Overview of Sharm El Sheikh

Have you ever heard that Sharm El Sheikh is the perfect destination if you want to enjoy all kinds of marine activities? It’s absolutely true, and let me tell you what makes Sharm El Sheikh so special.

Sharm El Sheikh isn’t just any ordinary coastal city; it’s a unique meeting point between the continents of Asia and Africa! 

Whether you enjoy diving, snorkeling, or relaxing on beautiful beaches, Sharm El Sheikh offers everything for your perfect getaway.

If you’re an adventurer who loves safari trips, Sharm El Sheikh will offer you an unforgettable experience in its unique desert. 

Enjoy breathtaking landscapes and visit a Bedouin heritage village to experience and learn about authentic local culture. Beyond recreational activities, Egypt Sharm El Sheikh also provides a distinctive cultural and historical glimpse in places like the Ras Mohammed National Park or the historic Mount Sinai (Saint Catherine).

Sharm El Sheikh features many luxury hotels and resorts, designed for tourism, guaranteeing visitors a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Since Sharm El Sheikh is primarily a tourist city, it offers a relaxed and accommodating environment for visitors’ diverse lifestyles. This means there’s no need to adhere to a specific dress code; everyone is free to enjoy themselves as they please.

This guide takes you from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh, exploring top districts to help you choose the best Sharm hotels. It won’t stop there; I’ll also detail what hotels in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt offer to travelers and the benefits you can gain.

1. From Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh: How to Get There?
2. Best Areas to Stay: Where to Book Your Sharm Hotels?
3. What Hotels in Sharm El Sheikh Egypt offer to You?
4. Practical Guide: sharm el sheikh Resort Experience vs Local Exploration
5. Tips To Know Before Heading To Egypt Sharm El Sheikh

Get ready to go on a trip to Sharm El Sheikh and enjoy its shores like never before with Simsem App.

From Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh: How to Get There?

Arriving from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh or abroad? Here’s what you need to know about getting there and staying.

Arriving Directly at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport

If you are flying directly into Sharm El Sheikh International Airport from another country, there are some important points you should be aware of regarding your entry visa:

• Free Entry Stamp (Sinai Only / Permission Stamp):
  • Citizens of certain countries are eligible to receive a free “permission stamp” upon arrival directly at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport.
  • This stamp allows for a stay in the Sinai tourist resorts (such as Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba) for a period not exceeding 14 days.
  • You must verify in advance whether your country is among those eligible for this option, so check first with the Egyptian embassy in your country.
• Stays Longer Than 14 Days or Visiting Areas Outside the Resort Zone:
  • If your intent is to stay in Sharm El Sheikh for more than 14 days, or intend to visit areas outside the specified Sinai tourist resorts (such as Cairo or Luxor), you will need to obtain an advance visa for Egypt.
  • You can typically obtain a visa either online (e-Visa), or upon arrival at Cairo International Airport if your itinerary includes a stop there first. 
  • In some cases, it can be obtained at Sharm El Sheikh Airport if your stay exceeds 14 days.

Traveling From Cairo To Sharm El Sheikh

The journey from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh takes between one and eight hours, depending on your chosen mode of transport. Here are more details to help you plan your trip:

Travel Options

• By Air:
  • Duration: The flight usually takes between one hour and an hour and a half from Cairo International Airport to Sharm El Sheikh Airport.
  • Cost: Airfare prices typically range from EGP 5000 to EGP 7000, varying based on the season and booking time.
  • Airlines: You can fly with airlines such as EgyptAir or Nile Air.
• By Bus:
  • Duration: Although bus travel is less expensive, it takes longer, ranging from 7 to 8 hours.
  • Cost: Bus ticket prices typically range from EGP 225 to EGP 550, depending on the bus class (from standard to premium).
  • Bus Companies: You can travel with well-known companies like Go Bus and Blue Bus.

Additional Tips for an Enjoyable Trip

• Booking Tickets: It’s advisable to book airline or bus tickets early, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability and secure the best prices.
• Price Comparison: Before booking, compare prices from different companies to find the best offer that suits your budget.
• Early Arrival: Make sure to arrive early at the airport or bus station to avoid any delays and ensure a smooth process.
• Getting Around Sharm El Sheikh: Upon arrival, you can easily get around Sharm El Sheikh using Uber services or readily available taxis.

To fully know everything about traveling from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh, Let tour guides from Simsem App help you design your tours.

Best Areas to Stay: Where to Book Your Sharm Hotels?

To find the perfect Sharm hotel for your stay, it’s essential to understand the character of the different neighborhoods where these hotels are located. 

Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each area will help you easily choose the right one from the vast Sharm hotels choices in the city.

