At the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, on the Red Sea, lies Sharm el Sheikh. Although the ocean offers one of the most impressive diving sites, the city beholds far more than a stunning underwater world. However, the water front is the ideal starting point to discover many intriguing sites; thus, Sharm el Sheikh is the perfect location in Egypt to explore the Orient.

The town is extremely lively, and tourists find themselves quickly transported into another space and time. Every street corner is filled with the proverbial business acumen of the natives. The constant availabilities of goods and services in Sharm el Sheikh replaces the commonly known advertising methods of the western society.

Some hospital inhabitants may invite guests for a cup of delicious mint tea. This way, travellers can learn tons of things about the country, its people and culture. Visitors, usually, have made friends for life after a couple of glasses of the herbal beverage. Tourists should pay attention to the offered souvenirs, as some of them are a bargain, and in the little shops around the corner, many travellers have encountered little treasures, too.

One of the highlights of a trip through Sharm el Sheikh is the St. Catherine’s Monastery, at the foot of the Mount Sinai. First mentioned in 324 AC, Saint Catherine’s Convent is one of the oldest Christian buildings. The impressive construction is located exactly at the spot where once the burning bush stood. The monastery’s library is of inestimable value. It is home to over 4000, partly illustrated, books from the early days of Catholicism.

Holidayers should also stop by at the Ras Mohammed National Park, where desert zones are interspersed with mangrove swamps. Here, one can discover an incredible bio-diversity, as thousands of migratory birds hatch there annually. The national park has plenty of other highlights and natural spectacles in store for tourists. However, it is also regarded as the most excellent diving site in the whole country. The diving cave was a coral reef about 20 million years ago; its unparalleled radiance is a must for every avid diver.

Most of hotels in Sharm el Sheikh are close to the Airport and are decorated in the typical architectural style of the country. The rooms are quite luxurious, with direct views over the Red Sea. Nearly all accommodations include a spa, a wellness centre, the obligatory swimming basin, as well as a couple of diners and bars. The cuisine is varied, and at Il Frantoio, for example, one can enjoy Italian specialties and barbecue dishes.

The food establishment Arabesque provides delightful Lebanese and Moroccan cuisine and regional foods, too. Tourists can even dine excellently at the pool bar, which offers a wide assortment of Mexican dishes. One can rightly say that a holiday in Sharm el Sheikh is not only ideal for divers and beach lovers, but it is also a haven for guests who are interested in the foreign culinary and culture.