Sharm El Sheikh is one of those places that, the first time you visit, you immediately understand why people can’t stop raving about it. On the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, is this coastal city that has long been a magnet for travelers seeking a mixture of sun, sand, and some of the world’s best diving spots.
But how did a relatively sleepy fishing village transform into one of Egypt’s top tourist destinations? Get ready, because the story of Sharm El Sheikh is as exciting as the destination itself.
A Humble Beginning: From Bedouins to Beach Resorts
To understand the magic of Sharm El Sheikh, you really have to start with the beginning-and believe me, it's a very modest one. Before it became a playground for sun-seekers and scuba divers alike, Sharm El Sheikh was little more than a quiet fishing village occupied by Bedouins, Egypt's indigenous desert dwellers.
Think of a little encampment against the vastness of the Sinai, people making their lives off the sea and swapping fish for dates. It was slow, elementary life here, and absolutely very different from the bright hotel lights dotting today's beaches.
Sharm’s remote location, however, wasn’t just a peaceful retreat for locals; it was also strategically important. Lying at the head of the Red Sea, where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the sea, it has long been an important military outpost.
Indeed, during more recent history, both Egypt and Israel have successively occupied Sharm, the latter in 1967 after the Six-Day War. It wasn’t until after the 1982 peace accords that Sharm was returned to Egyptian control, which became a critical turning point in its development.
Once Egypt regained Sharm, the government immediately saw its potential—not as a military outpost, but as a tourism hub. The area’s unspoiled coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, combined with endless sunshine, made it prime real estate for development. Over the next few decades, international investors flooded in. They turned Sharm El Sheikh into a cosmopolitan beach destination from a drowsy fishing village.
Sharm El Sheikh’s Underwater World
If you’ve heard anything about Sharm El Sheikh, it’s probably from that one friend who can’t stop talking about their scuba diving trip. The Red Sea is one of the most famous diving destinations on the planet, and Sharm is its crown jewel.
There’s something truly magical about slipping beneath the surface of the water here. One moment you’re on a sun-scorched beach, the next you’re swimming among vibrant coral reefs, alongside schools of fish that look like they’ve been painted by a psychedelic artist.
But, for sure, the real MVPs of Sharm's underwater world are its coral reefs. At the tip of the Sinai Peninsula lies Ras Mohammed National Park, recognized for its remarkable biodiversity. In 1983, it was made into a national park to guarantee that the reefs remained in pristine condition despite the expansion of the tourist industry. Expect everything from turtles and stingrays to, at times, the elusive whale shark that divers and snorkelers alike can spot in these waters during summer months.
And it’s not just amateurs who are drawn here. Professional divers from all over the world descend on Sharm to explore its deep walls and wrecks. The SS Thistlegorm, a British WWII shipwreck located just off the coast, is one of the most famous dive sites. Sitting at about 30 meters below the surface, it’s a haunting yet thrilling underwater museum of history.
A Playground for the Rich and Famous
Sharm El Sheikh isn't just about the underwater world, though. Let's be real-it is also a place where one can live out their most glamorous life. It has, over the last couple of decades, grown to become the "go-to" destination for the well-heeled and powerful. Of course, any place that can pull in world leaders, celebrities, and even royalty has got to be the real deal.
In fact, Sharm has been the venue of several peace summits and international conferences. Its hotels have really been temporary homes for everyone, from former U.S. Presidents to European monarchs. But despite the high-profile visitors, Sharm has a way of keeping things laid-back. You could be sharing a beach with a Hollywood star, and nobody would even blink an eye.
Sharm's rise to fame as a luxury destination is largely thanks to its high-end resorts; the Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton dot its coastline, and the game of luxury ongoing in Sharm's camp is strong. All from private, discreetly serviced villas to Michelin-starred restaurants give promise that nobody will leave the resort without a story of sun-drenched bliss.
Of course, there is Naama Bay, the vibrant downtown area of Sharm, where beach bars, clubs, and restaurants would be something that creates a perfect blend into day-to-night vibes.
Sharm El Sheikh in the Spotlight
They have also managed beyond tourism to carve a name for themselves in the domains of diplomacy and environmentalism. It's here that some of the most key international summits have taken place, along with peace talks.
The Sharm El Sheikh Agreement negotiated between Palestine and Israel for the restart of peace talks was one such key moment in 2005. It's clear that Sharm is not just a vacation spot, but a sign of neutrality and cooperation.
And speaking of cooperation, Sharm is right at the forefront of environmental efforts, especially those related to marine conservation. While this growth for the city has presented environmental challenges (let's face it, tourism and nature don't always get along), significant efforts have been made in order to protect the unique ecosystem.
Creation of marine protected areas and strict diving regulations ensure Sharm remains one of the forerunners of eco-destinations. Even hotels and resorts have started going green, adopting renewable energy sources and eco-friendly practices that would lessen their footprint on that precious piece of the planet.
Sharm El Sheikh Today
No city can have a meteoric rise like Sharm’s without facing some bumps in the road. While the city has enjoyed decades of growth in popularity, has also experienced challenges to its growth, largely in the realm of safety and political instability.
The 2015 Russian Metrojet flight disaster, where a plane leaving from Sharm tragically crash-landed due to a bomb, sent shockwaves through the tourist industry. Because of that incident, many countries suspended flights to the city for several years and thus caused tourism numbers to decline.
But Sharm El Sheikh is nothing if not resilient. The city bounced back with an impressive commitment to increasing security and retaining its spot on the global tourism map.
