Our 6 Highlights in Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh is a popular destination for all-inclusive travelers.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, as the hotels around Sharm El Sheikh are well equipped for this.
Despite all the advantages of a package holiday, we’ve captured our 6 highlights in this article that make leaving the hotel worthwhile.

1. DIVE INTO THE BREATHTAKING UNDERWATER WORLD

The reefs of Sharm El Sheikh are an absolute dream for divers, snorkelers, or those who want to try it.
The Red Sea attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year from all over the world because of its water clarity and biodiversity.

The best thing about Sharm El Sheikh is that you don’t have to travel far or pay for expensive excursions to experience the stunning underwater world.
Most hotels directly on the sea have sensational natural house reefs. Just put on your diving mask, dip your head under the water, and go!

If that’s not enough, take a day trip by boat to the most beautiful diving and snorkeling spots in the Red Sea.
You can book the tours at your hotel, online, or at one of the tour shops along the streets. If you choose a full-day tour, food and drinks on board are almost always included in the price.
We particularly enjoyed the Ras Mohammed National Park and the area around the Strait of Tiran.
We were first picked up by a minivan at the hotel and driven to the harbor, where we boarded our boat to travel to the area about 20 minutes away.

The boat stops in the open sea and depending on the activity you booked (snorkeling or diving), you enter the water with your equipment from there.
Underwater, you discover a vibrant world filled with colorful and fascinating fish, turtles, rays, and massive corals.
The water is crystal clear and generally has pleasant temperatures – at least in our opinion.

If it’s your first time snorkeling or diving, don’t be afraid of the unknown that awaits you underwater. Be brave; you’ll soon realize it was the best decision.

It would truly be a shame to miss out on this unique natural wonder.

2. TAKE A QUAD TOUR THROUGH THE DESERT

Love action? Then a quad tour is probably just the thing for you! You can book tours directly at your hotel or at one of the street stands.

On the day of the tour, you’ll be picked up at your hotel and driven out into the desert to your quad station. After a brief orientation, you’ll be off for at least an hour, racing across the desert. Most tour guides make a stop halfway at a Bedouin village where you can sit, drink something, maybe have a snack, and take a break.

In Bedouin villages, you’ll often find locals’ camels, which you can ride for an additional fee. Aside from the bumpy ascent and descent, it’s a great experience.

OUR QUAD TOUR TIPS

Wear long clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. You’ll be exposed to the intense sun the entire time, and riding stirs up a lot of dust, which will cover your clothes completely.

Book a tour in the early morning; the sun won’t be as strong, and the temperatures will be more comfortable.

Your mouth and nose will be covered with a scarf. Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the dust are a must!
Bring money and something to drink – you’ll quickly realize how thirsty you get during such a tour.

Although you’re on a motorized vehicle, riding a quad is tough on the body and truly exhausting. If you’re experiencing health issues or have problems like a slipped disc, skip the tour!

3. VISIT THE OLD MARKET OF SHARM EL SHEIKH

Old Sharm is the historic city center of Sharm El Sheikh, where the Old Market is located. It’s an open-air bazaar with shops lining the streets.

In the chaotic maze of the Old Market, you’ll find a variety of spices, oriental lamps, souvenirs, leather goods, water pipes with various tobaccos, clothes, and accessories of all kinds (mostly imitations), as well as fruits, vegetables, and other groceries.

As you’d expect from a traditional oriental bazaar, the streets are especially crowded and lively in the evenings and at night.
You’ll encounter a variety of scents and immerse yourself in a world full of vibrant colors.

Most hotels in Sharm El Sheikh offer free shuttle buses to the Old Market.

We recommend visiting the market after sunset because the high temperatures make it unbearable during midday. Remember, bargain for everything with everyone!

If you’re not a fan of haggling and prefer western-style stores, head to the SOHO Square shopping center, where you can browse fixed-price shops.

4. VISIT THE AL-MUSTAFA MOSQUE

The Al-Mustafa Mosque is located about 10 minutes by car from the Old Market in the Hay-El-Nour district.
We suggest visiting after dark, as the minarets are illuminated, giving it a different light and atmosphere.

If you’d like to see the mosque from the inside, you’ll find beautiful carpets, magnificent chandeliers, and intricate carvings.

Remember to wear appropriate clothing if you plan to visit the Al Mustafa Mosque.
This means shoulders and knees should be covered, and women are advised to cover their hair with a scarf. Also, remove your shoes before entering the house of worship.

5. TRY DIFFERENT WATER SPORTS ACTIVITIES

There’s plenty to experience not only under the water but above it too.

Most hotels offer water sports activities like kitesurfing, jet skiing, or banana boat rides.
From personal experience, we can say that this can be tough on the body and exhausting, but it’s a lot of fun.

If you’re looking for more, a visit to a water park like the popular Aqua Blu Sharm El Sheikh or the Cleo Park might be just what you need.

6. ENJOY THE EVENING WITH A WATER PIPE AND TEA

The bubbling sound of a water pipe, also known as shisha, is synonymous with Egypt like the Red Sea.

In the city streets, you’ll see local men gathering in the evenings to play Backgammon around small metal tables, drinking tea and smoking shisha.
Even though every Egyptian likely knows how harmful water pipes are, they remain part of everyday life.

If you enjoy smoking shisha, you’ll find the best opportunities in Egypt. Most hotels offer water pipes to guests at the outdoor hotel bar.
To experience traditional shisha smoking, try going outside your hotel, perhaps to a local bar with a glass of delicious tea and oriental music.

We’ve compiled general travel tips for Egypt in our article: Egypt: General Information on the Country & People.

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Discover the best accommodations
• Experience amazing excursions around Sharm El Sheikh
• The best Travel Guides for Egypt

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