The Best Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh — Reefs, Mountains and Desert Nights

Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the desert mountains meet some of the clearest water in the world. It is compact, easy to get around, and built around the sea — but there is a lot more to it than the hotel beach.

1. Ras Mohammed National Park

At the very tip of Sinai, Ras Mohammed is one of the most famous marine parks on earth: vertical reef walls, huge schools of fish and water so clear it feels like flying. Boat trips stop at two or three snorkelling sites, and divers come from all over the world for its walls.

2. A boat to Tiran Island

The reefs in the Straits of Tiran — Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas and Gordon — are a classic snorkelling day. The boat moors near the reef, you slip into deep blue water, and the coral starts just below you.

3. The house reef

Many Sharm hotels have their own reef, reached from a jetty. Snorkelling straight from the hotel, early in the morning before anyone else is in the water, is one of the quiet pleasures of a holiday here.

4. A first dive

Sharm is one of the best places in the world to learn to dive. A beginner try-dive with an instructor needs no experience, and the reefs are rich enough that even the first ten minutes are unforgettable.

5. Sunrise on Mount Sinai

The most memorable outing from Sharm: a night drive into the mountains, a climb in the dark, and sunrise from the summit of Mount Sinai. Many tours combine it with St Catherine's Monastery at the foot of the mountain. It is long and tiring, and worth every step. Bring warm layers — it is cold at the top, even in summer.

6. Dahab

About an hour north, Dahab is the relaxed opposite of Sharm: a seaside promenade, cafés on the water and famous reefs such as the Blue Hole. A day there is a lovely change of pace.

7. A desert safari and Bedouin dinner

Quad bikes or a jeep into the mountains behind the town, a camel ride, tea at a Bedouin camp, the sunset over the desert and dinner under the stars.

8. Glass-bottom boats

For children, grandparents or non-swimmers, a glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine shows the reef without getting wet.

9. Naama Bay and SOHO Square

Sharm's evenings are easy: a walk along Naama Bay, dinner by the sea, or the fountains, shops and restaurants of SOHO Square.

10. The Old Market

Old Sharm has a market with spice shops, souvenir stalls and cafés, and the striking Al Sahaba Mosque. Go in the late afternoon and stay for dinner.

When to go

Sharm is a year-round destination. Summer is hot and the sea is at its warmest; winter days are mild and sunny, though evenings and the sea feel cooler. Mount Sinai is best in spring and autumn.

Plan your Sharm days

Compare the best-rated things to do in Sharm El Sheikh, all with real traveller reviews. Not sure Sharm is right for you? Read our guide to Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh.