Sharm El Sheikh rewards visitors who balance sea and sand with Egypt's ancient wonders. Ras Mohammed National Park anchors the list, its coral walls and clear waters ranking among the finest reef diving anywhere, while the SS Yolanda Wreck adds a haunting underwater detour for experienced divers. Back on land, Naama Bay Beach offers the resort town's liveliest stretch of shoreline, best enjoyed during the calm light of Naama Bay Sunrise and Sunset. For travelers willing to venture further, a day trip to the Valley of the Kings connects the coast to Egypt's deepest history. Together these picks pair world-class diving with desert adventure and pharaonic legacy in one efficient itinerary.
Sharm El Sheikh boasts some of the most pristine beaches in the Red Sea, offering crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports.
Must See
Naama Bay Beach
Sharm El Sheikh's most popular beach, featuring powdery golden sand and calm, clear waters. The bay is lined with restaurants, cafes, and water sports facilities. Perfect for families and beginner swimmers with excellent amenities and lifeguard services. Water temperature ranges from 21-28°C depending on season.
Must See
Ras Um Sid Beach
Dramatic rocky beach known for excellent snorkeling right from shore. Features colorful coral gardens, tropical fish, and stunning sunset views. Less crowded than Naama Bay with natural rock formations providing shelter. Good for both experienced and beginner snorkelers. Nearby restaurants offer fresh seafood.
Tips for Beaches & Water Activities
- Visit beaches early morning (6-8 AM) to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) - UV rays are intense in Egypt
- Wear water shoes for protection from sharp rocks and sea urchins
- Best swimming season: October to May; avoid summer crowds (June-August)
- Rent beach umbrellas and loungers from beach clubs for full-day comfort
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the day
Sharm El Sheikh is a world-renowned diving destination featuring some of the Red Sea's most spectacular coral gardens, rare marine species, and famous dive sites suitable for all certification levels.
Must See📌 Book Ahead
Ras Mohammed National Park
UNESCO-protected marine reserve offering some of the world's best diving. Features dramatic steep coral walls dropping to great depths, rare fish species, and intact ecosystems. Multiple dive sites including Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef with wrecks and pristine coral gardens. Diverse marine life includes dolphins, barracuda, and eagle rays.
Must See📌 Book Ahead
SS Yolanda Wreck
Popular wreck dive of a cargo ship resting at 15-30 meters, now a thriving artificial reef. Accessible to intermediate divers with varied depths for different skill levels. Cargo holds contain bottles, machinery, and marine life. Excellent for wreck photography and observing reef colonization on artificial substrate.
Must See📌 Book Ahead
Street Diving & Shore Dives
Perfect for beginners and certification courses with entry directly from shore or shallow-water boat drops. Famous shore dives include Umm Sid, Anemone Garden, and Coral Garden with depths of 5-25 meters. Ideal for building skills, exploring shallow reefs, and night diving opportunities. All major dive schools offer these accessible options.
Tips for Diving & Snorkeling
- Certification levels: PADI’s depth limits are 18 m for Open Water and 30 m for Advanced Open Water; 40 m is the recreational limit for appropriately trained divers, and specialized courses available at all dive centers
- Dive operators must have PADI/NAUI certification
- Peak diving season: September to April with best visibility (30m+) October-March
- Summer months offer challenging conditions with strong currents requiring experience
- Equipment rental, guides, and certification courses included in dive packages
- Multiple dives weekly; choose 2-tank, 3-tank, or live-aboard packages
- Bring dive computer, underwater camera, and reef identification guide
- Always use local guides familiar with seasonal conditions and currents
Adventure into the dramatic Sinai and Eastern Desert for thrilling safaris, quad biking, camel trekking, and authentic Bedouin cultural encounters under starlit desert skies.
Must See📌 Book Ahead
Quad Biking Desert Safari
Adrenaline-pumping off-road adventure through sand dunes and desert landscapes on powerful ATVs. Professional guides lead groups through scenic routes with stops at Bedouin villages and natural springs. Sunset and sunrise tours available with stunning desert photography opportunities. Includes safety equipment, orientation, and refreshments. Suitable for beginners to experienced riders.
Must See📌 Book Ahead
Mount Sinai & St. Catherine's Monastery (Day Trip)
Sacred pilgrimage site featuring the legendary mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Nearby St. Catherine's Monastery houses ancient biblical manuscripts and treasures. Pre-dawn climb to summit rewards with spectacular sunrise views over three countries. UNESCO World Heritage site combining spiritual significance with stunning natural scenery. Requires 2-3 hours from Sharm.
Tips for Desert Experiences
- Bring adequate water supply (minimum 2-3 liters per person) for desert activities
- Desert temperatures vary dramatically: hot days, cold nights - pack layers
- Sunset and sunrise tours offer best photography and comfortable temperatures
- All outdoor equipment and guide services usually included in tour packages
- Book tours through established operators with safety certifications
- Physical fitness required for Mount Sinai climb (3+ hours, 2,285m elevation)
- Wear protective clothing - lightweight, long sleeves protect from sun
- Visit Bedouin villages respectfully and purchase handcrafts to support local economies
Savor authentic Egyptian cuisine, fresh seafood, and international dishes in restaurants ranging from casual beachfront cafes to upscale fine dining establishments.
Must See
Fresh Seafood Restaurants
Red Sea bounty featuring daily-caught fish, shrimp, and lobster prepared to perfection. Beachfront locations allow dining with sunset views over the water. Chargrilled whole fish, grilled prawns, and seafood mezze platters. Family-owned establishments often offer best quality and authentic preparation. Choose your catch from display cases and specify cooking method.
Tips for Dining & Food Experiences
- Must-try dishes: Koshari, ful medames, ta'ameya, grilled fish, molokhia, stuffed pigeon (hamam mahshi)
- Fresh seafood best consumed within 24 hours of catch - higher quality at lower prices
- Alcohol available at resorts and restaurants in tourist areas; verify at more traditional establishments
- Eating with right hand considered respectful in traditional settings
- Lunch (12-3 PM) offers best prices and authentic crowds at local eateries
- Dinner typically served late (8-10 PM) - early reservations less common
- Tipping 10-15% appreciated but not mandatory; round up bills for good service
- Street food safe if chosen at busy, popular vendors with high turnover
- Ramadan affects restaurant hours and availability - verify before visiting
Accommodation & Relaxation
Luxurious resorts, boutique hotels, and budget accommodations offering beachfront locations, world-class amenities, and authentic Egyptian hospitality.
Must See📌 Book Ahead
Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts
Five-star beachfront properties with complete amenities including multiple restaurants, bars, water sports facilities, and entertainment. Spacious rooms with sea views, infinity pools, and private beaches. Spa services, yoga classes, and fitness centers. Comprehensive meal plans with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. World-class customer service and concierge support.
Tips for Accommodation & Relaxation
- Book accommodations in advance during peak season (October-April) for best rates
- All-inclusive resorts offer best value for extended stays with multiple activities
- Naama Bay location offers most restaurants, shops, and nightlife within walking distance
- Hadaba area quieter and more upscale with premium properties
- Summer deals (June-August) offer significant discounts but higher heat
- Many resorts offer free airport transfers for multi-night bookings
- Verify Wi-Fi quality and cellular coverage before booking
- Spa treatments often cheaper than Western prices - pamper yourself
- Credit cards accepted at major resorts; cash essential for local vendors
- Room service available 24/7 at established hotels and resorts
Photography & Instagram Spots
Discover the most scenic and photogenic locations in Sharm El Sheikh perfect for creating memorable images and social media content.
Must See
Naama Bay Sunrise & Sunset
Golden hour photography capturing beach, sea, and sky in dramatic lighting. Sunrise (5:30-6:30 AM) offers soft golden light with fewer crowds. Sunset (5:30-6:30 PM depending on season) produces vivid orange and purple skies reflected in calm water. Perfect for landscape, silhouette, and beach photography. Use wide-angle lenses for expansive compositions.
Must See
Ras Um Sid Lighthouse & Reef
Iconic lighthouse with surrounding rocky formations and vibrant coral gardens. Stunning elevated vantage points for landscape photography overlooking the Red Sea. Underwater photography of colorful coral and tropical fish. Accessible rocks provide dramatic foreground elements. Best photography before sunset and after sunrise when light is directional.
