Sharm el Skeikh, or just Sharm, is one of the hottest travel destinations in the Arab world, and for good reason. It’s quickly being recognized as one of the finest diving spots in the world, and the variety of activities available to the visitor is mind boggling.
Forty years ago, Sharm Egypt wasn’t much more than a tiny fishing village. But during Israel’s occupation, Sharm began to transform into a travel destination as the land was developed. It now contains most of the amenities that you would expect in a travel destination, except that it’s been able to maintain its historic roots.
Sharm and nearby Hurghada are located on the Red Sea coast, and just offshore there is a wide variety of aquatic life and beautiful coral, including sharks and dolphins, if that’s your cup of tea! Sharm caters to scuba divers of all levels, so even if you’re new to the activity, you’ll find a reputable dive operator who can accommodate you.
If scuba diving is not for you, there are plenty of other beach activities that you can take part in. Sharm and Hurghada beaches have beautiful white sand and the water is crystal clear. It’s virtually impossible to take a bad picture here!
Most of the hotels in Sharm, are located in the Na’ama Bay neighborhood, a long sandy bay with a beautiful, palm-fringed boulevard. Other popular neighborhoods include Ras Um Sid and Sharm El Maya, which is near the older Sharm el Sheikh development.
Egypt entertains over five million travelers each year, and in recent years, over one fourth of them have visited Sharm. The locals are very accommodating and friendly with tourists, but there are still some taboo customs that you should be aware of if you’re planning a visit. To get the most out of your vacation, look into Egypt packages, which will help you plan your visit.
For the most part, most of Egypt is generally safe. There is very little violent crime, with the most common infraction being petty pick pocketing, but security is stationed in most public areas to protect the travelers’ interests.
Sharm is a beautiful city in a wonderfully historical city. If you plan a holiday to Sharm, whether on its on or as part of one of the available Egypt packages, you will not be disappointed, and you will be left with some fantastic memories (and hopefully photographs) that will last a lifetime.