Sharm el-Sheikh★★
Sharm el-Sheikh, Südsinai
Sharm el-Sheikh (short: Sharm) is the tourist capital of the Sinai — a luxury resort town at the southern tip of the peninsula, surrounded by some of the world's best dive sites. The city essentially consists of resorts, restaurants, and dive bases that stretch along the coast.
Districts
- Naama Bay: The main tourist street with a promenade, shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Most hotels and dive bases are concentrated here. Lively in the evenings.
- Old Market (Sharm el-Luli): The only place with authentic flair — a small bazaar with spice shops, textile merchants, and local restaurants. Egyptians also dine here. Dinner on the terrace with a view of the mountains.
- Sharks Bay: Upscale resorts on a peninsula with a fantastic house reef. Quieter than Naama Bay, ideal for families and divers.
- Ras Um Sid: The cliffs south of Naama Bay with the best corals directly from the shore. Smaller hotels, quiet atmosphere, spectacular snorkeling.
Diving from Sharm
Sharm el-Sheikh is the starting point for some of the most legendary dive sites in the world:
| Spot | Feature | Level |
|---|---|---|
| SS Thistlegorm | Top-5 wreck dive in the world. British supply ship from WWII, full of motorcycles, wagons, trucks. By day boat 3h. | Advanced |
| Ras Mohammed NP | Shark & Yolanda Reef: Walls, barracudas, turtles, fan corals, the Yolanda wreck with bathtubs. | Intermediate–Advanced |
| Jackson Reef | Part of the Strait of Tiran. Hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, strong current. | Advanced |
| The Tower | Entry from shore, fantastic reef top, night dives with Spanish dancers. | Beginner–Intermediate |
| Temple & Gardens | Coral gardens at 5–20 m, ideal for beginners and snorkelers. Entry from the beach. | Beginner |