Tips for Photography & Instagram Spots
- Bring polarizing filter to reduce water glare and enhance sky colors
- Waterproof phone case or GoPro recommended for beach and underwater shots
- Sunset photography: position sun at side angles for dramatic lighting, not directly into camera
- Sunrise timing: check local sunrise time and arrive 30 minutes early
- Reef photography: stay 1-2 meters from coral to avoid damage while capturing detail
- Always request permission before photographing people, especially in Bedouin communities
- High ISO (800-1600) necessary for underwater photography in low light
- Clean lens frequently due to salt water spray and sand
- Back up images daily to cloud storage or backup drive
- Use tripod for stable landscape and night photography
Real, highly-rated Restaurants in Sharm El Sheikh, sourced from Google Places (rating above 4★).
Verde Basilico, Italian Restaurant in Sharm el Sheikh
Verde Basilico, Italian Restaurant in Sharm el Sheikh is a highly-rated restaurant in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.9★ from 211 reviews. Located at El Souk El Kadim, Sharm El Sheikh 1, South Sinai Governorate 8761130, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Smoky Garden Cafe
Smoky Garden Cafe is a highly-rated restaurant in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.9★ from 443 reviews. Located at El-Salam, street, Sharm El Sheikh 2, South Sinai Governorate 8753211, Egypt.
Wild West
Wild West is a highly-rated restaurant in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.9★ from 1251 reviews. Located at inside Chillout station, in front of Domina Coral Bay, El Salam Road, Sharm El Sheikh 1, South Sinai Governorate 46628, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
LaLa Churrascaria Brazilian A la Carte - Rixos Sharm el Sheikh
LaLa Churrascaria Brazilian A la Carte - Rixos Sharm el Sheikh is a highly-rated restaurant in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.9★ from 145 reviews. Located at 2CHR+87V, Sharm El Sheikh 2, South Sinai Governorate 8753603, Egypt.
Zodiac Restaurant
Zodiac Restaurant is a highly-rated restaurant in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.7★ from 999 reviews. Located at Rixos Sharm El Sheikh، 2CHR+97P، el gharqana، NABQ BAY، SHARM EL SHEIKH، South Sinai Governorate 8753603, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 6:30 – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 6:30 – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 6:30 – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM
- Friday: 6:30 – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 6:30 – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 6:30 – 10:00 PM
Terrazza Italia Sharm El Sheikh
Terrazza Italia Sharm El Sheikh is a highly-rated restaurant in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.7★ from 59 reviews. Located at Elhadaba، Motels St, Sharm El Sheikh 2, South Sinai Governorate 8762523, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Basilico
Basilico is a highly-rated restaurant in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.7★ from 115 reviews. Located at W9VP+436, Sharm El Sheikh 2, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 12:00 – 4:30 PM
- Tuesday: 12:00 – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 – 4:30 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 – 4:30 PM
- Friday: 12:00 – 4:30 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 – 4:30 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 4:30 PM
Basata Cafe Sharm El Sheikh
Basata Cafe Sharm El Sheikh is a highly-rated restaurant in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.7★ from 3610 reviews. Located at Sharks Bay oasis Resort, Sharm El Sheikh 1, South Sinai Governorate 46619, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 AM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 AM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 AM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 AM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 AM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 AM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 AM
C'La Vie Sharm
C'La Vie Sharm is a highly-rated restaurant in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.7★ from 330 reviews. Located at Salam, Sally St, أول شرم الشيخ، محافظة جنوب سيناء 8761424, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Fleur De Leis Cajun Steakhouse
Fleur De Leis Cajun Steakhouse is a highly-rated restaurant in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.7★ from 118 reviews. Located at W9VM+FQP Sultan Gardens Resort، Coast Rd, Sharm El Sheikh 1, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Zaza beach restaurant
Zaza beach restaurant is a highly-rated restaurant in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.7★ from 151 reviews. Located at Baron Boulevard, Sharm El Sheikh 2, South Sinai Governorate 46628, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Ayosha Restaurant
Ayosha Restaurant is a highly-rated restaurant in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.7★ from 569 reviews. Located at Al General Farid, Ezzat Street, Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh 1, South Sinai Governorate 46911, Egypt.
