Holidays to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Location

Overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba, in Southern Sinai, lies one of the most outstanding marine environments in the world, with its varied coral reefs, and diverse aquatic life, in crystal clear waters.

Shopping

Whether you want small souvenirs to take home or to fill your wardrobe with Egyptian-style boho chic, you can shop to your heart’s content in Sharm el Sheikh. Bustling bazaars will test your haggling skills – great if you are bargain hunting. But, for a real treat, the western style malls are a labrinyth of sleek boutiques and glossy department stores.

Geography

Sharm el Sheikh is situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, in Janub Sina’, Egypt, on the coastal strip between the Red Sea and Mount Sinai.

Sharm el Sheikh is the administrative hub of Egypt’s Southern Sinai province which includes the smaller coastal towns of Dahab and Nuweiba as well as the mountainous interior, Saint Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai. Sharm el Sheikh is known as The City of Peace referring to the large number of international peace conferences that have been held there.

History

Before 1967, Sharm el Sheikh didn’t even appear on most maps and it was politics rather than diving that first brought the world’s attention to this tiny port. Situated right at the approach to the Strait of Tiran, Sharm became famous when Egypt’s President Nasser decided to blockade the straits, thus cutting off Israel’s access to the Red Sea. The direct result of the blockade was the Arab-Israeli conflict of June 5th, 1967, and Sharm el Sheikh only began to grow in 1968, under Israeli occupation which lasted until 1982. Over the past few years Sharm has become Egypt’s main resort, attracting divers, travellers, and resort guests.

Climate

Basic Information

Language
Arabic is Egypt’s official language, but English and French are widely spoken.

Currency
The unit of currency is the Egyptian pound (LE), which is divided up into 100 piastres (pt).When entering the country with Egyptian currency: there is a limit of LE 5,000 per person. There is no restriction on American dollars, pounds sterling or euros which can be easily exchanged in Egypt.

Electricity
Plugs are continental style (two round pins) and the voltage is 220 V.

Banks
Banks are generally open from 9:30am to 12:30pm (these may differ on Fridays and during the month of Ramadan). Outside these hours, you can change money at hotels.

Driving
Traffic drives on the right. Drivers need an international driving licence and the minimum age is 21.

Time Difference
GMT + 2

Tipping and Local Customs
In restaurants, bars and cafes the level of around 10%. Taxis, 5-10%. It is customary to tip tour guides 5-10 LE and chambermaids 10-15 LE

Water
Bottled mineral water is recommended.

Visas
British and other EU nationals staying for up to 14 days do not require a visa. However, if you intend to travel out of the area or are staying for longer, you must obtain a visa.
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.

Tourist information
www.gotoegypt.org


What makes it so special?
Sharm el Sheikh is a place where the ancient world mixes effortlessly with the new and desert landscapes blend with sun-kissed beaches. Discover sensational diving among the intricate coral reefs, a fascinating history and breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Where to visit?

Snorkel with spectacular marine life at Ras Mohammed National Park, home to more than 1,000 breeds of tropical fish. Browse colourful bazaars and dine in true Bedouin style, beneath the stars in Dahab.

The resort offers restaurants, varied entertainment and numerous activities such as underwater photography, horse and camel riding, quad-biking, snorkelling, desert safaris, windsurfing and sailing to mention just a few activities.

For those who enjoy golf, there is the Jolie Ville Golf Course, which hosted the 2004 European golf Challenge Tournament.