Now Let’s dive in and explore the nature, advantages, and disadvantages of each neighborhood:

Naama Bay

If you love lively places, Naama Bay is a must—it’s considered the “city center” of Sharm El Sheikh. It’s roughly 10-15 minutes by car from Sharm El Sheikh Airport.

• Pros:
  • Lively Hub: This is Sharm El Sheikh’s bustling core, where you’ll find everything from a wide array of restaurants and cafes to bars, nightclubs, and plenty of shops.
  • Beautiful Sandy Beaches: Its sandy beaches are absolutely gorgeous, perfect for swimming and soaking up the sun.
  • Endless Water Activities: Numerous diving centers and water sports facilities are readily available and easy to access.
  • Easy Transportation: If you want to get to other parts of Sharm El Sheikh, Naama Bay is a super convenient starting point.
  • Diverse Hotel Options: You’ll find a wide range of hotels here to suit every budget, from more economical choices to luxurious options.
• Cons:
  • Crowded and Noisy: It can get quite crowded and loud, especially in the evenings and during peak seasons.
  • Higher Prices: Hotel and service prices might be a bit higher compared to other areas.
  • Not for Quiet Stays: If complete peace and quiet are what you’re after, its lively atmosphere might not be the best fit.

Nabq Bay

If you prefer tranquility and expansive resorts, Nabq Bay is your pick. It’s around 25–30 kilometers north of Naama Bay, about a 20–25 minute drive from Sharm El Sheikh Airport.

• Pros:
  • Peace and Relaxation: This area is much quieter and more relaxing than Naama Bay, making it ideal for those who want to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.
  • Luxury Sharm Hotels and Resorts: Home to many large, luxurious resorts offering comprehensive services and amenities.
  • Pristine Coral Reefs: It’s close to the Nabq Protectorate, making it perfect for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts eager to explore untouched coral reefs.
  • Spacious Resorts: Hotels here typically feature expansive grounds and large, private beaches.
• Cons:
  • Distance from Center: It’s further from Naama Bay and other lively areas, which might mean relying on taxis for transportation.
  • Can Be Windy: It can be windier here, especially during the winter months.
  • Limited Outside Entertainment: You’ll find fewer entertainment options outside the hotels compared to Naama Bay.

Soho Square

If you’re looking for an upscale, sophisticated spot with everything conveniently located, Soho Square is the place. 

It’s about 10–15 kilometers from Naama Bay, just a 10–15 minute drive from Sharm El Sheikh Airport for easy access.

• Pros:
  • Upscale Entertainment: This is a sophisticated entertainment hub boasting international restaurants, chic cafes, luxury shops, and impressive live entertainment shows (like the famous dancing fountain).
  • Cleanliness and Organization: It’s renowned for its immaculate cleanliness and well-organized environment.
  • Family-Friendly: Offers a variety of activities that are well-suited for families and children.
  • Luxury Sharm Hotels: The entire area is surrounded by high-end, luxurious hotels and resorts.
• Cons:
  • Higher Prices: Generally more expensive, both for hotels and for dining and activities within the square.
  • Concentrated Activities: Entertainment and activity options are largely concentrated within Soho Square itself, with fewer choices outside.
  • Relatively Quiet Evenings: Compared to Naama Bay, it might be less bustling and lively at night if you’re seeking a wild party scene.

El Hadaba

If you’re after authenticity and closeness to local vibes, El Hadaba is your spot. It’s about 5–10 kilometers south of Naama Bay, roughly a 20–25 minute drive from Sharm El Sheikh Airport.

• Pros:
  • More Affordable Prices: Hotel and accommodation prices in El Hadaba are often more reasonable compared to Naama Bay and Soho Square.
  • Excellent Location: It’s conveniently close to the Old Market and the Alf Leila wa Leila (1001 Nights) area, offering a distinct cultural and shopping experience.
  • Quiet Beaches: Features some lovely, quiet beaches ideal for snorkeling, such as Fanar Beach.
  • Scenic Views: You’ll enjoy beautiful views of both the sea and the surrounding mountains.
• Cons:
  • Less Hotel Variety: Hotel options might be less diverse in terms of sheer luxury and extensive services compared to other areas.
  • Beach Access: Some Sharm hotels might not be directly on the beach, requiring a walk or short ride to reach the shore.
  • Less Vibrant Nightlife: It’s quieter than Naama Bay and Soho Square, and might not be suitable for those seeking constant nightlife and endless entertainment.

Want to know everything about Sharm hotels and areas surrounding these hotels? Read this article to be fully aware or hire a local guide from Simsem App.

What Hotels in Sharm El Sheikh Egypt offer to You?

Hotels in Sharm El Sheikh Egypt offer various activities—from relaxing experiences to exciting adventures—ensuring an enjoyable visit for all.

