A stay of four to seven days in Sharm El Sheikh gives you enough time to enjoy the beaches, snorkelling, diving, desert experiences, cultural attractions, and nightlife. This also allows time to take day trips to places such as Dahab or St. Catherine Monastery.
Top Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh: Beaches, Reefs, Desert Adventures
Bask in the Egyptian sun and discover the most exciting things to do in Sharm El Sheikh. From blissful beaches to world-class diving, Sharm is the place to be.
Plan your trip to Sharm El Sheikh
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.
Whether you’re holidaying in Egypt with family or exploring beach towns in Africa with your better half, this complete guide to the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh has you covered.
Activities in Sharm El Sheikh at a glance
- Best for: Families, couples, beach lovers, divers, and adventure seekers
- Top experiences: Scuba diving, snorkelling, water sports, desert safaris, and cultural landmarks
- Best time to visit: October to April for comfortable temperatures and clear waters
- Where to stay: Novotel Sharm El Sheikh, located in the heart of Naama Bay with direct beach access
Water sports and beach activities in Sharm El Sheikh
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.
Younger kids will love bouncing across the waves in a donut boat, while teens and adventurous adults might prefer windsurfing or fly-boarding. Many beach clubs and activity operators offer water sports equipment for hire, with multilingual instructors ready to help you get started safely.
Head to the best beaches in Sharm El Sheikh
The beaches in Sharm are great for those who enjoy tranquil swimming.
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 will find Novotel Sharm El Sheikh, is the 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.
Essential information
- Best for: Families, couples, and beach lovers
- Allow: Half day to full day
Try scuba diving in the Red Sea
The Red Sea is one of the world's most celebrated diving destinations, known for its colourful coral reefs, clear waters, and abundant marine life. If you're new to diving, family-friendly centres in Naama Bay offer introductory dives and certification courses for beginners.
Experienced divers can venture to Ras Mohammed National Park, the SS Thistlegorm wreck, or Tiran Island, all known for their rich marine ecosystems and impressive underwater scenery. Most beach clubs and tour operators can help arrange day trips. If you're keen to venture further, take a day trip to Dahab to see the famous Blue Hole. This dramatic underwater sinkhole is one of the region's most recognised dive sites and attracts experienced divers from around the world.
Essential information
- Best for: Certified divers and adventurous beginners
- Allow: Half day to full day
Local secret: With its laid-back atmosphere and waterfront cafés, Dahab is worth a visit even if you're not planning to dive.
Go snorkelling in the Red Sea
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, which kids (and some adults) may recognise from Finding Nemo.
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.
Essential information
- Best for: Families and non-divers
- Allow: two to four hours
Relax and take a glass-bottom boat tour
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 share fun facts about marine life and old Egyptian tales of the sea.
Essential information
- Best for: Families with young children and non-swimmers
- Allow: one to three hours
Things to do in Sharm El Sheikh beyond the beach
Located on the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm offers plenty of places to explore beyond the water.
Explore the Sinai Desert
While the Red Sea gets most of the attention, the Sinai Desert offers a completely different side of Sharm El Sheikh. Vast open landscapes, rugged mountains, and Bedouin traditions make it well worth venturing inland for a day.
For something adventurous, join a jeep safari across the desert trails or take a camel ride through the dunes. Many excursions also include visits to Bedouin camps, where you can enjoy traditional tea, learn about local customs, and dine beneath a sky full of stars.
The desert is also one of the best places in the region for stargazing. With minimal light pollution and clear night skies, it's an unforgettable way to experience the natural beauty of the Sinai Peninsula.
Essential information
- Best for: Adventure seekers and culture lovers
- Allow: Half day to full day
Visit St. Catherine Monastery
If you 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.
Essential information
- Best for: History, culture, and spiritual travellers
- Allow: Full day
Browse local markets
If you'd like a closer look at everyday life in Sharm El Sheikh, spend an afternoon exploring the city's markets and shopping districts. The Old Market is known for its colourful stalls selling spices, souvenirs, textiles, and handmade goods, while Soho Square offers a more contemporary mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment.
These areas provide a great opportunity to experience local culture, pick up gifts, and enjoy traditional Egyptian hospitality away from the beach.
Essential information
- Best for: Shoppers and culture seekers
- Allow: two to four hours
Bask in Sharm El Sheikh’s nightlife
After days spent on the beach or in the water, Sharm El Sheikh comes alive in the evening. From laid-back beach bars overlooking the Red Sea to live music venues and buzzing clubs, there are plenty of ways to spend a night out.
Naama Bay remains one of the city's most popular entertainment districts, with cafés, restaurants, and waterfront venues that stay busy well after sunset. Whether you're looking for a relaxed drink with a view or a livelier evening with music and dancing, Sharm offers something for every style of traveller.
For a more contemporary side of Sharm El Sheikh, spend an evening exploring Soho Square, another buzzing entertainment district known for its shops, restaurants, cafés, and family-friendly attractions.
Essential information
- Best for: Couples, groups, and evening explorers
- Best time to visit: Evening
Watch the sunset over dinner in Sharm El Sheikh
After a day spent on the beach, in the desert, or beneath the waves, treat yourself to dinner at Al Dente at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Overlooking Naama Bay, this popular Italian restaurant pairs panoramic Red Sea views with a menu of traditional dishes prepared by specialist chefs.
Open for lunch and dinner, Al Dente is known for its pizza, pasta, and an open-air terrace setting. Whether you're travelling as a couple or with family, it's an inviting spot to slow down and enjoy a memorable meal after a day of sightseeing.
As the sun sets over Naama Bay, settle in on the terrace and take in the coastal views while exploring the restaurant's authentic Italian flavours. It's a fitting way to round off your time in Sharm El Sheikh.
Essential information
- Best for: Couples and food lovers
- Allow: two to three hours
Plan your Sharm El Sheikh escape with Novotel
Ready to experience the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh? From sun-soaked beaches and colourful coral reefs to desert adventures and waterfront dining, there's plenty to fill your itinerary in one of Egypt’s most exciting beach destinations.
Book your stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh directly on Novotel.com or ALL.com or through the ALL Accor app for access to the exclusive member rate and a seamless booking experience. Join the free ALL Accor loyalty programme to enjoy member benefits and earn Reward points on eligible stays, dining, and experiences across the globe.
FAQs about things to do in Sharm El Sheikh
Families visiting Sharm El Sheikh can enjoy a variety of child-friendly activities such as visiting water parks, enjoying beach days, and exploring the underwater world through snorkelling. Many hotels also offer kids' clubs and family-friendly amenities to ensure a fun and relaxing stay for all ages.
Sharm El Sheikh is popular with couples thanks to its beaches, sunset viewpoints, snorkelling and diving excursions, desert experiences, and waterfront dining. The mix of relaxation and adventure makes Sharm El Sheikh well suited to a romantic getaway.
Taxis are one of the easiest ways to get around Sharm El Sheikh and are widely available throughout the city. Many visitors also book organised tours for attractions such as Ras Mohammed National Park, St. Catherine Monastery, and the Sinai Desert. Walking is common in areas like Naama Bay and Soho Square.
If you’re planning to visit Sharm El Sheikh, pack lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. If you plan to snorkel or take boat trips, an underwater camera can also help you capture the Red Sea's marine life.
