Overview

Grown from a fishing village into a strip of resorts along the coast, Sharm El Sheikh trades on year-round sun and some of the richest coral reefs on earth. The town gathers around Naama Bay and the marina, with hotels, dive centres and promenades facing the sea, while the desert and mountains of Sinai rise behind. It is a place for the water and the sun rather than ancient monuments, and the reefs begin just offshore.

Highlights

The reefs of Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran are the great dives, with walls and coral gardens teeming with fish. Snorkelling is good straight off many beaches, and glass-bottom boats and day cruises reach the offshore reefs. Naama Bay holds the nightlife and dining, and desert excursions by jeep or camel offer a change from the sea.