Today, tourism numbers are climbing again, and Sharm remains a favorite destination of travelers from all over the world. Whether you seek a peaceful retreat, a world-class dive, or some Egyptian hospitality, Sharm keeps on giving.
Top Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh is an adventurers' playground, yet ideal for relaxation and a taste of Egypt's culture and natural beauty. Whether it's a great underwater world beneath the Red Sea or riding quads across the desert, there's no shortage of exciting experiences. Herein is a guided view of what should be done.
1. White Island & Ras Mohamed Cruise Adventure
White Island & Ras Mohamed is the epitome of a dream cruise trip, offering stunning sceneries both above and below the water. Ras Mohammed National Park is home to some of the most vibrant coral reefs in the world, offering great snorkeling opportunities. You’ll spend the day discovering marine life in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, exploring the colorful coral formations that make this area so famous.
The cruise takes you through the White Island-a virgin sandbar that seems to magically appear right in the middle of the sea when the tide is low. A thrilling walk on this floating paradise is almost as if entering a dreamland; hence, take this place as ideal for relaxation with amazing photo opportunities.
2. ATV, Camel Ride with BBQ Dinner and Show
Get your dose of adventure and Bedouin culture with the ATV, Camel Ride with BBQ Dinner and Show. First, take a thrilling ride through the Sinai Desert on an ATV, speeding across sandy dunes with nothing but wide-open desert around you. Afterward, slow things down with a classic camel trek that lets you experience the desert just as the Bedouins have for centuries.
This will then be followed by a Bedouin BBQ served under the stars, followed by a live cultural show. It is a great mix of high-energy adventure with the touch of immersion in culture, giving you the real taste of life in the desert
3. Relaxation Hammam Spa with Massage
There is no better way to round up a day of desert adventures or snorkeling than with the Hammam Spa, including Massage. First, take in the traditional hammam experience: steam bath to open your pores and refreshing body scrub to leave your skin silky smooth. Next, the massage melts away all travel tension, leaving you completely rejuvenated.
Indulge and reinstate yourself with just the perfect way to enjoy your stay in Sharm El Sheikh through this ancient practice, so much of a cultural experience as it is a luxury treatment.
4. Desert Safari with Quad Biking & Stargazing
For an adventure that combines thrill and serenity, the Desert Safari with Quad Biking & Stargazing is hard to beat. During the day, you’ll ride a quad bike across the vast expanse of the desert, navigating the towering dunes and rugged terrain. But the magic really begins at night.
With the sun down, the desert becomes one of the best places to go star-gazing. Without any interference of city lights, you have thousands of stars breathing life into the night-sky. You are well able to explore constellations using telescopes, which altogether makes the whole experience of the peaceful beauty of the desert so exciting and meditative.
5. Seascope Submarine Boat Cruise
The Seascope Submarine Boat Cruise takes you on an underwater journey without ever having to leave the boat. From the comfort of a semisubmarine, you can see through great glass windows colored coral reefs and vibrant marine life only beneath the sea surface.
This is the perfect option for families or anyone who wants to marvel at the beauty of the sea without diving in. It’s a fun, laid-back experience that still delivers the stunning views that Sharm El Sheikh’s waters are known for.
6. Private City Tour and Old Market Shopping
Private city tour and a trip to the old market for shopping are not to be missed to fill up on the rich cultural side of Sharm El Sheikh. Take this tour to go beyond the beaches, into the heart of the city. Stop at key landmarks such as the Al-Mustafa Mosque or the Coptic Orthodox Church and learn about the varied religious heritage of Egypt.
Besides this, the tour covers the visit to the Old Market, where the sights and sounds of the locals come alive. One can bargain for traditional spices, textiles, and handmade items, which will make it simply an ideal place to shop for souvenirs along with truly soaking in the culture of Egypt.
7. Tiran Island Snorkeling Boat Cruise & Lunch
Another interesting option for those who would love to explore more of the Red Sea is the Tiran Island Snorkeling Boat Cruise. Situated between Sharm El Sheikh and Saudi Arabia, Tiran Island has a lot of beautiful coral reefs in its neighborhood. You will have ample time to snorkel and explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with colored fish and other sea creatures.
Snorkeling stops are combined with a comfortable boat tour during which lunch is served on board, thus making this a very leisurely, adventurous day amidst the beauties of the sea.
8. Colored Canyon, Blue Hole & Dahab Day Trip
The Colored Canyon, Blue Hole & Dahab Day Trip is simply ideal for adventure, allowing one to experience the natural wonders of the Sinai Peninsula. The trip begins with a hike through the Colored Canyon, with its towering rock faces that dramatically rise out of the desert floor in fabulous shades of red, orange, and pink, creating a natural work of art.
Then, you will be taken to the famous Blue Hole, the most popular dive and snorkel site in the world. Its deep, blue waters are heavily inhabited by marine life, making this underwater world unforgettable. The trip will end at the relaxed town of Dahab, sitting on the beach and enjoying the local atmosphere, after that you head back to Sharm El Sheikh.
Conclusion
From a small Bedouin fishing village to a world-class tourist destination, Sharm El Sheikh has undergone a radical transformation over the past several decades. Its story is one of resilience, adaptation, and beauty—both above and below the water.
With its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and plump history, Sharm offers much more than a holiday; it's a peek into the heart of the Red Sea and the incredible life that flourishes along its shores. Sharm El Sheikh is proof that the highest-grade destinations are those that organically change yet never actually lose their magic.
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