There’s More To Sharm el Sheikh Holidays Than Meets The Eye

Sharm el Sheikh holidays are known for their luxurious hotels, sumptuous surroundings and silken sandy beaches. But there is more to this gorgeous holiday retreat than designer boutiques and champagne bars. Take a look at the ‘musts’ you should do whilst there.

You must...Go Under The Sea: Dubbed the diving capital of the world, holidays to Sharm el Sheikh must include a trip underwater. The southern coast of the Gulf of Aqaba, between Tiran Island and Ras Mohammed National Park, features some of the world's most brilliant and breathtaking underwater scenery. The crystal-clear waters, rare and beautiful reefs and an incredible variety of exotic fish darting in and out of the colourful coral have made this a diver’s paradise, whatever your experience. There are many qualified snorkelling and diving instructors on hand to help you get under the sea.

You must...Pay Your Respects: Considered a timeless jewel, and a site the locals are very proud of, is St Catherine’s Monastery. Based at the foot of Mount Sinai, this is an awe-inspiring site of historical, religious and beautiful importance. Built in the 6th Century, the Monastery stands at a staggering altitude of over 1,570m. Its rugged architecture blends in perfectly with the wild surroundings, and its well worth planning to spend the day here. It will literally take your breath away.

You must...Not Get The Hump: It may sound scary, but one experience you must try is a camel ride. Try a Private Camel Safari through the desert – you’ll feel like the Queen of the Nile! Most tours include a jeep ride across the desert, a spot of diving and then a camel ride. Be sure to take in a tour which finishes with a traditional Bedouin tea – delicious.

You must...Learn The Art of Bartering: A shopper’s paradise, holidays to Sharm el Sheikh aren’t complete with a little. Pass by the designer boutiques and chains and head to a traditional Bedouin market, selling gold and silver jewellery and semi-precious stones from Na’ama Bay – a lovely keepsake from your holiday. Top buys include Egyptian cotton bed linen and beach towels, fantastic quality but cheaper than you’d find at home. Head to The Old Market for a more local atmosphere, which sells everything from spices to leather bags to slippers! Don’t forget to barter, the locals love it. After all that shopping, relax with a nice cup of tea the Egyptian way – black and sweet.