Sharm El-Sheikh

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THE city event highlights EATING CAFés Bars & nightlife shopping Sleeping INFORMATION maps

Population 10,000 sharm el-sheik Currency 1 Egyptian Pound (LE) = 100 piasters

Opening hours Varying, with many shops open until late.

Internet www.sharmguide.com www.sharmelsheik.com www.touregypt.net

Publications al-Ahram al-Gumhurija al-Achbar

Emergency numbers Police: +20 (0)69 366 0311 Ambulance: +20 (0)69 360 0554 Fire brigade: +20 (0)69 360 WELCOME TO Sharm EL-Sheikh 0633 Surrounded by a crystal-clear, deep-blue sea and a breathtaking desert landscape, Sharm El-Sheikh has developed into one of the Tourist Office most popular holiday destinations in Egypt. Come here to relax Open daily from 9.00 am to in one of the many well-developed tourist resorts, or dive at the 3.00 pm, except Fridays area’s unique coral reefs. But ‘Sharm’ is far more than just a resort Tel: +20 (0)69 366 3573 or town. It is also an ideal spot to discover real Egyptian culture and 4721 to travel to the neighbouring historic sites such as the renowned Mount Sinai.

www.Arrivalguides.com THE city | do & see destination: Sharm EL-Sheikh

THE city Ice Skating Sharm El-Sheikh -- short “Sharm”- It may sound strange, but Sharm does - is one of the fastest developing have its very own ice skating centre. holiday resorts in Egypt. What was Come here to show off your ice skating a sleepy fishing village less than skills, watch Ice Hockey games or just two decades ago, is now a buzzing cool down during a hot summer day. tourist destination with some 10,000 Address: Concorde Hotel, White Knight Beach inhabitants. Its rocky mountains, Tel: +20 (0)69 360 1460 beautiful deep-blue sea and its breath-taking desert landscape make Mount Sinai it a popular sight for globetrotters According to Christian belief, it is Mount Sinai on which Moses received from across the world. Situated the Ten Commandments, making it alongside the southern tip of the a popular target for pilgrims from Sinai peninsula, Sharm is an area across the world. The mountain, also of beaches and resorts stretching called Mount Moses, is more than 2200 some 30 kilometres, with Naama Bay metres high and can be ascended via forming the main tourist centre. But the Path of Moses, a stairway of nearly even if you do not want to spend 4000 steps, or by a second path east of the main tourist area. Or spend a day your entire holiday on stunning Red of the St. Catherine Monastery. Once on Sharks’ Bay, about a 20 minute taxi Sea beaches, there are still plenty you have reached the peak, where the ride from Naama Bay. of reasons to come here. Sharm Chapel of the Holy Trinity lies, enjoy the gives you a taste of real Egyptian life breathtaking views of the Sinai desert. and culture, and serves as a base to Ras Um Sid, located west of Naama, is great for snorkelling. Situated about visit some of the historic sites that Monastery of St. Catherine five minutes’ drive from Sharm, it is surround it. Its crystal-clear water Nestled at the foot of Mount Sinai, famous for its stunning coral reefs and and unique sea-life have also made the monastery was built for Emperor boasts an impressive cliff. Sharm one of the finest diving spots Justinian between 527-565 AD. It in the world. later took the name of St. Catherine If you are interested in diving, Sharm of Alexandria, whose remains are El-Maya should be your point of do & see buried there. Today, the monastery reference. The bay, located near Sharm’s The Bays houses a priceless collection of art Old Town area, is home to a number of Sharm has become one of the top pieces including religious ornaments, diving centres that will show you the global destinations for snorkelers beautiful mosaics and a vast collection best waters in Sharm. When picking and divers thanks to its beautiful and of illuminated manuscripts. a diving school, however, make sure diverse sea life, and its sandy beaches the school has been accredited by a have become very popular with Ras Mohamed professional diving association. holidaymakers. This stunning national park lies some 30 kilometres south of Sharm El- Old Town Naama Bay is by far the most popular Sheikh, at the southern tip of the Sinai The Old Town of Sharm was developed of them, and its long, sandy beach is a peninsula. Spread over 480 square as recently as the 1960s. As it does not favourite among swimmers and sun- kilometres, this desert terrain is form part of the region’s major tourist bathers. It is buzzing with life thanks to home to a number of exotic mammal areas, this is the place where many its many restaurants and shops. Come species, birds and reptiles. Make sure of the locals live, and it will give you here to try out the Bungee catapult or you don’t miss the colourful coral a feeling of Egyptian culture. Its Old take up horse-riding sessions. reefs. Market is popular with bargain-hunters, as goods here are generally cheaper If you prefer it more quiet, spend a day than in the tourist centres such as at Nabq Bay, which is situated outside Naama Bay. The beach here is rather small, but still worth a visit.

