Sharm El Sheikh Holidays

Sharm El Sheikh holidays are pure Red Sea magic: year-round sunshine, world-class diving, and all-inclusive resorts so good you might never leave the pool bar.

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 sunshine - Temperatures rarely dip below 20 degrees, even in January. While the rest of us are layering up, Sharm is sat there at a toasty 22 degrees wondering what all the fuss is about.

• World-class diving and snorkelling - The Red Sea reefs here are up there with the best on the planet. Ras Mohammed National Park alone has over 200 species of coral, and you can snorkel straight off the beach at most resorts.

• All-inclusive paradise - Sharm does all-inclusive properly. Huge resorts, multiple restaurants, swim-up bars and pool bars that keep the drinks flowing from sunrise to well past sunset.

• Beaches for days - From the buzzing Naama Bay strip to the quieter sands of Nabq Bay, there is a beach for every mood. Most resort hotels have their own private stretch too.

• Family-friendly to the core - Aqua parks, kids' clubs, mini discos, camel rides along the seafront, and snorkelling trips where the kiddos can meet Nemo in real life. Sharm is built for family holidays.

🌊 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

Arabic is the official language in Sharm El Sheikh, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas. You will have absolutely no trouble getting by, but locals genuinely appreciate it when visitors have a go at a few Arabic phrases. Even a badly pronounced "shukran" gets a big smile.

• Sabah el-kheir, sah-BAH el-KHAYR (صباح الخير), Good morning

• Ma'a salama, MAH-ah sah-LAH-mah (مع السلامة), Goodbye

• Shukran, SHOO-kran (شكراً), Thank you

• El-hesab law samaht, el-heh-SAHB law sa-MAHT (الحساب لو سمحت), The bill, please

• Aiwa / La, EYE-wah / LAH (أيوه / لا), Yes / No

🏖️ 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...

All Inclusive Holidays in Sharm el Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh and all-inclusive go together like sunshine and suncream. The resorts here take the concept  seriously, with multiple restaurants, pool bars that never seem to close, and entertainment programmes that keep everyone from toddlers to grandparents busy from breakfast to bedtime. Lock in your food, drinks and entertainment before you fly and the only decision you will need to make all week is which pool to sit by.

The all-inclusive offering in Sharm covers every kind of holiday. Families get aqua parks, kids' clubs and buffets the little ones will actually eat from. Couples get adults-only pools, spa access and candlelit restaurants where you can eat without someone throwing chips. And groups get the kind of mega-resorts where there is always another bar to discover and always someone up for one more round.

What makes Sharm particularly good value as an all-inclusive destination is how much you get for your money. The resorts here are genuinely generous, portions are big, drinks are included right across the board (not just at one designated bar), and most have their own private beach thrown in. You would pay significantly more for the same set-up in the Caribbean or the Canaries.

What are the best all-inclusive hotels in Sharm El Sheikh for families?

• Sultan Gardens Resort - Ultra all-inclusive five-star on Shark's Bay with five restaurants, a private beach, its own dive club and a kids' club that will keep the little ones busy all day while you hit the Elysium Spa.

• Rixos Radamis Sharm El Sheikh - Family-friendly all-inclusive six minutes from the airport with three buffet restaurants, three a la carte options, and family rooms across two distinct accommodation styles. Brilliant for getting poolside fast after landing.

What are the best all-inclusive hotels in Sharm El Sheikh for couples?

• SUNRISE Arabian Beach Resort - Grand Select five-star overlooking Tiran Island with nine restaurants, swim-up rooms and a full spa. Set across six landscaped terraces with views that will make every sunset feel like a film.

• Cleopatra Luxury Resort Sharm - Adult Only (16+) - Stylish adults-only spot near Nabq Bay with a pool complex, fitness centre and access to the Cleopatra private beach. No kids, no stress, no Sharm done indeed.

What are the best all-inclusive hotels in Sharm El Sheikh for groups?

• Savoy Hotel - Five pools including a three-tier lagoon, a Safari Bar (adults only), the Cave Bar for proper Egyptian atmosphere, and access to SOHO Square entertainment complex right next door. Perfect base for groups who want options.

• Parrotel Lagoon Resort - A whopping 31 waterslides, multiple pools and themed areas. Big enough that a group can spread out during the day and reconvene at the pool bar without anyone getting bored.

