Sharm El Sheikh is a charming destination with a historic atmosphere, modern glamour and stunning natural beauty, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Red Sea at the southern tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
This city used to be a small fishing village. It became a strategic base during the Suez Crisis that began in 1956. It was under Israeli control from 1967-1982 and became an Egyptian city again under the Camp David Accords. Since being declared a ‘City of Peace’ in 1982, it has become one of the shining stars of world tourism, both for its UNESCO-protected coral reefs and its luxury resorts.
You can visit this city blended with modern mosques and churches, colourful bazaars, starry tables and adrenaline-filled desert safaris in every season.
Historical and Cultural Places to Visit My Personal Recommendations
The origin of Sharm El Sheikh dates back to the Israeli occupation of the area during the Suez Crisis of 1956 and the settlement of the United Nations peacekeeping force in 1957. The region, which remained an Israeli settlement under the name Ofira from 1967 to 1982, became a province of Egypt again after the Camp David Accords.
From the colourful shops of the Old Bazaar to the Al Sahaba and Al Mustafa mosques, from the Sharm El Sheikh Museum in the city centre to the Peace Monument, this city has many historical sites.
Old Bazaar (Sharm el-Maya): The Old Bazaar, considered the heart of the city, is a commercial centre with narrow streets and colourful stalls, bearing traces of Bedu culture. Here you can find many authentic souvenirs from spices to handcrafted jewellery.
Sharm El Sheikh Museum: The museum in the city centre sheds light on history with objects ranging from Ancient Egypt to the Ottoman period. Its small but carefully organised collection includes ceramics, jewellery and documentary maps.
Al Mustafa Mosque: Opened in 2007, the Al Mustafa mosque is one of the most striking buildings in the city with its 76-metre minarets and 31-metre dome. The mosque has an Ottoman-Memluk design and a capacity of 3,000 people.
Peace Icon Memorial): Rising on Airport Road, the Peace Icon Memorial is one of the largest metal sculptures in the Guinness Book of World Records at 43 metres high. With its lotus flower and wing figures, this work, which depicts the theme of ‘the universality of peace’, is a unique backdrop for photography enthusiasts.
St Catherine Monastery: This monastery, which has been in continuous operation since the 6th century at the foot of Mount Moses, is famous for its belief that it harbours the event referred to in the Bible as ‘The Burning Holy Bush’. It is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world.
Mount Sinai: You can have an unforgettable experience by climbing this peak, which is considered sacred for rituals, especially at sunrise. You will feel the historical atmosphere of the region while travelling along its paths that bear the traces of thousands of years old pilgrimage routes.
Modern Buildings and Majestic Architectures
Al Sahaba Mosque: With its splendour blending Ottoman, Mamluk and Fatimid styles, Al Sahaba Mosque is a majestic mosque opened in 2017. Built with the free contribution of architect Fouad Tawfik Hafez, the building has an eye-catching silhouette with its 36-metre dome and two 76-metre minarets. The mosque also has a library and conference rooms.
Heavenly Cathedral: Completed in 2010, Heavenly Cathedral is the largest Coptic Orthodox church in Sharm, attracting attention with its frescoes inside and curved lines on the facade. It is a majestic church rising against the view of the Straits of Tirana with its two sister towers and magnificent stained glass windows.
Soho Square and Four Seasons Resort: With its European-style decorations and seasonal entertainment programme, Soho Square has been the centre of both shopping and social life in the city since 2008. The Four Seasons Resort has a mystical atmosphere with domed buildings in the traditional North African courtyard layout.
Shopping and Gastronomy
Royal Mall Located in Naama Bay, this modern shopping centre offers a mix of international brands and local boutiques.
Golden Centre Mall: Golden Centre Mall brings together a variety of international and local brands, offering a wide range of products from fashion to electronics, household goods to souvenirs. The boutiques section of the mall features the season’s leading international fashion houses, exclusive jewellery and accessories stores. The spacious two-storey food and beverage area offers a wide range of food and beverage options, from Egypt’s famous street food to fast-food chains, from Italian cuisine to Asian influences.
Old Market: If you are looking for an authentic shopping experience with narrow streets, spice stalls and silversmiths’ workshops, you should definitely stop by here. You can find authentic souvenirs of Egypt in this market. Don’t forget to bargain with the seller.
SOHO Square: It is a day and night entertainment venue with nightlife, shops and show fountains.
Sharm El Sheikh’s cuisine combines traditional Egyptian flavours with international options.
Koshari Zaman: Don’t leave without trying koshari, a vegan national dish of fried lentils, rice and noodles. n
El Masrien Restaurant: One of the local dessert stops, serving full medames (a regional fava bean dish) and ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel) with tahini sauce.
Pomodoro and Casa Mia: You can eat the most exquisite examples of Italian cuisine in this restaurant. The fresh pasta and stone-oven pizzas are delicious.
Fares Seafood: If you like fresh seafood, you should stop by Naama Bay’s most popular restaurant. The menu includes both the classic ‘Seafood Soup’ and delicious soups such as ‘Fish Soup’. ‘Shrimp Kofta’ made of shrimp is a favourite as both a main course and a snack.
Street flavours: You can also try Farsha Cafe’s meze platter and kokorec accompanied by hookah.
