Sun, sea and sightseeing in Sharm El Sheikh

One of Sharm's many sandy beaches

When to go

The best time to visit Sharm is between June and September if you want the really hot weather. We went during July and it was baking hot – definitely weather to just enjoy sitting around on the beach all day whilst enjoying cocktails...

Getting there

We booked our entire trip to Sharm through teletext holidays, which turned out at around £400 each for an all inclusive hotel, return flights and travel insurance for seven days, which we thought was a bargain!

We flew with XL airlines, it was very basic but the staff were nice. We sat next to each other and on the way there had extra legroom, what more could you want?

However, if you wish to book your flights and hotel separately then EasyJet do flights starting at £117.99 if you book in advance.

Where to stay

Being the ‘wannabe’ millionaire that I am, we stayed in the 5* all inclusive resort Calimera Royal Albatros Moderna. The hotel has its own part of the beach, two swimming pools, two restaurants and its own nightclub. Again, we booked this through teletext as part of the package and we were not disappointed.

However, if you wish to opt for a cheaper option Sharm has lots to offer in terms of less expensive hotels and it is very easy to grab a last minute deal, although it is very limited in terms of hostels.

What to do

If the idea of sitting around a pool all day drinking Piña Coladas doesn't push your buttons, there are endless other ways to spend your time in Sharm el Sheikh. These are my three recommendations:

• Ras Mohamed

Ras Mohamed is an underwater national park situated off the coast of Naama Bay. We took a day trip there on a boat, stopping at three different sites to go snorkeling. The snorkeling was incredible; everybody was amazed at how much it was possible to see without the hassle of learning to scuba dive.

The Pyramids were incredible

The boat had plenty of room to stretch out and sunbathe in between stops and provided a feast for lunch. Just make sure you ask the driver to turn on the air-con, forty minutes in the back of a minibus in 38 degrees with only a tiny window open is a guaranteed way to ensure you spend the first hour on the boat feeling nauseous!

• Camel Riding in the Desert

Camels: let’s face it, they are smelly, very large and usually moody. However, when you’re in Egypt jumping on the back of one and riding across the desert seems like the most natural thing in the world.

So jump on a camel we did (actually I had to get lifted on a bit). Once you get going the ride is very relaxing and the scenery stunning, especially at sunset, but I’ll warn you this is not for the faint-hearted! Once you have managed to clamber aboard the beast they lurch up throwing you forward and then just as you regain balance, they throw you back again.

I spent most of the ride panicking about having to experience the whole thing again when we stopped for a little wander.

I realise I’ve made the whole experience sound quite terrifying, but it was definitely worth embracing the fear for.

• A Trip to Cario

When people think of Egypt usually the first thing that springs to mind is the Pyramids Of Giza. Personally we didn’t think it was worth going to Egypt and missing out on one of the original Seven Wonders of the World, so we booked a coach trip to Cario. If you would like to do this you should be prepared for a twelve hour round trip, and a day in Cario in between.

One of the Seven Wonders of the World

Most sensible people choose to fly from Sharm and if you book in advance the cost of a flight and a tour is actually less than the coach trip. The Pyramids were incredible and reminiscing about the Egyptian Museum on the way home made the coach journey bearable.

Nightlife

If after all that sightseeing and sunbathing you fancy a bit of a drink and dance (let’s face it who wouldn’t?), head down to Naama Bay.

Naama Bay is the centre of Sharm and is home to many different bars, clubs, and even the odd casino. The bay is constantly buzzing, with many bars having open outside areas so you can enjoy the evening warmth.

The Bottom Line

Sharm is fantastic choice of holiday this summer if you fancy somewhere hot, entertaining and not too pricey. For me there is nothing better than lounging on a beach all day before partying the night away, and Sharm provides the perfect setting to do this, as well as providing activities for the more adventurous.

If its a relaxing week in the sun you are looking for then Sharm is your kind of place, plus you can guarantee to come back with an amazing tan!

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