Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, on the Red Sea, and works as Egypt's main hub for marine tourism and luxury resort holidays. Where Hurghada grew as an organic mainland town and Dahab stayed low-key and bohemian, Sharm El Sheikh was built as a series of purpose-built coastal bays, each a self-contained resort enclave with its own security perimeter, set behind a dedicated international airport. It gives fast access to sheer coral drop-offs, Ras Mohammed National Park, and the Straits of Tiran, all within short boat range of the resort strip.

The city breaks into distinct districts: Nabq Bay for large family and water-park resorts exposed to coastal winds; Sharks Bay and Ras Nasrani for a quieter, wind-sheltered luxury corridor by the airport; Naama Bay as the original commercial and nightlife centre with direct sand-to-water access; and El Hadaba and Sharm El Maya on the cliff headland, closer to the old market and working port. Summer is a genuine constraint: June through August brings daytime highs above 38°C, pushing overland desert trips to early morning or evening. Peak season runs October to April, with rainfall under 5mm annually.