About
Sharm El Sheikh (Sharm El Sheikh) is a holiday paradise established at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba meet. While it was a small Bedouin fishing village in the 1980s, it turned into today's giant all-inclusive complex with the tourism initiative of the Egyptian government. It is one of the most visited seaside holiday destinations for Turkish tourists after Antalya — a combination of 2-hour flight from Türkiye, guaranteed sun, developed hotel infrastructure and affordable package prices.
Its real fame is underwater. Jacques Cousteau declared Ras Mohammed National Park off the coast of Sharm "one of the five best diving spots in the world", and this title is still not disputed. The salinity of the Red Sea is high, the water temperature is between 22-28°C throughout the year, and the visibility is up to 30 meters. 1000+ fish species, soft and hard coral fields, caves, sheer walls. As soon as you put on your snorkel mask, parrot fish, lionfish and turtles pass before your eyes. Even if you don't know how to swim, you can join this paradise with a life jacket.
The other side of Sinai is spiritual. 200 km north of the city rises the 2,285-metre Mount Sinai — the mountain where all three Abrahamic religions believe Moses received the 10 Commandments. The Monastery of Holy Catherine at the foot is the oldest continuously used Christian monastery in the world (6th century, UNESCO World Heritage Site). The tour starts at 02:00 at night and catches the sunrise at the top. It is a classic tour. It would be a shame to skip this experience while having a seaside holiday in Sharm. The combination of holiday + spirit is not presented so clearly in any other Mediterranean/Red Sea destination.
The heart of the city is Naama Bay — the half-moon-shaped bay, the seaside promenade, rows of restaurants, bars and hotels. Those who want a luxury holiday can go to Sharks Bay and Hadaba in the north; Those who want a more active, crowded holiday gather in Naama Bay. Almost all hotels are all-inclusive, and this is often the most logical choice in Sharm — eating out is cheap, but the "all inclusive" structure of the hotel does not spoil the pleasure of relaxing by the sea. Still, our advice: Go down to the Old Market for at least one evening, have an Egyptian coffee + hookah hour, taste the world outside the hotel — otherwise you'll just return as a pool tourist.
When to Go
Although Sharm El-Sheikh is said to be sunny 365 days, some months are scorching and some are ideal. Desert climate: 40°C in summer, 18-22°C in winter, almost no rain.
| Period |
Weather (daytime) |
Water Temperature |
Density |
Notes |
| January-February |
18 / 22° |
22° |
Medium |
It is slightly cool, a coat is required in the evening. Ideal view for diving |
| March |
20 / 25° |
22° |
Medium-High |
Ideal starting period, temperature balance |
| April |
22 / 28° |
23° |
High |
One of the best months, Easter holidays flock from Europe |
| May |
25 / 32° |
25° |
High |
Warm but not humid, sweetly warm |
| June-August |
30 / 40° |
27° |
Very High |
It's scorching hot, but air-conditioned hotels and the cool sea balance it out. Turkish school holiday influx |
| September |
27 / 35° |
28° |
High |
The water is the warmest month, the air is getting a little lower |
| October |
23 / 30° |
27° |
High |
Second ideal period, balanced climate |
| November |
20 / 26° |
25° |
Medium-High |
End of season, prices drop |
| December |
18 / 23° |
23° |
Medium |
Calm except New Year's week, gift season |
Our general recommendation is March-May and October-November — air 25-30°C, water 25°C, density manageable. If you are going in July-August, inquire about the hotel's shaded area and pool fans, and retire to your room between 12 noon and 16 p.m. There are few tourists in February, diving packages are cheaper and visibility increases to 30 meters — February is the golden month for divers.
How to get there
Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport (SSH) is 18 km northeast of the city center.