Make your trip start at home | www.arrivalguides.com do & see | eating destination: Sharm EL-Sheikh

Abou El Sid Authentic Egyptian cuisine in a charming, traditionally oriental atmosphere. Come here to try Egypt’s national dish Molokheya, a leafy herb served with rice and meat. Address: Naama Bay, in front of the Naama Centre Tel: +20 (0)69 360 3910

Mojo A stylishly decorated restaurants with an excellent sea view, making it the ideal place to chill out after a long day of sun-bathing or diving. Serves excellent Middle Eastern and European-style seafood dishes. Dishes from around 60 LE Address: Naama Bay Tel: +20 (0)69 360 2603 Tiran Island Eating This beautiful island, located in the As a seaside resort, Sharm has Le Fleur Gulf of Aqaba between Sharm El become famous for its excellent An upmarket restaurant serving Sheikh and Saudi Arabia, boasts seafood, such as fresh shrimps or carefully-prepared French dishes, stunning coral reefs and lagoons, deep-fried calamari. But Sharm’s located inside the Moevenpick making it the perfect paradise for international clientele and its many Resort. Try the Chocolate fondue for snorkelers and divers. To get there, top-notch resorts mean you can dessert. you can catch a boat from the find excellent restaurants serving Dishes from around 120 LE southern side of Naama Bay. nearly anything from French, Thai, Address: Jolie Moevenpick Resort, Naama Bay Tel: +20 (0)69 360 0100 American and Japanese cuisine to www.moevenpick-hotels.com Nabq National Park traditional Egyptian food. An impressive natural reserve Kona Kai & Sushi Bar Restaurant comprising 600 square kilometres, Sinai Star Here you can watch the chefs boasting a diverse animal and A basic but very popular restaurant prepare exquisite Sushi and plant life. Here you can see Nubian that serves fresh, tasty seafood Teppanyaki food. Based in the ibexes, foxes and gazelles and other dishes at decent prices. If you’re Marriott hotel resort. fascinating species. hungry, try the big seafood platter. Address: Marriott Beach Resort, Naama Bay Does not serve alcohol. Tel: +20 (0)69 360 0190 Dishes for less than 50 LE marriott.com/property/propertypage/SSHEG Address: Old Sharm Market Tel: +20 (0)69 366 0323 Hard Rock Cafe Part of the well-known American Zigolini chain that is stuffed with rock ‘n roll Based at the Jolie Moevenpick resort, memorabilia. Its menu is dominated this venue offers a good choice by mainstream Western dishes such of high-quality Italian food, with as Chicken Wings, Onion Rings and beautiful panoramic views of Naama Hamburgers. Also serves alcohol, Bay. including some refreshing cocktails. Dishes from around 60 LE Address: Marina Street, Naama Bay Address: Jolie Moevenpick, Naama Bay Tel: +20 (0)69 360 2665 Tel: +20 (0)69 360 0100 www.hardrock.com www.moevenpick-hotels.com

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BARS AND NIGHTLIFE What better thing is there than to relax with a cold beverage after a long day of sight-seeing or sun- bathing? Sharm has many top notch bars that serve anything from exotic cocktails to imported European beer.

