Sharm El Sheikh: A Fairytale Land of Deserts and Oases

February is drawing to a close, and in colder climates people are already looking forward to the first signs of spring. Meanwhile, the high season is beginning in Egypt’s warm resorts. Sharm El Sheikh is ready to welcome large numbers of visitors. But who is this resort best suited to? More precisely, which type of traveller do local hotel and shop owners cater to most?

Sharm El Sheikh is particularly convenient for travellers who are new to international travel or do not feel confident in a foreign-language environment. The ease of handling everyday matters can make a holiday far more relaxing. The level of service and hotel prices are highly competitive and can sometimes compare favourably with similar beach holidays elsewhere.

Convenient direct flights, reasonably priced hotels—most of them rated four or five stars—plenty of transport around the city, and a huge choice of entertainment venues all make this a popular destination.

If Egypt is your destination of choice, here are a few recommendations for the most interesting places to visit when you arrive in Sharm El Sheikh.

The first attraction that simply cannot be overlooked is the endlessly beautiful, warm Red Sea. We encourage every holidaymaker to discover the magic of its underwater world. There are countless coral reefs inhabited by brilliantly coloured fish, sea urchins, lively shrimp and many other fascinating marine creatures. Conditions here are ideal for learning to dive. More experienced divers can also explore mysterious sites such as shipwrecks. And for those not yet ready to go underwater with a mask and snorkel, there is the option of descending towards the seabed in a comfortable submarine with panoramic windows. Without getting your feet wet, you can see everything that experienced divers see. This excursion costs around $50 per adult and $30 per child, and it is worth booking in advance. During the high season, planning your activities ahead will help you avoid problems with availability. Similar excursions are offered by hotels, although prices may be considerably higher. The “submarine journey” lasts three hours, with hotel transfers included. A glass-bottom boat is a more affordable alternative for viewing marine life, costing around $15 per person.

Another way to enjoy the crystal-clear water and underwater world is a yacht trip. Sharm El Sheikh offers many excursions to the legendary uninhabited island of Tiran. Visitors are not permitted to land on the island itself, but the trip offers splendid views of its sheer cliffs and abundant marine life. The excursion takes a full day, with transfers departing early in the morning. When booking, be sure to check whether snorkelling equipment is included or bring your own. The itinerary usually includes a couple of swimming stops and a couple of diving stops. Along the way, you may encounter playful dolphins or giant turtles. The water is so clear that you can watch them from the deck. One advantage of this type of trip is that you can choose between a yacht and a motorboat. Select your vessel depending on whether you want a lively group atmosphere or a more secluded outing. The average cost of a yacht trip ranges from $25 to $75.

As you may have noticed, we are focusing here on Sharm El Sheikh’s natural attractions. Its historical sights are certainly interesting too, but they deserve a separate article. Egypt’s nature, however, has much more to offer than the sea. Here you can visit the Coloured Canyon, an opportunity to venture deep into sandstone cliffs and see how the rock formations were created. We do not recommend this excursion for anyone with claustrophobia. At its narrowest point, the canyon is only two metres wide, and the towering cliffs around you can feel a little intimidating. It is not safe to go there without a guide. After leaving the main road, there is another 15-kilometre drive. But the extraordinary scenery is worth it. Over a distance of five kilometres, softly blending colours create intricate patterns on the canyon walls. Inclusions of minerals, coral and metals add even more variety to the palette. The gradually narrowing floor seems to lead into an entirely different world. There can be plenty of tourists here, and tours are often combined with a visit to another fascinating site, the Blue Hole. Naturally, this increases the price. We recommend choosing enclosed jeeps: you will spend most of the journey in comfort before enjoying a walk through the gorge. The only requirement is good weather. It is unsafe to be here in the rain, as the sandstone is easily eroded and may crumble. Guides often splash a small amount of water on the walls, making the colours appear brighter—an effect that delighted visitors immediately use for striking photographs. The trip costs from $35 to $45.

This is how varied and vibrant this African country can be: a place where you can discover not only your hotel beach, but also the richness and diversity of Egypt’s natural wonders.