Things to do — Sharm el-Sheikh

Sharm el-Sheikh organises around three main activity poles: diving and snorkeling, resort relaxation, and land excursions.

Diving and snorkeling are Sharm's raison d'être. The Ras Mohammed National Park, 25 km south of the resort, is one of the world's most famous dive sites: its sheer drop-offs plunging 800 metres into the blue, its gardens of purple and orange soft corals, and its schools of barracudas, giant groupers, eagle rays and reef sharks make it an international sanctuary protected since 1983. Must-dive sites: Yolanda Reef (wreck of a porcelain toilet cargo, absurd and magnificent landscape), Shark and Yolanda, the Ras Mohammed Drop-off. Tiran Island, in the eponymous strait separating Sinai from Saudi Arabia, holds four major reefs (Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, Gordon) with some of the Red Sea's finest underwater landscapes. Several iconic wrecks lie in the region, notably the Thistlegorm (British cargo sunk in 1941 with its load of tanks, motorbikes and ammunition bound for the African front — a unique underwater museum, diving from Advanced level).

For non-divers, snorkeling from shore reveals spectacular reefs: Naama Bay, Sharks Bay, Ras Nasrani and most hotel beaches offer reefs accessible a few metres from shore. Several day snorkeling boat trips to the Tiran reefs (€40-70 per person) combine snorkeling and relaxation.

Resort life is Sharm's other raison d'être. All-inclusive hotels offer infinity pools, groomed beaches with loungers, children's and adult animation, evening shows, and varied international dining (often 3-5 different restaurants in a 5-star hotel). Naama Bay, the main tourist zone, concentrates nightlife, bars, clubs, international restaurants, casino and souvenir markets. Quieter: Sharks Bay and Nabq for families, Hadaba for couples seeking a more upmarket setting.

Land excursions add a cultural dimension to an essentially beach stay. The must-do is Mount Sinai and the Orthodox Saint Catherine Monastery (UNESCO), founded in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian on the site where Moses is said to have received the Tablets of the Law. The climb up Mount Sinai (2,285 m) is done overnight (departure around 11 pm) to catch sunrise at the summit, followed by a visit to the monastery and return to Sharm around 2 pm. Count €50-90 per person. Other excursions: Cairo in 1 day (domestic flight, visit Giza + Egyptian Museum, evening return, €250-400), Dahab and the Blue Hole (€40-80 day trip), quad and Bedouin desert (€40-70 for a half-day with traditional dinner under tent).