Sharm El Sheikh
Photo: Mohamed Elnaggar / Unsplash
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
March to May and September to November (warm sea, 25-32°C; summer can exceed 40°C)
Language
Arabic (official); English and some Russian and Italian widely spoken in resorts
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP); US Dollars and Euros accepted in many resorts
Time Zone
EET (UTC+2), EEST (UTC+3) in summer
Airport
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH), ~15 km from Naama Bay
Population
~75,000 (resort city proper)
Climate
Hot desert; very hot dry summers (35-42°C), warm sunny winters (20-25°C daytime)
Safety Rating
Resort areas generally safe; many governments advise increased caution for Egypt and against non-essential travel to remote North Sinai — check your national advisory
Top Highlights
Ras Muhammad National Park
Egypt's premier marine reserve at the southern tip of Sinai, with sheer coral walls, the 'Shark & Yolanda' reefs, and mangroves. Entry ~$5-10 per person plus vehicle fee, open daily ~8AM-5PM, ~30 km from Sharm. Allow a full day; book a snorkel or dive boat trip for the best sites.
Naama Bay
Sharm's lively seafront promenade lined with hotels, dive centers, restaurants, and bazaars. Free to stroll, most venues open late into the night. Allow an evening. The sandy bay is calm and good for first-time snorkelers; haggle in the shops as prices start high.
Tiran Island & Strait
A cluster of four world-famous dive and snorkel reefs (Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, Gordon) in the strait between Sinai and Saudi Arabia. Access by boat day-trip (~$35-60 including lunch), typically 9AM-4PM. Allow a full day; strong currents make it best for confident swimmers.
Old Market (Sharm El Maya)
Sharm's original old town, a warren of spice stalls, cafes, and the Al Sahaba Mosque. Free to wander, liveliest after sunset ~6-11PM, ~7 km from Naama Bay. Allow 2 hours. More local and cheaper than Naama Bay — a good spot for shisha and grilled seafood.
St. Catherine's Monastery & Mount Sinai
A 6th-century Greek Orthodox monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai, home to the Burning Bush site. A day/overnight trip ~230 km (3+ hours) inland; monastery entry is free but donations expected, open Mon-Thu & Sat ~9AM-noon. Many climb Mount Sinai overnight for sunrise; go with a licensed guide.
Colored Canyon (Nuweiba)
A narrow desert gorge of wind-sculpted, multi-hued sandstone walls near Nuweiba, ~2.5 hours north. Reached only on a 4x4 safari day-trip (~$50-80) with a Bedouin guide; best in cooler morning hours. Allow a full day and wear sturdy shoes — a striking off-the-beach hidden gem.
Shark's Bay & Near-Shore House Reefs
A small bay with a shallow drop-off reef reachable straight from the beach, ideal for shore snorkeling and intro dives. Free from public beaches (resort beaches may charge a day fee ~$10-20), ~10 km north of Naama Bay. Allow a half-day; go early when the water is calmest and clearest.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Sharm El Sheikh Itinerary
Arrival & Naama Bay Promenade
Land at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH), ~15 km from Naama Bay. Agree your taxi fare before getting in (~150-250 EGP to Naama Bay) or arrange a hotel transfer. If you plan any trips beyond the resort strip (Ras Muhammad, St. Catherine's, the mainland), buy the FULL Egypt tourist visa (~$25) on arrival, not just the free Sinai-only stamp. Ease in on the seafront tonight.
Airport transfer to your hotel(30 minutes)
Pre-book a transfer or agree the taxi price first — meters aren't used. Keep small EGP notes for a tip; drivers rarely carry change for big bills.
Check in and settle(1 hour)
Naama Bay puts you on the lively promenade; Sharks Bay or Nabq are quieter with better house reefs. Most hotels are all-inclusive resorts.
Evening stroll along Naama Bay promenade(1.5 hours)
The pedestrian seafront is lined with dive centers, bazaars, and cafés. Free to wander; haggle hard in the shops — opening prices are wildly inflated.
Welcome dinner at Tam Tam(1.5 hours)
Beachfront Egyptian cooking at the Ghazala Beach hotel end of Naama Bay — mezze, grilled fish, and shisha with your feet almost in the sand.
First Reef — Shark's Bay House Reef
Meet the Red Sea gently today. Shark's Bay has a shallow drop-off reef reachable straight off the beach — ideal for a first snorkel or a Discover Scuba dive. Take the hot afternoon off, then head to the atmospheric Old Market after dark.
Snorkel the Shark's Bay house reef(2.5 hours)
~10 km north of Naama Bay. Enter early when the water is calmest and clearest. NEVER touch or stand on the coral — it's protected, fragile, and can sting; wear a rash guard and keep fins clear.
Optional Discover Scuba Dive(2 hours)
First-timers can do a guided beginner dive with a PADI center here (~$60-80, no certification needed) — the shallow reef is a perfect classroom.
