Where to stay in Sharm El Sheikh: areas and hotels

If you're considering Sharm El Sheikh for your next holiday, you've come to the right place. Choosing the right area here is key to ensuring your trip is exactly as you imagined it. Do you want vibrant nightlife, bars, and restaurants within easy reach? Then Naama Bay is your base. Travelling with family and looking for a huge all-inclusive resort with water slides and all amenities? Nabq Bay is made for you. Are you a diving enthusiast and want to be close to the best reefs? Look towards Sharks Bay. For a quieter holiday with incredible views and excellent snorkelling directly from the hotel beach, the Ras Um Sid area, also known as Hadaba, is ideal. Finally, if you're seeking a more authentic atmosphere near the Old Market, Sharm El Maya is your choice.

Sharm El Sheikh, this famous Red Sea resort, has evolved from a small fishing village into a global destination offering options for every taste and budget. Its coastline stretches for tens of kilometres, with each bay having its own unique character. The decision of where to stay depends on whether you prefer crowds or seclusion, luxury or economy, organised entertainment or contact with local culture. In this guide, we'll analyse the main areas to help you choose the one that suits you perfectly. After all, a trip to Egypt is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it's worth planning it properly, as you can see in our detailed guide to Egypt.

Practical information about Sharm El Sheikh

Before we dive into the details of the areas, let's look at some practical information that will make your trip easier. Access to Sharm El Sheikh is primarily by air, via Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH). There are usually no direct flights from Greece all year round, so the most common route is with a stopover, usually Cairo or Istanbul. Many European low-cost airlines also fly direct, especially during the peak tourist season, so it's worth looking for cheap flights well in advance.

The airport is strategically located, serving all tourist zones with relatively short distances. For example, Naama Bay is about a 10-15 minute drive (12 km), Sharks Bay is even closer, 5-10 minutes (8 km), while the furthest Nabq Bay is 20-25 minutes away (20 km). For your transfer from the airport, the most comfortable solution is to have pre-arranged transport through your hotel or to take one of the official taxis. Always agree on the price before starting the journey or insist on using the meter. Within the city, the small blue buses are the cheapest way to get around and connect all the main areas, although they can be a bit chaotic for first-time visitors. Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive for short distances.

The best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is ideal, with sunny days and pleasant temperatures around 25-30 degrees Celsius, perfect for the beach and diving. Summer (June to August) is very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees, which can be exhausting. Winter (December to February) is mild, with daytime temperatures around 20-23 degrees, but evenings are chilly and the sea can be cold for some. Accommodation prices fluctuate dramatically depending on the season and hotel category. A decent all-inclusive resort can start from 80-100€ per night in the low season and exceed 300-400€ for luxury resorts in the high season. If you plan to combine your trip with a visit to the capital, you can also check out our accommodation guide for Cairo.

Naama Bay: For nightlife and vibrancy

Naama Bay is the heart of Sharm El Sheikh, its most vibrant and touristy spot. Here you'll find a promenade packed with restaurants, shisha cafes, bars, clubs and countless souvenir shops. Its beach is large and sandy, with organised beach bars playing music from morning until night. If you want to be at the centre of the action, have everything at your fingertips, and don't mind the crowds and hustle, then Naama Bay is the ideal choice. It's the perfect place for young people, couples and groups of friends looking for entertainment. However, if you're seeking peace and relaxation, you'll probably need to look elsewhere.

1. Maritim Jolie Ville Resort & Casino

An iconic hotel right on the Naama Bay promenade. It offers direct access to the beach and all the area's action. It features large pools, a casino, and numerous dining options, making it an oasis in the heart of the entertainment.

• Average cost: 120 to 220 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and friends seeking entertainment

2. Kanabesh Hotel

A more budget-friendly but perfectly respectable option in the heart of Naama Bay. The Kanabesh offers simple but clean rooms, a lovely pool, and is literally a stone's throw from the beach and shops. Ideal for travellers who want to experience the area's pulse without spending a fortune.

• Average cost: 60 to 110 € per night
• Ideal for: budget travellers, young people

Nabq Bay: For luxury, families and water parks

North of the airport, Nabq Bay is Sharm's newest and fastest-developing area. Here, huge, luxurious all-inclusive resorts dominate, many of which feature impressive water parks, countless pools, and kilometres of private beaches. It is the quintessential choice for families with children, as well as for those who want to spend their holidays enjoying the amenities of a large resort without needing to travel far. The area also has its own shopping centre with shops and restaurants. One drawback is that it is often windier than other areas, and sea access for swimming is usually via long jetties, due to shallow waters and corals.

