Holidays in Sharm El Sheikh - How to choose the right area, hotel and beach
Sharm El Sheikh is a seaside resort located in the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula, with hotels stretching along the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea. The main reason to travel here is the sea: warm water, coral reefs, snorkeling, diving and large resort hotels where you can spend a significant part of your holiday without leaving the property.
Recommended hotels
However, a holiday in Sharm El Sheikh is not simply about finding a good hotel. The resort consists of several different areas and bays. In some places, you can enter the water directly from a sandy beach, while elsewhere the coral reef means that swimming is only possible from a pontoon. Some bays are better protected from winter winds, while in other areas you can easily leave your hotel in the evening and go for a walk.
That is why three factors should be considered together when choosing where to stay: the area where the hotel is located, the type of beach it has and how you plan to spend your time. The number of stars or photos of the hotel pool alone cannot give you the full picture.
Why Choose Sharm El Sheikh?
Sharm El Sheikh is particularly popular with travellers looking for a classic All Inclusive holiday and the opportunity to explore the underwater world. At some hotels, the reef begins directly off the beach. After putting on a mask and snorkel, you can see colourful fish without having to take a boat trip far from the shore.
Another advantage of the resort is its wide choice of hotels. There are large family-friendly complexes with water parks, peaceful Adults Only hotels, relatively small hotels and high-end resorts with private beaches.
Areas of Sharm El Sheikh
Choosing the right area of Sharm El Sheikh is just as important as choosing the hotel itself. Even hotels in the same category can offer a completely different holiday experience simply because of their location.
Naama Bay — The Livelier Part of the Resort
Naama Bay is one of the first and most developed tourist areas in Sharm El Sheikh. There is a promenade along the bay, surrounded by hotels, cafés, restaurants and shops. Egypt’s official tourism platform also presents Naama Bay as the active center of the resort.
This area is a good choice if you want to leave your hotel in the evening, walk along the beach or visit different cafés and shops. Unlike many other resort areas, there is more of a sense of life outside the hotels.
Not all hotels in Naama Bay are located directly on the beach. Some are set back from the sea and offer a shuttle service to the beach, while guests at others can walk there. You should also check whether the hotel has its own private beach or uses part of a shared beach.
Hadaba and Ras Um Sid — Sheltered Bays and Good Reefs
Hadaba is located in the southern part of Sharm El Sheikh, relatively close to the Old Market. Parts of the coastline in this area are rocky, and many hotels are built above sea level. As a result, getting to the beach may require using stairs, a lift or the hotel’s internal transport.
The main advantages of Hadaba and Ras Um Sid are their relatively sheltered location and well-developed coral reefs. This is particularly important when travelling in winter. When winds become stronger on exposed beaches, swimming may still be more comfortable in a sheltered bay.
Sharks Bay — Reefs and Proximity to SOHO Square
Sharks Bay is a large resort area located between the airport and Naama Bay. It is home to several large and high-end hotels, some of which have good reefs directly off the beach.
One of the area’s best-known places is SOHO Square — a complex with restaurants, shops and evening entertainment. If your hotel is located nearby, it is easier to find additional entertainment outside the resort in the evening.
The name Sharks Bay should not be misleading: it does not mean that the beach is full of sharks. The name refers to the particular bay and resort area.
Nabq Bay — Large Hotels, Open Spaces and More Wind
Nabq Bay is a large resort area located north of the airport. It is known for spacious hotels, water parks, several swimming pools and facilities designed for family holidays.
The main practical feature of Nabq Bay is the wind. The area is more exposed, and especially in winter, the likelihood of strong winds and waves is higher compared with more sheltered bays. This does not mean that a winter holiday here is impossible, but when choosing a hotel, you should not rely solely on the air temperature.
Some hotels in the area have very long pontoons. The water near the shore may be so shallow that normal swimming is not possible, while reaching deeper water beyond the reef may require walking several hundred metres along the pontoon. During strong winds, the pontoon may temporarily close. For this reason, when staying in Nabq Bay, it is particularly useful to check recent beach videos and reviews.
Sharm El Maya and Old Market — Close to the Old Market
Sharm El Maya is a relatively calm bay with sections of sandy beach. The Old Market is located nearby, with shops, cafés and Al Sahaba Mosque.
Despite its name, the Old Market is not a medieval historic market. It is a modern shopping and entertainment area where you can find souvenirs, spices, clothing and local products. Bargaining is common in many shops, but make sure to clarify the final price before making a purchase. It is also worth noting that bargaining is a widely accepted practice here.
Beaches in Sharm El Sheikh
When choosing a hotel in Sharm El Sheikh, the most important words may not be “five-star” and “All Inclusive”, but rather “sandy beach”, “reef” and “pontoon”.
Beaches generally fall into several categories:
- Sandy beaches with a gradual entry into the water;
- Shallow lagoons followed by a coral reef;
- Rocky or coral beaches where swimming is only possible from a pontoon;
- Combination beaches with a small sandy section and a pontoon leading to the reef.
If you cannot swim or are travelling with a small child, a beach accessible only by pontoon may be inconvenient. At the end of a pontoon, the water can become deep immediately, and waves can also be more noticeable.
