Egypt · Red Sea
Sharm el Sheikh
World-class reef straight off the beach, five hours from the UK, and all-inclusive that costs less than a week in Cornwall. It is the best value winter sun we sell.
The short version
You're here for what's underwater
The reef starts a few metres from the shore, and at Ras Mohammed and the Straits of Tiran it's among the best diving anywhere. You don't need to dive to see it — a mask and a pair of reef shoes off the hotel jetty will do. Pick your hotel on its house reef, not its buffet.
The bays
Naama, Nabq or Sharks Bay
Naama Bay is the old centre — walkable, lively, and the cheapest hotels. Sharks Bay and Ras Um Sid have the better house reefs and quieter resorts. Nabq is furthest out, newest, and has the shallowest shore entry, which suits families with small children and suits snorkellers less.
Above the beach
There is a town here too
Most people never leave the resort, which is a shame — the old market at Sharm El Maya, the Al Sahaba mosque and the fish restaurants along the marina are a genuinely good evening out. Agree the taxi fare before you get in; meters are theoretical.
Pick your bay
Where to stay
When to go
Winter is the point
Sharm is a winter-sun destination. October to May gives you 25–30°C and warm water. July and August reach the mid-forties, which is too hot to be outside, and prices drop accordingly for a reason.
Sea temperature stays swimmable all year, though January and February water is bracing without a shortie. October and April are the two best months.
Before you book
Three things worth knowing
Check FCDO advice before you book. UK government guidance for the Sinai peninsula distinguishes between the Sharm resort area and travel overland elsewhere in Sinai. It affects your insurance as well as your plans, so read the current advice — we'll point you at it and talk it through.
Bring reef shoes. The Red Sea shoreline is coral, not sand, at most of the good bays. Shoes make the difference between snorkelling daily and not bothering after day two.
All-inclusive here genuinely is. Unlike most destinations, the Egyptian all-inclusive standard covers drinks, snacks and usually watersports. It's why the total cost of a week here undercuts almost everywhere else we sell.
Next step
Tell us your dates and we'll match the reef
The hotel matters more here than almost anywhere, because the house reef is the holiday. Send your dates and we'll match you to the right bay, with the payment plan written out in full.
Sharm el Sheikh packages
Flights, accommodation and transfers as one package. Every one can be reshaped — different dates, different board, a different airport, or a stopover on the way.
7 nights in Sharm el Sheikh
- Return flights and private transfers
- All inclusive throughout
- Financial protection confirmed in writing before you pay
10 nights in Sharm el Sheikh
- Return flights and private transfers
- All inclusive throughout
- The extra nights cost proportionally less — fixed costs don't change
14 nights in Sharm el Sheikh
- Return flights and private transfers
- Half board throughout
- Best value per night, and worth it on a longer flight
Guide prices, per person, based on two sharing, including return flights, accommodation and transfers. They indicate what a holiday of this type has typically cost and are not an offer or a quotation. Your price depends on dates, party, board basis, departure airport and availability, and is confirmed in writing before any payment is taken.
Packages that include Sharm
Ready-built itineraries with flights, transfers and internal hops booked as one package, ATOL protected. Every one can be reshaped around your dates.
10 Night Rome, Pompeii & the Amalfi Coast
10 nights · May–Jun, Sep–Oct · from £1,449pp
11 Night Athens, Paros & Santorini
11 nights · May–Jun, Sep · from £1,149pp
10 Night Marrakech, Atlas & Essaouira
10 nights · Mar–May, Sep–Nov · from £849pp
11 Night Cape Town, Winelands & Kruger
11 nights · Apr, Oct · from £2,699pp
12 Night Serengeti & Zanzibar
12 nights · Jun–Oct, Jan–Feb · from £3,399pp
12 Night Masai Mara & Zanzibar
12 nights · Jul–Oct · from £3,099pp
11 Night Doha & Zanzibar
11 nights · Jun–Oct, Dec–Feb · from £1,799pp
11 Night Dubai & Maldives
11 nights · Nov–Apr · from £2,199pp
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