Sharm el Sheikh is a popular resort city, spread on the Red Sea coast in the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula. The city divided the Red Sea into two bays: Aqaba and Suez. It is famous for coral reefs, luxury hotels, but its main wealth is the sea, for which thousands of tourists from all over the world come here every year.
The name of the city in Arabic translates as "coast (bay) of the Sheikh." The settlement on this land has been known since the time of the Ottoman Empire. Today this modern city is different from other settlements in the country: the second most popular city in Egypt in 1982 began to be built as a resort from scratch by decree of Hosni Mumbarak, the country's president. That is why there is the most developed infrastructure. Photos of Sharm El Sheikh and the sights of the city we will present in this review.
Desert climate, dry air, little rainfall - the city is almost always very hot. In summer, the air temperature in the shade reaches +45 ° C, in winter it does not fall below +18 ° C. The average annual sea temperature is +24 ° C.
Sights of Sharm El Sheikh: description and photo
The popular resort is famous for its many attractions - historical, architectural, cultural. If you are planning a trip to Egypt, try to visit the most popular places in this city.
Natural Attractions: Nabq Park
One of the main attractions of Sharm El Sheikh. One of the largest national parks on the Sinai Peninsula. The total area of the park is 600 km². Nabq is famous for its unique flora, here you can see mangrove trees and arak. The wildlife is also rich.
The park has excellent diving spots where anyone can enjoy the underwater beauty.
Ras Mohammed
Another national park. A popular attraction of Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt is located in the Riviera. Diving fans love to visit this park. Mars Gokhslani, Shark Reef, a sunken ship, as well as South Beretika attract connoisseurs of underwater beauty from around the world. At the end of the last century, the Environmental Protection Agency of Egypt declared these territories a reserve in order to avoid the construction of new cities polluting the environment.
Sinai mountain
Mount Tour, Mount Moses, Mount Horeb - all these are the names of the natural attractions of Sharm El Sheikh, a photo of which you can see below. Located in the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula.
According to an ancient legend, it was on this mountain that the Lord gave Moses the law of the Ten Commandments. The ancient chapel, which historians date back to the 4th century, has been preserved on the top of the mountain, there is also a stone slab with the 10 commandments inscribed on it (Tablets of the Testament). Believers from all over the world make pilgrimages here.
Tiran Island
The island is located at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba, delimiting Saudi Arabia and Egypt. In the VI century, the principality of Iotvat was here. This independent territory was economically connected with many countries of the world. Today the island belongs to Egypt. Only UN military personnel are located here.
Reef "Yolanda"
The reef is located near a city in the Red Sea and is considered a great place for snorkeling. Tourists who have been here enthusiastically talk about the extraordinary nature and vivid impressions after visiting the remains of the Yolanda ship. In 1980, he ran aground off the coast, and in 1987 he sank.
Colorful canyon
Amazing natural attraction of Sharm El Sheikh. Reviews of her visit are enthusiastic. The canyon is located 150 km from the city in the Sinai Mountains. It consists of sandstone rocks of various colors - from white to rich red, interspersed with copper, cobalt, granite rocks and ancient corals. It was the color combinations that gave the name to this place.
In some areas the rocks are brightly colored, with a predominance of metallic luster, in others the color of the stones is very warm and delicate. Here there is sandstone of yellow, red, gray, pink, white and even purple.
Religious buildings: the temple of the prophet Elijah
This unique attraction of Sharm el-Sheikh was founded in the XI-XII centuries by David II - the Georgian king - over a cave in which, according to legend, the prophet Elijah was hiding from the persecution of the Israeli king Akhov and Queen Jezebel.
Behind a stone wall, near the church, is the well of the prophet Elijah, the water from which is miraculous.
Monastery of St. George the Victorious
As the name suggests, the structure was erected in honor of St. George the Victorious. In the monastery you can see the famous collar that was worn on St. George, and the torture room. There is a belief that everyone who puts it on will be equated with martyrs and get rid of all ailments.
The shrine of the monastery is the icon of St. George. Everyone can visit the services in the temple, which are conducted by candlelight. The monastery is small. Between the outbuildings and the temple is a park with palm trees, thuja and roses. Two tracks are broken in it. One goes around the monastery’s temple, and the other leads to the refectory and cell building.
Monastery of St. Catherine
One of the oldest monasteries in the world is precisely this attraction of Sharm El Sheikh. It was erected in the VI century. Today in the annex of the main temple is an exhibition of ancient books and icons. The chapel is considered a holy place of the monastery, therefore, at the entrance to it you must remove your shoes.
Numerous excursions are regularly held here, which tourists enjoy visiting.
What else to see in the city?
If you are a little tired of excursions to historical places and natural monuments, we suggest you just take a walk through this beautiful city. Along the way, we can peep into entertainment venues.
"Palace of 1001 Nights"
This fabulous place will help you plunge into the world of Scheherazade. The program of events of the entertainment center is divided into two parts. In the first, tourists are shown models of the most famous monuments of Egypt and tell interesting stories about them. After that, guests are invited to a theatrical production with light shows and special effects.
The second part of the event is held on a huge stage, in a cafe, the audience can enjoy magnificent folk dances and get acquainted with the folklore of Egypt.
Hollywood
This shopping and entertainment complex has many restaurants, bars and cafes. In addition, here you can buy original souvenirs, clothes from leading brands, sweets and luxury goods. The visitors of the complex are offered various entertainments: 7D cinema, amazing Jurassic park, dancing fountains. For younger guests there is a well-equipped games room.
Sinai Golf
This entertainment complex is located in the Nabq Bay area. It has more than 600 pools, a huge number of restaurants, cafes, shops and even 7 lakes. There is also a huge golf course designed for professional players.
The complex is a five-star hotel where you can perfectly relax with your family or friends. Not far from the “Sinai Golf” is an international airport, the city center can be reached in half an hour.
Dolphinarium
The attraction of Sharm El Sheikh, from which visit will be enjoyed not only by adults, but also by young tourists. Dolphinarium is located in the Hadaba area. The performances are attended by Russian dolphins, delighting the audience with ingenuity and original tricks. Children get a storm of bright emotions, and adults, admittedly, are pleasantly surprised.
After an hour-long presentation, you can take part in a drawing of paintings sponsored by ... dolphins. In addition, everyone can swim with charming animals and take a photo for memory.
Old market
In fact, this place is new in the city. It sells traditional spices, vegetables and fruits, various souvenirs: papyrus, totem figures depicting gods, amulets, amulets and much more.
It is best to visit this market in the morning when there are not too many tourists here.
Singing Fountains in Soho
Huge water jets that move dynamically to music attract thousands of tourists every day. Locals also love to be here. During the day, as a rule, fountains do not work, and after dark they every 15 minutes delight the audience with their bewitching dances.
Sharm El Sheikh Attractions: Travel Reviews
Russian tourists love Egypt and very regret that recently there have been difficulties with visiting it. One of the most popular resorts in this country is Sharm El Sheikh. It attracts not only the opportunity to relax on the sea coast, but also allows you to combine a beach holiday with a sightseeing. The city has many interesting sights and memorable places that will interest adults and children.