3. Rixos Premium Seagate

The epitome of luxury in an ultra all-inclusive setting. The Rixos offers an unparalleled experience with endless choices of restaurants, high-quality bars, a huge water park, and impeccable service. It is a destination in itself, ideal for those who make no compromises on quality.

• Average cost: 300 to 550 € per night
• Ideal for: luxury holidays, couples, families

4. JAZ Mirabel Resort

A member of the renowned JAZ chain, Mirabel Resort is a consistent choice for family holidays. It offers spacious rooms, multiple pools, water slides, and a rich entertainment program for all ages. The atmosphere is lively and friendly, ideal for unforgettable family moments.

• Average cost: 150 to 280 € per night
• Ideal for: families with children

5. Pickalbatros Royal Moderna Sharm "Aqua Park"

As its name suggests, this accommodation is ideal for those who love water parks. With a wide variety of water slides and water games, it offers abundant hours of entertainment. It is an excellent choice for families looking for action and play. After all, hotels with water parks are always in high demand.

• Average cost: 140 to 250 € per night
• Ideal for: families with children, water park lovers

Sharks Bay & Ras Nasrani: For diving and quiet luxury

Sharks Bay is considered by many to be the best area to stay in Sharm El Sheikh, as it combines tranquillity with easy access to top-notch facilities. It is famous for its stunning coral reefs, ideal for snorkelling and diving directly from the shore. It is also home to SOHO Square, a modern entertainment centre with luxury restaurants, bars, dancing fountains, and an ice rink. The area hosts some of Sharm's best hotels, offering a more refined and peaceful experience compared to Naama Bay. Right next door, the Ras Nasrani area shares the same characteristics, with wonderful reefs and luxury resorts, making it ideal for those who want to feel like they are on one of the world's most exotic islands.

6. Sultan Gardens Resort

An award-winning resort with devoted repeat customers. It stands out for its beautiful, well-maintained gardens, five swimming pools, and excellent beach with easy access to the reef. It offers a balanced quality experience, ideal for both couples and families.

• Average cost: 180 to 350 € per night
• Ideal for: couples, families, snorkelling enthusiasts

7. Sierra Sharm El Sheikh

Sierra is located right next to SOHO Square, offering its guests privileged access to all the entertainment. Although it's not directly on the beach (a few minutes' walk or hotel shuttle away), it compensates with its excellent facilities and its inclusion in the area's premium all-inclusive package.

• Average cost: 130 to 240 € per night
• Ideal for: those who want access to SOHO Square, couples

8. Xperience Sea Breeze Resort

A chic resort offering stunning views of the sea and Tiran Island. It features a private beach, several pools, and a distinctive jetty for direct access to the coral reef. It's an excellent choice that combines quality and reasonable prices in the heart of Sharks Bay.

• Average cost: 90 to 180 € per night
• Ideal for: couples, snorkelling

9. Baron Resort Sharm El Sheikh

In the Ras Nasrani area, Baron Resort is synonymous with classic, discreet luxury. With an impressive 600-meter private beach and a world-class reef, it offers peace and elegance. The service is exemplary and the atmosphere relaxed and refined.

• Average cost: 150 to 290 € per night
• Ideal for: quiet holidays, couples, diving enthusiasts

10. Meraki Resort Sharm El Sheikh Adults only

A fresh and modern approach to accommodation in Sharm, exclusively for adults. Meraki adopts a bohemian and trendy style, with an emphasis on music, beach parties, and socialising. It is ideal for young people and couples seeking a more lively and unconventional holiday experience.

• Average cost: 190 to 380 € per night
• Ideal for: adults, couples, modern travellers

Ras Um Sid / Hadaba: For peace, diving and views

The Ras Um Sid area, also known as Hadaba (meaning 'hill' in Arabic), is built on a cliff with panoramic views of the Red Sea. It is famous for its world-renowned reefs, such as Temple and Ras Umm Sid, which attract divers from all over the world. The atmosphere here is generally quieter and more relaxed than in Naama Bay. There are many large hotels built amphitheatrically on the cliff, as well as more affordable options on the second and third lines from the sea. It is an excellent choice for those who prioritise diving, tranquillity and stunning views, reminiscent of the beauty found in other coastal places, as you can see in the accommodation guide for Karpathos.