Cascades Pool Bar & Restaurant This pool bar is set among cascading waterfalls and offers a range of cool drinks and tasty snacks. Ideal for a quick, refreshing lunch. Address: Hyatt Regency, the Gardens Bay Tel: +20 (0)69 360 1234, www.sharmelsheikh.regency.hyatt.com The Sunset Bar Enjoy a beautiful view of the Tiran Islands in the Red Sea waters Sultan Gardens Zabadi while quenching your thirst with a A traditional, oriental-style cafe, This restaurant and lounge bar refreshingly exotic cocktail. The bar specialises in Middle Eastern and located on Shark Bay in the Holiday is based within the Hilton complex in Mediterranean food, served amid a Inn complex. Sharks Bay. Address: Holiday Inn Resort, Shark Bay friendly atmosphere. Adr: Ras Nusrani, Sharks Bay, Tel: +20 (0)69 360 3333 Tel: +20 (0)69 60 2130 Address: Mall 25, King Abdullah Street www.holidayinnsharm.com Tel: +20 (0)69 360 0320 Pirate’s Bar This bar has a strong nautical Makani Bakery Sala Thai Restaurant theme, with fishnets and compasses Serves a wide variety of home-made Serves a mouth-watering selection decorating the walls. It is particularly breads alongside sandwiches and of carefully prepared Thai dishes, set popular with foreign visitors thanks in a classical Thai atmosphere with puddings. Eat in or take away. to the large selection of imported antique art and a traditional openly Address: El Khazan St, Hadaba draught beers from Ireland, displayed kitchen. Germany, and Scotland. Find it Almaz Oriental Café next to the reception of the Hilton Address: Hyatt Regency at the Gardens Bay Relax on the sofas or cushions of Tel: +20 (0)69 360 1234 Fayrouz Resort. sharmelsheikh.regency.hyatt.com this comfortable chill-out zone with Address: Hilton Fayrouz, Naama Bay an oriental cafe and a water pipe. CAFÉS Tel: +20 (0)69 360 0136, www.hilton.com Serves a selection of snacks. Located Ali Baba Oriental Cafe within the Camel Hotel, with a strong Seagulls This stylish rooftop cafe offers a good Western clientele. An upmarket, open-air bar/ selection of oriental coffees and teas restaurant with daily live as well as water pipes (Shishas) with Address: Camel Hotel, Naama Bay Tel: +20 (0)69 360 0700 entertainment. a variety of flavoured tobaccos. Pop www.cameldive.com Address: Jolie Ville Moevenpick Resort, Naama Bay by in the evening to watch the sun Tel: +20 (0)69 360 0100, moevenpick-hotels.com set. Al Shalal Pool Bar Address: Sonesta Beach Resort, Naama Bay Tel: +20 (0)69 360 0725 A nice bar set around a big circular sonesta.com/egypt_sharmresort swimming pool, serving a range of beverages and delicious snacks. Address: Holiday Inn Resort, Sharks Bay Tel: +20 (0)69 60 2130, www.holidayinnsharm.com

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CLUBS Sharm is famous for its lively and diverse nightlife. Enjoy a drink in the stylish Little Buddha bar or quench your thirst with a pre-party cocktail at the Bus Stop. Then move on to one of Sharm’s bigger venues such as the famous Pacha Nightclub. Whether you want to chill out or rave until dawn, Sharm has it all.

