Family Holidays in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt

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Family Holidays in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt

Situated on the very southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, Sharm el Sheikh lies on the coast of the Red Sea and is has a population of around 35,000 people.

This wonderful region is dry and temperate, with average temperatures that range between 15-35 degrees Celsius in the winter (November to March), and from 20-45 in the summertime (April to October). The Sea here ranges from 21 to 28 degrees Celsius through the year.

Sharm el Sheikh is set in a wonderfully dramatic landscape with long stretches of natural beaches with clear, calm waters. The diversity in marine life here is quite stunning and more than 250 coral reefs can be found here and more than 1000 species of fish.

One thing that makes this place so amazing is of course its wonderful underwater reserve; the Ras Mohammed National Park. The seabed close to the coast here is like a vast coral aquarium. There are so many things to see it’s a snorkelers dream. Coral grouper, Napoleon wrasse, parrotfish, butterfly fish, map angelfish, threadfins and scorpion fish can all be found here as well as many other types, and for holiday makers, getting a chance to see some of this marine life is one important reason for coming here.

Nightlife in the area is quite modern and well developed. There are a number of bars and night clubs here as well as restaurants discos and even casinos, so there is plenty to entertain anyone wanting to head out for the evening. Many of the restaurants are happy to cater for families too.

During the daytime although the region is best known for its shoreline and marine life, there is ample opportunity to enjoy other pleasures on the land and sea. There are golf courses and lots of other sporting activities including windsurfing, snorkelling, diving and horse riding. You could also try camel riding, desert safaris, and a trip to visit the colourful handicraft stalls at the local Bedouin markets.

Sharm el Sheikh has three main regions – Na’ama Bay, Ras Um Sid Cliff and Sharm el Maya.

Na’ama Bay is a sea front development that grew up in the early 1980’s. It sports a wonderful paved walkway along the sea front lined with bougainvillea and oleander. Many shops, restaurants, bars and sheesha cafes can be found here.

Ras Um Sid Cliff is the cliff top area linking Na’ama Bay and the Sharm El Maya. It’s about five minutes drive from each of these bays, and has a very high cliff with many lovely hotels looking out over the Red sea.

Sharm el Maya is the bay area where the old town of Sharm el Sheikh is. This natural bay is where the harbour lies, and you’ll find a profusion of palm trees where you can lie back on a sun lounger as well as the old town with all its charm.

Although it is possible to take outings from here to see places such as Cairo and the Great Pyramids, doing so involves crossing an international border between Asia and Africa so you will need to make sure that you acquire a travel visa from Sharm el Sheikh airport if you wish to do this.

Whatever you do on your holiday to Sharm el Sheikh you are guaranteed a good time!