11. Sentido Reef Oasis Aqua Park Resort

This huge complex essentially consists of two hotels. One, beachfront, is quieter and focuses on the beach and snorkelling, while the second, further back, features an impressive water park. Guests usually have access to both facilities, making it ideal for everyone.

• Average cost: 130 to 260 € per night
• Ideal for: families, couples, snorkelling enthusiasts

12. Safir Sharm Waterfalls Resort

Built on the edge of a cliff, this hotel offers spectacular views and a unique way to access its beach: a small funicular that descends the slope. Its beach and reef are excellent, while the resort's architecture is impressive.

• Average cost: 100 to 200 € per night
• Ideal for: romantic getaways, couples, snorkelling

13. Falcon Hills Hotel

One of the most popular and reliable budget options in Sharm. Although not directly on the sea, it offers a free shuttle bus to its private beach. It is known for its friendly staff, cleanliness, and excellent value for money, ideal for divers on a limited budget.

• Average cost: 40 to 80 € per night
• Ideal for: budget holidays, divers, travellers who don't stay at the hotel

Sharm El Maya: For authentic atmosphere and budget options

Sharm El Maya is the area around the old port and the Old Market. Here the atmosphere is more authentic and less 'polished' compared to the newer tourist resorts. The Old Market is a labyrinthine place full of stalls with spices, fabrics, souvenirs, and traditional restaurants where you can sample local flavours at very good prices. Sharm El Maya beach is one of the few bays in Sharm with natural sand without corals on the shore, making it ideal for families with small children. The area mainly offers older and more affordable hotels, but also some hidden gems, reminiscent of the atmosphere found in old towns such as Chania.

14. JAZ Elite Palace - Adults Friendly 16 Years Plus

An oasis of tranquility in Sharm's oldest area. This hotel, catering to guests aged 16 and over, offers a refined and relaxing experience. It is located on a beautiful sandy beach, ideal for swimming, and provides the perfect base for those who want to combine peace with exploring the Old Market.

• Average cost: 110 to 210 € per night
• Ideal for: couples, quiet holidays, easy access to the Old Market

Area comparison at a glance

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh?

The ideal period is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when the temperature ranges from 25-30°C and the sunshine is pleasant. Summer is too hot for most, while winter is mild but with a colder sea.

Is Sharm El Sheikh safe for tourists?

Yes, Sharm El Sheikh is considered a very safe tourist zone. As a key pillar of the Egyptian economy, it is strictly protected, with many checkpoints and a strong security presence. Tourists can move freely and safely within the resort's boundaries.

Do I need a visa for Egypt?

If you plan to stay only in the Sinai Peninsula for less than 15 days, you can receive a free entry stamp (Sinai Pass) upon arrival. However, this does not allow you to travel to the rest of Egypt (e.g. Cairo, Luxor). For complete freedom of movement, it is preferable to purchase the tourist visa upon arrival at the airport, which costs approximately 25 USD.

What currency do they use and can I pay with Euros/Dollars?

The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). However, in tourist areas such as hotels, restaurants, and many shops, Euros and US Dollars are widely accepted. Often, though, you'll get a better price if you pay in the local currency, so it's a good idea to have some pounds with you for small expenses.

Which area is best for families?

Nabq Bay is primarily the family area, with huge resorts offering water parks and countless activities for children. Sharks Bay is also an excellent option, offering high-quality resorts in a quieter environment.

Can I go diving if I'm a beginner?

Absolutely. Sharm El Sheikh is one of the best places in the world to learn to dive. There are dozens of certified dive centres (PADI, SSI) offering courses for all levels, from a first trial dive (discovery dive) to full certification. Conditions are usually ideal with calm, warm, and crystal-clear waters.

Are all hotels all-inclusive?

The vast majority of large hotels operate with all-inclusive packages, and this is the most popular way to holiday here. This model is extremely convenient and cost-effective for most visitors. Of course, there are also smaller hotels or apartments that offer only breakfast or half-board, especially in the Naama Bay and Sharm El Maya areas. You can read more about the advantages of all-inclusive to see if it suits you.