Sitting pretty and elevated on its own dramatic headland, Om El Sid is a swanky coastal retreat where the reefs are giving main character and the vibes are 100% focused on the 'flop and drop' type of getaway.
What is the best time to visit Om El Sid?
Because it’s perched on a plateau, Om El Sid benefits from a dreamy coastal breeze that keeps things groovy while the desert sun does its thing. It’s one of the most reliable spots in Sharm for a tan, with wall-to-wall blue skies being the standard setting for your jollies.
Spring - The air is a stun 26°C on average, perfect for those who want their jollies to involve a mix of pool-side lounging and desert quad-bike adventures.
Summer - Highs hit 35°C+ on the regular, so the vibe is strictly 'swimwear only' as you rotate between the infinity pool and the vibrant house reef.
Autumn - The sea is a whopping 27°C, which is actually warmer than the air in some parts of the UK, making it the prime time for serious snorkellers.
Winter - Expect a comfortable 22°C-24°C during the day; it’s basically a British summer but with much better scenery and zero chance of a washout.
Our Beach Expert’s Om El Sid Pro-Tips
If you want to handle your 2026 jollies like a seasoned Red Sea pro, these experience-led tips are absolute game-changers.
The Farsha Strategy - This iconic cliffside lounge doesn't take reservations for small groups. If you want a sunset view fit for an influencer, you need to arrive by 16:30 at the latest. Note that after 15:00, it’s couples and mixed groups only.
Taxi Transparency - A taxi from the Om El Sid plateau to the Old Market (about 4km away) should cost you around 100-150 EGP (roughly £2-£3). Always agree on the price before you sit down, as meters are about as rare as rain in the Sinai.
The Sinai-Only Stamp - If you're a UK citizen staying for less than 15 days and staying within the Sharm resorts, you don't need to pay for a full visa. Just ask for the free "Sinai Only" stamp at immigration—it’s a whopping saving that pays for your first round of cocktails.
Snorkel Entry Secret - The best entry point for the Ras Um Sid reef is the El Fanar Beach jetty. It takes you straight over the shallow coral (and the hundreds of giant clams!) and drops you right onto the wall where the Napoleon wrasse and lionfish hang out.
What are the best beaches to visit on your Om El Sid holidays
The coastline here is more about dramatic drop-offs and coral gardens than miles of flat sand, which is exactly why the water is such a showcase.
El Fanar Beach - This well-maintained spot features soft golden sand and a jetty that leads you straight into an underwater world, the marine life is cranked all the way up and it is second-to-none.
Ras Um Sid Public Beach - A slightly more rugged and natural spot that attracts snorkelling enthusiasts keen to explore the sought-after coral gardens just off the shore.
Terrazzina Beach - Located right where the action is, this beach is always popping off with live shows and fire dancers, plus it’s got one of the few sandy entrances in the area for a stress-free dip.
Temple Reef Beach - A picturesque area named after the massive coral pillars underwater, attracting divers and snorkellers who want a truly unique view.
Things to do on your Om El Sid holidays
If you can tear yourself away from the sun lounger, this part of Sharm has enough tricks up its sleeve to keep the restless kiddos (and the big kids) busy from sunrise to sunset.
The Farsha Sunset Ritual - You can't land in Om El Sid without visiting the Farsha Mountain Lounge. It’s built directly into the cliff and looks like a bohemian dream—so it’s the elite spot for a romantic "golden hour" vibe.
Snorkel the "Temple" - Just off the shore is Temple Reef, a set of three mahoosive coral pillars that rise up from the seabed. It’s popping off with lionfish, parrotfish, and giant clams. Use the jetty at El Fanar Beach to drop straight into the deep blue without having to scramble over the rocks.
Old Market Haggling - A cheeky 5-minute taxi takes you down the hill to the Old Market. It’s the place to go for spices, leather goods, and hand-woven rugs. Make sure to visit the Al Sahaba Mosque at night—the architecture is properly amaze when it’s all lit up.
Aqua Blue Splash-down - For a super splashy day of fun, head to the Aqua Blue Water Park. It’s one of the biggest in Egypt and located right on the Om El Sid plateau. It’s got over 60 slides, so it’s a total worldie for keeping the munchkins entertained.
Cliff-Top Strolls at Il Mercato - This vibey, open-air Italian-style mall is perf for an evening walk. It’s got a great mix of high-end boutiques and local cafés. Grab a traditional Egyptian 'Bedouin tea' with mint and soak up the mood.
Glass Bottom Boat Safari - If the little ones aren't quite ready for a snorkel mask, hop on a Semi-Submarine from the nearby jetty. You’ll see the booming reefs through glass windows, keeping everyone dry while you have a game of marine bingo.
Desert Stargazing - Trade the swim-up bar for a seat on a woven rug in the heart of the mountains. A Bedouin dinner is a total soul-soother, where you’ll scran on grilled kofta and chicken Mandy by candlelight. Once the 'show' finishes, the guides turn off the camp lanterns, and the desert's true magic begins. With zero light pollution, the Milky Way looks like a magical spill of glitter across the sky.
Getting around on your Om El Sid holidays
Navigating the plateau is part of the fun, and while it’s fairly compact, these snazzy tips will help you get from your sun lounger to the bazaar like a total boss.
The Blue Microbuses - These are the lifeblood of the local area. Flag one down on the main road, hop in, and pay about 10 EGP to get to the Old Market—it’s fast, authentic, and a surprising bit of fun.
The InDrive App - Since Uber isn't a thing here, InDrive is the go-to app for the savvy traveller. It’s a dead convenient way to get a fair price and avoid any "tourist tax" haggling.
Hotel Beach Shuttles - Because Om El Sid is on a plateau, the walk back up from the sand can be a whopper in the heat. Check your resort’s shuttle schedule to save your legs for the dancefloor.
The Panoramic Lift - If you’re staying at a spot like the Beach Albatros, use the glass elevator for a charming view of the bay while you travel down to the reef—it’s a 10/10 way to arrive.
On Foot - The beauty of Om El Sid is that it isn’t just resorts; the main El Fanar road is a properly walkable hub. You’ll find everything from ATMs and reliable pharmacies to local shops selling those super-sized bottles of water and Egyptian snacks—saving you the 4km trek down the hill to the Old Market for the basics.
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In Om El Sid, the sun doesn't just "visit"—it has a long-term residency. In the winter, the daytime sun still packs enough of a punch to make your mates back home jealous. However, once the sun dips behind the mountains, the desert air remembers it's a desert and pulls a cheeky temperature drop. You’ll want a light jacket for your alfresco dinners, unless you want to spend the evening shivering over your mixed grill. It hardly ever rains here; the only unexpected drench you’ll experience is if you accidentally do a belly flop into the Reef Oasis pool.
