Exploring the region: things to see and do around sharm el sheikh

Diving and water sports
Dreaming of crystal-clear water or coral reefs blazing with colour? Sharm el-Sheikh is the perfect place for you. As Egypt’s leading diving centre, the town has built up a firstclass reputation. Just 25 km away you’ll find the extraordinary Ras Mohammed National Park – described by Jacques Cousteau as one of the world’s greatest nature reserves. The Taba Heights complex offers plenty of opportunities for snorkelling or scuba
diving off Pharaoh’s Island, while lovers of windsurfing or kite-surfing will rejoice in the strong, steady coastal breezes. Historical and natural wonders It’s really easy to admire a glorious sunrise from the summit of legendary Mount Sinai, thanks to the many excursions on offer from Taba Heights or Sharm el-Sheikh. While you visit the ancient monastery of St. Catherine, take time out to contemplate the burning bush of biblical fame. A trip to the nature reserve at  Abu Gallum is a perfect opportunity to admire magnificent mountain landscapes populated by the Arabian ibex, striped hyena and even the elusive hyrax. Many other natural
wonders await you, from peaceful oases to the astonishing Coloured Canyon. 
The desert and its dwellers There are many Bedouin tribes living in the deserts of the Sinai Peninsula, thanks to the network of canals bringing water from the Suez. These hospitable desert dwellers will open their tents to you when you visit their encampments. Your desert excursion will finish with a traditional glass of tea followed by a delicious repast beneath a glittering canopy of stars. Touring on camel back, strolling
through captivating canyons – the choice is yours. For a more intense experience, take a turn across the Sinai desert and brave the immense expanse of golden dunes in a 4x4 or on a quad bike. 


Souvenirs


The town of Sharm el-Sheikh has metamorphosed into a smart, streetwise destination where shopaholics will find plenty to keep them occupied. If you prefer Egyptian silks  or cottons or you’re on the lookout for onyx
or gold or silver jewellery, visit the shopping centre at Na’ama Bay, where the elegant surroundings form a perfect setting for a wide variety of specialist boutiques. Don’t miss the old market in Sharm el-Sheikh where local craftsmanship abounds, from hand-woven rugs and subtle oriental perfumes to the herbs and spices you’ll need to recreate the rich tastes and scents of Egyptian cuisine