Flights from Türkiye:
| Exit |
Duration |
Airline |
| Istanbul (IST) - SSH |
2 hours 15 min |
THY (4-7 flights per week) |
| Istanbul (SAW) - SSH |
2 hours 20 min |
Pegasus + charter companies (intensive with package tours) |
| Antalya (AYT) - SSH |
1 hour 50 min |
Seasonal charter |
| Ankara (ESB) - SSH |
2 hours 30 min |
THY (2-3 times a week) |
Turkish package tour companies (Coral, Jolly, ETS, Setur) organize daily charter flights in the summer — package prices are generally cheaper than independent ticket + hotel. Pegasus and THY direct tickets are between 200-400 EUR.
From airport to hotel:
- Hotel transfer: Included if you are coming with a package tour, if you are independent, inform your hotel in advance, between 15-30 USD.
- Taxi: 20-30 USD from the airport to the city center. Negotiate a fixed price, no taximeter.
- Uber/Careem: Careem (Egypt's Uber) operates in Sharm, it is cheaper than a taxi but the wait can be long.
Visa: Turkish citizens can get a visa at the door (25 USD), e-Visa online application is more practical. If you are going to stay Sinai-only, the free Sinai Permit is sufficient (unless you are going to Cairo). Detailed information is in the visa section above.
Urban Transportation
There is no public transportation in Sharm — transportation is by taxi, hotel shuttle or rental car.
Hotel shuttles: Most hotels offer free daily shuttles to SOHO Square, Naama Bay and the Old Market. It is scheduled for evening hours, get information from the reception.
Taxi: Plentiful and cheap. All rides within the city cost 50-150 EGP (1-3 EUR). Taximeter doesn't work, ask for the price before getting in and agree. There are plenty of drivers who speak Turkish.
Careem (Uber-similar): Call from the application, the price is clear from the beginning. Fees 30% below taxi, the safest option.
Car rental: There are offices in Naama Bay, 25-40 USD/day. It makes sense if you want to visit the interior of the Sinai Peninsula, but it's unnecessary for most tourists — tours are more practical.
Walking: Everything is within walking distance along the Naama Bay promenade. SOHO Square and Hadaba are far, taxi needed.
Accommodation Regions
Choosing a hotel in Sharm is determined by the concept as well as the location — almost all of them are all-inclusive, but the difference in quality is huge.
Naama Bay: The heart of Sharm. Restaurants, bars, shopping, beach within walking distance. Ideal for young travellers, couples and group holidaymakers. Hotel quality has a wide range (from 3* to 5*). Nightlife is the liveliest area.
Sharks Bay: 8 km north of Naama Bay. More luxurious, calmer. 5* chains such as Four Seasons, Hyatt, Rixos are here. As soon as you enter the water from the beach, the reef begins — snorkeling heaven. For honeymooners and premium holidaymakers.
Hadaba: High area built on cliffs. Panoramic Red Sea view, close to SOHO Square. In the luxury segment. Ideal for romantic evenings.
Sharm El Maya (Old Town): The Old Market area is more authentic, but the hotel quality is lower. Turkish package tours don't come here very often. It can be for backpacker and long stay.
Nabq Bay: Giant hotels with large areas, close to the airport. Usually for family holidaymakers. It's far from the city center — like an independent republic, everything is in the hotel, if you don't go out it's no problem.
We do not recommend: Very old (90s built, not renovated) hotels — In Sharm you can get a 3* for the same money as a renovated 5*, be careful. Coastal hotels far from the reef — It's a shame if you come to Sharm and can't see the reef.
Budget Plan
Sharm El Sheikh is one of the most suitable seaside holiday destinations for Turkish tourists when visited with a package tour. It's a little more expensive if you go independently.