Lunch and rest through the midday heat(3 hours)
Back to the resort for a poolside lunch and a proper break — Sharm's sun is fierce between noon and 4PM.
Evening at the Old Market (Sharm El Maya)(2.5 hours)
Sharm's original old town, ~7 km from Naama Bay — spice stalls, the Al Sahaba Mosque, and cheaper, more local eating. Dinner of grilled seafood at El Masrien; cover shoulders and knees away from the beach.
Ras Muhammad National Park by Boat
A full day at Egypt's premier marine reserve, ~30 km south at the tip of Sinai, where the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba meet over sheer coral walls. NOTE: Ras Muhammad requires the full Egypt visa, not the Sinai-only permit — confirm you bought it on arrival.
Boat trip to Ras Muhammad(8 hours)
Join a snorkel or dive day-boat from Sharm marina (~$35-60 incl. lunch and park fees; park entry ~$5-10). Boats leave ~9AM and visit two or three sites.
Snorkel the Shark & Yolanda reefs(3 hours)
The park's signature wall dives/snorkels — vertical drop-offs teeming with fish, plus the scattered cargo of the wrecked Yolanda. Strong currents; listen to the guide's briefing.
Lunch aboard and the mangrove channel(2 hours)
A cooked lunch on deck between sites; some trips stop at the mangrove channel and the salt lake back on the peninsula.
Sunset back at the marina and quiet dinner(2 hours)
Return sunburned and happy by late afternoon; keep dinner simple at your resort tonight.
Rest Day — Beach, Cliff Café & SOHO Square
A deliberate down day between two big water days. Laze on the beach, watch the sunset from Sharm's most famous cliffside café, and spend the evening at the SOHO Square entertainment complex.
Slow beach and pool morning(3 hours)
Do nothing much — swim off the resort jetty, read, and stay hydrated (stick to sealed bottled water, even for brushing teeth).
Optional spa or massage(1.5 hours)
Most resorts have a spa; a mid-trip massage is a fine way to spend the hottest hours.
Sunset at Farsha Cafe (Mountain Lounge)(1.5 hours)
A wildly atmospheric terraced café tumbling down the Hadaba cliffs with cushions, lanterns, and Red Sea views — go for the sunset, order fresh juice or shisha.
Evening at SOHO Square(2.5 hours)
An open-air complex with a dancing musical fountain, an ice bar, restaurants, and shops — the most polished nightlife in Sharm and family-friendly. Free to enter.
The Straits of Tiran by Boat
Another world-class water day — the four fabled reefs (Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, Gordon) strung across the strait between Sinai and Saudi Arabia. These are within Sinai waters, so the Sinai-only permit is fine here.
Day-boat to the Tiran reefs(7 hours)
Depart Sharm marina ~9AM (~$35-60 incl. lunch). Snorkelers and divers alike drift the reef edges; strong currents make this best for confident swimmers.
Snorkel Jackson & Gordon reefs(3 hours)
Turquoise shallows over coral gardens, with the rusting hulk of a grounded freighter on Gordon Reef as a landmark. Keep fins high off the coral.
Onboard lunch and sun deck(2 hours)
A hot lunch between reefs and time to dry off on deck — dolphins sometimes ride the bow on the way back.
Return and Naama Bay dinner(2 hours)
Back by mid-afternoon; dinner at Andrea or a Naama Bay seafront grill.
Reef Lighthouse & a Desert Bedouin Night
Swap the sea for the Sinai desert. A relaxed morning at the Ras Um Sid reef, then an afternoon-into-evening quad-bike safari to a Bedouin camp for dinner and some of the clearest stars you'll ever see.
Morning at Ras Um Sid reef & lighthouse(2 hours)
A superb, easy shore reef below the Hadaba lighthouse — gorgonian fans and a wall of fish just off the steps. Go early before the wind picks up.
Rest and lunch through the midday heat(3 hours)
Back to the resort to escape the sun and rest before the desert.
Quad-bike safari into the Sinai desert(2 hours)
A late-afternoon guided quad or buggy ride across the dunes as the light softens (~$25-40). Cover your face — it gets dusty; sunset over the mountains is the payoff.
Bedouin camp dinner and stargazing(2.5 hours)
A camel ride, sweet Bedouin tea, a grilled dinner under a goat-hair tent, and an astronomer's telescope — the Sinai sky is astonishingly dark. Tip your guides (baksheesh is expected).
Last Swim & Departure
A final morning by the water and a last bazaar run, then out via SSH airport. Checkout is usually noon; agree your taxi fare before leaving and allow extra time for airport security, which is thorough here.
Final snorkel or beach morning(2 hours)
One last dip on the house reef before you dry off and pack.
