The City in Sharm el-Sheikh

Sharm el-Sheikh — or just 'Sharm' — sits on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, and its story is surprisingly recent. Until the late 20th century, it was little more than a fishing village, but its strategic position at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba meant it played a role in several regional conflicts, especially during the Suez Crisis and the Arab-Israeli wars. After the Sinai was returned to Egypt in the early 1980s, Sharm began to shift gears — from military outpost to peaceful resort town. It even hosted international peace talks, earning the nickname 'City of Peace'. Since then, tourism has boomed. Sharm is now one of Egypt’s top Red Sea destinations, known for its diving, year-round sun, and wide range of resorts. The city stretches along 30 km of coastline, with Naama Bay at its centre and other pockets like Sharks Bay and Nabq growing fast. With around 35,000 residents, it blends tourism infrastructure with glimpses of everyday Egyptian life. It’s modern, safe, and easy to navigate, but the dramatic desert and mountain backdrop reminds you you’re still in the Sinai.