| Budget Style |
Accommodation (7 nights, couple) |
Food + Drink |
Activity + Tour |
Total |
| Economic (3-4* all-inc package tour) |
600-900 EUR |
Included |
150 EUR |
~800-1.100 EUR |
| Medium (4-5* all-inc package tour) |
900-1.400 EUR |
Included |
250 EUR |
~1.200-1.700 EUR |
| Comfort (5* premium all-inc) |
1.500-2.500 EUR |
Included |
400 EUR |
~2,000-3,000 EUR |
| Luxury (Four Seasons, Rixos) |
3.500 EUR+ |
Included |
500 EUR |
~4,000-6,000 EUR+ |
Practical items (non-hotel): Restaurant main course 200-500 EGP (~4-10 EUR), Egyptian coffee + hookah 80-150 EGP (~1.5-3 EUR), Ras Mohammed tour 35-60 USD, Mount Sinai tour 70-110 USD, desert safari 30-50 USD, taxi within the city 50-150 EGP. The tipping culture is strong — tipping taxi drivers, hotel staff, tour guides with EGP 10-20 is standard.
Practical Tips
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the official currency. USD and EUR are widely accepted in hotels, but the exchange rate is disadvantageous. The Old Market and local cafes ask for EGP. ATMs are common, card commissions are reasonable. Keep 25 USD cash at the door for your visa.
Water: Tap water is not drinkable, bottled water is required. If the hotel is all-inclusive, bottle outside costs 5-10 EGP (~0.1-0.2 EUR). Buy ice from safe brands.
Bargaining culture: Bargaining is a MUST around the Old Market and the tradesmen. Start from 1/3 of the first price quoted and agree on half. There are many shopkeepers who speak Turkish, the lines "Cenk brother, come and see, it's a gift for you" are classic - be warm but be firm on the price.
Tip: Tipping culture is very strong and almost mandatory in Egypt. Standard 10-20 EGP per day for a cleaner at a hotel, 10% for a taxi driver, 50-100 EGP for a tour guide, and 10% for a restaurant. Small amounts make a big impact — important to the local economy.
Alcohol: Egypt is a Muslim country, but since Sharm is a tourist area, alcohol is common. It is sold all-inclusively in hotels and in bars and restaurants. Local areas like the Old Market have little or no alcohol. Local Stella and Sakara beers are cheap but their taste is questionable.
Security: Sharm is a tourist area and the security level is high — military checkpoints, detectors at hotel entrances, patrols are intense. Naama Bay, Sharks Bay, Hadaba are safe. Going to the interior of the Sinai Peninsula independently — only with organized tours, because northern Sinai is a restricted area. Walking in the city center at night is hassle-free.
Sun: The desert sun is burning. High factor sunscreen (SPF 50+) is a must, continue to apply even when entering the water. Choose reef-safe cream — awareness of this is growing in Egypt, as in Hawaii and Mexico.
Reef protection: Touching the corals, stepping on them, tearing off pieces - it is prohibited and punishable. Be careful not to hit the coral with your flippers when jumping from the boat into the water. "Pristine zone" areas in Ras Mohammed are closed to all kinds of interventions, including fish feeding.
Travel Guide with Children
Sharm is one of the most practical holiday destinations in the Mediterranean for families with children — the all-inclusive system is a lifesaver when traveling with children, the beaches are shallow and safe, and most hotels have kids' clubs.
Recommendations by Age Group
0-3 years: Naama Bay's bay structure is shallow and calm, ideal for babies. Hotel pools have children's pools, most of them have a baby package (high chair, cradle) free of charge. Protect yourself from heat stroke — stay indoors between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
4-7 years: Age to start wearing a snorkel mask. Love watching parrot fish from the hotel beach. Tutankhamun Museum is ideal for a 1-hour air-conditioned break. SOHO Square dancing fountains and ice skating entertainment.
8-12 years: Full snorkeling time — Ras Mohammed boat tour children's ticket is discounted, seeing lionfish and turtles in the sea will be remembered for a lifetime. Desert safari ATV with family has double seat. Clubs like Pacha are not for kids, but SOHO Square is ideal for an evening exploration with the family.
Ages 13+: The Mount Sinai night climb is an unforgettable adventure for the youngster — must be physically prepared. Diving certification (PADI Junior Open Water) can be obtained here — Sharm is home to the world's most famous diving schools.