Souvenir shopping in Naama Bay or the Old Market(1.5 hours)
Bargain for spices, alabaster, a shisha pipe, or papyrus. Bring cash — many stalls are cash-only and ATMs can run dry on weekends.
Check out and taxi to the airport(1 hour)
Agree ~150-250 EGP to SSH; arrive at least 3 hours before an international flight for the layered security checks.
14-Day Sharm El Sheikh Itinerary
Arrival & Naama Bay Promenade
Land at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH), ~15 km from Naama Bay. Agree your taxi fare first (~150-250 EGP) or pre-book a transfer. If you plan trips beyond the resort strip (Ras Muhammad, St. Catherine's, the mainland), buy the FULL Egypt tourist visa (~$25) on arrival, not just the free Sinai-only stamp. Ease in on the seafront tonight.
Airport transfer to your hotel(30 minutes)
Agree the taxi price before departing; keep small EGP notes for a tip.
Check in and settle(1 hour)
Naama Bay for the promenade; Sharks Bay or Nabq for quieter beaches and better house reefs.
Evening stroll along Naama Bay promenade(1.5 hours)
Dive centers, bazaars, and cafés along the seafront. Haggle hard — opening prices are wildly inflated.
Welcome dinner at Tam Tam(1.5 hours)
Beachfront Egyptian mezze, grilled fish, and shisha at the Ghazala Beach end of Naama Bay.
First Reef — Shark's Bay House Reef
Meet the Red Sea gently. Shark's Bay has a shallow drop-off reef straight off the beach — ideal for a first snorkel or Discover Scuba dive. Rest the hot afternoon, then the Old Market after dark.
Snorkel the Shark's Bay house reef(2.5 hours)
~10 km north of Naama Bay. Go early for calm, clear water. NEVER touch or stand on the coral — protected, fragile, and can sting; wear a rash guard.
Optional Discover Scuba Dive(2 hours)
A guided beginner dive with a PADI center (~$60-80, no certification needed).
Lunch and midday rest(3 hours)
Poolside lunch and a break — Sharm's sun is fierce noon to 4PM.
Evening at the Old Market (Sharm El Maya)(2.5 hours)
Spice stalls, the Al Sahaba Mosque, and cheaper local eating ~7 km away. Grilled seafood at El Masrien; cover shoulders and knees.
Ras Muhammad National Park by Boat
A full day at Egypt's premier marine reserve, ~30 km south, where two seas meet over sheer coral walls. NOTE: Ras Muhammad requires the full Egypt visa, not the Sinai-only permit.
Boat trip to Ras Muhammad(8 hours)
A snorkel or dive day-boat from Sharm marina (~$35-60 incl. lunch and fees; park entry ~$5-10). Departs ~9AM.
Snorkel the Shark & Yolanda reefs(3 hours)
Vertical drop-offs teeming with fish, plus the scattered Yolanda cargo. Strong currents — follow the briefing.
Lunch aboard and the mangrove channel(2 hours)
A cooked deck lunch; some trips stop at the mangrove channel and salt lake.
Return and quiet dinner(2 hours)
Back by late afternoon; keep dinner easy at your resort.
Rest Day — Beach, Cliff Café & SOHO Square
A deliberate down day. Laze on the beach, watch sunset from Sharm's famous cliffside café, and spend the evening at SOHO Square.
Slow beach and pool morning(3 hours)
Swim, read, and hydrate — sealed bottled water only, even for brushing teeth.
Optional spa or massage(1.5 hours)
A resort spa treatment through the hottest hours.
Sunset at Farsha Cafe (Mountain Lounge)(1.5 hours)
A terraced cliff café of cushions and lanterns over the Red Sea in Hadaba — go for the sunset.
Evening at SOHO Square(2.5 hours)
Dancing musical fountain, ice bar, restaurants, and shops — polished, family-friendly nightlife. Free to enter.
The Straits of Tiran by Boat
The four fabled reefs — Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, Gordon — across the strait toward Saudi Arabia. Within Sinai waters, so the Sinai-only permit is fine.
Day-boat to the Tiran reefs(7 hours)
Depart Sharm marina ~9AM (~$35-60 incl. lunch). Best for confident swimmers — strong currents.
Snorkel Jackson & Gordon reefs(3 hours)
Turquoise shallows over coral gardens, with the grounded freighter on Gordon Reef. Fins high off the coral.
Onboard lunch and sun deck(2 hours)
A hot lunch between reefs; dolphins sometimes ride the bow home.
Return and Naama Bay dinner(2 hours)
Back mid-afternoon; dinner at Andrea or a seafront grill.
Reef Lighthouse & a Desert Bedouin Night
Swap the sea for the desert — an easy morning reef, then an afternoon-into-evening quad safari to a Bedouin camp for dinner and dark-sky stargazing.
