Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt — Travel ideas

Perched at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula where rugged mountains plunge directly into crystalline waters, Sharm El Sheikh offers some of the world's finest coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and striking desert scenery, all easily reachable on direct or short-connection flights from Belgium.

Overview

Sharm El Sheikh is the premier coastal hub of the Sinai Peninsula, famed globally for the biodiversity of its marine national parks, warm waters, and sweeping desert backdrops. Whether diving dramatic coral drop-offs at Ras Mohammed, quad biking across barren canyons at dusk, or taking a peaceful day trip to the bohemian town of Dahab, the region blends world-class marine adventure with relaxing seaside hospitality.

Getting There

Direct Flights: TUI fly Belgium operates seasonal direct charter flights from Brussels Airport (BRU) to Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH), taking roughly 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Connecting Flights: Year-round daily connections are available via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines / Pegasus) or Cairo (EgyptAir) departing from Brussels (BRU), with total travel times ranging from 7 to 9 hours.
Airport Transfers: The airport is located 10–20 minutes by road from most resort strips along the coast. Pre-arranged private transfers or hotel shuttles are recommended over hailed taxis.

Day-by-day

Day 1: Arrival & Coastal Unwinding Arrive at SSH, check into your coastal resort, and settle in with an evening stroll along the Naama Bay or Sharks Bay promenade. Enjoy fresh grilled seafood by the water.
Day 2: House Reef Snorkeling & Old Market Spend the morning exploring your resort's house reef or swimming at Sharks Bay. In the late afternoon, head to Sharm's Old Market (Old Town) to admire the intricate architecture of the Al Sahaba Mosque and sample traditional Egyptian dishes like koshari and grilled kofta.
Day 3: Ras Mohammed National Park Marine Expedition Take a full-day boat or guided overland excursion to Ras Mohammed National Park. Snorkel or scuba dive iconic sites such as Shark & Yolanda Reefs, walk through the coastal mangrove channels, and see the dramatic Magic Eye lake.
Day 4: Desert Safari & Bedouin Dinner Dedicate the morning to relaxation or water sports. In the afternoon, head into the South Sinai desert on a guided ATV/quad bike or 4x4 safari across sand dunes and granite valleys, culminating in stargazing and a traditional Bedouin dinner under the desert sky.
Day 5: Day Trip to Dahab & Blue Hole Take a 1-hour scenic drive north along the coastal highway to the laid-back town of Dahab. Snorkel the legendary Blue Hole and Canyon reefs, wander the beachfront bohemian cafés of Lighthouse Reef, and browse local artisan silver and handicraft shops.
Day 6: Tiran Island Boat Excursion Embark on a boat charter into the Straits of Tiran. Spend the day swimming and snorkeling over the vibrant Jackson and Gordon coral reefs, keeping an eye out for sea turtles, rays, and passing pods of dolphins.
Day 7: Final Dip & Departure Enjoy a relaxed morning swim in the bay, pick up local spices or hibiscus tea (karkadeh) at the bazaar, and transfer to SSH for your flight back to Belgium.

Where to Stay

Ras Um Sid / Hadaba: Cliffside area offering immediate access to dramatic drop-off reefs directly from resort piers; ideal for avid snorkelers and divers seeking quieter surroundings.
Sharks Bay: A well-maintained resort enclave facing Tiran Island with exceptional reef health and calm water, located just minutes from the airport.
Naama Bay: The traditional center of the resort town, best for travelers who want walkability to shops, lively cafés, dive centers, and nightlife.
Nabq Bay: A newer, sprawling resort strip with shallow tidal lagoons and all-inclusive beachfront properties, though more exposed to coastal winds during winter.

Budget

Flights: €250–€550 return per person from Brussels, depending on direct charter availability vs. layovers.
Accommodation: €50–€100/night for comfortable mid-range 4-star beach resorts; €120–€280/night for 5-star luxury and comprehensive all-inclusive properties.
Food & Dining: €15–€35 per day outside all-inclusive plans when dining at local restaurants and seafood spots.
Activities: Full-day boat snorkeling trips with lunch cost around €30–€55; guided diving (2 tanks) ranges from €60–€90; desert ATV safaris cost around €25–€45.
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP), though international cards and Euros are widely accepted for tours and hotel expenses.

Know Before You Go

Visas: Belgian passport holders staying exclusively within South Sinai resorts (Sharm, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba) for up to 15 days can obtain a free 'Sinai Only' stamp upon arrival. If you plan to travel beyond South Sinai (e.g., Cairo, Luxor) or stay longer, purchase a standard Egypt tourist visa (approx. $25 USD / €25) on arrival or online via Egypt's official e-Visa portal.
Safety & Travel Advice: The South Sinai coastal corridor (Sharm El Sheikh to Dahab) is a well-secured international tourism zone. Check official Belgian Foreign Affairs (FOD Buitenlandse Zaken) advice before traveling; remain within registered tour routes and avoid unguided travel toward North Sinai.
Reef Protection: Red Sea reefs are delicate. Touching corals, standing on reef flats, or collecting shells/marine life is strictly prohibited by law, and biodegradable reef-safe sunscreen is strongly encouraged.