Comfort Comes First

• Every hotel in Sharm El Sheikh puts your comfort first. Rooms and suites include essentials like air conditioning, a TV, and often a private balcony or terrace with stunning views.
• Expect comfortable bathrooms stocked with all your toiletries. Room service is typically available 24/7 for anything you might need, and while Wi-Fi is usually available in public areas, many hotels in Sharm El Sheikh Egypt offer options for faster internet if you’d like.

Endless Activities & Fun

Sharm El Sheikh is a city brimming with excitement, and its hotels perfectly complement that vibe. 

• For a hassle-free vacation, many hotels offer all-inclusive packages with all food and drinks covered during your entire stay.
• Many Sharm El Sheikh hotels have diving centers, organizing amazing trips to explore the city’s famous, vibrant coral reefs underwater.
• Beyond diving, you can often find other water sports like kayaking. 
• Most hotels in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, have spas and gyms, offering massages, treatments, and fitness facilities for your relaxation.
• You might even find an aqua park with thrilling water slides, perfect for both kids and adults!
• The fun even continues after the sun goes down; some hotels host live entertainment shows and music to keep the good times rolling into the night. 
• If you’re traveling with kids, no worries! Many Sharm hotels offer kids’ clubs with games and activities, ensuring children have fun and may not even want to leave!
  

Delicious Food & Refreshing Drinks

• Restaurants of Sharm hotels offer diverse dining options—open buffets with international cuisines and à la carte restaurants serving Italian, Asian, or seafood dishes.
• Plus, you’ll find bars conveniently located by the pool or on the beach, perfect for grabbing a refreshing drink. 
• For a truly hassle-free vacation, many hotels offer an all-inclusive package, meaning your food and drinks are fully covered throughout your stay.

Tailored Adventures & Convenient Services

• Hotels here pay close attention to the details of your trip to ensure it’s as smooth and enjoyable as possible. 
• You’ll find concierge services ready to help you book an excursion or a restaurant reservation. Some hotels in Sharm El Sheikh Egypt also provide airport transfer services. 
• If you’re traveling with a little one, you might find babysitting services available. 
• Laundry and ironing services are common, and many hotels have small shops for any last-minute items you may need.
• What’s more, many hotels in Sharm El Sheikh Egypt offer custom-designed excursions just for you. 
• This could include thrilling desert safaris, fully organized down to the last detail. 
• Some large Sharm hotels arrange Mount Sinai trips with expert guides, letting you explore its history and natural beauty in depth.

Want to know what you will get from hotels in Sharm El Sheikh Egypt? Consider hiring one of the local guides from Simsem App.

Practical Guide: Sharm El Sheikh Resort Experience vs Local Exploration

If you’re planning a trip to Sharm El Sheikh, you’ll often find yourself facing a fundamental choice: 

Should you immerse yourself in the luxury and comprehensive services of a Sharm El Sheikh resort, or should you step outside the resort gates to experience a more authentic local vibe and explore the beauty of Sharm El Sheikh and its surroundings? 

Each option has its own charm, with unique pros and cons to help you choose what best fits your travel style.

Sharm El Sheikh Resort Experience

This is the preferred option for most people seeking ultimate relaxation and pampering. Sharm El Sheikh resorts, especially “all-inclusive” ones, are designed to meet all your needs, so you never need to leave.

Pros:

• Ultimate Peace of Mind & Relaxation: The primary and most significant advantage is that you don’t have to think about anything. 

Everything is provided: food, drinks, swimming pools, entertainment activities, and a private beach. It’s pure relaxation, far from any stress.

• Time and Effort Saving: You won’t need to plan every meal or activity. Everything is ready and organized within the resort, which saves you a lot of time and effort in daily planning.
• Enhanced Safety and Privacy: Resorts offer a high level of security, particularly beneficial for families. With controlled entry and exit, you’ll feel safer and more comfortable throughout your stay.
• Diverse Activities and Facilities Under One Roof: From multiple swimming pools and jacuzzis to a variety of restaurants, tranquil spas, well-equipped gyms, dedicated diving centers, and vibrant evening entertainment, all of this is conveniently located within the resort and easily accessible to you.
• Family-Friendly Focus: Resorts often feature dedicated Kids’ Clubs, specialized children’s pools, and entertainment programs suitable for all family members, making them an ideal choice for hassle-free family vacations.

Cons:

• Isolation from Local Culture: You might feel isolated from the real life of Sharm El Sheikh. You won’t encounter many locals, nor will you get to know authentic places or enjoy traditional food outside the resort.
• Additional Cost for Outside Excursions: If you decide to venture out for a safari trip or diving in a specific spot, these activities will typically incur an additional cost, separate from what you’ve already paid for your resort booking.
• Potentially Repetitive Experience: After a few days, activities may feel routine, and an extended stay could lead to some boredom or lack of excitement.
  