Morning at Ras Um Sid reef & lighthouse(2 hours)
A superb shore reef below the Hadaba lighthouse — gorgonian fans off the steps. Go early before the wind.
Rest and lunch through the heat(3 hours)
Back to the resort before the desert trip.
Quad-bike safari into the Sinai desert(2 hours)
A late-afternoon guided quad ride across the dunes (~$25-40); cover your face, sunset over the mountains is the reward.
Bedouin camp dinner and stargazing(2.5 hours)
Camel ride, sweet tea, grilled dinner under a goat-hair tent, and a telescope under astonishingly dark skies. Tip your guides.
Free Day & Prep for the Mountain
A rest day — you'll leave late tonight for the overnight climb of Mount Sinai, so bank some sleep and enjoy the resort at low effort.
Lazy morning and late brunch(2 hours)
Sleep in; a long poolside brunch.
Optional glass-bottom boat or submarine trip(2 hours)
For a no-effort reef fix, the Sindbad submarine or a glass-bottom boat from the marina lets you see coral dry (~$25-45).
Afternoon nap and packing a daypack(2 hours)
Rest properly, then pack a fleece, headtorch, water, and sturdy shoes — the summit is cold before dawn even in summer.
Early dinner and pre-midnight pickup(1.5 hours)
Eat early; most St. Catherine's tours collect you ~11PM-midnight for the drive inland.
Mount Sinai Sunrise & St. Catherine's Monastery
A pre-dawn climb to the 2,285m summit of Mount Sinai for sunrise, then the 6th-century monastery at its foot. The trip runs ~230 km inland and needs the FULL Egypt visa and a licensed guide. You'll return by early afternoon — the rest of the day is recovery.
Night climb of Mount Sinai for sunrise(3 hours up)
Set off from St. Catherine's around 2-3AM by the camel path or the steep 'Steps of Repentance'; camels are available for part of the way (~$20). Reach the summit chapel for a spectacular sunrise over the Sinai peaks.
St. Catherine's Monastery(1.5 hours)
After descending, visit the Greek Orthodox monastery (open Mon-Thu & Sat ~9AM-noon; free, donations expected) — the Burning Bush site, ancient icons, and one of the world's oldest libraries. Dress modestly.
Drive back to Sharm(3 hours)
A long road back through the mountains with security checkpoints; nap on the bus.
Recovery evening at the resort(2 hours)
A quiet dinner and an early night — you'll have been awake ~24 hours.
Recovery Rest Day
A genuine do-nothing day after the mountain. The whole point is to recover, so keep it soft.
Sleep in and a slow breakfast(1.5 hours)
No alarm today.
Beach and pool(3 hours)
Float, read, and let the legs recover.
Sunset drinks on the seafront(1.5 hours)
A juice or cocktail at a Naama Bay beach bar as the light goes.
Day Trip: The Colored Canyon & Nuweiba
A 4x4 desert safari to the Colored Canyon near Nuweiba, ~2.5 hours north — a narrow gorge of wind-sculpted, multi-hued sandstone. Within Sinai, so the Sinai permit is fine; go in the cooler morning.
4x4 safari to the Colored Canyon(2.5 hours each way)
A Bedouin-guided jeep day-trip (~$50-80). Wear sturdy shoes — you'll scramble through the narrow rock passage.
Hike the Colored Canyon(2 hours)
Walk the ~800m gorge between towering walls streaked red, purple, and gold — best before the midday sun floods the canyon floor.
Bedouin lunch and the Nuweiba coast(2 hours)
A simple lunch at a Bedouin camp; some trips add a stop at the Blue Lagoon or a coastal reef near Nuweiba.
Return to Sharm(2.5 hours)
Back by evening; a relaxed resort dinner.
Day Trip: Dahab & the Blue Hole
An hour's drive north to laid-back, backpacker-flavoured Dahab and its legendary Blue Hole — a world apart from Sharm's resorts. Within Sinai; snorkelers and divers both love it.
Drive to Dahab(1 hour each way)
Arrange a driver or join a day tour (~$40-60); the road hugs the coast north.
Snorkel or dive the Blue Hole(2.5 hours)
A famous 100m+ marine sinkhole ringed by reef. Snorkel the shallow 'Bells' and reef rim from shore — do NOT attempt the deep arch unless you're a trained technical diver; it has a sobering safety record.
Lunch on cushions at Assalah waterfront(1.5 hours)
Dahab's mellow beachfront is all low tables and floor cushions — fresh fish and fruit juice at a Lighthouse-area café.
Lighthouse reef and the Dahab bazaar(2 hours)
An easy shore snorkel at Lighthouse reef, then browse Dahab's boho craft shops before the drive back.
Dive Deeper — Reefs or the Thistlegorm Wreck
A day for the water again, tuned to your level: a two-tank dive day on the marine-park reefs, or the world-famous WWII wreck of the SS Thistlegorm. Non-divers have a gentler alternative.
