Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh which gave the Red Sea an international reputation as one of the world's most extraordinary diving destinations in the Red Sea, Egypt
Imagine yourself in one of the most beautiful and famous deep-sea diving paradises in the world. Your dreams of crystal clear water, magnificent corals, exotic under water flora and rare tropical fish all come true when you visit Sharm El Sheikh on the Southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula
Let your eyes be tantalized by the white sandy beaches and endless desert landscape, which contrast with the crystal clear blue water of the Sinai peninsula.
Sharm El Sheikh has been heralded as "The City of Peace"
It is also noted for its sulphur springs, which are considered cures for those suffering from rheumatic and skin diseases.
The morphology of Sharm El Sheikh's coastline is unique.
It is the cosmopolitan capital of the peninsula of Sinai for its small, intimate hotels with modern designs, as well as larger hotel complexes belonging to International chains.
Plus about all the amenities one could expect of a tourist center, including casinos, discos and nightclubs, golf courses and health facilities. In fact, with diving and snorkeling, windsurfing and other water sports, horses and camel riding, desert safaris, and great nearby antiquities attractions, it is almost impossible for a visitor to ever suffer from boredom.
Sharm El Sheikh is basically divided into three main regions
Na'ama Bay
This long sandy bay was where the first hotel appeared in the early eighties. The development of the shore-line on this bay is now complete and the seafront boasts a beautiful paved walkway, lined with bougainvillaea and oleander, following the full sweep of the bay. Na'ama Bay is the target for tourists in the evenings. This is where you will find many shops, restaurants, bars and 'Sheesha' cafes
Ras Um Sid Cliff:
This is the cliff top area that links Na'ama Bay and the bay of Sharm El Maya. Ras Um Sid is centrally situated about 5 minutes drive from Sharm in one direction and Na'ama in the other. Ras Om El Seed also is famous for its coral reefs, has a very high cliff where many hotels are situated.
Sharm El Maya
This is the name given to the bay area old town of Sharm El Sheikh. The picturesque bay is a natural harbour and home to many small boats. The beautiful sandy beach has a profusion of palm trees providing natural shade for the sun loungers. This beach area of Sharm El Maya has only recently been developed with 5* hotels, and the old town is only a short walk away
As you might expect in such a prime diving location, there is a large selection of private companies offering diving courses at all levels and it is one of the cheapest places in the world to pick up a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) qualification.
Sharm El Sheikh has turned out to be one of the finest places for people to enjoy the best sun, sea, sand, and hospitality of its residents.
It is surrounded by three protected areas:
Ras Mohammed Natural Protected Park
St. Katherine National Park
Nabq Protected Area
Turkey
Turkey is truly where East meets West and it is precisely this mixture that makes travel in Turkey so interesting. Although its culture is imbued with a deep and reverent respect for Islam, Turkey is a country that attempts to separate the secular and religious beliefs of its citizens. While it is uncertain what the future holds for Turkey, today the country remains an excellent vacation destination and one of our best places to visit.
Many travelers think there is little to Turkey outside of Istanbul and Istanbul is a hard act to follow. Crossing the Bosporus into Asia Minor, however, leads you into an exotic and exciting country. Read our recommendations on the best places to visit in Turkey and then make your reservations to explore this most alluring country
Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the world's most interesting cities. Its unique history, literally bridging the gap between 'East" and "West", is precisely what attracts tourist to the shores of the Asian Continent. Across time, Istanbul (or is it Constantinople) has served as the capital of the Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman Empires: the city's heritage is on display and magnificently preserved. From its famous mosques and churches (the Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Cami, and Hagia Sophia), through palaces (The Topkapi and Dolmbahce), and on to the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul is one memorable excursion after another
Ephesus
Ephesus, an ancient city in the process of being restored, is a must see. Dating from the seventh century BC (and possibly earlier) Ephesus provides an interesting view of ancient life: the city's ruins illustrate how ancient cities worked and how the people played. Ephesus is a site that should interest anyone but it holds special reverence for Christians who believe that the Virgin Mary lived in the area at the end of her life.
Ephesus is also known as the location of the Temple of Artemis (also called the Temple of Diana), which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Like all of the Wonders, except the Pyramids at Giza, there remains no trace of the temple dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess. It is believed that the building was partially destroyed by fire and later by an earthquake.
Izmir
Izmir is a working city that serves as a convenient base to explore the Aegean coast: many prime archaeological sites are relatively close to Izmir. The city has limited attractions of its own.
Kusadasi
Kusadasi is a resort town with great restaurants, good hotels, and pleasant hosts. Known for its nightlife, Kusadasi is a good place for anyone interested soaking up the sun and relaxing at the beach. The city's harbor is the gateway to Ephesus for many cruise lines.
Bodrum
Bodrum is a scenic town whose center is the famed Castle of Saint Peter (built by the Knights of Saint John). Bodrum has much to offer and should be considered as a base to explore the surrounding countryside.
In the past, Bodrum was known as Halicarnassus and the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. The tomb was destroyed by a series of violent earthquakes in the distant past. It is said that its building materials were used to fortify the Castle of St. Peter and the city's defensive walls
Anatolia
Anatolia runs across southern Turkey and contains numerous first class archaeological sites. Get a quality guidebook and "dig up" the places of interest to you. Anatolia is a wonderland!
A quality resort town, Anatalya is a good starting place for your explanation of Anatolia
Izmir is a working city that serves as a convenient base to explore the Aegean coast: many prime archaeological sites are relatively close to Izmir. The city has limited attractions of its own.
Kusadasi
Kusadasi is a resort town with great restaurants, good hotels, and pleasant hosts. Known for its nightlife, Kusadasi is a good place for anyone interested soaking up the sun and relaxing at the beach. The city's harbor is the gateway to Ephesus for many cruise lines.
Bodrum
Bodrum is a scenic town whose center is the famed Castle of Saint Peter (built by the Knights of Saint John). Bodrum has much to offer and should be considered as a base to explore the surrounding countryside.
In the past, Bodrum was known as Halicarnassus and the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. The tomb was destroyed by a series of violent earthquakes in the distant past. It is said that its building materials were used to fortify the Castle of St. Peter and the city's defensive walls
Anatolia
Anatolia runs across southern Turkey and contains numerous first class archaeological sites. Get a quality guidebook and "dig up" the places of interest to you. Anatolia is a wonderland!
A quality resort town, Anatalya is a good starting place for your explanation of Anatolia
Cappadocia
Most travelers have seen pictures of the mystical, rock chimney dwellings and man-made cave homes in eastern Turkey. Cappadocia is the area of Turkey known for these dwellings and is a very interesting place to visit
Most travelers have seen pictures of the mystical, rock chimney dwellings and man-made cave homes in eastern Turkey. Cappadocia is the area of Turkey known for these dwellings and is a very interesting place to visit