Sharm El Sheikh: where the Red Sea sparkle meets boujee beach vibes and sizzlin' temps for a top-notch vacay.

You'll find Sharm El Sheikh – 'Sharm' if you want to sound like a local – right at the bottom of the Sinai Peninsula, in the “tonsil” of Egypt, the bit that sticks right out into the Red Sea. This bit of Egypt's got absolutely everything: proper massive sand dunes, stonking great mountains that tower over 2,000 metres high (perfect for scaling in a 4x4), and the city itself sits right on the coast with gorgeous sandy beaches and dead calm waters.


Holidays to Sharm el Sheikh 2026

  • Year-round amazing weather

  • An absolute diving and snorkelling hotspot

  • Stacked with fantastic resorts

  • Plenty of things to do


🌊 Sharm el Sheikh Fun Facts You Didn’t Know (But Totally Should)

  • Dive Central – Sharm el Sheikh is a world-renowned diving hub, bursting with colourful coral reefs and marine life straight from Blue Planet. Get ready to meet Nemo and friends!

  • Desert Dreams – Desert safaris here are legendary. Quad bikes, camels, Bedouin dinners under starlit skies - pure magic.

  • Top-Tier Shopping – Nab some proper good Egyptian goodies - think spices, perfumes, jewellery, and souvenirs so boujee they'll turn heads back home.


🗣️ Master the Lingo, Egyptian Style

Sprinkle a bit of Arabic into your chats and watch locals smile:

  • "Sabah el-kheir!" – Good morning!

  • "Ma'a salama" – Goodbye!

  • "Shukran" – Thanks!

  • "Fanta Lemon fein?" – Essential holiday survival phrase.

  • "El-hesab law samaht" – The bill, please—because sharing mezze isn't an option.


🏖️ What are the best beaches in Sharm el Sheikh?

Sharm El Sheikh is a proper beach haven, with stunning beaches and seas so clear you can see right to the bottom. Plus, it's a watersports hotspot if you like it a bit more thrilling. Dive into the coral reefs at Ras Mohammed National Park, a snorkeler's paradise stacked to the brim with tropical fish and maybe, if you're lucky, sea turtles! If you prefer to stay dry, soak up the sea views from stunning beaches like the serene Khashaba Beach or the picturesque El Fanar, which is known for its brilliant sunsets. Whether you're up for a submarine-style boat tour, parasailing, or diving, Sharm El Sheikh is a dream destination for beach lovers and sun-seekers.

  • Naama Bay - The crème de la crème of beaches in Sharm El Sheikh. Whether you're looking to chill with an ice-cold Fanta Lemon in hand or dive into some vibrant underwater adventures, Naama Bay is bouncing all day and all night.

  • Ras Um Sid - Talk about a snorkelling paradise! The reefs here are top-tier, and the marine life? Dazzling. It's a bit quieter than Naama Bay, making it perfect for those who want a more laid-back day on a whopper of a beach.

  • Shark's Bay - Don't let the name spook you; it's mega safe and mega beautiful. Ideal for families and kiddos, the shallow waters here are perfect for a first-time snorkel. Plus, it's a great spot to kick back wand just enjoy the view, too.

  • Nabq Bay - Nabq is a bit of the underdog, but boy, is it a gem! Protected as a natural park, it boasts some of the most pristine environments around. If you're into nature and a quieter scene, Nabq Bay will be right up your alley – sizzling in its natural beauty!

  • Terrazzina Beach - Terrazzina is your go-to if you like it a bit livelier. This beach is always buzzing with energy, making it a mahoosive hit with the younger crowd. Think beach parties, swanky cocktails, and tunes to vibe to all day long...

🏨 What are the best hotels in Sharm el Sheikh?

Whether you're after a family adventure, a romantic retreat, or simply a place to unwind and soak up the sun, Sharm El Sheikh has a hotel to suit every taste and budget (including some cracking last minute deals). From plush all-inclusive Sharm El Sheikh resorts with all the trimmings to swanky hideaways perfect for those on the hunt for a bit of rest and relaxation - here's our pick of the top hotels for your Sharm el Sheikh holiday.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

  • 🎢 Parrotel Lagoon Resort – A whopping 31 waterslides, Smurfs Kids' Club, and themed family rooms. Shuttle bus to the beach means no stress getting sand between your toes.