Natural Beauties and Outdoor Activities
Ras Mohammed National Park: Protected in 1983, this national park is home to some of the Red Sea’s most famous diving spots. Shark & Yolanda Reef, Ras Ghozlani and Eel Garden are filled with a variety of corals and tropical fish.
The Blue Hole (in Dahab, day trip): Located about 20 km to the north, the Blue Hole is a favourite spot for freedivers and technical divers with its ‘Arch’ tunnel descending to a depth of 120 metres. It is one of the most accident prone diving spots worldwide. You should not dive here unless you are a professional diver.
Desert Safaris and Quad Biking: You can experience adrenaline-filled moments on 40 km of desert roads with ATV tours organised at sunrise or sunset. You can also crown your tour with tea and local breakfasts served in Beduin tents.
Magic Lake and Mangrove Forests: In Magic Lake, which is indispensable for Ras Mohammed tours, you can feel the rhythm of nature in the mangrove forests overlooking the white beaches. There is a unique ecosystem here.
St Catherine Monastery and Mount Sinai: One of the oldest and most active monasteries in the world, St Catherine is an ideal place for a spiritual journey. Do not leave this city without climbing the nearby Mount Sinai and watching the sunrise.
Sharm El Sheikh Climate
Sharm El Sheikh is under the influence of a hot desert climate. The average annual temperature is 25.1 °C and annual rainfall is around 10 mm. January temperature averages between 18-23 °C. In July-August, daytime temperatures rise to 33-37 °C. The sea water temperature is between 21-29 °C throughout the year. You can swim in this city in every season and every month. April-June and September-November are the most comfortable periods for water sports.
Why You Should Visit Sharm El Sheikh?
Sharm El Sheikh is the meeting point of the sea, history and adventure. While exploring the mysterious ruins of ancient civilisations, you can stroll among the modern mosques and luxury hotels piercing the sky, dive in coral reefs under the morning sun and experience adrenaline-filled moments with 4×4 tours on the shores of golden deserts in the afternoon.
In terms of transport, you can fly to most parts of the world from Sharm El Sheikh International Airport. This is ‘the safest tourist area in Egypt. Thanks to the mild climate of the region stretching from the West Nile coast to the foothills of Mount Sinai, you can enjoy the sun and fun 365 days a year.
Whether you’re sampling local delicacies in the colourful night markets, spending the morning under the stars in desert camps or revelling in the exuberance of the nightlife, there’s fun for everyone. Sharm El Sheikh appeals to everyone who wants to experience comfort and discovery together.
Transport Options to Sharm El Sheikh from Sphinx Airport
Transport by Plane
There are regular flights from Sphinx Airport to Sharm El Sheikh. Flights increase during peak seasons. There is usually a weekly flight on this route. Air Cairo operates flights from Sphinx Airport to Sharm El Sheikh. Check the frequency of flights.
There are regular flights from Cairo Airport to Sharm El Sheikh every day. In total, approximately 48-51 flights are operated on this route per week. Air Cairo, Egyptair and Neos operate regular flights to Sharm El Sheikh.
The flight distance is 378 km and the flight time varies between 1 hour 5 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes. Departure times are spread from 00:30 to 23:30. One-way ticket prices are usually between 80-110 USD.
Air Cairo It operates 3-5 direct flights a day.
EgyptAir: As a member of Star Alliance, it organises approximately 3 flights a day, every day of the week.
Neos: It operates 1 flight a day, 7 days a week.
First and Last Flights: The first flight of the day departs at 00:30 and the last at 23:30.
When planning your journey from Cairo to Sharm el-Sheikh, you can save both time and money by comparing carriers, departure times and prices.
Travelling by Bus
Travelling from Sphinx Airport to Sharm el-Sheikh by bus is more economical. First you need to go to the bus stops 10 km from the airport. You can reach these stops in 10 minutes by taxi.
Operators: Go Bus Egypt, Blue Bus, Star Bus Egypt and other bus companies operate on the Giza – Sharm El Sheikh route.
Duration and Distance: The road distance between Giza and Sharm El Sheikh is 513 km. The bus journey takes an average of 7.5-8.5 hours.
Ticket Prices: Ticket prices are between 11-18 USD. You can have a comfortable journey in properly equipped buses (air conditioning, toilet, seat charging, Wi-Fi).
Night Services: There are also night buses from Giza to Sharm el-Sheikh. Bus ticket prices are more affordable on night flights.
Car hire
If you want a journey where you can take a break according to your own schedule, renting a car will be the best choice for you. You can start your journey by renting your car from Sphnix Airport.
Distance and Duration: The driving route from Giza to Sharm El Sheikh is approximately 513 km. When traffic and break times are added, the journey takes 7-8 hours. Daily car hire rates vary between 50-70 USD depending on the vehicle class. Fuel and motorway tolls are additional costs.
Route Generally, Giza – Cairo – Suez – Hurghada route. You can enrich your journey with short breaks in desert landscapes and Beduin villages.
Each transport option has its own pros and cons. The fastest and usually the most expensive way to travel is by plane. For the most economical journey, you can choose the bus. For a comfortable and free route, you can rent a car and start your journey.