Sharm el Sheikh family holidays
Overview
The best known of the modern resorts on Eygpt’s Rea Sea coast, Sharm el Sheikh is famous for its diving and snorkelling. Lots of international restaurants and a wide choice of hotels with childcare and kids’ clubs make it a very popular choice for family holidays, but it’s not all about the beach and the pool – the region’s rich cultural and biblical heritage means there are plenty of fascinating day-trips to be had.
At the time of writing, the Foreign Office was advising against all but essential travel by air to or from Sharm el Sheikh.
Things to do with kids in Sharm el Sheikh
For pool-based dives for ages 8+ and open-water dives for over-10s, see our Red Sea Coast destination guide. The Near Garden in Sharm el Sheikh’s Naa’ma Bay is a particularly good place to get up close and personal with the wonders of the underwater world, with lots of child-friendly snorkelling and glass-bottomed boat tours (normally lasting about 2 hours).
If you’re looking for slides rather than snorkels, Cleo Park, Sharm el Sheikh’s ‘pharaonic waterpark’, offers Egyptian-themed thrills.
Visit Sharm’s ‘Old Market’ in Naa'ma Bay, full of perfumes and glittering jewellery.
Eat
Sharm el Sheikh has plenty of international cuisine and fast-food outlets for those with fussy kids, but do encourage your kids to try some of the local food – see our Red Sea Coast destination guide for details.
When to go to Sharm el Sheikh
Sharm el Sheikh is best visited with kids between October and May – the rest of the year can be too hot, especially for younger kids. Ramadan (usually Aug–Sept or Sept–Oct) is a special time with a festive atmosphere, but tourist attractions may have limited opening hours.
Cost
All-inclusive deals can make Sharm el Sheikh very affordable, although there are also a number of luxury resorts where you can splurge.
Destination stats
Capital city
Flying time3.5hrs All flight times are based on flights from UK London airports, to the capital or nearest destination airport.
Carbon footprint CO2 Estimated tonnes of CO2 produced for return flights for a family of four.
Timezone
Currency
Weather Today
27°C
80.7°F
Offer of the week
5* Family Holiday to Costa Rica during the Easter Holidays - £9,754 for a family of 4*
Related features
Sign up to our newsletter
For regular family travel inspiration and ideas