Two-tank dive day OR the Thistlegorm wreck(8 hours)
Certified divers can book a two-dive boat on the Tiran/Ras Muhammad reefs, or the long-day Thistlegorm trip — a 1941 British freighter full of wartime cargo, one of the world's greatest wreck dives (~$120-160).
Snorkelers' alternative: Nabq near-shore reefs(3 hours)
If you don't dive, spend the morning snorkeling the calm reefs off Nabq or your house reef instead.
Late lunch and rest(2 hours)
Refuel and rest after a long boat day.
Dinner at Fares Seafood(1.5 hours)
Point at the day's catch on ice and have it grilled — a local favourite in the Old Market / Sharks Bay area.
Nabq Mangroves & a Farewell Feast
A gentle final full day — the off-the-beaten-path Nabq Protected Area in the morning, then a relaxed afternoon and a farewell dinner.
Nabq Protected Area(2.5 hours)
A quiet reserve north of the airport with the northernmost mangroves in the world and the rusting wreck of the Maria Schroeder on the reef. A 4x4 or tour is needed; a serene, tourist-light hidden gem.
Relaxed beach afternoon(2.5 hours)
A last long swim and some sun on the house reef.
Sunset at Farsha Cafe (if you skipped it)(1.5 hours)
Or return — the cliff café is worth a second sunset.
Farewell dinner in Naama Bay(2 hours)
A blow-out at Little Buddha or Abou El Sid for classic Egyptian dishes — koshari, molokhia, and stuffed pigeon.
Last Swim & Departure
A final morning by the water, a last bazaar run, then out via SSH. Checkout is usually noon; agree the taxi fare first and allow extra time for the thorough airport security.
Final snorkel or beach morning(2 hours)
One last dip on the house reef before you pack.
Souvenir shopping(1.5 hours)
Spices, alabaster, a shisha pipe, or papyrus — bring cash, many stalls are cash-only.
Check out and taxi to the airport(1 hour)
Agree ~150-250 EGP to SSH; arrive at least 3 hours before an international flight.
21-Day Sharm El Sheikh Itinerary
Arrival & Naama Bay Promenade
Land at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH), ~15 km from Naama Bay. Agree your taxi fare first (~150-250 EGP) or pre-book a transfer. For a three-week trip you'll certainly leave the resort strip, so buy the FULL Egypt tourist visa (~$25) on arrival — the free Sinai-only stamp won't cover Ras Muhammad, St. Catherine's, Cairo, or Luxor. Ease in on the seafront tonight.
Airport transfer to your hotel(30 minutes)
Agree the taxi price before departing; keep small EGP notes for a tip.
Check in and settle(1 hour)
Naama Bay for the promenade; Sharks Bay or Nabq for quieter beaches and better house reefs.
Evening stroll along Naama Bay promenade(1.5 hours)
Dive centers, bazaars, and cafés. Haggle hard — opening prices are wildly inflated.
Welcome dinner at Tam Tam(1.5 hours)
Beachfront Egyptian mezze, grilled fish, and shisha at the Ghazala Beach end of Naama Bay.
First Reef — Shark's Bay House Reef
Meet the Red Sea gently. Shark's Bay has a shallow drop-off reef straight off the beach. Rest the hot afternoon, then the Old Market after dark.
Snorkel the Shark's Bay house reef(2.5 hours)
~10 km north of Naama Bay. Go early for calm, clear water. NEVER touch or stand on the coral — protected, fragile, and can sting; wear a rash guard.
Optional Discover Scuba Dive(2 hours)
A guided beginner dive with a PADI center (~$60-80, no certification needed).
Lunch and midday rest(3 hours)
Poolside lunch and a break — the sun is fierce noon to 4PM.
Evening at the Old Market (Sharm El Maya)(2.5 hours)
Spice stalls, the Al Sahaba Mosque, cheaper local eating ~7 km away. Grilled seafood at El Masrien; cover shoulders and knees.
Ras Muhammad National Park by Boat
A full day at Egypt's premier marine reserve, ~30 km south, where two seas meet over sheer coral walls. NOTE: Ras Muhammad requires the full Egypt visa.
Boat trip to Ras Muhammad(8 hours)
A snorkel or dive day-boat from Sharm marina (~$35-60 incl. lunch and fees; park entry ~$5-10). Departs ~9AM.
Snorkel the Shark & Yolanda reefs(3 hours)
Vertical drop-offs teeming with fish, plus the scattered Yolanda cargo. Strong currents — follow the briefing.
Lunch aboard and the mangrove channel(2 hours)
A cooked deck lunch; some trips stop at the mangrove channel and salt lake.
Return and quiet dinner(2 hours)
Back by late afternoon; keep dinner easy at your resort.
Rest Day — Beach, Cliff Café & SOHO Square
A deliberate down day. Laze on the beach, watch sunset from the famous cliffside café, and spend the evening at SOHO Square.
Slow beach and pool morning(3 hours)
Swim, read, and hydrate — sealed bottled water only, even for brushing teeth.
Optional spa or massage(1.5 hours)
A resort spa treatment through the hottest hours.
Sunset at Farsha Cafe (Mountain Lounge)(1.5 hours)
A terraced cliff café of cushions and lanterns over the Red Sea in Hadaba.
Evening at SOHO Square(2.5 hours)
Dancing musical fountain, ice bar, restaurants, and shops. Free to enter.
The Straits of Tiran by Boat
The four fabled reefs — Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, Gordon — across the strait. Within Sinai waters, so the Sinai-only permit is fine.
Day-boat to the Tiran reefs(7 hours)
Depart Sharm marina ~9AM (~$35-60 incl. lunch). Best for confident swimmers — strong currents.
Snorkel Jackson & Gordon reefs(3 hours)
Turquoise shallows over coral gardens, with the grounded freighter on Gordon Reef.
Onboard lunch and sun deck(2 hours)
Hot lunch between reefs; dolphins sometimes ride the bow home.
Return and Naama Bay dinner(2 hours)
Back mid-afternoon; dinner at Andrea or a seafront grill.
Reef Lighthouse & a Desert Bedouin Night
Swap the sea for the desert — an easy morning reef, then an afternoon-into-evening quad safari to a Bedouin camp for dinner and dark-sky stargazing.
Morning at Ras Um Sid reef & lighthouse(2 hours)
A superb shore reef below the Hadaba lighthouse. Go early before the wind.
Rest and lunch through the heat(3 hours)
Back to the resort before the desert trip.
Quad-bike safari into the Sinai desert(2 hours)
A late-afternoon guided quad ride across the dunes (~$25-40); sunset over the mountains is the reward.
Bedouin camp dinner and stargazing(2.5 hours)
Camel ride, sweet tea, grilled dinner under a tent, and a telescope under dark skies. Tip your guides.
Free Day & Prep for the Mountain
A rest day — you'll leave late tonight for the overnight climb of Mount Sinai, so bank sleep and keep effort low.
Lazy morning and late brunch(2 hours)
Sleep in; a long poolside brunch.
Optional glass-bottom boat or submarine trip(2 hours)
A no-effort reef fix — the Sindbad submarine or a glass-bottom boat (~$25-45).
Afternoon nap and pack a daypack(2 hours)
Rest, then pack a fleece, headtorch, water, and sturdy shoes — the summit is cold before dawn.
Early dinner and pre-midnight pickup(1.5 hours)
Most St. Catherine's tours collect you ~11PM-midnight.
Mount Sinai Sunrise & St. Catherine's Monastery
A pre-dawn climb to the 2,285m summit for sunrise, then the 6th-century monastery below. The trip runs ~230 km inland, needs the FULL Egypt visa and a licensed guide, and returns by early afternoon.
Night climb of Mount Sinai for sunrise(3 hours up)
Set off ~2-3AM by the camel path or the 'Steps of Repentance'; camels available for part of the way (~$20). Sunrise from the summit chapel over the Sinai peaks.
St. Catherine's Monastery(1.5 hours)
The Greek Orthodox monastery (Mon-Thu & Sat ~9AM-noon; free, donations expected) — the Burning Bush site, ancient icons, and one of the world's oldest libraries. Dress modestly.
Drive back to Sharm(3 hours)
A long road through the mountains with checkpoints; nap on the bus.
Recovery evening at the resort(2 hours)
A quiet dinner and an early night.
Recovery Rest Day
A genuine do-nothing day after the mountain. Keep it soft.
Sleep in and a slow breakfast(1.5 hours)
No alarm today.
Beach and pool(3 hours)
Float, read, and let the legs recover.
Sunset drinks on the seafront(1.5 hours)
A juice or cocktail at a Naama Bay beach bar.
Day Trip: The Colored Canyon & Nuweiba
A 4x4 desert safari to the Colored Canyon near Nuweiba, ~2.5 hours north. Within Sinai, so the Sinai permit is fine; go in the cooler morning.
4x4 safari to the Colored Canyon(2.5 hours each way)
A Bedouin-guided jeep day-trip (~$50-80). Sturdy shoes — you'll scramble the narrow rock passage.
Hike the Colored Canyon(2 hours)
Walk the ~800m gorge between walls streaked red, purple, and gold — best before midday sun.
Bedouin lunch and the Nuweiba coast(2 hours)
A simple camp lunch; some trips add the Blue Lagoon or a coastal reef.
Return to Sharm(2.5 hours)
Back by evening; a relaxed resort dinner.
Day Trip: Dahab & the Blue Hole
An hour north to laid-back Dahab and its legendary Blue Hole — a world apart from Sharm's resorts. Within Sinai.
Drive to Dahab(1 hour each way)
A driver or day tour (~$40-60); the road hugs the coast north.
Snorkel or dive the Blue Hole(2.5 hours)
A 100m+ marine sinkhole ringed by reef. Snorkel the shallow 'Bells' and rim from shore — do NOT attempt the deep arch unless you're a trained technical diver.
Lunch on cushions at Assalah waterfront(1.5 hours)
Low tables and floor cushions — fresh fish and juice at a Lighthouse-area café.
Lighthouse reef and the Dahab bazaar(2 hours)
An easy shore snorkel, then Dahab's boho craft shops before the drive back.
Dive Deeper — Reefs or the Thistlegorm Wreck
A day for the water, tuned to your level: a two-tank dive day on the marine-park reefs, or the world-famous WWII wreck of the SS Thistlegorm.
Two-tank dive day OR the Thistlegorm wreck(8 hours)
Certified divers can book a two-dive reef boat, or the long-day Thistlegorm trip — a 1941 British freighter full of wartime cargo (~$120-160).
Snorkelers' alternative: Nabq near-shore reefs(3 hours)
If you don't dive, snorkel the calm reefs off Nabq or your house reef.
Late lunch and rest(2 hours)
Refuel after a long boat day.
Dinner at Fares Seafood(1.5 hours)
Point at the day's catch on ice and have it grilled.
Nabq Mangroves & a Slow Afternoon
The off-the-beaten-path Nabq Protected Area in the morning, then a relaxed afternoon before the mainland excursions begin.
Nabq Protected Area(2.5 hours)
A quiet reserve north of the airport with the world's northernmost mangroves and the wreck of the Maria Schroeder on the reef. A 4x4 or tour is needed; a tourist-light hidden gem.
Relaxed beach afternoon(2.5 hours)
A long swim and some sun on the house reef.
Sunset and easy dinner(2 hours)
A calm evening — a bigger travel stretch is coming.
Rest Day Before Cairo
A buffer day to recharge and repack a small overnight bag for the Cairo trip. Leave the big luggage at your Sharm hotel.
Slow morning and admin(2 hours)
Laundry, repacking a carry-on, and confirming your Cairo flights and hotel.
Pool and shade(3 hours)
An easy afternoon — the pyramids day is long and hot.
Early night(1 hour)
Turn in early for a morning flight.
To Cairo — The Pyramids of Giza
Fly SSH to Cairo (~1 hour) to begin a two-night mainland excursion. Requires the full Egypt visa. The Giza plateau and the new Grand Egyptian Museum anchor the day. Overnight in Cairo (ideally in Giza with a pyramid view).
Morning flight to Cairo and hotel drop(2 hours)
EgyptAir and others fly SSH-CAI in ~1 hour; a private driver-guide for the two days is the easiest way to handle Cairo's traffic.
Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx(3 hours)
The last surviving Ancient Wonder — the Great Pyramid, its two companions, and the Sphinx. Go up close, ride a camel for the panoramic dune viewpoint, and haggle firmly (~$15-20 for a camel).
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)(2.5 hours)
The vast museum beside the plateau, home to Tutankhamun's full treasure and a soaring statue hall — one of the world's great museums. Book timed tickets ahead.
Khan el-Khalili bazaar and dinner(2.5 hours)
Lose yourself in the medieval souk's lanes; mint tea at the historic El Fishawy café, then dinner of grilled kofta and mezze nearby.
Islamic & Coptic Cairo, then Back to the Sea
A second Cairo morning among the old city's mosques and churches, then an evening flight back to Sharm and your resort base.
The Citadel of Saladin & Mosque of Muhammad Ali(2 hours)
The alabaster 'Muhammad Ali' mosque crowns the medieval citadel, with sweeping views over Cairo's minaret-studded skyline.
Coptic Cairo(1.5 hours)
The Hanging Church, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, and the atmospheric lanes of Old Cairo — the city's Christian and Jewish heart.
Lunch of koshari(1 hour)
Egypt's national comfort dish — rice, pasta, lentils, and crispy onions — at a classic spot like Abou Tarek before the airport.
Evening flight back to Sharm(2.5 hours)
Fly CAI-SSH (~1 hour) and transfer back to your resort for the night.
Recovery Rest Day in Sharm
A soft day back at the sea after the Cairo whirlwind. Reset before the second mainland trip.
Sleep in and slow breakfast(1.5 hours)
No agenda this morning.
Beach, snorkel, or spa(3.5 hours)
Back on the house reef, or a spa afternoon.
Sunset and light dinner(2 hours)
An easy seafront evening; pack an overnight bag for Luxor.
