Sharm, Egypt (Sharm el Sheikh)
Sharm el Sheikh, often referred to as "Sharm," is situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, on the coastal strip between the Red Sea and Mount Sinai. It is the administrative hub of Egypt's Southern Sinai province which includes the smaller coastal towns of Dahab and Nuweiba as well as the mountainous interior, Saint Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai. Sharm Egypt is known as The City of Peace referring to the large number of international peace conferences that have been held there.
After Israel restored the Sinai to Egypt in 1982, the government began developing the city and attracting foreign investors. Now, Sharm Egypt counts tourism as its major industry, thanks to its dramatic landscape, year-round dry and temperate climate and long stretches of natural beaches. Its waters are clear and calm for most of the year and have become wildly popular for various watersports, particularly recreational scuba diving and snorkeling which some consider to be among the best in the world. Coral reefs, under water and marine life, dolphin diving, unmatched anywhere in the world, offer a spectacular and dazzling time for divers.
The night life of Sharm Egypt is also quite attractive. In 2005, Little Buddha, a sushi bar, nightclub, and bar, took the title of having the longest continuous bar in the Middle East. Other popular bars include: Camel Bar, The Tavern, Pirate's Bar, Movenpick Beach, and The Mexican. If dancing is appealing to you, then Sharm has much to offer. Clubs such as world renowned Pacha throw parties almost every night of the year. These nightclubs and restaurants contribute greatly to the lifestyle led by Sharm el-Sheikh's visitors each year.
Destinations in Sharm, Egypt
- Naama Bay: central resort area of Sharm el Sheikh and comprises a stylish strip of hotels, with an attractive pedestrian promenade along the sandy beachfront.
- Hay el Nour: the first residential area in Sharm El Sheikh and a nature extension of Naama Bay.
- Hadaba: quiet, sun soaked resort on the outskirts of Sharm el Sheikh.
- Shark's Bay: elite tourist area, with a wonderful combination of sea, gulf, and mountain scenery.
- Montazah: one of the upscale neighborhoods in Sharm, Montaza consists of residential compounds that include everything from studios to big villas with individual gardens overlooking Tiran Island.
- Rowaysat: used to be a Bedouin settlement, but is gradually becoming a residential neighborhood.