Sharm el Skeikh, or just Sharm, is one of the hottest travel destinations in the Arab world, and for good reason. It's quickly being recognized as one of the finest diving spots in the world, and the variety of activities available to the visitor is mind boggling.



Forty years ago, Sharm Egypt wasn't much more than a small fishing village. But during Israel's occupation, the land near Sharm's center began to be developed and it gradually transformed into a tourist destination. It now contains many of the amenities that you would expect to find in a travel destination, except that it has also been able to maintain its historic roots.

Sharm and nearby Hurghada are located on the Red Sea coast, and just offshore there is a wide variety of beautiful coral and aquatic life, including sharks and dolphins, if that's your cup of tea! Sharm caters to scuba divers of all levels, so even if you're new to the activity, you'll find a reputable dive operator who can accommodate you.

If scuba diving is not for you, there are plenty of other beach activities that you can participate in. Hurghada and Sharm beaches have beautiful white sand and the water is crystal clear. Bad pictures are almost impossible to take here!

While some areas in Egypt are known more for their historic value, Sharm has a reputation as more of a beach or resort destination. Here you'll find hotels in all price ranges, including some world-class properties, and you'll also find an active nightlife, which is not especially common in Egypt. But do expect to pay a hefty price for alcoholic beverages, even in this more liberal area.

Egypt entertains over 5 million travelers per year, and in recent years, over one quarter of them have visited Sharm. The locals are very friendly and accommodating with travelers, but there are still some taboo customs that you should be aware of if you're planning a holiday. To get the most out of your vacation, look into Egypt packages, which will help you plan your travel.

For the most part, most of Egypt is generally safe. There is very little violent crime, and the most likely crime that you could be exposed to would be pick pocketing, but security is stationed in most public areas to protect the tourists' interests.

Sharm is a beautiful city in a wonderfully historical city. If you plan a trip to Sharm, whether on its on or as part of one of the available Egypt packages, you will not be disappointed, and you will leave with some fantastic memories (and hopefully photographs) that will last a lifetime.