• Crowds During Peak Times: Pools and restaurants can get crowded, reducing the peace and quiet you may be looking for.

Local Exploration of Sharm El Sheikh

If you crave adventure and detailed exploration, stepping outside the typical Sharm El Sheikh resort experience is the perfect choice.

Pros:

• Authentic and Rich Cultural Experience: You’ll gain a genuine experience and see Sharm El Sheikh through the eyes of its locals. 

You’ll have the chance to visit local markets like the Old Market, taste authentic food in traditional restaurants, and interact directly with the local community.

• Discovery of Unique Hidden Gems: You’ll have the opportunity to visit places that might not be widely known to all tourists, such as the breathtaking Ras Mohammed National Park or the famous Blue Hole in Dahab (if you take a day trip). 

You can also immerse yourself in thrilling outdoor activities like desert safaris.

• Greater Budget Flexibility: You gain more control over your spending. 

Stay in a hotel or boutique accommodation, then spend your budget on your favorite activities or unique dining experiences outside.

• Spontaneous Adventures Await: There’s an undeniable joy in discovering new places and wandering down side streets, which can lead to unexpected adventures and unique experiences that add significant value to your trip.
• Exceptional Photography Opportunities: If you’re a photography enthusiast, you’ll find unique and diverse natural and cultural scenes that differ greatly from what you might see inside resorts, providing fantastic opportunities for distinctive photos.

Cons:

• More Planning and Effort Required: You’ll need to plan everything yourself: transportation, meals, and places to visit. 

This requires time and effort and can be tiring for some travelers.

• Potential for Unexpected Additional Costs: You might encounter unforeseen expenses for transportation, entrance fees to tourist sites, or even food outside the resort if you haven’t budgeted carefully.
• Potentially Less Comfort and Luxury: The hotels you choose for independent exploration might not offer the same level of luxury and services provided by large, all-inclusive resorts, especially if you’re aiming for lower prices.
• Minor Language Challenges (Occasionally): Interacting with locals might present a slight challenge if you don’t speak Arabic fluently. 

However, Sharm El Sheikh locals are generally accustomed to travelers and can often communicate in various languages.

Ultimately, the best choice for your Sharm El Sheikh adventure depends entirely on your travel priorities. 

If you’re looking for complete relaxation, comfort, and comprehensive service, then a Sharm El Sheikh resort is your perfect sanctuary. 

If you love adventure, exploring, and new cultures, venturing outside the resort is likely the more enjoyable and rewarding option.

Still confused about trying Sharm El Sheikh resort or having a local experience? Consider hiring one of the local guides from Simsem App.

Tips To Know Before Heading To Egypt Sharm El Sheikh

For a smooth, enjoyable trip to Egypt Sharm El Sheikh, follow these key tips to make the most of your experience.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (March – May) and Autumn (September – November) are generally the best times. 

The weather is perfect for marine activities and relaxing on the beaches, with mild temperatures suitable for everything. Summer (June–August) is very hot—great for beach and pool lovers, with slightly lower prices during this season.

Winter (December–February) brings warm, sunny days, cooler breezy nights, and refreshing sea water—ideal for outdoor activities. It’s perfect for escaping colder climates!

• Book in Advance: Early booking is better than late one to get the best deal especially during peak seasons (holidays, mid-year breaks, summer). 

Always compare prices across different booking sites for hotels and package deals.

• Pack Smart: Don’t forget essential items like high-SPF, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a large hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Pack light, comfortable clothing suitable for hot and humid weather, along with multiple swimsuits.

Bring comfortable shoes for walking and various activities, and any personal medications you take regularly. 

If you have your own snorkeling gear, don’t forget to bring it with you.

• Stay Hydrated: The weather is hot, and dehydration can happen easily, so remember to drink water regularly throughout the day to stay well-hydrated.
• Explore Diverse Activities: Egypt Sharm El Sheikh offers more than just beaches! Make sure to try diving and snorkeling to witness the stunning coral reefs. 

Go on a desert safari, whether by quad bike or 4×4. Don’t miss visiting the Old Market, Soho Square, and Naama Bay in the evening. 

Also, explore natural wonders like the Ras Mohammed National Park.

• Savor the Cuisine: Don’t hesitate to try local, smaller restaurants to experience authentic Egyptian food. 

If you’re on an all-inclusive package, make the most of the diverse dining options within your hotel.

• Easy Transportation: Taxis and Uber are the easiest ways to get around Sharm El Sheikh’s different districts. 

If you’re taking a taxi, always agree on the fare beforehand if you’re not using Uber.

• Safety First: Sharm El Sheikh is a very safe city for tourists. However, always be mindful of your personal belongings and avoid leaving valuables unattended.

Thinking that these tips of visiting Egypt Sharm El Sheikh aren’t enough? Then start thinking of hiring one of the local guides from Simsem App.