# Things to do in Sharm El Sheikh: top sights and where to go

> Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of Sinai: the Naama Bay promenade, the Old Market with Al Sahaba Mosque and the Coptic Heavenly Cathedral are 10–15 minutes apart by taxi, and SOHO Square is another 15–20 minutes north. The reefs of Ras Mohammed, White Island and the Strait of Tiran are half-day or full-day boat trips. Keep a separate night for Mount Sinai and St Catherine's Monastery, about three hours' drive each way.

Web page: https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh

## Ready itineraries

- [One day in Sharm el-Sheikh: an itinerary in the best order](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/in-1-day.md): Naama Bay's promenade, the painted Heavenly Cathedral, Al Sahaba Mosque and the Old Market's spice stalls — in order, by taxi, with lunch and timings.

## All 10 places with the YesGo score

- [Saint Catherine's Monastery](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/saint-catherines-monastery.md): YesGo score 49/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · Free entry, museum extra. St Catherine's Monastery is a working 6th-century Greek Orthodox monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai, about three hours' drive from Sharm…
- [Mount Sinai](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/mount-sinai.md): YesGo score 41/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 4 h · Tour from Sharm ≈ US$30–80. Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa, 2,285 m) is the biblical peak three hours' drive from Sharm El Sheikh, climbed at night for sunrise. Expect 12–16…
- [Heavenly Cathedral](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/heavenly-cathedral.md): YesGo score 41/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 30 min · Free; donations welcome. The Heavenly Cathedral (Al Samaeyin) is Sharm El Sheikh’s Coptic Orthodox cathedral, opened in 2010, with every wall and ceiling covered…
- [Naama Bay](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/naama-bay.md): YesGo score 41/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h · Free (promenade). Naama Bay is Sharm El Sheikh's original resort centre: a sheltered sandy bay with a pedestrian promenade of cafés, shops and dive centres…
- [Al Sahaba Mosque](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/al-sahaba-mosque.md): YesGo score 39/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 30 min · Free. The Al Sahaba Mosque is the twin-minaret landmark of Old Sharm, opened in 2017 and floodlit after dark. Entry is free, and non-Muslims may…
- [Old Market (Old Sharm)](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/sharm-el-sheikh-old-market.md): YesGo score 36/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · Free entry. The Old Market is a pedestrian bazaar in Sharm El Maya, at the southern end of Sharm El Sheikh, around the Al Sahaba Mosque: spices…
- [SOHO Square](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/sharm-el-sheikh-soho-square.md): YesGo score 30/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h · Free entry; activities are paid. SOHO Square is an open-air entertainment complex at the Savoy resorts on White Knight Bay, Sharks Bay, 2 km from the airport: a dancing…
- [White Island](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/sharm-el-sheikh-white-island.md): YesGo score 22/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · Tour ≈ US$30–50 + park fee ≈ US$5. White Island is a sandbar in the marine part of Ras Mohammed National Park: exposed at low tide, under water at high tide. You can only…
- [Tiran Island](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/tiran-island.md): YesGo score 21/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 4 h · ≈ US$30–50 + ≈ US$5 park fee. Tiran Island is a desert island at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba, Saudi territory since 2017. You can't land on it: boat trips from Sharm…
- [Ras Mohammed National Park](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/ras-mohammed.md): YesGo score 16/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 4 h · ≈ US$5–7, usually included in tours. Ras Mohammed is Egypt's first national park, at the southern tip of Sinai about 40 minutes' drive from Naama Bay: reefs right off the…

## Sharm El Sheikh travel guide

Before you go: the reefs of Ras Mohammed and Tiran, Naama Bay and the Old Market, Mount Sinai, areas, the airport and weather.

## Trip essentials

- How many days: 7–10 days: sea, reefs, Sinai
- When to go: October–November and March–May
- Visa: Depends on your passport; a free Sinai stamp may apply
- Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP); dollars and euros widely taken
- Airport: Sharm El Sheikh (SSH) ≈ 15 km from Naama Bay
- Sea: Red Sea: reefs right off the hotels
- Mount Sinai: Night climb for sunrise, ≈ 2.5–3 h up
- Getting around: Taxis, minibuses, hotel transfers
- Diving: Year-round; the best visibility in autumn and spring
- Time zone: UTC+2, UTC+3 in summer

## Key facts

- **1983** — Ras Mohammed became Egypt’s first national park (source: Wikipedia, “Ras Muhammad National Park”)
- **2002** — the Saint Catherine Area with Mount Sinai joined the UNESCO list (source: UNESCO World Heritage List, No. 954)
- **≈ 2,285 m** — height of Mount Sinai (source: Wikipedia, “Mount Sinai”)
- **6th c.** — Saint Catherine’s Monastery was built — among the oldest working monasteries (source: UNESCO World Heritage List, No. 954)

