Your Guide to Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh, from Reefs to Rooftops

Welcome to Sharm El Sheikh - or just Sharm, as locals like to call it. Many Egyptians consider this glitzy coastal town their little slice of paradise on the Red Sea. With turquoise waters, the majestic Egyptian sun, and locals who bring the city to life long after sunset, there's no shortage of things to do in Sharm El Sheikh. 
 

Known for being more curated than its laid-back cousin Hurghada, Sharm has a lively nightlife scene with a more cosmopolitan edge. It also offers a polished resort experience perfect for families who enjoy making memories together. 
 

 After a day of exploring the many things to do in Sharm El Sheikh, you’ll want somewhere peaceful to unwind. With relaxing family rooms, playgrounds, and pools, Novotel Sharm El Sheikh is the place to be. Located right in Naama Bay, the hotel boasts stunning Red Sea views with direct access to a private beach. With a gym and a luxurious spa offering hammam experiences, self-care is close at hand. 
 

Whether you’re holidaying with family or exploring beach towns in Africa with your better half, this complete Sharm El Sheikh itinerary has you covered.

The Red Sea is a playground for lovers of water sports. Sharm in particular has some of the best opportunities for jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides in the Sinai Peninsula. There's basically something to do for every age and adrenaline level, but sit tight – we'll get to the more intense water activities a bit later.
 

Younger kids will love bouncing across the waves in a donut boat, while teens and adventurous adults might prefer windsurfing or fly-boarding. Nearly every beach club has sportswear and gear to rent, with multilingual instructors ready to bend over backwards to help you get started safely. Booking fees are usually standard, but when in doubt, just ask around! Local guides are friendly and always willing to help. 

The beaches in Sharm are great for those of us who enjoy tranquil swimming or getting a good tan. Egypt’s sun doesn’t disappoint in this department and is known for its unique ability to give you a golden colour like no other. (Still, as responsible fun-loving adults, we highly recommend bringing along some waterproof sunscreen.) 

 For an unforgettable beach day out, take a boat trip to White Island or explore Ras Mohammed National Park. White Island, which is one of the most stunning beaches in Sharm El Sheikh, is a dreamy sandbar that appears only at low tide in the Red Sea. Its pristine, turquoise waters are breathtaking and perfect for photo ops. 

Naama Bay, where you can find Novotel Sharm El Sheikh, is the happening place to be for both locals and visitors, thanks to its central location, family-friendly atmosphere, and plenty of beachside spots to grab a snack or ice cream. There are also many lively options for nightlife and entertainment.  

Located on the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninusula, Sharm has a lot of places to explore beyond the water. If you’re a history buff and want to learn more about Egypt's spiritual past, venture out for a scenic drive to the famous St. Catherine Monastery, which is about 2.5 hours from Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.
 

As the world's oldest continuously inhabited monastery, this UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts Christian pilgrims of various Orthodox backgrounds from Egypt and around the world. Nestled at the base of Mount Sinai, St. Catherine is believed to mark the spot where Moses is said to have spoken with God, according to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

The Red Sea is where colourful reefs and funky sea creatures collide to create a world of their own, so no wonder it's a mecca for divers from around the globe. Timing matters though. If you want to avoid the scorching heat, the best time to go scuba diving in Sharm El Sheikh is between October to April, when the weather is pleasant and the water is clear. Otherwise, temperatures often rise above 40 degrees in summer, which lasts from May to September. 

 Family-friendly dive centres like Red Sea Diving College offer easy intro dives in shallow waters. They can also help you get accredited as a diver - specifically PADI certified - if you're into it! The centre is located in the heart of Naama Bay and is a 10-minute walk from Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.  

 For all you die-hard divers out there, we recommend taking a boat out to Ras Mohammed National Park or the legendary SS Thistlegorm wreck. Now a popular diving spot, the boat was a British Navy ship that sank in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt during World War II. Most beach clubs and tour organisers can help you arrange day trips to both locations for a fee. 

 If you’ve got the time, venture out for a scenic 1-hour drive to Dahab where you can explore the dramatic Blue Hole. True to its name, this circular underwater cavern is home to colourful sea life and shimmering reef walls. 

One look at the sheer depth of the area, and you'll understand why it’s hailed as one of the most prominent dive sites in the world. The Blue Hole is definitely not for the faint of heart, but its raw, natural beauty is both humbling and awe-inspiring in the best possible way. 
 

Local secret: A popular yet under-the-radar getaway just a couple of hours from Novotel Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab is a laid-back, barefoot kind of town that attracts free-spirited locals, seasoned divers, and the occasional desert-dwelling nomad. 

If you’d prefer an activity without all the gear and accreditation requirements, snorkelling in Sharm El Sheikh delivers plenty of underwater excitement too. 

With calm waters and thriving marine life, Naama Bay, El Fanar Beach, and Shark’s Bay are ideal snorkelling spots. Just be ready to be amazed by the kaleidoscope of colours beneath the surface. You might spot rainbow-coloured parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish – who kids (and some adults) may remember as Gil from Finding Nemo.  

You should plan to head out in the early morning to catch the reef at its liveliest, and you might want to bring along an underwater camera. 

We get it, not everyone wants to dive or snorkel into the unknown. Families with young children or anyone who wants to enjoy the underwater views from above will enjoy hopping on a glass-bottom boat tour in Sharm El Sheikh. These boats give you a glimpse of the Red Sea’s coral cities from the comfort of a drier seat. 

 Tours, which are booked in advance for a fee, usually include narration from friendly local guides, who'll willingly share fun facts about marine life and old Egyptian tales of the sea. 

Before you head home, you have to watch the sunset at Farsha Mountain Lounge, an eclectic family-friendly café that blends Bedouin tradition with Bohemian flair. 

 Locals love Farsha, which in Egyptian dialect means "spread". The whimsical wonderland is quite literally spread out on a hanging cliff near Naama Bay. Don't ask... Egyptians are known for their scrappy ability to make unlikely things happen. After all, they did build the Pyramids. 

 This iconic café feels and looks like a scene from Aladdin. With over 380,000 followers on Instagram, Farsha has become a symbol of Sharm El Sheikh, as well as Egypt as a whole. For well over a decade, the lounge has been a local gem and has continued to attract visitors from all over the world - thanks to its Instagrammable views, as Gen Z like to say. 

 With chill Arabic music, such as local Egyptian favourites Umm Kalthoum or Amr Diab playing in the background, Farsha is the perfect place to unwind after a day of snorkelling or exploring in Sharm El Sheikh. 

 As you bid Sharm farewell, order a fresh juice or a mint tea and settle in to watch the sky turn pink and gold. It's the perfect spot to wrap up your stay in this dreamy coastal escape.