  • 🌊 Pickalbatros Aqua Park Sharm – 22 pools and endless waterslides for kids and big kids alike. Free shuttle to sister hotel's private beach keeps everyone happy.

  • 🏖️ Sea Beach Aqua Park Resort – Egypt's longest jetty (1km!), lazy river, waterpark, ice cream station and mini disco. Basically a kids' paradise with swim-up rooms for the grown-ups.

  • 🎠 Regency Plaza Aqua Resort and Spa – Six lagoon-style pools, 11-slide waterpark, private beach and a mini club to keep the little uns' busy while you hit the spa.

💑 Couples & Adults-Only

⭐ Luxury

  • 🏆 Hotel Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh – World-class five-star right on the beach with spa, four pools and top-tier dining. The gold standard for Sharm luxury.

  • 🎰 Swissotel Sharm El Sheikh – Swiss precision meets Egyptian hospitality. Adults-only sections, nine a la carte restaurants, Sky Lounge with Naama Bay views and a Chocolate Atelier (yes, really).

💰 Great Value

  • 🏨 Savoy Hotel – Five pools including a three-tier lagoon, Safari Bar (adults only), Cave Bar and access to SOHO Square entertainment. Brilliant bang for your buck.

  • 🎪 Charmillion Club Aqua Park – Family-friendly aqua park hotel with waterslides, kids' club and All Inclusive. Just 6km from the airport, so you're poolside in no time.


Sharm El Sheikh holidays 2026 / 2027 travel guide

🥳 Things to do in Sharm El Sheikh for groups

If you're ready to get the whole group ready for some desert dazzle, then Sharm El Sheikh's calling your name. Dive into snorkel-tastic coral reefs by day, then hit the action-packed beach bars by night. The Naama promenade is where it's at for open-air clubs, live DJs and enough glow sticks to light up space. And if you and your squad are looking for more of a boujee vibe? Nab a cabana over at Soho Square, where you can sip, dip and chill by the pool. That's your Instagram stories sorted...

❤️ Things to do in Sharm El Sheikh for couples

When it comes to couples' holiday goals, Sharm has it all. You've gotta start with a sunset cruise along the Red Sea (kind of a no-brainer), complete with cocktails in hand and views to swoon over. Don't forget all that delish seafood too, along with otherworldly coral gardens and the iconic Old Market for a nice little stroll after dinner. You've got spice-scented souks to explore, candlelit restaurants for those all-important date nights, and a ton of stalls where you can snag a souvenir to remember the whole thing. Perf.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do in Sharm El Sheikh for families

Looking for a fun family holiday that's more about splashing than slurping? You have to take the kiddos to Ras Mohammed National Park for a 10/10 snorkelling adventure. Think colourful fish everywhere - it's giving major Finding Nemo vibes, and it'll score you some serious parent points. For something easy-breezy and laidback, the gorg sands of Shark's Bay are perfect for a spot of sunbathing and sandcastle-building - the perfect combo, in our book. There are even rock pools to explore, and you can book a cheeky camel ride right along the seafront. And for all those adrenaline-junkie teens, they'll love the Aqua Park decked out with waterslides and epic wave pools. It's like a non-stop splash party.


💰 How to have a banging Holiday in Sharm El Sheikh on a budget

Good news – Sharm doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. The Red Sea's just as blue whether you're splashing out or keeping it tight, and there's loads of ways to stretch your holiday fund further.

First up, all-inclusive is your best mate here. Lock in your food and drinks upfront and you won't get any nasty surprises – plus Egyptian all-inclusive is properly generous with the portions and the pool bar refills.

For freebies, the beach is right there (obviously), and most hotels have house reefs where you can snorkel straight off the sand without paying for a boat trip. The Old Market in Sharm is brilliant for an evening wander – haggle for souvenirs, sip mint tea, and soak up the atmosphere without spending much at all.

Eating out? Skip the hotel restaurants and head to local spots in Hadaba or the Old Market where you can stuff yourself with koshari, shawarma and fresh juice for a fraction of resort prices. A proper feed for under £5? Yes please.

