Located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula, the resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, or Sharm as it is known to locals, is one of the most beautiful and scenic spots on earth. Flanked by mountains on one side, the crystal clear Red Sea on the other and covered in a permanent coating of desert sand, Sharm has become a playground for vacationing tourists from sheiks and royalty to Europeans and Americans. Miles away from the hustle and bustle of Cairo and the typical Egyptian tourist attractions, Sharm gets by on its incredible natural beauty and amenities. The city has earned the name, “The City of Peace” because of the quiet and tranquil nature of the city, but also because it is so often chosen as an international spot for peace conferences. Still unknown to many tourists in the West, Sharm is gaining steam as one of the Middle East’s premium vacation destinations for both families and conventions.

The majority of accommodations in Sharm are major Western chain hotels, which, in this case, isn’t such a bad thing when you consider that many of these hotels are incredibly luxurious and feature some of the best service you will find anywhere. There are local hotels and even a smattering of bed and breakfasts here, but if you are a first time visitor here, you might want to stick with the names you know until you get to know the lay of the land.

Because Sharm el-Sheikh serves as a playground to so many of the world’s elite, there is a fine array of restaurants to choose from here. Inside many of the Western style hotels, you will find traditional modern fare with an infusion of local style and flair. Venturing out into the streets, there are many fine cafes and bistros here just waiting to be discovered by hungry tourists.

While the people here are charming and helpful and the food is remarkable, the real attraction in Sharm is the amazing weather and the even more amazing beaches. The soft sand beaches on the Red Sea extend indefinitely in all directions and thanks to the tropical climate, they can be used year round. Temps in the winter here seldom dip below 15C so outdoor activities are always in vogue. Although when things heat up in the summertime, tourists should make sure they have plenty of water and proper directions before wandering off on their own.

Another popular sport in Sharm is SCUBA. With a plethora of coral reefs and unique sea life surrounding the Sinai Peninsula, there is always a show going on under the surface of the clear blue water. Even if you have never donned the traditional SCUBA gear or even a snorkel, most hotels here offer lessons on how to enjoy this magnificent sport.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your passport and a few extra bottles of sun block and check out this jewel of a vacation destination located on the very tip of the Sinai, Sharm el-Sheikh!