Sharm el Sheikh: The lost Paradise
When I told my friends, that I was travelling to Sharm el Sheikh for work I received a lot of different answers and only a few positive ones. Why would you travel to a civil war country ? Why would you go to Egypt with all that terrorism going on? To an Arab country, really with all that is happening?
But most people don’t know where exactly was happening what and that Egypt is a large country. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying it is as easy as taking a flight to an european city and spend your weekend there, since there are many places to visit, such as the munich egyptian museum which is one of the best Egyptian museums outside of Cairo!
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But if you’re honest, nowadays – where is it really 100% safe?
You may have thought London is? Bruxelles, Berlin or Paris? Well as we have all seen in the past months unfortunately they are not.
But does this mean, that we should be afraid? Stop to travel and stay home? – To be honest, this would frighten me even more! To miss the life that is happening out there and to live day by day in my small routine.
Of course this doesn’t mean that you should just jump in the plane and go anywhere no matter what. But what it really means is, don’t be afraid of what could happen everywhere you go, but open your eyes, use your well-travelled brain and be careful while you chose your destination and especially while you are travelling.
Is Egypt safe to travel?
My honest answer would be: It depends where you go.
Egypt is a large country with lots of different culture influences and even 20% of christians (would you have known?). So yes, there are areas where, I would not like to travel to at the moment, but Sharm el Sheikh is not included in this list.
I didn’t feel unsafe or challenged at any time while travelling in Sharm el Sheikh. And for sure I didn’t feel unsafe in the hotel we stayed in, every time to enter we had to pass 3 checking points, where each of them was operated by at least two people at a time.
However what I would try to avoid – although they are beautiful – are the christian churches. The oldest christian church is based not too far from Sharm el Sheik, it is the monastery of St. Catherine. It is beautiful and in any other situation it would be my Nr. 1 recommendation to go there, but right now I think it might better to avoid it.
Why Sharm el Sheikh?
…The weather
is known as a bad weather month. We were getting on the airplane with our winter jackets, on around 10 degrees on a rainy day. When we got of the airplane in Egypt and the sun was awaiting us, 25 degrees, no clouds and definitely no winter jacket 😉
…The People and The Culture
I know most of you will tell me it’s an Arabic country! You have probably been to Tunisia or Turkey and you liked everything BUT the people?During my trip I learned so many things about the country and culture and I am sure that most of these facts are not know in the Western countries.
of christians living there. This of course impacts a lot in their culture and also in your freedome as a tourist or woman.
…The underwater world
Fishes with colours and forms that seem unnatural and from out of space. Strips and points that change between colour and size from one type to the next. Green, red, blue, black, white, yellow and red – all colours surrounding me. The corals spreading through out the sea and while the sun shines on them they are put in
a breathtaking light.During the past years Sharm el Sheikh hasn’t had a lot of tourists and therefore the underwater world had time to recover.
This is what makes it even more attractive for travels now. In most places, even in such as the Maldives the corals have died of around the coasts and are grey and dry. In Sharm el Sheikh however they have gained back their colours and are very much alive.
…The Royal Savoy Hotel
Upon entering the room of the royal savoy hotel I was really surprised of the light that comes in the rooms. A view directly at the private pool area was awaiting me. The hotel is children free and therefore the perfect place for a relaxing holiday.The beach is just 5 minutes by foot from the rooms you are staying at.
She got this right every morning with the right smile and the perfect dose of friendliness, not only for me but for all of us.Be-Sparkling!
37 comments
What a stunning place to get lost. What have truly interest me with this post is their beautiful underwater world. I would like to get deep in their wide ocean and explore their underwater world. The people and the culture is as well a great thing to do. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I actually have just heard about this place and genuinely, this is a lost paradise.
I would like to visit here and don’t think the history would put me off as like you say where is really safe now a days. Living in the UK and we are experiencing terror attacks more frequent so it will not stop me from going to Egypt. I would love to visit here as the sea looks so clear, think I might book a trip early next year.
Yes you’re right! Its such a pity of what is happening in the UK right now! But it also wouldn’t keep me from travelling there 😉
I’ve heard lots about this place and have been to a few areas around it, such as Isreal (south point) and the coast ofJordan. If Sharm el Sheik is anything like those, the water is amazingly beautiful and the landscape as well. The water especially, clear, blue, and inviting. And yes, noplace is safe nowadays, but we still have to go.
Woww amazing article. Well every place has it’s own pros and cons, this place has it as well. But your journey sounds amazing!
I completely agree! True, its not safe anywhere, even if its our own home!!! Good that you travelled to and explored Sharm el Sheikh. Its awesome that you didn’t have to wear headscarf or anything there! The hotel looks nice and food looks yummm.
It’s good that you decided to head there anyway, despite all the apprehensions around it. Looks like you really enjoyed your stay. I particularly loved the hues of the blue and green water around you. Your picture gallery is so beautiful. I went through it twice already.
Hi, thanks for passing by! I am so glad you enjoy my pictures and yes I def really enjoyed the time there! I can only suggest you to travel there yourself!
Sharm el Sheik sounds like such a wonderful place and there is so much to explore and do there. Egypt has always awed us with its history and culture it would be nice to explore this place.
if you know how to watch your back any place is safe. Egypt is a country so much history and cultural significance. Would love to visit someday.