Timing matters too – visit in May, June, September or October and you'll dodge peak prices while still getting belting weather. And if you're flexible on dates, keep an eye on our last-minute deals for some properly cheeky savings.


💃 Where to go for stag and hen parties in Sharm El Sheikh

Planning a stag or hen do can be a right faff, but luckily Sharm knows how to bring the fun. We've got two words for you: yacht party. Need we say more? Hit one of these bad boys up on the Red Sea, and you'll be in for boozy beats and breathtaking views while you're at it. You're welcome. Prefer to stick to dry land? Soho Square is a hotspot for swanky bars and always-packed dancefloors, while the desert is your playground for daytime activities like quad bike tours. Now that's the kind of team-building we can get behind. Just make sure to double-check the policy for whatever hotel you've got your eye on - while most will welcome you with open arms, some aren't super keen on stag and hen antics.


🌍 More Egypt

  • ☀️ Hurghada – Egypt's original Red Sea resort with family-friendly beaches, buzzing nightlife and epic coral reefs

  • 🐬 Marsa Alam – Quieter, more unspoilt, world-class diving with dolphins, dugongs and pristine reefs

  • 🏝️ El Gouna – Boujee lagoon resort built by a billionaire, spread across 20 islands with upmarket vibes

  • Soma Bay – Upmarket bay south of Hurghada with golf, kitesurfing and luxury spas

  • 🏛️ El Quseir – Ancient port town with 5,000 years of history and uncrowded dive sites

Popular Sharm El Sheikh hotels

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Weather in Sharm El Sheikh

JAN

21°C

FEB

22°C

MAR

24°C

APR

26°C

MAY

30°C

JUN

33°C

JUL

35°C

AUG

35°C

SEP

33°C

OCT

30°C

NOV

23°C

DEC

22°C

This Egyptian gem is like a summer soiree that never ends – bronzed beaches, coral reefs, toasty temps of 20-35°C, and a sun that just won’t quit.

Now, here's the cheeky part: the weather in Sharm el Sheikh doesn't care much for winter. It's just not its style. While the rest of the world's bundling up from December to February, Sharm's lounging at a lovely 18-25°C. Might be a breeze here and there, but nothing a beach umbrella won't handle.

And then summer struts in, May to October, with a sizzling 30-35°C. That's right, the Red Sea's putting on a show, the sand's as warm as toast, and the vibes? Pure holiday magic. Get that sun cream on, love, you're in for a tan!

Spring and autumn are no wallflowers either. They shimmy in at a sweet 20-30°C, ideal for snorkelling, camel riding, or just a good old-fashioned beach bumming.

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FAQs

How long does it take to fly to Sharm el Sheikh?

It takes about five to six hours to fly to Sharm El Sheikh from the UK & Ireland, depending on your departure airport.

What’s the time difference between the UK and Sharm el Sheikh?

Sharm El Sheikh is two hours ahead of UK time in winter. When the UK moves to British Summer Time, Sharm is just one hour ahead.

What currency do they use in Sharm el Sheikh?

The Egyptian pound (EGP) is the local currency. You'll find ATMs and exchange bureaus everywhere, but many tourist spots also accept euros, pounds and dollars – though you'll get a better rate with local currency.

What language do they speak in Sharm el Sheikh?

Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas. You'll have no trouble getting by – though locals always appreciate a "shukran" (thanks) or two.

Do I need a visa to visit Sharm El Sheikh?

Yes – UK & Ireland visitors need an Egyptian tourist visa costing £25 (payable in GBP, USD or euros). You can buy one at approved bank kiosks in the airport arrival hall before you reach immigration, or from the Egyptian Consulate before you travel.

Can I drink tap water in Sharm El Sheikh?

Stick to bottled water in Sharm – it's cheap (around 10-20 Egyptian pounds from shops) and widely available everywhere. Ice in hotel and tourist restaurants is usually fine as it's made from purified water, but best to avoid ice from street vendors. Most hotels provide complimentary bottled water in rooms.

Is Sharm El Sheikh safe?

Sharm El Sheikh is one of Egypt's safest tourist destinations with a strong security presence and millions of visitors each year. Stick to the main resort areas, use reputable tour operators for excursions, and you'll have a brilliant time. As with anywhere, keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of common tourist scams.