## Things to do in Sharm El Sheikh

The best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh are in the water: the reefs of Ras Mohammed National Park, Tiran Island and White Island. On land there is Naama Bay’s promenade, the Old Market with Al Sahaba Mosque, the Coptic Heavenly Cathedral and SOHO Square. A night trip takes you up Mount Sinai to Saint Catherine’s Monastery. Every place with its YesGo score is in the list above.

| Where | What to see | Time |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Naama Bay** | [Bay and promenade](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/naama-bay) | evening |
| **Old Sharm** | [Old Market](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/sharm-el-sheikh-old-market), [Al Sahaba](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/al-sahaba-mosque) | 2 h |
| **Hadaba** | [Heavenly Cathedral](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/heavenly-cathedral) | 30 min |
| **Nabq** | [SOHO Square](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/sharm-el-sheikh-soho-square) | evening |
| **Sea** | [Ras Mohammed](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/ras-mohammed), [Tiran](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/tiran-island) | 1 day each |
| **Islands** | [White Island](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/sharm-el-sheikh-white-island) | ½ day |
| **Sinai** | [Mount Sinai](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/mount-sinai), [monastery](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/saint-catherines-monastery) | overnight |

Rather not plan it yourself? The list above has ready itineraries for 1–2 days, with places in a sensible order.

## Where to stay in Sharm El Sheikh

Where to stay in Sharm El Sheikh: Naama Bay for cafés, nightlife and a sandy bay; Sharks Bay and Nabq for house reefs and big resorts; Hadaba and Ras Um Sid for coral gardens reached by steps and pontoons. Families often pick hotels with a sandy entry into the sea.

| Area | Best for | Keep in mind |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Naama Bay** | Nightlife, cafés, sand | Busy, reef further out |
| **Sharks Bay** | House reef, snorkelling | ≈ 15 min to Naama |
| **Nabq** | Big resorts, SOHO | ≈ 25 min to the centre |
| **Hadaba, Ras Um Sid** | Reef, near Old Market | Pontoon entry |

## Sharm El Sheikh airport to hotels

Sharm El Sheikh International (SSH) is ≈ 15 km from Naama Bay and ≈ 5 km from Sharks Bay and Nabq — 10–30 minutes by transfer or taxi.

| How | To | Time |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Transfer** | Naama Bay | ≈ 20 min |
| **Transfer** | Nabq, Sharks Bay | ≈ 10–15 min |
| **Taxi** | Hadaba, Old Market | ≈ 25–30 min |

Taxis have no meters — agree the fare before you set off.

## Sharm El Sheikh weather by month

Sharm El Sheikh is warm all year, and the sea never drops below ≈ 22 °C. The best time to visit is October–November and March–May, ≈ 27–33 °C by day. Summer reaches 37 °C; winter days are ≈ 22–23 °C — warmer and less windy than Hurghada.

- **January in Sharm El Sheikh**: day ≈ 22°C, night ≈ 15°C, sea ≈ 23°C, rainy days: 0. About 22°, sea ≈ 23°.
- **February in Sharm El Sheikh**: day ≈ 23°C, night ≈ 15°C, sea ≈ 22°C, rainy days: 0. The coolest month, sea ≈ 22°.
- **March in Sharm El Sheikh** (best time): day ≈ 25°C, night ≈ 17°C, sea ≈ 23°C, rainy days: 0. About 25°, warming up.
- **April in Sharm El Sheikh** (best time): day ≈ 29°C, night ≈ 21°C, sea ≈ 24°C, rainy days: 0. About 29° — a great time.
- **May in Sharm El Sheikh** (best time): day ≈ 33°C, night ≈ 24°C, sea ≈ 26°C, rainy days: 0. About 33°, sea ≈ 26°.
- **June in Sharm El Sheikh**: day ≈ 36°C, night ≈ 27°C, sea ≈ 27°C, rainy days: 0. Hot, ≈ 36°.
- **July in Sharm El Sheikh**: day ≈ 37°C, night ≈ 28°C, sea ≈ 28°C, rainy days: 0. Heat ≈ 37°.
- **August in Sharm El Sheikh**: day ≈ 37°C, night ≈ 29°C, sea ≈ 28°C, rainy days: 0. Hot, sea ≈ 28°.
- **September in Sharm El Sheikh**: day ≈ 35°C, night ≈ 27°C, sea ≈ 28°C, rainy days: 0. About 35°.
- **October in Sharm El Sheikh** (best time): day ≈ 31°C, night ≈ 24°C, sea ≈ 27°C, rainy days: 0. About 31° — the best month.
- **November in Sharm El Sheikh** (best time): day ≈ 27°C, night ≈ 20°C, sea ≈ 25°C, rainy days: 0. About 27°, sea ≈ 25°.
- **December in Sharm El Sheikh**: day ≈ 23°C, night ≈ 16°C, sea ≈ 24°C, rainy days: 1. About 23°, warm days.

