The Colored Canyon
Deep in the heart of the Sinai desert lies the Colored Canyon, a geological wonder that looks like a masterpiece of abstract art. Over millions of years, water and wind have eroded the sandstone and limestone walls to reveal a dizzying array of colors—shades of magenta, gold, red, and purple streak across the rock faces.
A trek through the canyon involves navigating narrow passages and climbing over boulders, making it a fun and interactive way to experience the desert.
The rock formations are incredibly smooth to the touch and provide a cool, shaded environment even in the heat of the day. Most tours combine a visit to the canyon with a stop at a Bedouin camp for lunch, providing a well-rounded adventure that showcases the rugged interior of the peninsula.