Top 5 Kid-Friendly Activities
Hotel pool + beach combination — The shallow bay of Naama Bay and the children's pools of the hotels are the heart of the family holiday. Inflatable sea toy + swimming wings + sun umbrella are a must.
Snorkeling — From the hotel beach — There is no need for an expensive boat tour, wearing a mask and exploring the reef from the hotel beach is enough adventure for children over 8 years old.
SOHO Square night exploration — Dancing fountains, street musicians, fire shows, ice skating, bowling. Kids love it, free entry.
Desert Safari (ATV) — The younger ones of the family are on a 4x4 jeep safari, the older ones are on a quad bike. Evening in the Bedouin village, painting with camels, barbecue, stargazing.
Tutankhamun Museum + Ghost Town — A tiny museum that brings history lessons to life. Air-conditioned, 1-hour, child ticket is cheap.
Practical Information
Baby stroller: Naama Bay promenade is flat and convenient. Sand compacting wheels at the beach — a portable, lightweight model is a must. The interior of the hotel is fully accessible.
Children's menu: All all-inclusive hotels have a children's buffet or children's menu. Pasta, pizza, sausage, fish fingers are standard. In Egyptian cuisine, koshari (lentils + pasta + rice) and tahini are popular for children.
Health: There is an international standard hospital (Sharm International Hospital) in Sharm. It's full of pharmacies that make children's panels. Travel insurance is a must, in case of medical emergencies.
Stomach upset: Stomach problem tourist cliché known as "Pharaoh's Revenge". The water is bottled, the salad may not have been washed, be careful with street food. If you stay all-inclusive at the hotel, the risk is low.
Warnings
- Do not touch the reef — corals are dangerous for children's hands (there are poisonous species: lionfish, stonefish).
- Sunstroke is a serious risk in summer. Stay in the shade between 11-15, factor 50+ cream, hat is a must.
- When taking photos with camels, you may be asked for money after saying "it's free", negotiate the price in advance.
- Beware of the things shopkeepers give to children as "candy" in the Old Market — source may be unclear.
- In desert safari, quad bike is risky for children under 8 years old, jeep safari is safer.
Local Label and Culture Notes
Egyptians are hospitable, friendly people — they establish particularly close relationships with the Turks. When you say "from Türkiye", a smile is guaranteed. Since Sharm is a tourist area, cultural rules are lenient, but there are still points you need to pay attention to with respect.
Greetings: Saying "As-Salamu Aleykum" instead of "Hello" surprises and endears the other party. Communication opens up if you know the simple Arabic words "shukran" (thank you) and "afwan" (you're welcome). A handshake is standard, but between men and women, the proposal must come from the woman.
Clothing: Bikini/swimwear is okay on the beach and in the hotel. Keep shoulders and knees covered when going down to the Old Market, especially for women. When visiting the Holy Catherine Monastery, women's headscarves and long skirts/trousers are required, men's shorts are prohibited.
Ramadan: During Ramadan, the touristic area is not affected, hotels provide normal service. A few shops in the Old Market may be closed during the day, but it gets livelier after iftar time.
Tip: Tip is a cultural item in Egypt, it is called "baksheesh". 10-20 EGP per day for the cleaner at the hotel, 10% for the taxi driver, 50-100 EGP for the tour guide, 10% at the restaurant. Small amounts but critical to the local economy. Constantly being asked to "baksheesh" can be irritating — politely decline, don't be aggressive.
Bargaining: Bargaining around the Old Market and the tradesmen is a social activity — don't be rude, make deals by laughing and drinking tea. Instead of quickly saying "no, no", "I'll think about it and come back later" is more polite.
Religious sensitivity: Respect for Islam is fundamental. During Friday prayer hours, some shops in the Old Market close for 1-2 hours. Don't ask an Egyptian acquaintance about "pig" or "alcohol" — he'll be embarrassed if he knows.
