About Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh, a premier resort city located on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula along the Red Sea coast, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and luxurious resorts. As of 2023, the city has an estimated population of approximately 73,000 residents. Its stunning beaches and world-class diving spots make it a favored destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
The city experiences a subtropical desert climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures often exceed 37°C, while winter temperatures average around 23°C during the day. Rainfall is minimal throughout the year, with occasional showers during the winter months. The optimal time to visit Sharm El Sheikh is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when temperatures are more moderate, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) is located approximately 10 kilometers northeast of the city center. Travelers from the United Arab Emirates have convenient options to reach this destination. While there are currently no direct flights from Dubai to Sharm El Sheikh, airlines such as Jazeera Airways offer connecting flights with one stop. The total flight duration, including layovers, varies depending on the chosen route and airline.
Sharm El Sheikh's culinary landscape is diverse, offering a blend of traditional Egyptian dishes and international cuisines. Seafood is particularly prominent, with freshly caught fish and shellfish featured in many local restaurants. Traditional Egyptian dishes such as koshari (a mix of rice, lentils, and pasta), ful medames (stewed fava beans), and taameya (Egyptian falafel) are widely available. For refreshments, hibiscus tea and fresh fruit juices are popular choices among locals and visitors alike.
Tourists in Sharm El Sheikh can explore a variety of attractions that showcase the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. Ras Mohammed National Park, located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, offers stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers. The Al Mustafa Mosque, with its impressive architecture, provides insight into the local religious culture. For those interested in history, excursions to the nearby St. Catherine's Monastery, one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world, are available.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as quad biking in the Sinai Desert, camel trekking, and parasailing over the Red Sea. The Naama Bay promenade is a hub for nightlife, featuring numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops, offering a glimpse into the vibrant social scene of Sharm El Sheikh.
United Arab Emirates citizens can visit Egypt without obtaining a visa beforehand, as they are eligible for a visa-on-arrival. This visa allows a stay of up to 30 days for tourism purposes. For longer stays or non-tourist activities, a visa must be applied for in advance through the Egyptian consulate.
Transportation to Sharm El Sheikh City Center from Airport
Sharm El Sheikh Intl. Airport
Sharm El Sheikh, which hosts millions of tourists each year, is known to be one of the most visited cities of Egypt. If you are thinking of traveling to this city, which is also known as the "city of peace" because of the large number of International Peace Conferences hold in the city, you can fly to Sharm El Sheikh Airport. Sharm El Sheikh is located on the easternmost part of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.
The most popular areas that you can visit in this city having a coastline on the Red Sea are the Soho Square, Old Market, Hay el Nour, Hadaba, Rowaysat and Montazah regions in addition to Nabq and Naama bays.
With a small surface area and low population density, the city has very limited public transportation facilities. If you want, you can reach many places in the city by using minibuses. Taxi is a more preferred option than others. IF you wish, you can also rent a car.
To get to the airport from your location, using a taxi or renting a car are among the best options. If you want your travel to be more affordable, you can take advantage of minibuses. It is useful to say that this transportation option is not comfortable.
Minibus
You can get to the city center from the airport by using these minibuses. These vehicles pick up passengers from the area very close to the Terminal 1 and arrive at the city center in about fifteen minutes. However, their departure times can take up to twenty minutes under normal conditions because the driver waits until the vehicle is full of passengers. So, traveling with minibuses when there is no crowd may not be the right option. The only public transportation option in Sharm El Sheikh is minibuses. There are two minibus routes in the city. Both routes pass through the Old Market. The first route pass through Hadaba, the second route moves in the direction of Nabq. Traveling by minibus is a very affordable option. However, the vehicles are moving very slowly and you often wait for long minutes for passengers.
Taxi
The taxi is a comfortable option for your travel to city center; moreover, it is much more economical compared to the other cities in Europe. Before getting on any taxi, we advise you to pay attention that the vehicle is blue and white and there is a taxi sign on it. As these are registered vehicles, they are safer than other taxis. In addition, you can also choose to use the hotel taxis to have a safer travel. Some drivers may ask for higher fares. To prevent this, we advise you to agree with the taxi driver about the fare.
Car Rental
Car rental is another option you can choose for a comfortable travel. You can rent your car at the airport after your plane has landed or make an online reservation before your flight. Airport information: Sharm El Sheikh Airport, which is known as Egypt's second largest airport, has two terminals as international and domestic. The third terminal is already under construction. Despite of being less than many other international airports, you can find a few cafes and restaurants at Sharm El Sheikh Airport. When it comes to shopping stores, you have more options. You can visit many shops for buying souvenirs or outlets for finding affordable products. In addition to these, the Duty-Free shops are also located in the terminal where you can buy many high-quality products at affordable prices. You can also access the internet at the airport.