🏨 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

• 🌴 Rixos Sharm El Sheikh - Adults Only (18+) – Mega 695-room resort with 11 pools, 10 restaurants, swim-up bars and a nightclub. Pure grown-up indulgence in Nabq Bay.

• ✨ Cleopatra Luxury Resort Sharm - Adult Only (16+) – Stylish adults-only spot near Nabq Bay with pool complex, fitness centre and access to the Cleopatra private beach. No Sharm done indeed.

• 🏝️ Baron Palms Resort - Adults Only (16+) – Boutique five-star vibes with private beachfront, tropical gardens, waterfalls and Jacuzzis. Perfect for a romantic escape.

• 👑 Royal Savoy Sharm El Sheikh - Adults Recommended – Beachfront luxury with adults-only pools, 16 restaurants across the Savoy complex, and the Cave Bar for proper Egyptian atmosphere.

⭐ 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

🎉 What are the top things to do for groups on a Sharm El Sheikh holiday?

• Naama Bay promenade by night - The strip comes alive after dark with open-air bars, live DJs and enough energy to keep the whole group going until sunrise. Start at one end and work your way down.

• SOHO Square - Sharm's entertainment hub with bars, restaurants, an ice bar and a bowling alley. Nab a cabana by the pool and let someone else worry about the playlist.

• Quad biking in the desert - Round up the squad for an afternoon tearing across the dunes on quad bikes. Most tours include a Bedouin camp stop for tea and sunset photos that will make everyone back home properly jealous.

• Yacht party on the Red Sea - Hire a private boat, crank up the tunes and spend the afternoon cruising between snorkelling spots. The group photos from the bow are basically guaranteed Instagram gold.

• Ras Mohammed boat trip - Jump on a group snorkelling excursion to one of the world's top dive sites. The coral reefs are extraordinary and you do not need any experience to enjoy them.

💑 What are the best things to do for couples on a Sharm El Sheikh holiday?

• Sunset cruise - A Red Sea sunset cruise with cocktails in hand and the mountains turning gold behind you. If there is a more romantic way to spend an evening in Sharm, nobody has found it yet.

• Old Market evening stroll - The spice-scented souks are brilliant for a wander after dinner. Haggle for a souvenir, share a shisha pipe and sip mint tea at one of the local coffee shops.

• Private beach day - Most adults-only hotels have their own private beach. Grab a lounger, order drinks to your spot and do absolutely nothing all day. That is the whole plan.

• Candlelit dinner at the marina - Sharm has some cracking seafood restaurants right on the water. Fares Seafood does the freshest catch in town, and the setting is gorgeous for a date night.

• Spa day - Sharm's resort spas are ridiculously good value compared to what you would pay back home. Couples' treatments, hammams and hot stone massages for a fraction of the price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What are the best things to do on a Sharm El Sheikh family holiday?

• Snorkelling at Ras Mohammed - Take the kiddos to Ras Mohammed National Park for a 10/10 snorkelling adventure. Colourful fish everywhere, proper Finding Nemo vibes, and serious parent points scored.

• Shark's Bay beach day - Gorgeous sands, shallow waters perfect for little ones, rock pools to explore, and you can book a camel ride right along the seafront. The perfect family combo.

• Aqua park day - Multiple resorts in Sharm have full-blown aqua parks with waterslides, wave pools and lazy rivers. Adrenaline-junkie teens will love it, and you get to sit by the pool in peace.

• Glass-bottom boat trip - For kids who want to see the fish but are not quite ready for snorkelling. They get the Finding Nemo experience without getting wet, and you get to sit in the shade.

• Desert safari with Bedouin dinner - A camel ride or quad bike trip into the desert followed by traditional food, stargazing and maybe a Bedouin dance performance. Genuinely unforgettable for the whole family.

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

Good news, Sharm does not have to cost an arm and a leg. The Red Sea is just as blue whether you are splashing out or keeping it tight, and there are 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 will not 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 £4 / €5? Yes please.

Timing matters too. Visit in May, June, September or October and you will get belting weather with a different, quieter character to the peak summer months. And if you are 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. Two words for you: yacht party. Need we say more? Hit one of these bad boys up on the Red Sea, and you will be in for boozy beats and breathtaking views while you are at it. You are 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 is the kind of team-building we can get behind. Just make sure to double-check the policy for whatever hotel you have got your eye on, while most will welcome you with open arms, some are not 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