Sharm el Skeikh, or just Sharm, is one of the hottest travel destinations in the Arab world, and for good reason. It’s quickly being recognized as one of the finest diving spots in the world, and the variety of activities available to the visitor is mind boggling.

Forty years ago, Sharm Egypt was little more than a tiny fishing village. But during Israel’s occupation, the land near Sharm’s center began to be developed and it gradually transformed into a tourist destination. It now contains most of the amenities that you would expect in a travel destination, except that it’s been able to maintain its historic roots.

Sharm and nearby Hurghada are located on the Red Sea coast, and just offshore there is a wide spectrum of aquatic life and beautiful coral, including dolphins and sharks, if that’s your cup of tea! Sharm caters to scuba divers of all levels, so even if you’re new to the activity, you’ll find a reputable dive operator who can accommodate you.

If scuba diving is not for you, there are plenty of other beach activities that you can participate in. Sharm and Hurghada beaches have beautiful white sand and the water is crystal clear. Bad pictures are almost impossible to take here!

Most of the hotels in Sharm, are located in the Na’ama Bay region, a long sandy bay with a beautiful, palm-fringed boulevard. Other popular neighborhoods include Sharm El Maya, which is near the older Sharm el Sheikh development, and Ras Um Sid.

Egypt hosts more than 5 million visitors every year, and in recent years, over one quarter of them have visited Sharm. The locals are very friendly and accommodating with travelers, but there are still some taboo customs that you should be aware of if you’re planning a vacation. To get the most out of your holiday, look into Egypt packages, which will help you plan your visit.

Sharm’s reputation was sullied somewhat in 1995 when a (suspected) group of radical Egyptians bombed several areas, taking aim square at the thriving tourist industry of Sharm. But it’s also important to note that many Egyptians died trying to stop those terrorists, and for the most part, Sharm is a very safe city to travel in.

Sharm is a beautiful city in an amazingly historical city. If you plan a holiday to Sharm, whether on its on or as part of one of the available Egypt packages, you will not be disappointed, and you will be left with some fantastic memories (and hopefully photographs) that will last a lifetime.