Egyptian Winter Sunshine

This is a fantastic destination for winter sun. We took boat trips to coral fringed islands, rode camels in the desert whilst the sun set, star gazed, watched fire jugglers and snorkelled for hours on end! I wasn’t expecting the scenery at Sharm to be so breath-taking. The jagged mountains rise steeply from the coast giving the whole place a gorgeous backdrop - the mountain’s colours change every minute and a trip out into the desert at sunset is a must-do.

If you’re a fan of swimming and snorkelling then the reefs in Sharm are compelling. Out hotel, Hilton Sharks Bay, had a jetty extending right over the house reef. We simply jumped into the water and it was like entering an aquarium - a kaleidoscope of colour and life. The water is clear, calm and stunning turquoise blue, very inviting for all levels of swimmer, and perfectly safe for kids.

A day trip to barren Tiran Island, with shallow warm turquoise waters and endless coral reefs was a great way to spend the day, stopping off at great snorkel spots and a chance for first timers to try scuba diving and those with scuba experience to go off and explore underwater.

The temperatures during the day stayed in the mid to high twenties which was perfect and hot enough to sunbathe. One of the large freeform pools at the hotel, complete with artificial beach, was heated and had a water slide for the kids (and grown-ups!) which kept us busy with more swimming.

Just a short stroll away in Sharks Bay is Soho Square which has numerous boutique shops and cafes, plus many more restaurants if the hotel food gets repetitive.

For an authentic Egyptian experience try the Old Market area after dark - bustling with shops and traders with some beautiful local handiworks to buy. Butchers and greengrocers sit alongside shops selling handbags and fake sunglasses, it has a nice atmosphere. Cafes are full of men playing backgammon, mulling the days events and smoking sheesha pipes. It is an occasional glimpse, albeit a brief one, of what lies beyond the tourist façade in Sharm.

I’d definitely recommend Egypt for a winter break, and it suits all type of holiday makers - from families to couples and independent travellers. If you’d like to know more then please call me.