The Red Sea’s hotspot for scuba and year-round sun worshipping

Sharm el-sheikh is situated on Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. Belonging to Asia, the Peninsula is blessed with 12 months a year of warm weather and has fast become a popular destination for a cheap holiday in the sun. Sharm el-Sheikh is located on the Red Sea, which is home to coral reef and is a highly noted location for scuba diving and snorkelling.

A holiday in Sharm el-Sheikh can provide anything from total beach relaxation, to mountain climbing, Bedouin camel trekking and desert safaris. Na’ama bay is the hub of the action, bursting with a dizzying array of bazaars, restaurants and shisha (water pipe) cafes. Excursions away from the resort can also include visits to the famous Pyramids. An internal flight is the quickest way to visit, although they can also be reached by road in approximately six hours.

Why Go?
Year-round sunshine makes Sharm el-Sheikh popular and it can be reached with direct flights in around 6 hours. The resort is suitable for a peaceful and relaxing holiday, as well as one packed with action and sightseeing. Sharm el-Sheikh is also a top location for watersports and scuba diving.

When to Go?
Mid-summer temperatures in Sharm el-Sheikh can soar past 40 degrees, making peak seasons of June-August unsuitable for some travellers. The Red Sea is highly sought for winter breaks, when the temperature still averages at over 30 degrees. Winter prices do not skyrocket for Sharm el-Sheikh, making it a more affordable winter holiday than a long-haul destination.

How to Get There:
Many budget airline carriers now fly direct to Sharm el-Sheikh, including easyJet and Thomsonfly. Flight time is around 6 hours, so it’s best to check if an in-flight meal is included in the flight price. Direct flight to Sharm el-Sheikh operate several times daily from London airports, as well as a selection of regional airports across the UK. Sharm el-Sheikh International airport is a 20-minute drive from the resort centre. All taxi fares should be negotiated before agreeing to travel.

Must See:
Spectacular coral reef can be found by venturing further out of Na’ama Bay to more unspoilt areas. Local tour guides offer ethical diving days to protect the reef from over-diving. Sunrise over Mount Sinai is tough but rewarding; a four-hour coach transfers to the foot of the mountain leads to an overnight trek. Reach the summit just before sunrise for breathtaking views across the Sinai desert.