Sharm El Sheikh

Ultimate 5-Day Sharm El Sheikh Itinerary

Ultimate 5-Day Sharm El Sheikh Itinerary: Desert, Diving & Cultural Treasures

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt’s glittering Red Sea gem, blends underwater wonders, desert adventures, and vibrant culture. This meticulously crafted 5-day itinerary balances must-see landmarks with hidden gems, leveraging local transport hacks and seasonal events. All recommendations are based on 2025 verified updates.

Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh


Day 1: Coastal Arrival & Evening Magic

Morning/Afternoon

  • Arrive at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH): Pre-book an airport transfer via TravelGoEasy’s Transfer Service to your hotel (25-min drive).
  • Check into a Naama Bay hotel: Opt for family-friendly Baron Resort (private beach) or luxury Rixos Premium Seagate (8 pools, water park).

Evening

  • Soho Square Entertainment Hub:
    • Activities: Dancing fountain shows (7 PM & 9 PM), ice skating, bowling, multicultural dining.
    • Transport: Taxis (5 EGP from Naama Bay) or hotel shuttles.
    • Dinner: Queen Vic Pub for British fare or Sushi Teppanyaki.

Day 2: Underwater Wonders & Desert Thrills

Morning

  • Ras Mohammed National Park:
    • Activities: Snorkel at Shark Reef/Yolanda Reef (vibrant coral, turtles), hike to the Earthquake Crack.
    • Transport: Book a group boat tour (120 EGP) or private transfer via TravelGoEasy (45-min drive). Open 7 AM–6 PM; entry 10 EGP.

Afternoon

  • Desert Safari Adventure:
    • Quad Biking & Camel Ride: Traverse golden dunes to a Bedouin village.
    • Cultural Experience: Sip mint tea, try henna painting, feast on mandi (spiced lamb) under stars.
    • Tour: 3 PM–9 PM; includes transfers (book via hotel or TravelGoEasy).

Day 3: Island Hopping & Old Town Charm

Morning

  • Tiran Island Boat Trip:
    • Highlights: Glass-bottom boat ride, snorkeling amid angelfish/parrotfish, lunch on deck.
    • Transport: Tours depart Naama Bay marina (8 AM–4 PM; 300 EGP).

Afternoon

  • Old Market (Sharm Al-Maya):
    • Finds: Spices, silver Bedouin jewelry, sand art bottles. Haggle fiercely—start at 30% of quoted price!
    • Cultural Stop: Visit Al Mustafa Mosque (non-prayer hours; cover shoulders/knees).
    • Transport: Taxi (10 EGP from marina).

Dinner

  • Fresca Seafood: Dine on grilled calamari at this market-facing gem .

Day 4: Leisure, Views & Retail Therapy

Morning

  • Naama Bay Beach:
    • Activities: Parasailing ($40), paddleboarding, or relax at Mojito Beach Bar.
    • Access: Free public sections; loungers cost 50 EGP .

Afternoon

  • Shopping & Entertainment:
    • Genena Mall: Ice skating, cinema, international brands.
    • Hollywood Sharm: Dinosaur 3D park, fountain shows (entry: 150 EGP).
    • Transport: Taxis (15 EGP between venues) .

Evening

  • Bedouin Dinner Show: At Alf Leila Wa Leila park—belly dancing, Tanoura Sufi rituals (180 EGP) .

Day 5: Mountain Spirituality & Departure

Sunrise

  • St. Catherine’s Monastery:
    • Highlights: Climb Mount Sinai (2.5-hr hike; depart 2 AM for sunrise), view the Burning Bush, Byzantine icons.
    • Transport: Pre-book a car (3-hr drive; TravelGoEasy transfer recommended). Open 8 AM–4 PM; free entry .

Afternoon

  • Last-Minute Souvenirs:
    • Soho Square: High-end gifts.
    • Perfume Palace (Old Market): Custom oud fragrances.

Sharm El Sheikh Travel Essentials

Transport Guide

RouteModeCost (EGP)Time
Airport → Naama BayTaxi/Transfer100–15025 min
Naama Bay → Old MarketMicrobus515 min
Hotel → Ras MohammedPrivate Car25045 min
  • Car Rentals: From $25/day; book via TravelGoEasy.
  • Rideshaens: Use inDrive app (cheaper than Uber) .

Seasonal Highlights (2025)

  • Oct–Apr: Ideal diving (water: 25°C); Ras Mohammed coral blooms.
  • Dec 31: New Year’s fireworks at Soho Square & luxury hotels .
  • Mar–May: Kite-surfing competitions in Nabq Bay.

Family vs Solo Traveler Picks

  • Families: Dolphina Park (swim with dolphins; $75), aqua parks at Rixos/Coral Sea Hotels .
  • Solo Adventurers: Freediving courses in Sharks Bay, Dahab day trips (100 km north) .

Shopping Guide

VenueSpecialtyBudget
Old MarketHandicrafts, spices$
Soho SquareDesigner brands$$$
Genena MallElectronics, ice cream$$

Cultural Tips & Local Etiquette

  1. Dress Modestly: Cover shoulders/knees in markets/mosques. Swimwear is beach/hotel-only.
  2. Bargaining: Expected in markets—politely counter at 50% initial price.
  3. Tipping: Leave 10–15% at restaurants; tip boat crews (20 EGP).
  4. Ramadan Note: Restaurants close sunset–sunrise; avoid public eating/drinking .

💡 Pro Tip: Download “Happy Bus” app for public microbus routes—saves 70% vs taxis!


Craft Your Perfect Sharm Escape!

Sharm El Sheikh merges desert mystique with aquatic magic—a realm where you’ll snorkel with Picasso fish at dawn and sip hibiscus tea under star-dusted Bedouin tents by night. With 2025’s new flight routes, adventure has never been closer.

Ready to dive into cerulean waters?

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“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Let Sharm El Sheikh be your next treasure.

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