Mahony Restaurant
Mahony Restaurant is a highly-rated restaurant in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.6★ from 3983 reviews. Located at Naama Bay mall number 6، Sharm El Sheikh 1, South Sinai Governorate 46619, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Marlin and Caviar
Marlin and Caviar is a highly-rated restaurant in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.6★ from 932 reviews. Located at V75Q+RP2, Qesm Sharm Ash Sheikh, South Sinai Governorate 8761020, أول شرم الشيخ، محافظة جنوب سيناء 46619, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Dananeer Restaurant Sea Food & Steak House
Dananeer Restaurant Sea Food & Steak House is a highly-rated restaurant in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.6★ from 1138 reviews. Located at Hussein Salem, قسم, Sharm El Sheikh 1, South Sinai Governorate 8763114, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Real, highly-rated Beach Bars in Sharm El Sheikh, sourced from Google Places (rating above 4★).
Rixos Beach Bar
Rixos Beach Bar is a highly-rated beach bar in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.8★ from 520 reviews. Located at 2CHR+GQR, Sharm El Sheikh 2, South Sinai Governorate 8753603, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Motion Sharm El Sheikh
Motion Sharm El Sheikh is a highly-rated beach bar in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.8★ from 505 reviews. Located at La Strada Mall, Sharm El Sheikh 2, South Sinai Governorate 46628, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 4:00 PM – 4:00 AM
- Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 4:00 AM
- Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 4:00 AM
- Thursday: 4:00 PM – 4:00 AM
- Friday: 4:00 PM – 4:00 AM
- Saturday: 4:00 PM – 4:00 AM
- Sunday: 4:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Sky Bar & Lounge
Sky Bar & Lounge is a highly-rated beach bar in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.7★ from 143 reviews. Located at نعمه باي، Sharm El Sheikh 1, South Sinai Governorate 46911, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Thursday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Saturday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Sunday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Palms Bar & Grill
Palms Bar & Grill is a highly-rated beach bar in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.7★ from 89 reviews. Located at Shark's Bay 296, أول شرم الشيخ، محافظة جنوب سيناء 8764020, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Camel Bar & Rooftop
Camel Bar & Rooftop is a highly-rated beach bar in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.6★ from 354 reviews. Located at St Naama Bay، Malek Al Bahrein, Sharm El Sheikh 1, South Sinai Governorate 46619, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Thursday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Friday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Saturday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Azure Lounge
Azure Lounge is a highly-rated beach bar in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.6★ from 24 reviews. Located at 58 Gardens Bay, أول شرم الشيخ، محافظة جنوب سيناء 46628, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Beach Bar
Beach Bar is a highly-rated beach bar in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.6★ from 52 reviews. Located at Al Fanar, Street Om El Seid Hill, أول شرم الشيخ، محافظة جنوب سيناء 8762601, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Reef Oasis beach bar
Reef Oasis beach bar is a highly-rated beach bar in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.6★ from 32 reviews. Located at R8X6+V6M, Village Entrance, Sharm El Sheikh 2, South Sinai Governorate 8762301, Egypt.
Jolie Ville Beach Bar and Coral Reef
Jolie Ville Beach Bar and Coral Reef is a highly-rated beach bar in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.6★ from 39 reviews. Located at W9PJ+8GG, Sharm El Sheikh 2, South Sinai Governorate 8764001, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Lagoon Pool Bar
Lagoon Pool Bar is a highly-rated beach bar in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.6★ from 101 reviews. Located at 2CHQ+PQC، el gharqana، NABQ BAY، SHARM EL SHEIKH، South Sinai Governorate 8753603, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sky Lounge Cafe
Sky Lounge Cafe is a highly-rated beach bar in Sharm El Sheikh, rated 4.6★ from 93 reviews. Located at Shark's Bay 296, أول شرم الشيخ، محافظة جنوب سيناء 8764020, Egypt.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM