20 Things to do in Sharm el Sheikh | A Complete Sharm El Sheikh Guide

There are so many things to do in Sharm El Sheikh you can easily fill a week of limitless adventures in Egypt. Sharm El Sheikh on Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula has earned a reputation as the premier beach resort destination in the Middle East.

With year-round sunshine, stunning coral reefs, and an array of land and water activities, it’s easy to see why. We had a pleasant stay, overlooking Coral Bay and venturing through the desert, the nature reserve and the old town. If you’re planning a visit, these are our selected Sharm El Sheikh top things you won’t want to miss.

Things to do in Sharm El Sheikh

Lounge on the Pristine Beaches

Of course, relaxing and staying on the beach is a top priority for every traveller, us included. With over 10 miles of beaches along the glistening Red Sea, Sharm El Sheikh is a water lover’s paradise. We had a pleasant stay at Domina Coral Bay in Sharm El Sheik, a fantastic resort overlooking the Red Sea. Most of our days start with a dip into the blue water, taking advantage of the many beaches and lounge spots.

These beaches have soft white sand, calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling, and views of colourful coral reefs just offshore.

Snorkel the spectacular Coral Reefs

Among the best and unmissable things to do in Sharm El Sheik, there are many snorkelling activities and spots. The Red Sea is famous for its rich marine life and vibrant coral reef formations. It’s not a secret that now Sharm is on top of our favourite coral reefs in the world.

We were lucky to stay at Domina Coral Bay Resort, as every day we could swim through the coral reef. In fact, the platform, next to the main beach, was allotted right in front of the snorkelling area. Bring your own equipment or rent it at the resort for an affordable price. You don’t need to get out of the resort for snorkelling activities if you don’t want to.

No wonder Jacques Cousteau once called this the “aquarium of the world”. We easily organised our marine excursion through the Resort, using their app to make appointments the day before.

Quad bike through desert landscapes

While Sharm El Sheikh’s beaches tend to get all the hype, the desert landscapes inland are equally impressive. Think about racing on your quad across orange sand dunes and rocky plains with towering mountains as your backdrop.

Most tours also include stops at Bedouin camps. We also did it in Dubai, and it was fantastic, you can’t miss it. At the Bedouin camp, you can get closer to the local way of life and how it works to survive harsh environments like the desert. Also, you get offered local meals and drinks.

Dine on fresh seafood

Mentioning food, you might get some appetite. We had some of the most fresh seafood we have ever tried. With its prime location on the Red Sea, Sharm El Sheikh is a seafood lover’s paradise.

Restaurants all over the city serve up the day’s catch whether you’re looking for casual or fine dining. We had everything within our resort complex, and at the salt lake at the Domina Coral Bay, they served us a tasty sea bass, fresh catch of the day.

Relax at the Resort Luxury Spa

We were in Sharm El Sheikh mostly to slow down, recover from the whole year of adventures and enjoy the calm and relaxation of our full-inclusive Resort at Coral Bay. 

Between sightseeing and adventure activities, our muscles definitely appreciate some pampering at Domina Coral Bay luxury spa – Elisir. Our package included the entrance and all the relaxing pools and paths, so we enjoyed it for a couple of days when possible. However, you can also book massages and treatments.

Take a Glass-Bottom Boat Ride

One of the most unique ways to experience the underwater beauty around Sharm El Sheikh is onboard a glass-bottom boat. If you are not into diving, want to stay dry or take your kids on a one-of-a-kind adventure, the glass-bottom boat is perfect. You will gently float over the coral and seabed, seeing marine fauna passing by.

Besides the vibrant fish and coral, it’s also quite possible to spot larger fish and mammals like sea turtles, rays, and even reef sharks gliding under the boat. An easy way to take in all that Red Sea marine life with no equipment required.

Boat Trip To Ras Mohammed National Park

For nature lovers, a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park is a must. Located on the southern Sinai tip, this protected area contains vibrant coral reefs and over 1,000 marine species. Booking through the Resort App, we went twice to the Ras Mohammed National Park, once by boat and then on a bus tour.

In fact, the park features many activities on land and at sea. You can also mix up both, visiting places like the magic lake, Allah’s Gate and snorkelling spots within a day.

Magic Lake

Talking about incredible activities at Ras Mohammed National Park, we couldn’t miss mentioning more about the Magic Lake. The secluded oasis lies only 10 minutes from Naama Bay – Magic Lake. After following a short walking trail through the desert, we discovered a spring-fed pool lined with palms for swimming, lounging on floats or enjoying a picnic.

The mineral-rich waters feel soothing and suitable for all ages. Many describe the setting as an idyllic desert paradise. The secret oasis seems to have magic powers; in fact, depending on the sun, the lake water changes colours up to seven times a day.

Also, consider that in ancient times, women who wanted to get pregnant were invited to swim into the lake to get fertile. Make a wish at the Magic Lake, following the tradition; this will come true if you don’t tell anyone.

Snap a photo at Allah Gate

Next to the Magic Lake, there is Allah Gate, the popular sight of Sharm el Sheikh, which is visited by more than 50,000 visitors per year. These stats make the Gate of Allah one of the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh.