Mount Sinai is cold at night even in summer and near freezing in winter — bring warm layers.

## Snorkelling and reefs in Sharm

Snorkelling is the main reason to visit Sharm: at many hotels the reef starts right off the pontoon. The best reefs are at Ras Mohammed and around Tiran Island, reached by boat. Bring a mask and reef shoes from day one.

- **Ras Mohammed** — national park in the south: reef walls, mangroves and the Magic Lake.
- **Tiran** — four reefs in the strait, ≈ 1 h by boat.
- **White Island** — a sandbar in the open sea, good with kids.
- **House reefs** — Sharks Bay, Ras Um Sid, Nabq — free for hotel guests.

## Sharm El Sheikh trip prices

Naama Bay, the Old Market, the mosque and the cathedral are free. You pay for boat trips to Ras Mohammed and Tiran (plus a national park fee), the night climb of Mount Sinai and entry to the monastery.

- [Saint Catherine's Monastery](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/saint-catherines-monastery) — Free entry, museum extra
- [Mount Sinai](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/mount-sinai) — Tour from Sharm ≈ US$30–80
- [Heavenly Cathedral](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/heavenly-cathedral) — Free; donations welcome
- [Naama Bay](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/naama-bay) — Free (promenade)
- [Al Sahaba Mosque](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/al-sahaba-mosque) — Free
- [Old Market (Old Sharm)](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/sharm-el-sheikh-old-market) — Free entry
- [SOHO Square](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/sharm-el-sheikh-soho-square) — Free entry; activities are paid
- [White Island](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/sharm-el-sheikh-white-island) — Tour ≈ US$30–50 + park fee ≈ US$5
- [Tiran Island](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/tiran-island) — ≈ US$30–50 + ≈ US$5 park fee
- [Ras Mohammed National Park](https://yesgo.io/egypt/sharm-el-sheikh/ras-mohammed) — ≈ US$5–7, usually included in tours

## Tips

- Mount Sinai tours leave around midnight: climb for sunrise, then visit the monastery as it opens.
- Don’t feed fish or stand on coral — park rangers fine visitors.
- Wear a sun shirt on boat days to Ras Mohammed and Tiran — the sun is fierce on deck.

## Questions

### Is Sharm El Sheikh worth visiting?

Yes, for some of the world’s best reefs close to shore, warm winter sea and the night climb of Mount Sinai.

### What to do in Sharm El Sheikh at night?

Walk Naama Bay’s promenade, visit the Old Market and Al Sahaba Mosque lit up, or head to SOHO Square for shows and a fountain.

### What to do in Sharm El Sheikh with kids?

White Island’s sandbar, a glass-bottom boat, the reef off your hotel and the SOHO Square fountain shows.

### What is the weather like in Sharm El Sheikh in December?

About 23 °C by day and 16 °C at night, with the sea near 24 °C.

### When is the best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh for diving?

October–November and March–May: warm water, calm seas and good visibility.

### Do I need a visa for Sharm El Sheikh?

It depends on your passport. Visitors staying in South Sinai for up to 15 days may get a free Sinai stamp; travel beyond needs a full visa. Check the rules for your passport.

### How do I climb Mount Sinai?

On a night tour: ≈ 2.5–3 hours up on foot or partly by camel, sunrise at the top, then Saint Catherine’s Monastery.

### Can I see the pyramids from Sharm El Sheikh?

Yes, as a day trip by plane to Cairo — about an hour each way. By road it is 6–7 hours.

### How far is Sharm El Sheikh airport from Naama Bay?

About 15 km, roughly 20 minutes by transfer.

### Where is the best snorkelling in Sharm?

Ras Mohammed National Park and the Tiran reefs by boat; from shore, Sharks Bay and Ras Um Sid.

## Sources

- UNESCO World Heritage List, No. 954 (Saint Catherine Area)
- Wikipedia, “Sharm El Sheikh”; “Ras Muhammad National Park”; “Mount Sinai”; Sharm El Sheikh climate (1991–2020 normals)
- Sharm El Sheikh International Airport — official website

Facts checked: 09.11.2026

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