When a tourist envisions his or her trip to Egypt, the vision of a vast desert, ancient pyramids, and the Nile River come to mind. It is easy to forget that Egypt also has lush, tropical beaches to rival any Caribbean island. One visit to Sharm el Sheikh will immediately change a traveler's ideal of Egypt forever.
Sharm el Sheikh is primarily known for its natural beaches. Located along the Red Sea, some of the best beaches in Africa are at this spot. Terrazina Beach is ideal for those wanting a low-key vacation. This quiet beach is near the Old Market and has plenty of food and drink options. Those hoping to snorkel or scuba dive may prefer El Fanar Beach, which gives easy access to views of the coral reef and aquatic creatures. Ras um Sid is a much more active beach, which is just as good for people watching as it is for water sports.
There are plenty of things to do in Sharm el Sheikh. While the top Sharm el Sheikh activities involve days at the beach, there are numerous Sharm el Sheikh excursions that will take tourist to places they never dreamed. A desert safari is a popular choice with vacationers. Local guides take visitors to the Sinai desert by jeep or camel. Sharm el Sheikh tours can be arranged via horseback or through the use of quad bikes as well. Most of these tours travel to the same spots, but each offers very different experiences. It is ill-advised to use a map and attempt to navigate the terrain on your own. It is easy to get lost and disoriented, which is why hiring an experienced guide is so important.
There are many must see attractions in Sharm el Sheikh and the surrounding areas. Mount Sinai is three hours by rental car, though signing with a tour group is easier for guests to the area. A day trip to Cairo also may be well worthwhile. Don't forget to buy a souvenir. Look for inexpensive local spices like cumin, cardamom, or cinnamon to bring home a bit of vacation to spice you your day-to-day.
