Your Guide to Last Minute Holidays in Sharm el Sheikh

Getting There and around Sharm el Sheikh

Booking a last minute holiday to Sharm el Sheikh is not going to cause you any problems with transport once you arrive at your destination. If you're staying in the main tourist area of Na'ama Bay, then everything you need is only a short walk away therefore keeping it simple! If you want to travel further afield, then a taxi is your best option and from the airport taxi is also probably your best bet unless your resort supplies a transfer service from airport to hotel.

If you've organised a diving trip, then the dive centre will normally pick you up and drop you off again. When using a taxi always agree a price beforehand and ask at your hotel for a rough guide of how much taxi’s should cost.

Beaches in Sharm el Sheikh

Most of the last minute resorts have their own private beaches and swimming pools, so bathing is always going to be on your doorstep. However if you feel like venturing away from the hotel and heading into the ‘unknown’ there are some stunning beaches at Ras Muhammad National Park, including Quay Beach, Yolanda Beach and Main Beach. All sandy, with clear turquoise water and bordered by mainly Egyptian restaurants.

Sightseeing in Sharm el Sheikh

Within just a few days of booking your last minute holiday to Sharm el Sheikh you could be exploring the Red Sea kitted out in diving gear or simply goggles and a snorkel! Sharm el-Sheikh isn't huge on cultural attractions and the main reason for a visit to the resort is to experience some of the world's best scuba diving, again in the Ras Muhammad National Park. The park's nutrient-rich waters attract tons of marine life and you can dive on sites such as Jackfish Alley and Yolanda Reef. However you don’t have to be into diving to book your last minute holiday to Sharm el Sheikh. It is the perfect destination to simply relax in the sun away from the everyday strains of the UK.

If you're not into your diving, you could hike up to the 2,285 metre-high summit of Mount Sinai, where God was said to have delivered his Ten Commandments to Moses. Or alternatively explore the local villages and towns, endulging yourself in truly Egyptian culture. Alternatively you can explore the Gulf of Suez or head up the coast along the Tiran Strait on a chartered boat where you are the captain and can stop off for a plunge anywhere along the way.

Eating and Nightlife in Sharm el Sheikh

If you’re a fan of your food then Sharm el Sheikh is the perfect late deal for you! The hotels available provide all sorts of food. The resort is dotted with cheap pizzerias, fast-food outlets, international restaurants offering Chinese, Indian and Mexican food, plus recognisable names such as McDonald's, Hard Rock Cafe and Pizza Hut. These are all at brilliant prices too. But for the real deals and real food why not try some of the local cuisine. Meze platter is famous in Egypt and is a selection of small dishes. The Red Sea has provided this coastline with some fantastic seafood and for dessert, try the sweet and sticky pastries known as baklava.

The Bus Stop and the world-renowned Pascha, which is open every night of the year. Both found in Na’ama Bay offer a brilliant night out! One place where you won't struggle for your own spot at the bar is at Little Buddha. This sushi bar and nightclub has the longest bar in the Middle East.

Sharm Shopping and Family Attractions

Na'ama Bay offers a new commercial shopping centre with lots of new shops that cater for tourists, but for real bargains head for Sharm el-Sheikh's Old Market (which isn't actually that old). This market offers a great range of cheap fakes! Perfect for bringing back surprise gifts from your late deal holiday.

As long as you are prepared to haggle, gold and silver jewellery, hieroglyphic drawings, woodwork, copperware, ceramics, baskets, clothing, papyrus illustrations, perfumes, traditional musical instruments, leather goods and perfumes are all in good supply and at good prices in Sharm el Sheikh.

Late deals don’t stop you from being able to book a four-wheel drive, quad-bike or cheap camel rides in the desert for a day or half-day tour. Ramping up over the massive sand dunes is as good as any theme-park rollercoaster and you can also watch the sun rise or set behind the nearby mountains.

<< Back to Sharm el Sheikh holiday Guide