The bustling resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Egypt. While the city is famous for its crystal beaches, it also has a range of cultural and historical attractions that visitors can explore.
For example, the UNESCO-listed Saint Catherine’s Monastery is one of the most popular Sharm el-Sheikh tourist attractions. It is home to a variety of religious icons, manuscripts, and other ancient artifacts.
Na’ama Bay
Sharm el-Sheikh is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and Na’ama Bay is one of its best. Its gently-shelving beach is perfect for sunbathing, and snorkelling and scuba diving are popular activities.
It’s also home to the only dolphinarium in Egypt, which allows visitors to interact with a pod of dolphins. It’s a magical experience, and you can even take home a souvenir of your visit!
The area is a tourist hotspot, with plenty of bars and restaurants. It’s also home to a go-kart track, which is a great way to get some exercise.
The area is a great place to relax, but it does have some problems. A lot of the shops and cafes in Na’ama Bay are very forceful sellers, and it can be quite annoying to walk through a shop where they’re trying to nag you into buying something.
The Old Market
The Old Market is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Sharm el-Sheikh. It’s a bustling bazaar full of local shops and stalls selling everything from souvenirs to spices.
Evenings are the best time to visit this busy attraction, particularly over Sinai’s long summer months (roughly June through August). Coffee shops and stores are open late and performers are on stage at night, making it a lively place to wander around and enjoy.
The Old Market is one of the most popular places to shop in Sharm el-Sheikh, and it’s easy to get there on foot or with a taxi. It’s also a great place to enjoy some authentic Egyptian cuisine, such as falafel and koshari.
Mount St. Catherine’s Monastery
The monastery is home to a wealth of historical and religious treasures. Among its most prized possessions are icons and vestments, manuscripts, liturgical objects, and other cultural artifacts.
Located at the foot of Mount Sinai, Saint Catherine’s Monastery was built by Emperor Justinian between 527 and 565. It is one of the oldest and most renowned active monasteries in the world.
In addition to its beautiful architecture, the monastery also houses a number of artistic treasures that date back more than sixteen hundred years. These include a 12th-century painting of the Ladder of Divine Ascent, a copy of the Ahtiname (Holy Testament) signed by the Prophet Mohammed, and parchments from the Codex Sinaiticus, which is acclaimed as the oldest bible in the world.
The monastery is a must-visit for anyone who wants to get a glimpse into the lives of monks. However, it is important to note that this is still a working monastery so visitors should dress conservatively.
Aqua Blue Water Park
There are plenty of water attractions to keep children entertained at the Aqua Blue Water Park. Located in Hadaba, the facility is home to 32 slides that are sure to keep kids happy on hot days.
Besides slides, the water park also features paddle pools, wave pools, raft rides and more. Guests can also stop for lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants and cafes.
Its location in the clifftop area of Maya Bay is convenient for travelers staying at hotels near Sharm el-Sheikh Old Town. The water park is free for guests of the all-inclusive Aqua Blu Sharm Hotel, but travelers who stay outside need to buy tickets for the park.
Sculpted to fit the rugged rock formations of Maya Bay, this spacious water park boasts boomerangs, tube slides, raft rides, and a lazy river. There are plenty of slides for the kids, but there are enough long, high-energy slides for adults to enjoy too.
