Sharm el Sheikh
Sharm El-Sheikh
Those who visited Sharm El-Sheikh just thirty years ago will remember it as a quiet fishing town and would hardly believe its modern-day transformation. This luxury resort is now buzzing with tourists enjoying the beautiful beaches and endless sunshine, whilst partying in the local bars and discos until dawn. This resort lies on the tip of the Sinai Peninsula and is sandwiched on a coastal strip between the Red Sea and the impressive 7,497 feet-high Mount Sinai where the ancient Monastery of St Catherine is located.
Once a strategic port and naval base, environmental laws passed in the 1990s now strictly govern its commercial use.
Sharm El-Sheikh actually means “Beard of the Sheikh” in Arabic and if you look at its position on the point of the promontory, it is easy to see how it got its name. Now often abbreviated simply to “Sharm” it has attracted many five star hotels and international chains such as Starbucks, MacDonald’s and KFC to this very un-Muslim-like oasis. There are plenty of popular bars and nightclubs which add to the party-lifestyle of this leading Red Sea resort.
With its middle eastern influences, great prices and some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world, this colourful resort is a favourite with European tourists. The waters of the Red Sea are clear and calm, offering perfect conditions for scuba divers to explore the extensive coral reefs and colourful marine life. These warm waters are home to 250 types of coral and 1000 species of fish including shoals of barracudas and sharks. Other watersports such as windsurfing, kite surfing, parasailing and jet skiing can also be enjoyed here. Camel trekking, horseback riding and quad bike trips make the most of this stunning destination.
Sharm El-Sheikh is a popular holiday destination all year round. In the winter months temperatures average 21-27C (71-81F) and rarely drop below 15C (60F). In the heat of the summer, temperatures can exceed 38C (100F). Rainfall is almost unheard of in this desert region.
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Check out what others are saying about this post...[...] gardens of corals and anemones, shoals of brilliant fish, turtles and dolphins. Resorts such as Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada are also perfect for shopping and haggling in the bazaars, eating delicious local [...]