Everything a family needs to know before booking Sharm, kid-friendly resorts, calm beaches, tours, and local tips.
Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, on the clear water of the Red Sea. Direct flights from the UK take about five and a half hours.
When to go
November to February is the most comfortable time for families, with daytime highs of about 22 to 26°C and the sea still warm enough to swim. Summer, from June to September, is hot, often 35°C or more, so plan pool time and shade.
Where to stay
Nabq Bay and Sharks Bay have long stretches of shallow, calm water near the shore, good for small children. Naama Bay is the busiest area. Hadaba sits up on the cliffs, so check how you get down to the beach.
Getting around
Many families book their airport pickup in advance, so a driver is waiting in arrivals with their name on a sign. You can request a fixed-price pickup on our site, priced per car by area.
Trips for families
A glass-bottom boat trip keeps everyone dry, and the full-day Ras Mohammed snorkelling trip suits confident swimmers. Save the Mount Sinai night climb for older children. You can see these trips on our Tours page.
Food
Most meat in Egypt is halal, but resorts and some restaurants serve alcohol and standards vary, so ask if it matters to you. For local food, head to the Old Market: Fares Seafood for fish, and Abou Ali for ful and ta'ameya. For ice cream, Vanilla Café in Naama Bay is known for its Italian gelato.
Money
The currency is the Egyptian pound. Many hotels also take US dollars, euros or pounds sterling, but not all, so carry some Egyptian pounds. ATMs take Visa and Mastercard. Restaurant bills often include a 10 to 12% service charge; leaving 5 to 10% extra in cash for good service is appreciated.
Ready to plan? Request your airport pickup on our site or ask us about trips on WhatsApp.
