Sharm el Skeikh, or just Sharm, is one of the hottest travel destinations in the Arab world, and for good reason. It’s quickly being recognized as one of the finest diving destinations in the world, and the variety of activities available to the traveler is mind boggling.

Forty years ago, Sharm Egypt wasn’t much more than a small fishing village. But during Israel’s occupation, Sharm began to transform into a travel destination as the area was developed. It now contains many of the amenities that you would expect in a travel destination, except that it’s been able to maintain its historic roots.

Sharm and nearby Hurghada are located on the Red Sea coast, and just offshore there is a wide variety of beautiful coral and aquatic life, including dolphins and sharks, if that interests you! Sharm caters to scuba divers of all levels, so even if you’re new to the activity, you’ll find a reputable dive operator who will take you out.

If scuba diving is not for you, there are plenty of other beach activities that you can take part in. Hurghada and Sharm beaches have beautiful white sand and the water is crystal clear. It’s virtually impossible to take a bad picture here!

While some areas in Egypt are known more for their historic value, Sharm has a reputation as more of a beach or resort destination. Here you’ll find hotels in all price ranges, including some world-class properties, and you’ll also find an active nightlife, which is not particularly common in Egypt. But do expect to pay a hefty price for beer, wine, and spirits, even in this more liberal area.

Egypt entertains more than five million visitors each year, and in recent years, over one quarter of them have visited Sharm. The locals are very accommodating and friendly with travelers, but there are still some taboo customs that you should be aware of if you’re planning a visit. To get the most out of your holiday, look into Egypt packages, which will help you plan your visit.

Sharm’s reputation was sullied somewhat in 1995 when a (suspected) group of radical Egyptians bombed several areas, taking aim square at the thriving tourist industry of Sharm. But it’s also important to note that many Egyptians died trying to stop those terrorists, and for the most part, Sharm is a very safe city to travel in. 

Sharm is a beautiful city in a wonderfully historical city. If you plan a trip to Sharm, whether on its on or as part of one of the available Egypt packages, you will not be disappointed, and you will leave with some fantastic memories (and hopefully photographs) that will last a lifetime.