To Luxor — Temples of the East Bank
Fly to Luxor (usually routed via Cairo; ~half a day of travel) for a one-night trip to the world's greatest open-air museum. Full Egypt visa required. Explore the East Bank temples this afternoon and evening. Overnight in Luxor.
Fly to Luxor and check in(3 hours)
Book connections in advance; a Nile-view hotel makes the overnight special.
Karnak Temple(2 hours)
The colossal temple complex — the forest of giant columns in the Great Hypostyle Hall is jaw-dropping. Go late afternoon as the heat eases and the stone glows.
Luxor Temple after dark(1.5 hours)
The floodlit riverside temple and its avenue of sphinxes is even better at night — a short walk or calèche ride from the center.
Nile-side dinner(1.5 hours)
Grilled fish and mezze on a terrace over the river; a felucca sail at sunset if there's time.
The West Bank & Back to Sharm
A dawn start for the Valley of the Kings before the heat, then fly back to Sharm in the evening. This is a long travel day — take the following morning slow.
Valley of the Kings(2.5 hours)
Descend into the painted royal tombs cut into the cliffs — a standard ticket covers three; Tutankhamun's and Seti I's tombs cost extra. Arrive at opening to beat the heat and crowds.
Hatshepsut's Temple & the Colossi of Memnon(1.5 hours)
The dramatic terraced mortuary temple against the cliffs, and the two towering seated statues on the plain.
Lunch and Luxor airport(2 hours)
An early lunch, then to the airport for the flight back.
Evening flight back to Sharm(3 hours)
Return to your resort; a quiet late dinner.
Slow Final Day — Sea, a New Skill & Farewell Feast
A gentle last full day back on the reef. Pick one niche experience, then a farewell dinner. You've now seen Sinai's sea, desert, and Egypt's ancient heart.
Niche morning: freediving intro or a cooking class(3 hours)
Choose a new skill — an intro freediving session on the calm house reef (~$70), or an Egyptian cooking class learning koshari, tahina, and stuffed vine leaves (~$40).
Last long beach afternoon(3 hours)
A final swim, some sun, and one more look at the reef fish you've come to know.
Sunset at Farsha Cafe(1.5 hours)
One last sunset from the cliff café's cushions over the Red Sea.
Farewell dinner at Abou El Sid or Little Buddha(2 hours)
A blow-out of classic Egyptian dishes — molokhia, stuffed pigeon, and umm ali for dessert.
Last Swim & Departure
A final morning by the water and a last bazaar run, then out via SSH. Checkout is usually noon; agree the taxi fare first and allow at least 3 hours for the thorough airport security.
Final snorkel or beach morning(2 hours)
One last dip on the house reef before you pack.
Souvenir shopping(1.5 hours)
Spices, alabaster, a shisha pipe, or papyrus — bring cash, many stalls are cash-only.
Check out and taxi to the airport(1 hour)
Agree ~150-250 EGP to SSH; arrive at least 3 hours before your international flight.
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Free Sinai-Only Entry Permit vs. Full Egypt Visa
If you stay within the Sharm/Sinai resort zone for up to 15 days, most nationalities get a FREE 'Sinai-only' entry stamp on arrival. But this permit does NOT cover Ras Muhammad, St. Catherine's, or mainland Egypt — for those you need the full tourist visa (~$25, e-visa or on arrival). Buy the full visa if you plan any excursions beyond the resort strip.
Safety
Check Your Government's Sinai Travel Advisory
The Sharm El Sheikh resort area is generally considered safe and is usually exempted from broader warnings, but many governments (UK FCDO, US State Dept) advise against travel to remote North Sinai. Expect security checkpoints on desert roads. Read your national advisory before booking overland trips.
Don't Touch or Stand on the Coral
The Red Sea reefs are protected and fragile — touching, standing on, or collecting coral and shells is illegal and carries fines. Some corals and fire coral also sting or cut. Wear a rash guard, keep fins clear of the reef, and never feed the fish; a common tourist mistake that damages the very reef you came to see.
Budget
Agree Taxi Fares Before You Get In
Taxis in Sharm are not metered and drivers quote high to tourists. Agree the price before departing — a ride within Naama Bay should be roughly 50-100 EGP, and Naama Bay to the airport around 150-250 EGP. Carry small notes; drivers rarely have change for large bills.
Local Customs
Dress Modestly Away From the Beach and Tip Often
Beachwear is fine at resorts, but cover shoulders and knees in the Old Market, mosques, and monasteries; women should carry a scarf for religious sites. Tipping ('baksheesh') is expected everywhere — keep 5-20 EGP notes handy for porters, drivers, and restroom attendants.
transport
Bring Cash and Watch the Tap Water
Many small vendors and the Old Market are cash-only, and ATMs can run dry on weekends — bring some USD or EUR to exchange. Do not drink the tap water; stick to sealed bottled water (even for brushing teeth) to avoid the common 'Pharaoh's revenge' stomach upset.
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