Joanne, who’s originally from England but has lived in Egypt for the last 20 years, shares her best tips on what to do during a vacation in Sharm el-Sheikh.
A holiday in Sharm el-Sheikh is a dream come true. The sea, breathtaking snorkeling, desert, and fascinating history makes it perfect for a trip that combines relaxation with adventure. Even though an all-inclusive holiday is the most popular option for this type of trip, it’s always a good idea to do some research beforehand to ensure you make the most of it and have a fun, stress-free experience.
That’s why we interviewed Joanne Carol Fisher, Resort Manager at TUI and resident of Sharm el-Sheikh, to share her insider tips on the best experiences, beaches, local dishes, and more. Joanne has lived in Egypt since 2003 and has fallen in love with this country she now calls home, for its fascinating history, diverse landscapes, and the warmth of its people, who are friendly, open, and always ready to help one another.
Below are her tips organized by theme, starting with the best excursions and experiences and ending with practical things to know before you go.
The best things to do in Sharm el-Sheikh
For families:
- Desert buggy excursion: This is the ideal option for those traveling with family and still wanting an adventure. It lets you explore the wonderful landscapes of the Sinai desert with the guidance of an expert. You’ll also have the chance to stop at a Bedouin camp and learn more about their culture while sipping Egyptian tea.
- Semi-submarine tour: This semi-submerged submarine tour is perfect for those who want to show their children aquatic life in a completely safe and controlled environment. During the approximately 90-minute navigation, you’ll be able to admire the coral reef and colorful fish, with plenty of photo opportunities.
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For culture lovers:
- Al Sahaba Mosque: One of the most beautiful attractions in Sharm el-Sheikh, it’s the largest mosque in the city and has incredibly detailed architecture. With pearl-colored domes, decorations, and two 70m-high minarets, the mosque is simply spectacular. Visit at sunset to admire its splendid illumination.
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- El Samaeyeen Cathedral: The coexistence of Muslims and Christians in Sharm el-Sheikh is clearly marked by the El Samaeyeen Cathedral. Along with the mosque, this Coptic church dominates the city’s skyline. The cathedral has a modern and bright exterior and is richly painted inside. It’s also beautiful to see in the evening.
- Tutankhamun Museum: This museum houses replicas of items found in the tomb of the young pharaoh Tutankhamun. It also displays about 135 other finds and images related to the life of the young pharaoh, who died at 19, along with excavations of his tomb, which contained over 5000 artifacts.
- Cairo excursion: Why not take this opportunity to visit Egypt’s bustling capital? With an organized excursion to Cairo, including flights, you can get there and back all in one day, while making time for the highlights of the historic city. The Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the prestigious Egyptian Museum are all on the agenda.
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For adventurers:
A seaside resort like Sharm el-Sheikh is the ideal place to engage in water sports. Some of Joanne’s favorite activities include the following:
- Diving: Along the Red Sea coast of Sharm, there are several shipwrecks for adventurous divers to explore. The wreck of the SS Thistlegorm, bombed during World War II, is a must-see for experienced divers.
- Snorkeling: Ras Mohammed National Park, home to the Thistlegorm wreck, is perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts. The coral reef and marine life you can observe are extraordinary. For a unique experience, join a boat excursion to Tiran Island dedicated to snorkeling. It includes three spectacular stops and a barbecue on board.
- In Sharm glass-bottom boat tours or pirate ship adventures are quite popular; they are among the best options for venturing into the sea with the whole family.
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Where to watch the sunrise and sunset in Sharm el-Sheikh
Sunrise and sunset in Egypt are spectacular. Joanne’s favorite spot to watch the sunrise is on the beach. From the coast, the sight of the sun rising with Tiran Island in the background is always breathtaking. For those who prefer sunsets, there’s nothing better than catching one in the Sinai desert. Once the sun sets, the desert becomes an even more magical place, offering a starry sky that is hard to forget. The offer of desert sunset excursions with a Bedouin dinner is vast and is one of the most loved experiences by vacationers.
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What and where to eat in Sharm el-Sheikh
Egyptian cuisine blends elements of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern gastronomy, creating flavorful dishes made with simple, local ingredients. Joanne recommends trying koshary, a mix of pasta, rice, legumes, and tomato. Other dishes to try are hawawshi, a savory pie filled with lamb, and sambousek, puff pastry bites filled with legumes, meat, or fish. Among the dips, hummus, baba ganoush, and ful medames, a typical Egyptian dip made from dried fava beans, are excellent.
To try these delights, Joanne recommends going to El Masrien, a local cuisine restaurant located in Sharm’s old market. If you’re looking for a place to have tea, an evening cocktail, or a snack, Farsha is a Bedouin café with a special and very Instagrammable location.
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The beaches of Sharm el-Sheikh
Most hotels in Sharm have a beach reserved for guests where you can relax, but if you’re looking for something different, here are some other options:
- Ras Mohammed National Park: In the park there are several beaches, including the mangrove beach, which can only be reached by sea but is worth it.
- Shark’s Bay Beach: You need to pay an entrance fee to access this beach; in return you’ll receive all the services needed for an excellent day at the beach. The water is crystal clear and ideal for snorkeling.
- Nabq Bay: This is the least crowded area of Sharm and boasts some perfect beaches for relaxing and admiring the coral reef.
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The best time to visit Sharm
The best months to visit Sharm el-Sheikh are undoubtedly March and April, when temperatures are moderate and sit just below 30°C. The period from October to January is also pleasant, whereas the months from May to September are recommended only if you’re someone who tolerates the heat very well.
Christmas and New Year are particularly magical times to visit Sharm. The Christmas lights and the atmosphere around Soho Square are wonderfully inviting, and a Christmas holiday by the pool is always a lot of fun. Eid, the end of Ramadan, is another great time. During this period, there are various celebrations, scenic decorations and a festive atmosphere in the streets.
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Practical tips
- The Egyptian pound can be difficult to find in some countries, so Joanne recommends bringing euros to change directly at the airport. Alternatively, you can withdraw from ATMs. It’s also useful to know that some shops accept euros and dollars.
- Tipping is a common practice, so remember to bring some coins (which can also be useful for going to the toilet).
- Bring hand sanitizer and high SPF sunscreen.
- Remember you’ll need to haggle for your souvenirs; it’s part of the local culture!
- If you visit a mosque, wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
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