Sharm El Sheikh
The Red Sea resort city of Sharm El Sheikh is now a major tourist destination, but just over 25 years ago it was a strategically important military naval base. This remarkable transformation is due to the Egyptian government realizing the potential of this beautiful natural part of the country and investing heavily in its infrastructure.
Sharm, as it is commonly called by regular visitors, is located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. The resort itself stretches for more than 12 miles along the golden beaches of the Red Sea coast and with its crystal clear waters is considered one of the best diving destinations in the world.
Sharm el Sheikh is divided into three areas, Naama Bay, Sharm el Maya and Ras Um Sid Cliff. The Maya is where you will find the old town of Sharm el Sheikh. The cliff-top resort of Ras Um Sid Cliff links Sharm el Maya with Naama Bay. Here you will discover great places to shop, eat and drink. Sharm el Sheikh is a fairly new development and is a favorite destination for Europeans, particularly the British, Germans and Italians who flock to this exclusive resort.
Hotels in Sharm el-Sheikh
Sharm el Sheik has many first-class hotels to suit almost every budget. As Sharm is a relatively new resort many of the hotels have been recently built and therefore you can expect a wide range of quality hotels equipped to modern standards.
Shopping in Sharm el-Sheikh
There are two kinds of experiences you can enjoy when shopping in Sharm el Sheikh, the traditional way of haggling in cash that occurs in the Old Market area and the new modern way, fixed prices and credit cards, found in the shopping malls. commercial.
In the Old Market you’ll find the usual souvenirs, oils, perfumes, spices and belly dancing costumes etc, all priced to guarantee you won’t be ripped off or encourage haggling, so throw out that British stock and get down to business. the work. dribbling knuckles To avoid looking silly, make sure you have the cash to purchase the haggled item, as credit cards will not be accepted. Keep in mind that when shopping in Egypt it’s best not to be conspicuous, so dress modestly and be respectful of their traditions.
Sharm’s shopping malls offer a wide variety of shops where you’ll find more than just souvenirs. Perfumes, clothes, shoes, bags for sunglasses can be bought in these malls, but do not be blinded by the price. Be on the lookout for counterfeit products and ask yourself why a Prada bag sells for £40 and would you buy the bag if it didn’t have Prada? The perfume is genuine, in an area of the country where you can’t drink the water, would you throw it on your face? When you have decided on a purchase, you can use a credit card or cash. However, you will find that prices are generally fixed and high.
Sharm el-Sheikh Entertainment
Sharm El Shake has been described as the Las Vegas of the Middle East and this means that there are many casinos, bars, restaurants, etc. for the tourists. Being a Muslim country, this may surprise you, but Egyptians are eager to accommodate tourists, so it’s not that surprising.
Nightlife in Sharm usually starts around 9:00 pm and ends at various times depending on what you want. For a more authentic night out, try the Bedouin cafes and sheesha bars that close around 2am. If you have energy, the casinos and some bars will stay open until 6am!
If you’re looking for nightclubs and parties, head to Naama Bay and Hadabah, where you’ll pay around €20 to get in, which usually includes a free drink! In Naama Bay check out Pacha/Bus Stop and Mojo’s, fantastic!
Weather in Sharm el-Sheikh
Sharm el Shiek’s climate can be divided into two seasons, summer and winter. Winter (October to April) is hot and dry and summer (May to September) is very hot and dry. It is this type of climate that makes Sharm el Sheikh a great destination for winter sun and all year round. Rain is virtually unheard of in the summer, in fact many summers go by without a drop of rain!
The height of summer (July through August) can see temperatures that sit in the 40s, making sitting by the pool or on the beach a necessary activity. Fortunately, the cooling breezes from the sea offer a slight relief. At night, the temperature remains high, usually in the mid-20s, so make sure your hotel rooms are air-conditioned.
In September the heat is as scorching as in the middle of summer, but it is still very hot. The temperature slowly drops to the mid-30s in October and the mid-20s in November, making it a very pleasant time to visit Sharm el Sheikh. The coolest time of the year is from December to February. The average temperature is about 19°C, with low temperatures of 20 during the day and 10 at night.
In March and April, the wind from Khamsin sometimes disturbs the good weather. This is a hot wind that blows across the Sahara and can sometimes cause sand or dust storms.
Sharm el-Sheikh Visa
If your intention is not to travel beyond the South Sinai resorts, you must obtain a free 14-day visa. However, if you intend to venture further afield, say Cairo or Ras Mohammed, you will need to obtain a 30-day Egyptian visa (2008 £18). UK visitors on holiday in Egypt must register with the Immigration and Nationality Office within 7 days of arrival – your hotel will normally take care of this. You should also make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months before entering Egypt.
Helpful Links
Official Egyptian Tourism Website http://www.egypt.travel/index.php
Egyptian State Information Service http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Default.htm