From desert quad safaris to scuba-diving shipwrecks, discover unforgettable Sharm El Sheikh

From its diverse, dramatic landscapes to its crystalline waters and must-dive reefs, Sharm El Sheikh holds an appeal for all

Set beside the Red Sea’s crystalline waters, Sharm is the perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure (Alamy Stock Photo)

Renowned for its incredible marine life, ancient history, thrilling watersports and luxurious resorts, Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh is a diverse destination, perfect whether you’re seeking relaxation, exploration or adventure – or a mix of all three.

Set on the coastal strip along the Red Sea, its mix of beautiful beaches, crystalline waters, stunning reefs and dramatic deserts combined with consistent warm temperatures make for incredible outdoor experiences, all year round.

You can now fly direct to Sharm El Sheikh with British Airways from London Gatwick on a newly-launched route. To ensure your Egyptian adventure goes even more seamlessly, when you book with British Airways Holidays, you can enjoy great value breaks, with the quality and peace of mind you expect from British Airways. ATOL-protected, keeping you and your money safe, you can enjoy flexible payment options with deposits from just £75 per person*, as well as 23 kg baggage allowance per person and 24-hour dedicated support helpline during your trip. Meaning from the day you book, you can focus on planning and enjoying your adventures, for a truly enriching and memorable stay.

The perfect stay

Hop off your flight and head to the Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, a stunning five-star hotel, reminiscent of an Arabian palace. Rest and relaxation are guaranteed with a stay at this premium resort, situated just northeast of Ras Mohamed National Park, famed for its multicoloured coral reefs, coastal mangroves and rich underwater biodiversity.

The hotel houses 60 sprawling fountains surrounded by over 3000 palm trees and beautiful bougainvillaea blooms. Expect views of the neighbouring Red Sea and your own private coral reef, easily reachable from the hotel’s two jetties – pop on a snorkel and keep your eyes peeled for lionfish, sharks, turtles and more.

Less than a mile away, at SOHO Square, an award-winning entertainment centre, you can wine, dine and dance into the early morning hours. Or for something more traditional, head to the Old Market, also nearby. Dating back to ancient times, it’s dotted with stalls and boutiques selling everything from pottery and antiques to local produce and more.

Wild wonders

For those looking to embrace the natural wonders of Sharm El Sheikh, Ras Mohamed National Park, on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, is where you’ll find some of the best beaches in the world. It’s bordered by dense mangrove forests, diverse mountainous landscapes and coastlines with breathtaking views of the surrounding water – considered the jewel in the crown of the Red Sea.

It’s also home to various endemic species, plus more than 200 species of birds, 200 species of plants and more than 1000 species of invertebrates, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Bask in the sun while you enjoy a spot of bird watching; the park is where large numbers of migratory soaring birds congregate and use the area as a resting stop. Or don your snorkel gear and explore the Tetris-like coral reefs where hammerheads, dugongs, dolphins, turtles and whale sharks are known to reside.

Ocean adventures

Thanks to its close proximity to the Red Sea, Sharm El Sheikh, in general, is a haven for water lovers, and snorkelling or diving in these pristine, warm waters is a real treat for those who like to explore life underwater. It’s also a mid-ocean ridge sitting between two tectonic plates, the African and the Arabian plate, which houses deep underwater canyons ideal for divers to explore.

Anemone City is just one of the many Sharm dive sites where hundreds of anemones and resident Nemo-like clownfish reside. Here, you can experience what it feels like to be out in the deepest water, surrounded by nothing but deep blue and a wall of Reef Shark in the distance.

You can also dive various shipwrecks peppered along the ocean floor, like the SS Dunraven Wreck, the remnants of a British Steamer that went down on the Southern edge of Beacon Rock in 1876, where thousands of glass fish have made the remains their home. There’s also the opportunity to dive at one of the most impressive wrecks in the world, The SS Thistlegorm, a WWII ship that went down during a German air attack and now lies burrowed in the Strait of Gubal.

Dramatic desert

Sharm’s rugged desert terrain is made for exploring (Alamy Stock Photo)

The Sinai Desert is steeped in ancient history and offers a plethora of activities for the discerning adventurer. Hike up Mount Sinai for jaw-dropping views of the surrounding desert and dunes backed by jagged mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for desert-based wildlife: Egyptian hares, the Nubian ibex, gazelles, reptiles, and desert foxes are just a handful of the animals known to roam this area.

You can also hop on a quad bike and traverse the dunes at sunrise or sunset, taking in the kaleidoscope of colours in this biblical part of the world – it’s said that Moses was addressed by the Burning Bush here. If you’d rather do something less heart-pumping, you can also ride a camel across the desert before stopping for tea with a Bedouin tribe, who fully embrace the nomadic way of life and are more than happy to teach travellers all about their fascinating day-to-day.

Discover the charm of Sharm with British Airways

• You can now fly direct with British Airways from London Gatwick to Sharm El Sheikh, plus many other short haul destinations, with two cabin options available, Club Europe and Euro Traveller.
• When you book with British Airways Holidays, you can enjoy great value breaks, with the quality and peace of mind you expect from British Airways. ATOL-protected, keeping you and your money safe, you can enjoy flexible payment options with deposits from just £75 per person, with no balance due until 4 weeks before travel for short haul, or 7 weeks for long haul*. Customers can also use Avios to pay for flights and part-pay holidays.
• A generous baggage allowance of 23kg per person is included – so you won’t encounter any add-on costs.
• British Airways Holidays provide 24/7 support throughout your trip, with a dedicated holiday helpline for any issues whilst you’re away.

Whether you’re looking for some winter sun, a springtime break or your next big getaway, to find your perfect holiday in Sharm El Sheikh, visit British Airways for destination inspiration and incredible deals on flights and hotels.

*Terms and conditions apply