Middle East - Anthony Ham [155]
Na’ama Bay is a throbbing, purpose-built resort, while Sharm el-Sheikh, initially developed by the Israelis, is a long-standing settlement. They are 6km apart, but being joined by a fast-growing, suburban-like sprawl. Around 12km northeast of Na’ama Bay is Shark’s Bay, home to the area’s best budget accommodation.
Information
There are ATMs every few metres in Na’ama Bay. Most major banks have branches in Sharm (with ATMs) and can change cash. Thomas Cook ( 360 1808/9; Gafy Mall, Sharm-Na’ama Bay Rd, Na’ama Bay; 9am-2pm & 6-10pm), just west of Sinai Star hotel, will cash travellers cheques.
The post office (Sharm el-Sheikh; 8am-3pm Sat-Thu) is on the hill. There’s a telephone centrale ( 24hr) nearby.
To access the internet try Maxim Internet (Old Market; E£20 per hr; 10am-2am) opposite the Old Market in Sharm or Speednet Internet Café (Sharm-Na’ama Bay Rd, Sharm el-Sheikh; per hr E£10; 24hr) in the Delta Sharm complex in Na’ama Bay.
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TOP RED SEA DIVE SITES
Thistlegorm This WWII cargo ship is, arguably, the best wreck dive in the world; access it from Sharm el-Sheikh (left).
Ras Mohammed (Click here) A national marine park teeming with more fish life than you can poke a regulator at.
Blue Hole The famed sinkhole near Dahab (Click here) that is as dangerous as it is gorgeous.
Elphinstone A remote and virgin reef off the shore of Marsa Alam (Click here), the perfect place for shark spotting.
All of them Best bet is to get greedy and arrange a multiday, live-aboard diving safari that will take you to all the major dive sites the Red Sea has to offer.
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In Sinai, visa extensions are available only from the passport office in Al-Tor, approximately 90km northwest of here.
Activities
Some of the best windsurfing in Egypt is found at Moon Beach, 270km from Sharm – ask around to arrange transport and rentals.
Any of the many dive clubs and schools in Sharm can give you a full rundown on the superb underwater possibilities in the area (see also box above). If you’re hankering to don fins for the first time and learn to scuba, you may want to check out our box, Choosing a Dive School, (Click here).
Sleeping
Be warned that budget digs are very thin on the ground in Sharm.
Sharm el-Sheikh
Youth Hostel ( /fax 366 0317; City Council St, Hadaba; per person E£55, member/nonmember without bathroom E£25/50; ) The only real budget option in town, this massive, institutionally white complex has bland but decent rooms. It’s way off the beach and is popular with nonyouths and Egyptians alike.
Amar Sina ( 366 2222/3; www.minasegypt.com; Hadaba; r from US$90; ) This huge, huge arabesque fort of a hotel is like a city in itself. Encircling a lovely oasis-like pool area, there are arches, wooden balconies and domes aplenty, all draped with an eclectic slew of arty decor. The rooms continue the Moorish theme and all face the pool area. Loads of facilities are also on site, including fitness and diving centres, a Jacuzzi, sporting facilities and more.
Creative Mexican Sharm ( in Cairo 02-257 7029; www.worldofcreative.com; Hadaba; r from US$95; ) The bold colours and Mexican flair of this themed hotel seem strangely apt among the swaying palms and bright blue skies of Sinai. Whitewashed, two-storey chalets are very comfy and dripping with green vines along their exterior. The friendly atmosphere here is a big hit with vacationing families. You must book ahead as walk-ins are not accepted.
Na’ama Bay
Camel Hotel ( 360 0700; www.cameldive.com; King of Bahrain St, Na’ama Bay; s/d with street view from €48/78, with pool view €54/91; ) This popular