subject: Sharm El Sheikh:- Not So Ancient Egypt! [print this page] Sharm El Sheikh has become one of the most popular holiday resorts, attracting tourists from all over the world. With a stunning mix of sun, sea and luxury, the resort is the perfect escape from everyday life. With the desert on its doorstep and miles of empty coastline, Sharm El Sheikh has grown into a large resort split into five areas, each offering a different environment.
Na'ama Bay is the commercial centre of the resort, with flashing lights and a busy atmosphere. Visitors will find a variety of typical tourist souvenir shops and a vibrant nightlife, with large clubs including 'Pacha' and the 'Buddha Bar'. At night the Bay comes alive with bright lights and music played through the streets, even if you don't want to party all night it is a fantastic place to experience just by walking around. During the day the beach is the main attraction with many Sharm hotels just a short walk away from the golden sands.
Sharks Bay is Sharm El Sheikh's most recent development; although it is the closest area to the airport it feels quite remote from the rest of the Sharm resort. The bay contains several large hotels and holiday villages; the small centre offers shops, restaurants and even two ice skating rinks. Nabq Bay is the furthest area away from Na'ama Bay and is a vibrant, lively area with a range of hotels and shopping malls. Visitors can expect to find well known names from TGI Fridays to a Hard Rock Cafe within the bay. Just South of Na'ama bay is the Ras Um Sid area which is home to a range of budget and luxury accommodation including a range of residential villas.
The centre of the area is the large open-air Il Mercato shopping mall. Decorated in a traditional Arabian style, the mall boasts a wide range of familiar western shopping names including several Starbucks! Just next to Il Mercato is Fantasia, an impressive entertainments venue which is styled similar to an Arab Palace. Visitors to Charm El Sheikh should definitely experience the nightly sound and light shows that Fantasia offer, along with live belly dancing performances. The oldest and most traditional area of Sharm El Sheikh is Sharm el-Maya, also known as Old Sharm. Although this is a commercial hub, it still retains the feel of a traditional Egyptian town with its busy market and regular prayer calls from the nearby Mosque. For authenticity and tradition it is the best place to visit during a Sharm holiday.
With each of the neighbourhoods offering a range of accommodation and amenities, visitors are spoilt for choice. Whether you want budget travel or a luxury stay, the resort is rich in variety. There is a selection of 5 star hotels within the resort including the Ritz Carlton with three pools and five restaurants it is a fantastic luxury accommodation.
Sharm El Sheikh is one of the most developed and accessible resorts for tourists, it is no wonder that travellers of all ages are flocking to this destination every year. With a vibrant nightlife and a wide range of excursion options, there is never really a dull day whilst on a Sharm holiday. The resort does seem to provide something for everyone, from families to thrill seekers. Young travellers will love the nightlife and couples will adore the waterfront restaurants and scenic views.