The gate was installed in 1973 by the Egyptians when the Park was named Natural Reserve. It is a quite stunning entrance door in stone; the dusty road passing by makes it one of the most Instagrammable spots in Sharm El Sheikh.

Earthquake Crack

Among the activities you can do on a day trip from Sharm El Sheik, one of the most impressive is a large crack in the soil. The result of a thousand years old earthquakes on the surface is within every Ras Mohammed guided tour.

Thanks to the crystal clear water, you can see the coral reef below your feet. It is the best way to identify without getting wet the most spectacular coral-reef ecosystems.

Tiran Island

Visible from Sharm El Sheikh beaches on clear days, Tiran Island offers exceptional diving and snorkelling along its extensive coral reefs. You can opt for a day trip, which will take you to spectacular diving sites like Jackson Reef, overflowing with marine life. It is about 2 hours of navigation from the Domina Coral Bay, so you should spend the whole day exploring.

The island itself serves as an important nesting site for seabirds that is fascinating to observe. Pack your camera and the zoom lens to capture all the beauty of the Sharm El Sheikh islands. However, it is worth mentioning that technically, you are stepping into Saudi Arabia, so it’s necessary to present your passport to the guide for the necessary documents.

Swim to the white Island (Also known as the Island that doesn’t exist)

We couldn’t believe that there was a tiny strip of sand submerged by the sea when it was rough and high tide. We hopped on our boat from the Harbour at Coral Bay, and after two hours, we were ready for another adventure. If it is not yet, include this in your great list of things to do in Sharm El Sheikh.

As said, this is a strip of land that you can barely see; the sand is so white that you need sunglasses once you arrive there (swimming, of course). When we visited, there was about 40 centimetres of water, but by the centre there was 20 cm at most. 

Fishes and rare species will swim by you at ease, sometimes without the need for a mask. To fast approach the coral reef and avoid injuries, you are requested to wear fins. 

Sharm El Sheikh has World-class diving sites

We couldn’t miss talking about Sharm El Sheikh diving spots; after all, Alessia has one of her once-in-a-lifetime experiences. You will never forget the first dive, especially if this is in the best spot in the world. As one of the world’s premier scuba diving destinations, Sharm El Sheikh offers exceptional underwater experiences for all skill levels.

The Domina Coral Bay has a Padi certified centre and professional instructors that will help you if it is your first time, organise your trip and make everything possible for you to collect memories. We had only one diving experience, but we could have had more if we planned in advance.

Here are the top sites and dive centres to check out:

• Ras Mohammed National Park: This is our spot. At the Sinai Peninsula’s southern tip, this nature reserve’s reefs called Shark and Yolanda teem with marine life like reef sharks, rays, moray eels and schools of colourful fish.
• SS Thistlegorm Wreck: The best diving area for experienced divers. This 1941 British merchant ship sank during WWII, sitting upright at 92 feet (30m). Penetrating the intact freight holds to see a wartime snapshot of trucks, motorbikes, and armaments is unforgettable.
• Straits of Tiran: Located offshore, the Jackson, Woodhouse and Thomas reefs here feature steep drop-offs patrolled by sharks along with sea turtles and tuna.

Enjoy the Nightlife Scene

When the moon rises over Sharm El Sheikh, get ready for some serious nighttime entertainment! The resort city is known across Egypt for its vibrant bar and club scene. Head to buzzing Naama Bay to dance the night away at spots like the Hard Rock Cafe, Pacha and Ministry of Sound.

Many lounge-style bars like SOHO Square and Little Buddha also stay open late with DJs, live music and top-shelf cocktails. On the outskirts of the city, open-air Bedouin-style tent parties offer a more cultural nightlife experience under the stars with Tanura dancing.

Sharm El Sheikh really comes alive after dark! When the sun sets in Sharm El Sheikh, the city lights up with a vibrant nightlife scene. The resort city is known for its lively bar and club scene, which attracts visitors from all over Egypt.

Beyond Sharm El Sheikh: Explore Ancient Egypt

Gaze at Mount Sinai’s Sacred Peaks

According to the Bible, Mount Sinai is the mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments. The peaks soaring 2,285 metres over St. Catherine’s Monastery are certainly a sacred sight to behold in person.

If you are spending a week in Sharm El Sheikh, it is worth organising this activity in advance. After taking a jeep up the mountain, you will hike to the summit to watch the sunrise or the sunset over the surrounding desert – an awe-inspiring moment.

Sinai Desert dune buggy safari, Quad Biking Or Camel Ride

We had our incredible desert safari in Dubai, and since then, every time we are in a Middle Eastern country, we sign up for one of these. LINK Book in advance your tour of the Sinai Desert on board a buggy for an off-road adventure. Groups are often small, making it an enjoyable activity.

Ride to race over towering sand dunes with a guide, stopping to take photos overlooking the orange, alien landscape. Other popular tours allow you to explore the desert by quad bike. Whichever option you choose, expect towering vistas of the stark Sinai wilderness that feel worlds away from the coast.

