Sharm El Sheikh - An Oasis in a Desert

Sharm El Sheikhfixed and on the high side.
The Red Sea resort town of Sharm El Sheikh isSharm el Sheikh Entertainment
now a top tourist destination but little over 25Sharm El Shake, has been described as the Vegas
years ago it was a strategical important militaryof the Middle East and this means that there are
naval base. This remarkable transformation isplenty of casino's, bars restaurants etc for the
down to the Egyptian government realising thetourists. Being a muslin country you may be
potential of this naturally beautiful part of thesurprised by this but the Egyptians are keen to
country and investing heavily in its infrastructure.accommodate the tourists so not really that
Sharm, as it is commonly referred to by thesurprising.
regular visitors, is situated the southern most tipNightlife in Sharm typically begins at around 9pm
of the Sinai Peninsula. The resort itself stretchesand ends at various times depending on what you
for over 12 miles along the golden beaches of thewant. For a more authentic night out try the
Red Sea coast and with it's clear blue waters it isBedouin cafes and sheesha bars which close
considered to be one of the best divingaround 2am. If you have the stamina, the casinos
destinations in the world.and some bars will stay open until 6am!
Sharm el Sheikh is divided into three areas,If you are looking for nightclubs and parties then
Naama Bay, Sharm el Maya and Ras Um Sid Cliff.go to Naama Bay and Hadabah where you'll pay
El Maya is where you'll find the old town of Sharmaround 20 Euro's to get in, which usually includes a
el Sheikh. The cliff top resort of Ras Um Sid Clifffree drink!. In Naama Bay check out Pacha/Bus
links Sharm el Maya with Naama Bay. Here you'llStop and Mojo's, fantastic!
discover great places to shop, eat and drink.Sharm el Sheikh Weather
Sharm el Sheikh is quite a new development andSharm el Shiek's weather can be split into two
is a favourite destination of the Europeans, inseasons, summer and winter. Winter (October to
particular the British, Germans and Italians who allApril) is warm and dry and summer (May to
flock to this dedicated resort.September) is very hot and dry. It is this type of
Sharm el Sheikh hotelsweather which makes Sharm el Sheikh a great
Sharm el Sheik has many top class hotels to suitwinter sun destination and all year round
almost every budget. As Sharm is a relativelydestination. Rain is practically unheard of in the
new resort many of the hotels have beensummer, indeed many summers pass without a
recently built and therefore you can expect adrop of rain!
large choice of quality hotels equipped to modernThe height of summer (July to August) can see
standards.temperatures sit in the 40's which makes sitting
Sharm el Sheikh Shoppingby the pool or on the beach a necessary activity!
There are two types of experiences you canFortunately, the cooling breezes from the sea
enjoy when shopping in Sharm el Sheikh, theoffer some light relief. At night the temperature
traditional way haggling with cash which occurs inremain high, typically staying in the mid 20's so
the Old Market area and the new modern way,make sure that your hotel rooms has air con.
fixed prices and credit cards, found in theIn September the heat is as scorching as it was in
shopping malls.height of summer, but it is still very hot. The
In the Old Market you'll find the usual souvenirs,temperature slowly declines into the 30's during
oils, perfumes, spices and belly dancing suits etcOctober and in the mid 20's during November,
which are all priced to ensure that you either getmaking it a very pleasant time to visit Sharm el
ripped off or to encourage haggling, so throwSheikh. The coolest time of the year is from
away that British reserve and get down to bareDecember to February. The average temperature
knuckled haggling. To avoid looking silly make sureis about 19C, seeing the low 20's during the day
you have the cash to buy the haggled for item,and the low teens during the night.
as credit cards will not be accepted. Please bear inIn March and April the Khamsin wind sometimes
mind when shopping in Egypt it is best not todisrupts the beautiful weather. This is a warm
draw attention to yourself so dress modestly andwind which blows across the Sahara and can
be respectful of their traditions.sometimes cause sandstorms or dust storms.
The shopping malls of Sharm provide a greatSharm el Sheikh Visa
variety of shops where you'll find more than justIf your intention is not to travel further than the
souvenirs. Perfume, clothes, shoes, sunglassesSouth Sinai resorts then a free 14 day visa should
bags can be bought in these malls, but don't bebe obtained. However, if you intend to venture
blinded by the price. Keep an eye out forfurther afield eg Cairo or Ras Mohammed you'll
counterfeit goods and ask yourself why is aneed to obtain a 30 day Egyptian visa ( 2008
Prada handbag is selling for £40 and would you£18). UK visitors on a Egypt holiday must
buy the bag if it did not have Prada on it? Is theregister with the Office of Foreigners and
perfume genuine, in an area of the country whereNationality within 7 days of arrival: your hotel will
you can't drink the water would you go splashingnormally take care of this. You should also ensure
it on your face? When you have decided on athat your passport is valid for at least 6 months
purchase, you can either use a credit card orbefore entering Egypt.
cash. However, you'll find the prices are generally