Where to Stay in Sharm El Sheikh 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map

Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Red Sea - some of the world's best diving waters. The town evolved from a diving village to a major resort destination with everything from budget dive hostels to five-star mega-resorts. Most visitors combine diving/snorkeling with desert excursions to St. Catherine's Monastery.

Editor's Pick for First-Timers

Naama Bay

The heart of Sharm with pedestrian promenade, best restaurant selection, countless dive shops, and legendary nightlife. Easy walking distance to beach, dining, and activities. Perfect base for first-timers who want options and atmosphere.

First-Timers & Nightlife

Naama Bay

Luxury & Snorkeling

Sharks Bay

Authentic & Budget

Old Market

Diving & Views

Ras Um Sid

All-Inclusive & Families

Nabq Bay

Quick Guide: Best Areas

Naama Bay: Tourist hub, nightlife, restaurants, diving shops, beach promenade
Sharks Bay: Luxury resorts, beautiful bay, snorkeling, upscale quiet
Old Market (Sharm El Maya): Authentic Egypt, bazaar shopping, local restaurants, Old Sharm
Ras Um Sid: Cliff-top views, diving, quieter beaches, lighthouse area
Nabq Bay: Massive all-inclusive resorts, families, isolated beach, kite surfing

Things to Know

  • Some Nabq Bay resorts are massive but impersonal - check reviews for service quality
  • Cheap online deals sometimes hide hotels with poor food and dated rooms
  • The windy season (March-May) can make Nabq Bay beaches unpleasant
  • Don't touch coral or marine life - heavy fines and environmental damage

Understanding Sharm El Sheikh Geography

Sharm stretches along the Red Sea coast with distinct zones. Naama Bay is the tourist center with promenade and nightlife. Sharks Bay (north) has luxury resorts. Old Market/Sharm El Maya is the original town with bazaar. Ras Um Sid (south) is the cliff-top diving area. Nabq Bay (far north) has mega-resorts near the airport.

Main Districts Central: Naama Bay (tourist hub, nightlife). North: Sharks Bay (luxury), Nabq Bay (all-inclusive). South: Sharm El Maya/Old Market (authentic), Ras Um Sid (diving). Reefs: Ras Mohammed National Park, Tiran Island (day trips).

Accommodation Map

Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.

Best Neighborhoods in Sharm El Sheikh

Naama Bay

Best for: Tourist hub, nightlife, restaurants, diving shops, beach promenade

$38+ $108+ $302+
Mid-range
First-timers Nightlife Convenience Diving

"The original Sharm hub with bustling pedestrian promenade and legendary nightlife"

Walk to beach and restaurants
Nearest Stations
Naama Bay center Diving center row
Attractions
Naama Bay Beach Promenade Hard Rock Cafe Diving centers
8
Transit
High noise
Safe tourist area. Ignore touts firmly. Don't swim after drinking.

Pros

  • Best nightlife
  • Walking distance to everything
  • Great diving access

Cons

  • Crowded
  • Touristy
  • Pushy vendors

Sharks Bay

Best for: Luxury resorts, beautiful bay, snorkeling, upscale quiet

$65+ $162+ $432+
Luxury
Luxury Snorkeling Quiet Families

"Upscale resort area with excellent house reef snorkeling"

10 min taxi to Naama Bay
Nearest Stations
Sharks Bay area Resort shuttles
Attractions
Sharks Bay reef Hollywood Sharm Soho Square
5
Transit
Low noise
Very safe, resort environment.

Pros

  • Best snorkeling from shore
  • Luxury resorts
  • Quieter than Naama

Cons

  • Need taxi to nightlife
  • Isolated feel
  • Higher prices

Old Market (Sharm El Maya)

Best for: Authentic Egypt, bazaar shopping, local restaurants, Old Sharm

$22+ $54+ $130+
Budget
Culture Shopping Authentic Budget

"The original Sharm with traditional bazaar and more authentic Egyptian feel"

15 min taxi to Naama Bay
Nearest Stations
Old Market Sharm El Maya port
Attractions
Old Market bazaar El Maya Bay Local restaurants Port area
6
Transit
Moderate noise
Safe but conservative area. Dress modestly. Bargain hard.

Pros

  • Authentic shopping
  • Good local food
  • Less touristy

Cons

  • No beach nearby
  • Far from main resorts
  • Basic infrastructure

Ras Um Sid

Best for: Cliff-top views, diving, quieter beaches, lighthouse area

$43+ $119+ $324+
Mid-range
Diving Views Couples Quiet

"Dramatic cliff-top area with spectacular diving and sunset views"

10 min to Old Market, 15 min to Naama
Nearest Stations
Ras Um Sid lighthouse area
Attractions
Ras Um Sid reef Lighthouse Tower dive site
4
Transit
Low noise
Safe. Be careful on steep cliffs.

