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Africa Egypt Sharm el-Sheikh Do & See Saint Catherine's Monastery

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Saint Catherine's Monastery

The guide was updated: 2025-07-28

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Mount Sinai Climb And St Catherine Monastery From Sharm El Sheikh

Built between 527 and 565 AD at the foot of Mount Sinai for Emperor Justinian, this monastery later took its name from St Catherine of Alexandria, whose remains are said to rest here. It’s more fortress than church, with thick stone walls guarding the Church of the Transfiguration, the chapel of the Burning Bush, and a monks-only library packed with ancient manuscripts. Inside, you’ll find mosaics, religious ornaments, and some of the oldest illuminated manuscripts in the world on display. Outside, don’t miss Moses’ Well and the garden with centuries of history. The place is open most mornings but closed on Fridays, Sundays, and Orthodox feast days. Still active today, the monastery holds importance across Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, and continues its Greek Orthodox traditions uninterrupted.

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Address: Saint Catherine, Egypt

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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

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The Bays

The Bays

Sharm’s bays are the heart of its snorkelling and diving scene, plus great spots for chilling on sandy beaches. Naama Bay is the busiest one: a long beach, with plenty of restaurants and shops, and activities like bungee catapult and horse riding. It’s lively and touristy, perfect if you want options and atmosphere. For something quieter, head to Nabq Bay, a bit further out and more low-key, or take a 20-minute taxi to Shark’s Bay, known for its clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. If snorkelling is your thing, Ras Um Sid is about five minutes from town, also famous for its coral reefs, plus a dramatic cliffside. For diving, Sharm el-Maya near the Old Town is where most diving schools operate.

Mustafa Mosque

Mustafa Mosque

Located near Sharm’s Old Market, Al Mustafa Mosque is one of Sharm’s most iconic sights. Built in 2008, it’s hard to miss with its two 72-metre minarets and carved stone dome that’s especially striking when it’s lit up at night. It’s an active mosque, so it's best to avoid during prayer times. Around it, you’ll find a more local side of Sharm, with small shops, cafés, and everyday street life.

Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai, also known as Jabal Musa, is where, according to Christian tradition, Moses got the Ten Commandments. The mountain stands over 2,200 metres high and can be climbed by two main routes: the Path of Moses, a long stairway with around 4,000 steps, or a slightly easier trail starting east of St Catherine’s Monastery. At the top, you’ll find the small Chapel of the Holy Trinity and views stretching over the Sinai Desert.

Saint Catherine's Monastery

Saint Catherine's Monastery

Built between 527 and 565 AD at the foot of Mount Sinai for Emperor Justinian, this monastery later took its name from St Catherine of Alexandria, whose remains are said to rest here. It’s more fortress than church, with thick stone walls guarding the Church of the Transfiguration, the chapel of the Burning Bush, and a monks-only library packed with ancient manuscripts. Inside, you’ll find mosaics, religious ornaments, and some of the oldest illuminated manuscripts in the world on display. Outside, don’t miss Moses’ Well and the garden with centuries of history. The place is open most mornings but closed on Fridays, Sundays, and Orthodox feast days. Still active today, the monastery holds importance across Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, and continues its Greek Orthodox traditions uninterrupted.

Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve

Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve

Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Ras Mohamed is where the Sinai Desert meets the Red Sea. You can come for a hike among dry canyons and mangroves, or just stay in the water—this is one of Egypt’s best snorkelling spots, with drop-offs, coral walls, and plenty of fish. Keep in mind it's desert heat, there’s no shade, and facilities are minimal—so come prepared with water, snacks, and sun protection.

Tiran Island

Tiran Island

Sitting in the Gulf of Aqaba, Tiran Island isn’t open to the public —it’s a military zone—, but the real draw is what’s underwater. Most boat trips from Sharm stop at reefs around the island—Jackson, Gordon, Woodhouse—where the coral is alive, the fish are everywhere, and the current keeps things interesting. It’s a great day out if you want good snorkelling or diving away from the coast.

King Tut Museum

King Tut Museum

Tucked inside Genena City Mall in Naama Bay, this small museum is all about the boy king Tutankhamun. It’s made up of around 130 replicas of items found in his tomb—his golden mask, coffin, jewellery, chariot, and more.

Nabq Nature Reserve

Nabq Nature Reserve

Just north of Sharm (roughly 35 kilometres), this protected area mixes desert, mangroves, and coral reef into one quiet stretch of coastline. You’ll spot mangrove trees growing straight out of the sea, and if you’re lucky, herons, foxes, or even a gazelle in the dunes. The offshore reef is solid for snorkelling, and the seagrass beds sometimes attract turtles.

SOHO Square

SOHO Square

SOHO Square is a big open-air shopping and entertainment spot near the airport, with a dancing fountain show every hour, loads of restaurants, cafés, and bars, plus extras like bowling, an ice rink, a kids’ arcade, and a small souk-style market.

The Heavenly Cathedral

The Heavenly Cathedral

Completed in 2010, this is Sharm’s largest Coptic church and a notable example of modern religious architecture. Inside, you’ll find large rectangular towers and colourful frescoes and murals depicting biblical scenes.

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