When most Americans think of Egypt they normally think of the pyramids, the Sphinx, and the proverbial sands of time. But if one was to ask others (like the Russians), they would also think of the stunning beach resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the things that people traveling to Egypt should plan their trip around.

Sharm el-Sheikh is a small resort Egyptian city in the Sinai Peninsula on the Red Sea. It is a holiday resort and a significant center for tourism in the country. It is also an important location for diplomatic meanings and international peace conferences.

About Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh overlooks the Straits of Tiran at the Gulf of Aqaba on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsular. It has transformed significantly over the years starting as a fishing village, before becoming a major port and naval base for the Egyptian Navy.

  • Bedouin Village: In The Past, Sharm El Sheikh Was A Small Bedouin Village
  • Visa: Nationals Of The EU and USA Do Not Require A Visa To Visit Sharm El Sheikh If Visiting For 14 Days or Less (Will Need A Visa on arrival To Visit Other Areas)

In 1967 the Israelis took control of it until they handed it back to Egypt in 1982. In 1982 the president of Egypt designated it as the "City of Peace". Today it is one of the Middle East's premier beach resort destinations.

  • Meaning: Sharm El Sheikh Means "Bay of the Sheikh"

The weather here is stunning. It has a dry climate with long hot summers and warm winters. It has long pristine beaches and waters are clear and calm for most of the year.

  • Famous For: Great Weather, Pristine Beaches, And Clear Waters

Visiting Sharm El Sheik can also be part of a larger Egyptian tour. One should not visit Egypt and not visit Egypt's many other ancient attractions like the iconic pyramids of Giza.

This isn't just a beach resort where one goes to the beach and that's about it. There is vibrant nightlife in Sharm El Sheikh, there are golf courses, wildlife watching, desert tours, and many coral reefs to explore. It is very popular with a range of watersports including scuba diving and snorkeling.

While here explore some of the best dive spots in the world and enjoy a holiday that can be either a relaxing getaway or a fun-filled adventure.

Related: Egypt Isn't The Only Place Famous For Its Pyramids And These Are Just As Mesmerizing

Top Nearby Attractions

Ras Mohammed National Park: Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, the Ras Mohammed National Park is arguable the country's finest park and is an internationally acclaimed diving zone. One will see coral reefs teeming with life of diverse species and radiating a kaleidoscope of colors.

  • Most Popular Reefs: Yolanda and Shark Reefs

Saint Catherine's Monastery: Important events from the Bible are set in the Sinai Peninsula (including the Buring Bush, Moses receiving the Ten Commandments, and the Wilderness Wanderings). Saint Catherine's Monastery is one of the oldest active monasteries in the world and continues to stand today. It is also known as the Sacred Monastery of the God-Trodden Mount Sinai.

  • Ten Commandments: The Monastery is At The Supposed Site Of the Story of The Ten Commandments
  • Library: The Monastery Boasts One Of The Greatest Ancient Libraries In The World

The monastery stands beside the peak where Moses reputedly received the famous Ten Commandments. The monastery also boasts an expansive library of many ancient manuscripts. According to Kayak.com, its library is second only to the Vatican's.

Tiran Island: For the ultimate day trip consider heading out into the Straits of Tiran that separates Egypt from Saudi Arabia and visit Tiran Island. The island is a paradise for scuba diving and the boat ride itself is worth the excursion.

Greeting the visitors are pristine beaches and crystal blue waters. Beneath the waves awaits the well-preserved Jackson Reef and its vibrant ecosystem with manta rays, barracudas, and much more.

Related: Luxor Temple: How To Visit This Ancient Site On The Nile

Tours Of The Sinai Peninsula

One can book tours of the Sinai Peninsula easily from Sharm el-sheik. Here is an example of a desert tour.

Mount Sinai & St.Catherine Monastery: Mount Sinai plays a very important part in the stories of the Bible. It takes around three hours to get to Mt Sinai from Sharm El Sheikh. On this tour, one will climb the mountain at night to see the sunrise on the top, arrive at Moses Mountain at 2.00 am, and come down at 7.00 am. Afterward, descend to visit St. Catherine monastery.

  • Duration: About 15 Hours
  • Type: Private Tour
  • Cost: One Person $285.00 With Six People $55.00 Per Person
  • Runs: Everyday Except Sunday
  • Included: Pick up And Drop off, Bedouin Guide, Breakfast at St. Catherine, Entry Fees To St. Catherine National Park

Next: This Is What It's Like To Be Inside The Great Pyramid Of Giza