Porto Cervo is the only real town and the Smeralda’s ’capital’, disguised as a Mediterranean fishing village with a curious mix of Moroccan style buildings. This is a pleasant place to stroll, people-watch and to go window-shopping.

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.

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.