Sharm el Shaikh looks beautiful and seems like it has so much to offer. We would love to explore the water! That sounds amazing! We do have safety concerns about Egypt. But like you have mentioned, it could happen anywhere.
This is the second time I have read about Sharm el Sheik recently, and I am so fascinated with it. Even the name is so exotic and mysterious. And that breakfast with a view!!!
I would never give Sharm el Sheik a miss even if the whole world tells me to. This place is just too beautiful to not go. I have heard only wonderful things about here and especially the people. The underwater world is quite beautiful too.
I’ve heard that a lot of resorts are having trouble filling places which I think is such a shame, especially given how bustling the place used to be a few years ago. I hope the tourists come back because the country really needs it (also it just looks like a great place for a sunshine break!)
Hi Rachel, thanks for your input! Yes I think the same way and it definitely is a great place especially during european winter time!
This is such a great post because it highlights a destination but it is full of deep thoughts about a country and its people. I went to Egypt about 15 years ago. It was months after the US invaded Iraq. It was total madness and half of the people on the group cancelled their trips. We ended up there and had the time of our lives. Yes, the situation was icky (and it may be worst now, but maybe no) but we enjoyed. Like you said, we didn’t feel threatened at all. And we got a warm welcome from the people. #citytripping
Hi Ruth, wow what an experience you had there!
I can’t tell you if it is worst or better, the situation is not ideal, but I believe if you keep your eyes open and trust your instincts you should be fine and can – as you said – have the time of your lifes 🙂
Really interesting to hear your thoughts. Egypt is not somewhere that’s high on my list at the moment and I’ve heard varying reports about Sharm. Wonderful to hear how welcoming the people are and very wise words from the gentlemen you quoted on religion. Thanks for linking #citytripping
Really beautiful place! Thanks for introducing me to it and giving your honest opinions and thoughts! #CityTripping
The same reactions I received from family and friends when I travelled to Iran and Jordan. They have had always assumed that Middle East countries are not safe – not 100% correct. I hear that travelling in Egypt in March is a good season and Sharm el Sheikh is a popular diving spot. Although I don’t come across many travel articles on Egypt in recent years, it’s good that you’re sharing and promoting tourism for Egypt to help change the misconception 🙂 #Citytripping
Hi Kat, thanks for your specific answer! Yes I know, its like saying europe isn’t save to travel because of the horrible terrorism going on. But shall we just close the doors and never travel again? NEVER! 🙂
That’s so interesting to read that the corals have begun to recover – I went to Sharm el Sheikh years back and there was so much to discover (including the wonderful monastery) but the snorkelling and diving had obviously suffered a little. And I totally agree that a little research can show a lot of places really aren’t off limits. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Holy wow your pictures were stunning. I cannot believe that was in Egypt. That looked like a five star resort. I would love to visit Egypt more than anything and am even more inclined after reading this post. All the best and safe travels.
Alongtheway.today
Thansk a lot for the compliment! well, it was a five star resort 🙂
I haven’t yet visited Egypt but I’d be interested in visiting Sharm el Sheikh. It’s good to hear that the coral and marine life are in good shape after less tourism. The service at your hotel sounds top notch!
I’ve been wanting to visit Egypt for quite some time now although I have to admit, I’ve never really done any research and all I know to visit are the pyramids. So thank you for introducing me to this beautiful spot! Am definitely putting this on my bucket list and will keep in mind to avoid the churches.
You make such an excellent point about fear and travel. I’m glad you are out here spreading the truth that we can’t let fear hold us back! When I visit Egypt, I’ll definitely be checking out Sharm el Sheik.
Thanks for your comment! Yes I believe that we should go out explore the world – always with open eyes, but we should never be afraid of living the life and seeing the world!
I completely agree that people should travel and not be paranoid worrying about danger. Sharm el Sheikh sounds and looks like an amazing place to visit! I think your hotel is stunning and the food looks delicious. I am dying to go to Egypt soon and this post inspired me.
The place i want to visit and explore. Egypt is indeed a paradise on its own – historical and beyond beauty!
Sharm El Sheikh looks dreamy. I have never been to this side of Egypt and hopefully I’ll get the chance to see this place one day. Love your photos! 🙂
Thanks a lot ! 🙂
Sharm-el-sheikh is really a paradise but not many people know about it which is very sad. Great, you shared a hidden treasure to us with lovely descriptions and photographs.
I quite agree with how you have explained, sometimes just the perception of a particular place or country takes us to presume the worst and not even try heading out, I have seen similar perceptions with North East part of India and also Kashmir, but the ground realities aren’t as bad as they are projected to be. One must gather correct information before planning
Did you get to snorkel/scuba down there? I hear it is amazing!!!
Also, I agree with you 100%, that there is no reason to skip a country, because the news is bad, or they had one incident in one region of the country….you have to get out there exploring!
Yes I did and yes it totally is amazing! I wrote a separate article about the experience! 🙂
Hi Miriam,
Hope you are all well. Nice blog post about Sharm EL Sheikh. I like your layout and how much in details you put into your post.
I visited Sharm El Sheikh recently and I also really enjoyed it and I felt like writing a little blog post about it as well.
Feel free to have a look at my little post here.
http://www.wrasmus.com/blog.html
I am currently blogging about my own concept “traveling creative”.
And hoping to develop and grow it more seriously soon.
Much love.
Rasmus