Pros

  • World-class diving
  • Stunning views
  • Quieter atmosphere

Cons

  • Limited restaurants
  • Need taxi
  • Steep beach access

Nabq Bay

Best for: Massive all-inclusive resorts, families, isolated beach, kite surfing

$43+ $108+ $302+
Mid-range
Families All-inclusive Kite surfing Budget resorts

"Purpose-built resort strip with massive hotels and natural reserve"

30 min to Naama Bay
Nearest Stations
Resort area Near airport
Attractions
Nabq Protected Area Mangrove forest Kite beaches
3
Transit
Low noise
Very safe resort zone.

Pros

  • Huge resort choice
  • Near airport
  • Kite surfing
  • Nature reserve

Cons

  • Far from town (30 min)
  • Wind can be strong
  • Isolated

Accommodation Budget in Sharm El Sheikh

Budget

$32 /night
Typical Range: $27 – $38

Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities

Most Popular

Mid-Range

$92 /night
Typical Range: $76 – $108

3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations

Luxury

$270 /night
Typical Range: $232 – $313

5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities

💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.

Our Top Hotel Picks

Best Budget Hotels

Camel Dive Club & Hotel

Naama Bay

8.2

Legendary dive hotel right on Naama Bay promenade. Basic rooms but excellent diving operation and unbeatable location.

DiversBudget travelersSocial atmosphere
Check Availability

€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels

Tropitel Naama Bay

Naama Bay

8.4

Well-located resort with pools, beach access, and easy walk to promenade nightlife. Good all-around choice.

ConvenienceFamiliesNightlife access
Check Availability

Coral Sea Sensatori

Ras Um Sid

8.7

Adults-only beachfront resort with excellent diving, cliff-top pools, and romantic atmosphere.

CouplesDiversAdults only
Check Availability

Reef Oasis Beach Resort

Ras Um Sid

8.5

Excellent value resort on famous Ras Um Sid reef. Great house reef snorkeling and diving from beach.

SnorkelersDiversValue seekers
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Stella Di Mare Grand Hotel

Naama Bay

8.6

Premium position on Naama Bay with excellent beach, multiple restaurants, and walking distance to promenade.

FamiliesBeach loversCentral location
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€€€ Best Luxury Hotels

Rixos Sharm El Sheikh

Nabq Bay

9

Ultra all-inclusive Turkish resort with everything from water park to nightclub. Massive scale with quality execution.

All-inclusive luxuryFamiliesActivities
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Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh

Sharks Bay

9.5

Stunning Moorish palace design with private beach, world-class snorkeling, and impeccable Four Seasons service.

Luxury seekersSnorkelingSpecial occasions
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Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh

Naama Bay

9.2

Garden-style luxury resort with private bay, excellent spa, and refined atmosphere steps from Naama.

Luxury comfortSpa loversCentral luxury
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Unique & Boutique Stays

Liveaboard Diving

Red Sea

9

Multi-day dive safaris to Ras Mohammed, Tiran, and Strait of Gubal. Essential for serious divers.

Serious diversRemote reefsUnique experience
Check Availability

Smart Booking Tips for Sharm El Sheikh

  • 1 Peak seasons: October-April (Europe escaping winter), Russian holidays
  • 2 Ramadan can affect alcohol availability and restaurant hours
  • 3 Book dive packages separately from hotels - often better value and quality
  • 4 Summer (June-August) is hot but prices drop 40-50%
  • 5 Many hotels include airport transfers - verify before booking taxi
  • 6 Ras Mohammed excursions are essential - book through reputable operators

Why you can trust this guide

We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.

Curated locations based on walkability & safety
Real-time availability via live partner maps
Jan Krenek

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Sharm El Sheikh?
Naama Bay. The heart of Sharm with pedestrian promenade, best restaurant selection, countless dive shops, and legendary nightlife. Easy walking distance to beach, dining, and activities. Perfect base for first-timers who want options and atmosphere.
How much does a hotel cost in Sharm El Sheikh?
Hotels in Sharm El Sheikh range from $32 per night for budget accommodation to $92 for mid-range and $270 for luxury hotels. Prices vary by season and neighborhood.
What are the main neighborhoods to stay in Sharm El Sheikh?
Naama Bay (Tourist hub, nightlife, restaurants, diving shops, beach promenade); Sharks Bay (Luxury resorts, beautiful bay, snorkeling, upscale quiet); Old Market (Sharm El Maya) (Authentic Egypt, bazaar shopping, local restaurants, Old Sharm); Ras Um Sid (Cliff-top views, diving, quieter beaches, lighthouse area)
Are there areas to avoid in Sharm El Sheikh?
Some Nabq Bay resorts are massive but impersonal - check reviews for service quality Cheap online deals sometimes hide hotels with poor food and dated rooms
When should I book a hotel in Sharm El Sheikh?
Peak seasons: October-April (Europe escaping winter), Russian holidays