Sharm El- Sheikh: travel tips
Sharm El-Sheikh is one of those destinations that know how to enchant from the first glance. A place where the deep blue of the Red Sea meets the golden shades of the Sinai desert, where the tranquility of luxury resorts coexists with the vitality of markets and squares.
It is the ideal destination for those looking for crystal clear sea, relaxation and comfort, but also for those who love to discover different cultures and live authentic experiences.
✈️ How to get to Sharm El-Sheikh
Reaching Sharm El-Sheikh is quick and easy: several direct flights connect the main Italian cities — such as Milan, Rome, Bologna, Verona and Naples — with Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport (SSH). The most frequent airlines are Neos Air, Wizz Air, EasyJet and ITA Airways, with flight times of about 4 hours.
There is no shortage of scheduled or charter connections from the rest of Europe. Alternatively, the city is connected from Cairo to the rest of the world in about an hour.
Once you land, the transfer to the resort is quick: the Nabq Bay area is only 15-20 minutes away, while Naama Bay and Old Sharm can be reached in about 25-30 minutes.
For the visa, just buy the tourist visa directly at the airport (about 25 USD) or request the eVisa online in advance, useful if you also intend to visit the Monastery of Santa Caterina or Mount Sinai.
☀️ When to go to Sharm El-Sheikh
Sharm is a perfect destination all year round, but the best time to visit it is from October to April, when the weather is mild and temperatures range between 25 and 30°C.
In summer, however, temperatures can exceed 40°C: the sea remains pleasant, but the central hours of the day are better to spend in the pool or spa.
The Red Sea also remains warm all year round, with an average temperature of 27°C, ideal for snorkeling in any season.
Watch out for the wind! Especially in autumn and winter it can make the snorkeling area inaccessible depending on the area!
🎒 What to pack
Packing your suitcase for Sharm El-Sheikh requires some attention: the weather is dry, the intense sun and excursions can take you from the sea to the desert in a few hours.
👕 Recommended clothing
Swimsuits and swimsuits for the beach
Light linen or cotton clothes for the day
Comfortable sandals or slippers
A sweatshirt or light jacket for the evening (especially from November to March)
Closed shoes for desert hikes
A quality hat and sunglasses
💊 Medicines and travel kits
Always bring a small personal medical kit with you, since in Egypt not all drugs are easily available or with the same Italian formulations.
Your travel bag should not be missing:
Analgesic and antipyretic (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen)
Antidiarrhoeal and lactic ferments (I recommend taking them already 1 week – 10 days before the trip! )
Plasters and disinfectant
Anti-tamine for insect bites or allergies
Lubricating eye drops (dry weather can irritate the eyes)
SPF 50+ sunscreen and soothing aftersun
💡 Advices: avoid bringing medicines in large quantities or without original packaging; Egyptian customs controls are very careful. Also to avoid gastrointestinal surprises NEVER drink tap water, don’t even use it to brush your teeth and don’t consume vegetables or fruit if you’re not sure it’s been washed with mineral water! Ditto for ice!
🌅 What to see in Sharm El-Sheikh
Although many travelers choose to stay in the comfort of the resorts, Sharm offers a surprising variety of natural and cultural experiences.
🤿 1. The coral reef
The Red Sea is a true paradise for snorkelers and diving enthusiasts.
The two most famous areas are:
Ras Mohammed National Park, a protected nature reserve, where you can swim among colorful fish, turtles and intact corals.
Tiran Island, reachable by boat, famous for its crystal clear seabed and turquoise waters.
Many resorts have private piers that directly overlook the reef: a mask is enough to admire a unique spectacle.
🏜 2. Excursions in the Sinai Desert
An experience that absolutely deserves is the sunset in the desert.
With a quad or jeep tour, you can cross the golden dunes and reach a Bedouin camp, where you can dine under the stars and enjoy the typical mint tea.
Those who love adventure can also organize an excursion to Mount Sinai, sacred to three religions, and visit the nearby Monastery of Santa Caterina, a UNESCO heritage site.
🌆 3. Nightlife and shopping
For a different evening, the liveliest areas are:
Naama Bay, with its restaurants, bars and shops open until late.
Soho Square, modern and chic, with dancing fountains, boutiques and outdoor clubs.
Old Sharm (Hadaba), where you can breathe the most authentic atmosphere of Egyptian bazaars and bargain for artisan souvenirs.
🍽4. Local food and flavors
Egyptian cuisine is a mix of scents and flavors from the Middle East, always accompanied by spices and hot bread.
Not to be missed:
Koshari, national dish based on rice, pasta, lentils and tomato sauce
Mahshi, vegetables stuffed with rice and spices
Egyptian falafel (ta’amiya), prepared with fava
Kofta and grilled fresh fish on the sea
Baklava and kunafa to close in sweetness
Many resorts offer high-end themed restaurants, but if you want to try something authentic, have dinner one night at Fares Seafood (Old Sharm) or El Masrien (Naama Bay).
🏨 Where to stay in Sharm El-Sheikh
The choice of the resort in Sharm is essential to make the most of the experience. Most facilities offer the all-inclusive formula, with private beaches and direct access to the coral reef.
Among all, one stands out for luxury, comfort and impeccable service: the Rixos Sharm El Sheikh
Located in the quiet Nabq Bay, a few minutes from the airport, Rixos Sharm El Sheikh is a 5-star adults-only resort that offers an Ultra All Inclusive experience of the highest level. It is the perfect choice for couples or travelers looking for relaxation and refinement.
🏝 Atmosphere and spaces
Surrounded by palm trees, infinity pools and tropical gardens, the Rixos combines traditional Arabic style with modern design and contemporary comfort.
The rooms are large, elegant and equipped with panoramic terraces or direct access to the pool. The private beach is one of the most beautiful in the area, with a pier that leads directly to the coral reef.
🍷 Gourmet cuisine and Ultra All Inclusive formula
The real strong point of the Rixos is the quality of its cuisine.
In addition to the main buffet restaurants, guests can dine every night in several à la carte restaurants at no additional cost: Japanese, Italian, Turkish, oriental, fish and grill.
Champagne, sushi, premium cocktails and fine desserts are always included — a truly world-class dining experience.
💆♂️ Spa and wellness
The Rixos Anjana Spa is a relaxation retreat with Turkish hammam, sauna, jacuzzi and regenerating massages.
The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, perfect for those who want to completely detach their mind.
🎶 Entertainment and exclusive services
Every evening musical shows, themed events and elegant evenings are organized.
Guests of the Rixos Sharm can also freely access the nearby Rixos Seagate, which offers additional restaurants, bars and a large water park.
Conclusions
Sharm El-Sheikh is a destination that combines the charm of the tropical sea, the magic of the desert and Egyptian hospitality.
Between excursions, sunsets and diving, every day gives different emotions.
And for those who want to live the holiday in absolute comfort, the Rixos Sharm El Sheikh represents the perfect meeting point between luxury, tranquility and Egyptian authenticity: a refined refuge where time slows down and every detail is taken care of with elegance.