Special note to Turks: Egyptians see Turks as "Ottoman brothers" — the Ottoman period (1517-1798) is not a bad memory for them, but a common heritage. The nickname "Pasha" is still a term of respect today. Use this cultural bond, but don't exaggerate, be sincere.
FAQ
How to get a visa to Sharm El-Sheikh?
Turkish citizens have three options: (1) Visa on arrival is obtained at the airport by paying 25 USD in cash, the most common method. (2) e-Visa online application — $30, no queue, recommended method via visa2egypt.gov.eg. (3) If you will only stay in Sinai (Sharm + Dahab, not going to Cairo), free Sinai Permit is sufficient, up to 15 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
How to get to Sharm from Türkiye?
Direct flight 2 hours 15 minutes. THY Istanbul-Sharm direct flights are 4-7 times a week, the price is between 250-450 EUR. Pegasus Sabiha Gökçen has direct or connecting flights. Turkish package tour companies (Coral, Jolly, ETS) offer daily charters in the summer — 7 nights all-inclusive with package tour 600-1,500 EUR/couple, independent ticket + hotel is usually cheaper.
Does the all-inclusive package make sense or does it stand alone?
In Sharm, the all-inclusive package makes the most sense in 90% of cases. Hotel package prices, including meals, drinks and beach activities, are so low that looking for food outside becomes economically meaningless. But our advice: stay within the package, but go down to the Old Market for 1-2 evenings, have Egyptian coffee + hookah time, taste the world outside the hotel. Otherwise, you will return as just a pool tourist.
Is a diving certificate required?
Definitely not for snorkeling — mask + fins are enough, it can be done in 1 hour with a free course. PADI Open Water certification is required for scuba diving (buy in advance from Türkiye or complete in 3 days in Sharm, 350-500 USD). Discovery Dive (one-time introductory dive) is possible without a certificate, costs 60-90 USD, you can go down to 12 meters with the accompanying constructor.
How difficult is Mount Sinai climbing?
Medium difficulty. The classic program starts at 02:00 at night, with 3-4 hours of climbing followed by sunrise at the summit (approximately 06:00). "Camel Path" is easier with camels, the last 750 steps ("Steps of Repentance") are walked. It is a route that will not be difficult for a regular walker, but the night and cold factor add up — a thick coat, head torch, water and a snack are a must. Even in summer it can be 5-10°C at peak and -5°C in winter.
Is there alcohol in Sharm, how is it a Muslim country?
Sharm is a special tourist zone, alcohol is common. It is sold all-inclusively in hotels and in restaurants and bars. Local areas like the Old Market have no or very limited alcohol. Stella and Sakara local beers (cheap but taste is questionable), international brands are in the hotels. Even during Ramadan, the tourist area is not affected.
Can I find Turkish food?
Since Turkish holiday packages are dense, a significant part of Sharm hotels include Turkish dishes such as kebab, lahmacun, lentil soup and baklava in their menus. Some hotels have a "Turkish night" once a week. There are limited Turkish restaurants outside the hotel, but Egyptian cuisine (meatballs, shish kebabs, hummus, tahini) is already very close to the Turkish palate. Regarding tea - Egyptian tea (say) is similar to Turkish tea, you will love it.
Is Sharm safe?
Yes, Sharm is a tourist area and the security level is high. Military checkpoints, X-ray at hotel entrances, patrols are intense. The north of the Sinai Peninsula (far north of Sharm) is a military operation zone and closed to tourists — but the Sharm-dahab-Holy Catherine line is completely safe and accessible by regular tours. Walking in the city at night is problem-free, there are police with cameras on the main streets.
Is it possible to go to Cairo as a day trip?
Technically yes, but long and tiring — Sharm to Cairo 500 km, 1 hour by plane, 8-9 hours by bus. Pyramid + Sphinx + Egyptian Museum daily tour costs 250-350 USD by plane. Logical plan: Sharm 5 days + Cairo 2 nights, so you can see Cairo easily. If you are only going to stay in Sharm, free Sinai Permit is sufficient, if you are going to Cairo, a visa is required.