If snorkeling is your main interest, a good reef should be one of the key criteria when choosing a hotel. Even then, check whether the reef is accessible year-round or whether the pontoon is frequently closed because of strong winds.
Do not stand on the coral. This damages the reef and can also easily cause injuries. When entering the water, use only designated areas and follow the instructions of the lifeguards.
The Best Season for a Holiday in Sharm El Sheikh
A holiday in Sharm El Sheikh is possible all year round, although the differences between seasons are not limited to temperature alone.
From March to May, the weather is warm, the sea gradually becomes warmer and the intense summer heat has not yet arrived. This period is convenient both for beach holidays and excursions.
From June to August, it is very hot. Spending time by the pool or sea is possible, but prolonged outdoor activities during the middle of the day can be exhausting. The risk of sunburn also increases. Desert excursions and sightseeing are more comfortable in the morning or evening.
From September to November, the sea remains warm, while from the second half of autumn the air temperature gradually becomes milder. For many travellers, this is one of the most comfortable periods for travelling to Sharm El Sheikh.
From December to February, it is warm in the sun during the day, but evenings are cooler and it is often windy. For a winter holiday, choose a hotel in a sheltered bay and check that at least one swimming pool is genuinely heated. The phrase “heated pool” does not always mean that every pool at the hotel is heated.
Take a light jacket or cover-up for the evenings. During boat excursions, the wind can feel colder than on land, especially after getting out of the water.
What to See in Sharm El Sheikh
Ras Mohammed National Park
Ras Mohammed is a protected area located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula and is one of the main excursion destinations from Sharm El Sheikh. Visitors come here for the coral reefs, snorkeling and diving.
Tours are available by boat or by land transport. If you choose a boat tour, you will spend more time on the water and usually make several swimming stops. A land tour also allows you to see the park’s beaches and desert landscapes. When choosing a tour, check exactly how many swimming stops are included in the programme and whether equipment is included in the price.
Tiran Island
Boat trips towards the Strait of Tiran are another popular option for snorkeling and diving. Tours may include several stops, lunch and equipment, but the exact services vary depending on the operator.
If you are prone to seasickness, keep in mind that a boat can rock more in open water. If you are considering medication for motion sickness, discuss the appropriate option with a doctor or pharmacist beforehand.
Desert Tour
Quad biking, a short camel ride and a stop at a Bedouin camp are often combined into one programme. Tours are generally scheduled around sunrise or sunset.
Take a scarf to cover your face and sunglasses with you — desert dust can hit your face and clothes directly when riding a quad bike. Expensive or light-coloured clothing is not ideal for this type of excursion.
Naama Bay, Old Market and SOHO Square
These three places are quite different from one another. Naama Bay is a lively tourist center with a promenade; the Old Market combines local shops, cafés and a traditional market atmosphere; while SOHO Square is a more polished entertainment complex with restaurants and shops.
Not all hotels are close to these areas. When taking a taxi, agree on the price before getting in, or use a service where the fare is shown in advance.
How to Choose a Hotel
When comparing Sharm El Sheikh hotels, ask yourself the following questions:
- Can you enter the water directly from the beach, or only from a pontoon?
- Is the hotel located in a sheltered bay or on an exposed coastline?
- How long is the pontoon?
- Does the beach have its own coral reef?
- Which swimming pool is heated in winter?
- Is the hotel directly on the beachfront, or is a shuttle required?
- Can you walk somewhere outside the hotel in the evening?
- When were the rooms and common areas last renovated or refurbished?
- Which services are included in the All Inclusive package?
- How suitable is the property for children or people with disabilities?
When reading reviews, pay attention to comments from the last few months. If several travellers mention the same issue — for example, the condition of the rooms, frequent pontoon closures or a shortage of sun loungers on the beach — it is no longer just an isolated comment.
Practical Travel Tips
Buying a snorkeling mask or bringing your own equipment can be more comfortable than renting one every time. Water shoes can also be useful, although they do not give you permission to walk on coral.
High-SPF sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water are necessary even in winter. Because the air may feel cooler, you may not notice how strong the sun is, but your skin can still burn quickly on an open beach.
English and Russian are widely spoken in tourist areas. The local currency is the Egyptian pound. Clarify the price of taxis, market purchases and small services in advance, and pay attention to the denomination of banknotes when paying.
Use bottled water rather than tap water. You should also check your travel insurance policy, especially if you are planning to go diving, quad biking or take part in other active activities — a standard policy does not automatically cover every type of activity.
Who Is a Holiday in Sharm El Sheikh Good For?
Sharm El Sheikh is particularly suitable for:
- Travellers interested in the sea and coral reefs;
- Families, provided they choose the right beach and hotel;
- Couples looking for a relaxing hotel-based holiday;
- Travellers looking for a relatively warm destination in winter;
- Beginner and experienced divers;
- Travellers who enjoy the All Inclusive format.
A holiday in Sharm El Sheikh depends less on how much a hotel costs and more on whether its location, beach and facilities match your needs. A good reef, a sandy entrance to the water, proximity to the center and protection from the wind are four different advantages. It is rare to find a hotel that offers all four equally well. Therefore, first decide which features matter most to you, and only then compare tours in Sharm El Sheikh.
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