GENERAL

On the sun-soaked southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula sits Sharm El Sheikh, the cream of Egypt's beach resorts.Once upon a time, Sharm was a quiet fishing village - before word got out of the magnificent Red Sea diving on offer and the quality of its huge sandy beaches. Today, Sharm is a well-developed resort with it all: luxury all inclusive hotels, golden beaches, glamorous nightlife, and world-class scuba diving.

The resort is bathed in radiant sunshine from January to December. As well as summer breaks, Sharm El Sheikh breaks are ideal for a bit of winter sun. A lot of people actually prefer to go in the winter, as the summer can be stiflingly hot. Sharm's always popular with families and couples alike, and enjoys a growing reputation as a party destination.

Sham El Sheikh beaches...

The beaches in Sharm El Sheikh are gorgeous. Long, wide and golden - and dotted with swaying palms, with the dramatic landscapes of Sinai in the background. Typically, they have top-notch amenities, including ample loungers and parasols where you can soak up the rays. The Red Sea waters rarely drop below 20C in the off season, and can be considerably warmer during the peak season. Most all inclusive resorts offer their own private beach.

Red Sea diving...

Of course you can't mention Sharm El Sheikh breaks without discussing scuba diving. The resort hosts may dive centres, but what really sets them apart is the quality. Withy high levels of professionalism, safety, high quality boats and guides, and courses suitable for beginners to experienced divers. Sharm El Sheikh diving is among the finest in the world.

Awaiting you is the magical, kaleidoscopic underwater world of the Red Sea It's home to rainbow-coloured coral reef, shipwrecks and all manner of strange and vibrant tropical fish, dolphins, turtles, rays and octopuses. Ras Mohammed Marine National Park and the Straight of Tiran, which separates Tiran Island from Sinai, are two of the most famous diving spots in the world. Wreck divers will also be in aquatic paradise here.

Activities...

As well as diving, Sharm El Sheikh breaks offer a whole host of water sports such as windsurfing, parasailing and kitesurfing. Inland, there are first-class golf courses, while the romantic surrounding deserts are ripe for exploring by quad bike, 4x4 or camelback! If you had something a little more relaxing in mind, enjoy a pampering at one of the luxury spa retreats. There are several water parks in the region that kids will love.

Shopping...

Shopping is superb in Sharm. The resort is divided into the new and old town; the latter is home to a traditional market where you'll find spices, semi-precious stones and Egyptian silver. The new district is made up of fashionable designer boutiques and glitzy shopping malls.

Going out...

There's also plenty of nightlife, and although the town has its fair share of bars and restaurants, Na'ama Bay is the party capital. With its main strip full of clubs and bars playing their music from dusk 'til dawn, put this on your to-do list if you're looking to dance the night away.

If you like the sound of Sharm El Sheikh...

...check out holidays to Hurghada here, Tenerife holidays here and holidays to Agadir here.