Sharm El-Sheikh

 You’ll find Sharm El Sheikh – or Sharm as it’s known locally – planted near the bottom of the Sinai Peninsula. 

This region of Egypt stocks everything from dune-filled deserts to towering mountain ranges that peak at well over 2,000 metres tall – perfect for 4x4 safari fans. 

The city itself, meanwhile, boasts a coastal plot, meaning that soft belts of sand and paddle-friendly waters are at your fingertips. And, if shopping’s on your to-do list, the lively centre lines up heaps of top-brand-boutiques and bustling bazaars

A spooling shoreline

Sharm lays claim to 35 kilometres of coastline, where apricot-coloured sand slowly sinks into the bath-warm waters of the Red Sea. The water itself stays nice and shallow for the first 20 feet, making it ideal for splashing sessions with the little ones. 

The main attraction in this part of Egypt, though, is the scuba diving. You’ve got more than 250 coral reefs to explore, most of which are home to rainbow-coloured schools of fish, sea turtles and stingrays. If you’d prefer to leave the oxygen tank behind, the snorkelling’s just as stellar.

Up-tempo nightlife

Right in the centre of Sharm, there’s a big, brash strip. It’s home to the likes of Pacha and the Hard Rock Café, and it pulls in a throng of lively partygoers. 

Expect everything from music concerts and themed discos to pool and foam parties to pack out the after-dark agenda. For those who like their nights a bit less neon-lit, there’s a good collection of chilled-out cocktail bars on the waterfront. And wherever you go, you’re bound to find some belly dancing