Sharm El-Sheikh is one of Egypt’s prime tourist destinations. Since commercial and tourism-related developments began in the mid-1900s, the city has continued to flourish as visitor numbers have grown.
Located on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El-Sheikh benefits from a beautiful climate throughout the year, meaning there’s never really a bad time to visit. There’s plenty to see and do, but if it’s a beach-based trip you’re dreaming of, we’re here to introduce some of the premium sandy spots in the region to add to your itinerary.
Naama Bay
Naama Bay is a hive of tourist activity in the peak summer season: a tranquil, sheltered bay sits just a stone’s throw from a vibrant nightlife scene where you can dance the Egyptian nights away. But before you hit the dance floor, you’re going to want to find a beautiful spot along the Sinai seafront – a task that’s sometimes easier said than done considering the area’s popularity.
If you’re travelling with little ones – or are partial to taking a dip yourself – you’ll be reassured to know that the water here is generally clear and calm, offering the perfect conditions to make a splash. If you really want to dive in at the deep end, there are plenty of watersport vendors dotted along the seafront, where you can hire boats, and kayaks and indulge in a range of other water-based experiences.
Shark’s Bay
Just a 15-minute drive from Naama Bay sits Shark’s Bay. In keeping with the rest of the city, this sandy stretch was once a sleepy part of the region, but resort hotels and other tourist facilities have changed the dynamic drastically. Relatively speaking, compared to its noisier neighbour down the road, Shark’s Bay is still one of the more idyllic and peaceful spots – largely because the cove here is private, and access is gained through the hotels that line the seafront.
Once you’re on the beach, it won’t be long before you’re beckoned into the clear blue waters, where coral reefs bloom and schools of fish dance around your feet. Snorkelling off the beach is a wonderful way to admire the beauty of these subaquatic wonders – diving and other watersports are also available for the more adventurous visitors.
Ras Mohammed
While not technically a beach itself, Ras Mohammed National Park is a name that any beach-dweller in Egypt should be familiar with. On top of its amazing on-land attractions, Sharm El-Sheikh is also renowned for the quality of its dive sites – and there are few better than those found in Ras Mohammed. The majority of the park – which covers almost 500 square kilometres – comprises marine areas that are heavily regulated; so while diving here is a special experience, visitors need to be mindful of protecting the area too.
For amateurs and professionals alike, the surrounding waters offer the perfect conditions for scuba diving and snorkelling, giving explorers the chance to discover a whole new world shrouded by the Red Sea. There is an incredible amount of biodiversity here, which is one of the many reasons why it’s considered one of the planet’s prime diving destinations.
** Images sourced on Unsplash.