Sharm El Sheikh

Once a fihshing village, this resort now spreads between Nabq Bay in the north, down through the tourist heart of Naama Bay, Maya Bay in the South. Wherever you are, look one way and you'll see the rocky landscape of the Sinai Desert, look the other way and you'll see that most people come to Sharm El Sheikh for the Red Sea. Which ever way you look at it Sharm El Sheikh is the location to visit.

Sharm El Sheikh will get your temperature soaring with its near permenant sunshine. Summers are long and dry, with hot days and sultry nights. In July & August temperatures hover around 37 Celcius and often soar higher. Thankfully the heat isn't of the humid type and the beaches are cooled by the breezes of the Red Sea.

All in all the best time to come is in Spring & Autumn, when temperatures hit the confortable 24 to 32 celcius range. Even in the Winter Sharm El Sheikh  is wonderfully mild and dry with rain being a rarity.

Sharm el-Sheikh's major industry is foreign and domestic tourism, owing to its dramatic landscape, year-round dry temperate climate and long stretches of natural beaches. Its waters are clear and calm for most of the year. Sharm el Sheikh has become a popular favorite for tourists from around the world with various water sports; particularly recreational scuba diving and snorkeling which some consider to be among the best in the world. Coral reefs, under water and marine life, unmatched anywhere in the world, offer a spectacular and dazzling time for divers. There is wide room for scientific tourism with diversity in marine life species; 250 different coral reefs and 1000 species of fish.

These natural resources, together with its proximity to European tourism markets, have stimulated the rapid growth of tourism that the region is currently experiencing.

Tourists to Sharm el Sheikh are estimated at over 7 million / year. There are over 100 Beach resorts many of which are reputable international hotels and resorts who have been attracted to invest in this beautiful and lucrative city, with categories ranging from three to five stars, to meet all budgets.

Sharm is also home to a state of the art congress center, where many international political meetings have been held. Peace conferences, ministerial meetings, World Bank meetings, Arab league conferences to mention a few.

The night life of Sharm El-Sheikh is very active and attractive. In 2005, Little Buddha, a sushi bar, nightclub, and bar, took the title of having the longest continuously open bars in the Middle East. Other popular bars include: Camel Bar, The Tavern, Pirate's Bar, Movenpick Beach, and The Mexican. If dancing is appealing to you, then Sharm has a lot to offer. Clubs such as The Bus Stop and world renowned Pascha throw parties almost every night of the year. These nightclubs and restaurants contribute greatly to the lifestyle led by Sharm el-Sheikh's visitors each year.

The colorful handicraft stands of the local Bedouin culture are a popular attraction. Ras Mohammed, at the southern-most tip of the peninsula, has been designated a national park, serving to protect the area's wildlife as well as its natural landscape, shoreline and coral reef. A number of international hotels and noted restaurants are clustered around the centre of Sharm, known as Naama Bay, with golf courses and other leisure facilities further up the coast.

SCUBA Diving and Water Sports
Sharm el-Sheikh has also become a favorite spot for Scuba divers from around the world. Being situated on the Red Sea, it provides some of the most stunning underwater scenery and warm water making this an ideal place to dive. Visitors to Sharm el-Sheikh can experience a variety of water activities. Beach seekers find many activities such as diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, para-sailing, boating, and canoeing.

Transportation
Sharm's marina has been redeveloped for private yachts and sailboats, with a passenger terminal for cruise ships and scheduled ferry service to Hurghada and Aqaba.

Ophira Int'l Airport in addition to scheduled flights to Cairo, Hurghada, Luxor, Alexandria and 5 weekly flights to London (Gatwick), Sharm's airport is served by frequent charter flights to most European cities, among other destinations.

Well, wot else can be said about Sharm, it's spot on for sun starved holiday makers.