Sharm el-Sheikh an Egyptian resort town between the desert of the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea. It's known for its sheltered sandy beaches, clear waters and coral reefs. Naama Bay, with a palm tree-lined promenade, is filled with bars and restaurants. Ras Muhammad National Park is a major diving destination, with marine life around the Shark and Yolanda reefs and the Thistlegorm wreck

Diverse marine life and hundreds of Red Sea coral reef sites make Sharm El Sheikh a magnet for divers and eco-tourists. The tourist economy of this Sinai Peninsula city has grown quite rapidly over the last few decades, resulting in an upcrop of first-class resorts and posh nightlife. The waters of Ras Mohamed National Park are abundant with schools of fish and, oddly, toilets – thanks to the bathroom fixtures being transported by a cargo ship that sank during a 1981 storm.

Sharm el Sheikh is a particularly stunning coastal resort and lies along the southerly coastline of the Gulf of Aqaba. Located close to both the Ras Mohammed National Park and also Tiran Island, Sharm el Sheikh is part of a thriving tourist industry in this part of Egypt. Surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches, turquoise waters and glorious coral reefs, each year huge numbers of tourists head to Sharm el Sheikh to scuba dive and marvel at the underwater life which is so concentrated in this spot.

The Sharm el Sheikh area offers two main bays, which are adjacent to the very centre of the resort. Na'ama Bay comprises a number of developed tourist resorts and is really the heart of the action, with a prominent shopping centre and great places to eat out. The nearby bay of Sharm al-Maya lies to the west of Na'ama Bay and is centred around the bustling Sharm Old Market, a walled location where you will find bags of characters and plenty of cheap eats.

Sharm el Sheikh is certainly not known for its museums and local art galleries, with little to offer tourists expecting these cultural attractions.

Located along the Mediterranean coast, the Sinai Heritage Museum stands out and offers an in-depth information about the Bedouin culture, with many important artefacts and handicrafts. More information about Sharm el Sheikh Museums.

Outside of Sharm el Sheikh and within easy reach of the resort lies a diverse mixture of tourist attractions. Amongst the most popular, the lively coastal resort of Hurghada is also known for its exceptional scuba diving and marine life, while the coastline and waters around Dahab, north of Sharm el Sheikh, also boast more than their fair share of water sports and underwater scenery. For hiking trails and excellent snorkelling, a visit to the north-eastern resort of Nabq is in order, where the mangrove forests are of particular interest. More information about Sharm el Sheikh Attractions Nearby.

Sharm – as it's known locally – has become one of Egypt's leading tourist destinations thanks to its luxurious resorts, gorgeous beaches, and bounty of sightseeing attractions.

Pharaoh's Island

Also known as Coral Island, the area's outstanding natural beauty is complemented by its 12th-century citadel. See it by booking a boat tour!

Nabq Protected Area

Nabq is Sinai's scenic treasure trove! Visitors shouldn't miss taking a wildlife safari, diving among shipwrecks, or discovering the local Bedouin culture and hospitality.

Naama Bay

The resort district's stunning natural bay boasts some of the city's most popular cafés, restaurants, and bazaars. It's the place to go for tourist-friendly entertainment!

Mount Sinai

The mountain is where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments, and the breathtaking views are certainly a religious experience! Be warned: it's 4,000 steps to the top!

Saint Catherine's Monastery

For sightseers who don't fancy the three-hour climp up Mount Sinai, one of the world's oldest Christian monasteries lies right at its feet. It was built 1,500 years ago!

Ras Muhammad National Park

At the tip of the peninsula is one of Sharm el-Sheikh's best snorkelling spots! The coastal national park is home to thousands of species, including crustaceans and turtles!

Red Sea Riviera

As well as Ras Muhammad, the resort-rich riviera is home to several protected areas. Why not learn to scuba-dive around its reefs, or simply enjoy the archaeological treasures?