Little Buddha One of the most stylish venues in town, boasting a flashy, futuristic decor. Order a drink at Buddha’s illuminated bar counter, then sit down on one of the soft sofas spread across the lounge area or dance to the resident DJs’ rhythmic house beats. SHOPPING not spend an evening gambling in Address: Naama Bay Hotel, Naama Bay Tel: +20 (0)69 360 1030, littlebuddha-sharm.com Without a doubt, Naama Bay is the the flashy on-site Casino? top spot in Sharm for shopping. The Address: Naama Bay, Tel: +20 (0)69 360 0100 Bus Stop lively tourist area is packed with Double room: from 190 US-Dollars (Hotel quotes Shaped like a big red bus, Bus Stop fashionable clothes’ shops, jewellery prices in US-Dollars), www.moevenpick-hotels.com is a popular pre-party venue for the stores and other shops offering Hyatt Regency Pacha Nightclub. Chill out with a cool pretty much anything. As the Naama The 35-hectare Hyatt Regency is beverage and absorb the R&B and Bay area is a thriving nightlife spot, adjacent to the popular Na’ama Bay. soul beats. many shops here stay open until Designed in Southern Mediterranean Address: Sanafir Hotel, Naama Bay midnight or even later. Shopping in style, its 439 rooms and suites offer Tel: +20 (0)69 600 1978 Naama Bay is rather expensive by spectacular views of the Red Sea. local standards, however. Bargain- Pacha Nightclub Here you can relax at the outdoor hunters should go to Old Market Arguably the most well-known club pool, enjoy a day at the hotel’s own in downtown Sharm, which is also in Sharm El-Sheikh, and a big one, Spa or play a game of tennis. the best location in the area to buy too. Chill out with cool beer at the Address: The Gardens Bay, Tel: +20 (0)69 360 1234 classical Egyptian souvenirs. Why not pool party bar, play in the foam zone Double room: from 125 US-Dollars per room (Hotel buy a traditional water pipe here? currency is US-Dollars) or move your hips, butt and feet on www.sharmelsheikh.regency.hyatt.com the dance floor. If it gets too hot, cool SLEEPING down in the on-site swimming pool. Sonesta Club EXCLUSIVE Address: Sanafir Hotel, Naama Bay This resort hotel in designed in Tel: +20 (0)69 360 0197-8 Jolie Ville Moevenpick Resort & traditional Nubian style, located on Casino Naama Bay and overlooking South Hard Rock Cafe This high-standard hotel offers 396 Sinai’s desert and mountains. Its 409 The restaurant of this well-known rooms in 42 bungalows directly on guest rooms and suites feature either chain transforms into a discotheque the beach of Naama Bay, within a balcony or roof terrace. at midnight, with its two resident walking distance to the shops and Address: Naama Bay DJ’s spinning party classics and the nightlife of the area. Guests can go Tel: +20 (0)69 3601280 latest in Chart House and R&B. diving, parasailing, camel riding or Double rooms: from 140 US-Dollars (Hotel quotes prices in US-Dollars) Address: Marina Street, Na’ama Bay play on the nearby golf course. If you www.sonesta.com/egypt_sharmclub Tel: +20 (0)69 360 2665, www.hardrock.com have got some cash to spare, why

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sleeping | essential information destination: Sharm EL-Sheikh

GOOD VALUE Iberotel Palace The Ibertol has its private sandy beach in Sharm el Maya Bay, a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town. Address: Sharm El Maya Bay Tel: +20 (0)69 366 11 11 Double room: from around 550 LE www.iberotel-eg.com/palace/

BASIC Mercure Luna Sharm El Sheikh This hotel is located away from the beach on Om Sid Hill, five kilometres from the town centre and 6 kilometres from Naama Bay. It is owned by a French chain of budget hotels and offers 101 air-conditioned, comfortable and clean rooms. The hotel features an Essential information before getting into a cab. A ride unheated outdoor pool. Airport from Naama Bay to the Old Market, Address: Om El Sid Hill The Sharm El Sheik Airport is located for instance, should not cost you Tel: +20 (0)69 366 5660 about 15 kilometres north of Naama more than 20 EGP in a 4-seater or 35 Double room: from 389 LE, excluding breakfast Bay. From there, you can either EGP in an 8-seater. Many up-market www.mercure.com take a minibus or a taxi. A minibus hotels use private taxi companies Camel Dive Club & Hotel ride costs around 2 EGP to get to that are more expensive. This friendly hotel in the centre of downtown Sharm, for a cab ride Taxi station: +20 (0)69 366 0357 Naama Bay is tailored specifically you’ll have to pay around 40 EPG. A towards divers and features a dive taxi ride to Naama Bay will cost you Medical/Dental service centre and school. The beach is a about 25 EGP. Some hotels also offer Tel: +20 (0)69 366 0893 two-minute walk away. Popular with bus transfers, as do tour operators. British tourists. Tel: +20 (0)69 360 1141 Medical emergencies Local Transport Address: Naama Bay Tel: +20 (0)69 360 0554 Tel: +20 (0)69 360 0700 Public transport in Sharm El-Sheikh Double room: from around 250 LE is provided by minibuses, which run Post Office www.cameldive.com from the Northern to the Southern Tel: +20 (0)69 366 0518 part of Sharm and back. You have to hail the bus to get on. Expect to Pharmacy pay around 1 LE per ride. However, Tel: +20 (0)69 366 0388 public transport in Sharm is limited, and due to its sheer size it is often Telephone necessary to take a taxi. Country code: +20 Tel. Bus station: +20 (0)69 366 0600 Area code: 069

Taxi Electricity There are essentially two types of 220 volt taxis, 4 and 8-seaters, which you can hail on the street. Prices can vary, so make sure you agree to a price

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