Discover Sharm
Top 10 Places You Must Visit
The Ultimate Sharm El Sheikh Guide
Tucked away at the southern edge of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh has grown from a quiet fishing village into one of the country's most talked-about spots along the Red Sea. People come for the water — it's impossibly clear — but end up staying for the vibe. Whether you're the kind of traveler who wakes up early to catch a boat or someone who'd rather sip coffee and watch the promenade come alive, there's a rhythm here that feels different from anywhere else. After spending time exploring every corner, we put together this list of ten places that genuinely stood out.
Ras Mohammed National Park
About a 30-minute drive from the main strip, this protected reserve sits right where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba. The water clarity is unreal — even from the shore you can spot fish darting around. Snorkelers will find themselves floating above gardens of coral that look like they've been painted by hand. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a turtle gliding past. It's the kind of place that reminds you the Red Sea earned its reputation honestly.
Naama Bay
If Sharm has a center of gravity, it's probably here. Naama Bay stretches along a curved beach lined with hotels, open-air restaurants, and shops that stay lit well past midnight. Evenings here move at their own pace — families strolling, couples grabbing gelato, music drifting from somewhere nearby. The boardwalk itself is worth the visit, especially around sunset when the mountains behind the bay catch that soft pink light.
Soho Square
A newer addition to the city, Soho Square feels a bit like a European plaza dropped into the desert. There's an ice rink — unexpected, sure — plus a handful of restaurants that range from casual to upscale, a bowling alley, and those dancing fountains that kids can't get enough of. It's polished without feeling pretentious, and on a warm evening the open-air setup really works.
Shark's Bay
Ignore the name — there's nothing menacing about this stretch of coast. Shark's Bay is actually one of the calmer, quieter alternatives to the busier beaches further south. The water stays shallow for a good distance, which makes it ideal if you're traveling with younger kids or just want to float without waves knocking you around. Several resorts back right onto the sand here, and the house reefs mean you can snorkel straight from the beach.
Old Market (Sharm El Maya)
For a dose of something more grounded, head to the Old Market area. This is where locals shop, and it shows — the stalls spill over with spices piled into pyramids, hand-stitched leather bags, lanterns, and bottles of perfume oil. Haggling is expected, so don't be shy. Even if you leave empty-handed, the sheer energy of the place is worth the trip. Grab a fresh juice from one of the vendors and just take it all in.
Most places in Sharm are spread out along the coast. Renting a car gives you flexibility, but taxis are everywhere and fares are negotiable. Always agree on the price before getting in. For boat trips to Tiran Island or Ras Mohammed, book through your hotel or a reputable dive center — it saves hassle and ensures safety standards.
Tiran Island
Sitting in the Strait of Tiran where the Gulf of Aqaba narrows, this island is only reachable by boat — and that's part of the appeal. The currents that sweep through here bring nutrients that feed an ecosystem bursting with life. Divers talk about the walls of coral, the barracudas moving in formation, and the occasional reef shark cruising by. Even if you're just snorkeling at the surface, the visibility will spoil you for anywhere else.
Nabq Protected Area
Stretching north of the airport, Nabq feels worlds away from the resort scene. This is a protected coastal reserve where mangrove trees somehow thrive in saltwater, creating a habitat for migratory birds and small marine life. Walking through the area, you'll see the desert meeting the sea in a way that's quietly dramatic. It's less about facilities and more about raw landscape — bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and take your time.
Desert Safari
The Sinai desert isn't just empty space — it's got texture, color, and a silence that catches you off guard. Most tours kick off in the late afternoon, taking you out in a 4x4 or on a quad bike across the dunes. The real highlight comes after sunset: a Bedouin camp where you'll eat flatbread baked over coals, drink sweet tea, and sit under a sky thick with stars. It's a side of Sharm most people miss.
Hollywood Sharm El Sheikh
Don't expect a theme park — it's more of an entertainment complex with personality. The movie-inspired decor gives it a playful edge, and there's usually something happening: live music, a magic show, or just people gathering around the fountain area. It's a solid pick for an evening when you want to be around activity but not necessarily in a club. Families tend to enjoy it, and there are enough dining options to keep everyone happy.
Cleo Park
Built around an Ancient Egyptian concept, Cleo Park manages to be both a water park and a bit of a visual spectacle. Slides twist past Pharaoh statues and hieroglyphic-covered walls, and there's a lazy river for when you need a break from the adrenaline. It's genuinely family-friendly without feeling like it's only for little kids — the larger slides pack enough speed to keep teenagers and adults entertained too. Go early to beat the midday crowds.
Sharm El Sheikh isn't the kind of place you visit once and feel done with. Between the reefs, the desert, the markets, and the sheer variety of experiences packed into this stretch of coastline, there's always something you didn't get to the first time around. The ten spots above give you a solid starting point — the rest you'll discover on your own.
Start Planning Your Trip
Whether it's the reefs or the desert calling your name, Sharm is ready when you are. Pick a few spots from the list and build your itinerary from there.
Explore More →