Star Gazing In The Sinai Desert

The Sinai Peninsula’s desert landscape offers some of the clearest night skies around for stargazing. Several Sharm El Sheikh tour operators, like Stargazing Egypt, offer after-dark excursions away from the city lights. Lying on blankets in the desert darkness, the views of the Milky Way shining bright overhead feel mesmerising. We spotted shooting stars and constellations not visible from many urban areas – a magical experience.

Day Trip To Cairo & The Great Pyramids Of Giza

While Sharm El Sheikh offers plenty to do, one of the best excursions is a day trip north to Egypt’s capital, Cairo. After a short flight, you will visit the sole surviving ancient Wonder of the World – the Great Pyramids of Giza. Gazing up at these monumental tombs of the pharaohs and seeing the Sphinx make the long trip worthwhile.

We recommend booking a private guide (Your resort can assist with that) to learn about the history and secrets surrounding these impressive structures. Definitely a can’t-miss day trip!

Day Trip To Luxor

While not as convenient to reach from Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor’s concentration of ancient sites amazes and so makes the trip worthwhile. This trip involves you taking a one-hour flight, and depending on the budget, it may take one or two days.

We highly suggest you book this trip in advance and allow an extra day to visit Luxor, the site of ancient Egypt’s greatest treasures.

This Nile-side city was once the Pharaonic capital and contains architectural gems like Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings & Queens. You can book a private or group day tour to view hieroglyphic-covered obelisks, statuary and mummification chambers left remarkably intact. 

Things to know before visiting Sharm El Sheikh

How to get to Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, conveniently located along the Red Sea’s coast. While the remote desert location provides a getaway atmosphere, the city offers good transportation connections for visitors. Here are the most popular and convenient ways to reach this sunny Egyptian resort destination:

The vast majority of tourists fly directly to Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH), located just south of Naama Bay, about 5 Km from the Domina Coral Bay. You can fly directly into the Resort town of Egypt through direct flights from major European cities like London, Paris, Rome and Amsterdam on carriers like EgyptAir and EasyJet. Flight times average 4-5 hours from most cities.

For travellers already in Egypt, domestic flights provide quick access to Sharm El Sheikh from Cairo and other popular cities like Luxor and Hurghada. Both EgyptAir and Nile Air offer multiple daily, short-hop flights that take just over an hour. This makes Sharm El Sheikh easy to combine with a Nile River cruise itinerary.

While further away, Jordan’s Aqaba Airport also provides regional access from cities like Amman and Dubai. From here, shuttle buses complete the 3.5-hour drive crossing into Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.

Get to Sharm El Sheikh by Bus

The bus journey from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh takes around 7 hours, driving straight through the Sinai desert. While long, the buses offer an affordable option to reach the Red Sea from Egypt’s capital.

Companies like SuperJet, Go Bus, and East Delta operate modern buses with reclining seats and bathrooms for your comfort. Most arrive at Sharm El Sheikh’s bus station just north of Naama Bay.

Best Time to Visit Sharm El Sheikh

We escaped the winter in Europe with a trip to Sharm El Sheikh in December. The warm weather lasts year-round, offering a sunny getaway no matter when you choose to visit.

Spring (March-May) brings warm days and cooler nights, with average highs around 25°C (77°F). The Red Sea also remains moderately calm, creating excellent underwater visibility for scuba diving and snorkelling. While the weather stays dry, spring still falls in Sharm El Sheikh’s tourist season.

From June to August, Sharm El Sheikh experiences its hottest summer temps, climbing over 38°C (100°F). However, this is the cheapest time to visit Sharm El Sheikh, with hotel prices dropping.

Pleasant autumn weather arrives in September and October, with high temperatures decreasing to 29°C (84°F). The crowds and prices also die down after summer, making this season appealing.

In the winter months of November to February, daily highs in Sharm El Sheikh average a comfortable 22°C (72°F). While during the day the temperature was constantly at 25°C, at night you need a jumper as it is chilly.

How Long to Stay in Sharm El Sheikh

We stayed in Sharm El Sheikh for about one week, which was enough to have great experiences, relax and skip the winter blues. With an abundance of things to do both in town and the surrounding Sinai Peninsula, we’d recommend at least 5 days to make the most of a Sharm El Sheikh vacation.

Where to stay in Sharm El Sheikh

We stayed at Domina Coral Bay, a fantastic resort just 10 minutes driving away from the local airport, nestled in a calm bay overlooking Tiran Island.

Our room with a balcony view was fantastic and perfect for a 7-night stay. We opted for a full-inclusive package, which included over 9 restaurants a la carte and three buffet menu spots. The resort is extensive and suitable for any kind of traveller, from couples like us to families with kids. There are many pools where you can enjoy the sunshine, but the best part is the beaches.

Every beach and pool is organised to have a drink and food point. Also, the Animation and the staff were the best part of our stay; we never got bored and were always entertained. The internal casino makes it possible to stay within the resort without feeling like looking for something to do in Sharm El Sheikh outside the resort. Book now your stay at Domina Coral Bay Resort.