Cheap holiday Sharm el Sheikh

When is the best time to go?

October, November, March and April are ideal: pleasant 25 to 32 degrees with little wind. December to February is also excellent at 20 to 25 degrees, perfect for escaping Northern European winters. Avoid June to September when temperatures reach 38 to 42 degrees and direct flight options from the Netherlands are limited.

The best areas in Sharm el Sheikh

• Naama Bay The lively centre with shops, restaurants, nightlife and direct access to the coral reef. Best for those who want action and a social atmosphere.
• Nabq Bay Quieter and more upscale, with modern resorts and the rare Sinai mangrove forest. Ideal for peace, nature and luxury.
• Sharks Bay Popular dive spot with an excellent house reef for beginners, just outside the main centre.
• Soho Square Entertainment and shopping complex with restaurants and a cinema, great for evenings out in air conditioning.
• Old Market (Sharm el Maya) The authentic Egyptian bazaar for gold, spices and souvenirs. Bargaining is expected.

Top 5 things to do in Sharm el Sheikh

• Ras Mohammed National Park Underwater paradise at the southern tip of Sinai with colourful coral walls and sharks. Entry around $15; most tours go by boat and cost €35 to 60 per person.
• Snorkelling and diving at Naama Bay Snorkel on the house reef in front of your hotel, rent gear for €5 to 15, or join a boat trip for €20 to 35. An introductory dive for beginners costs €50 to 90 including a guide.
• Blue Hole day trip to Dahab The world's most famous dive site, around 1.5 hours from Sharm. Day trip including transport and guide €40 to 60 per person, also open to snorkellers.
• Mount Sinai and St. Catherine's Monastery Night climb for a breathtaking sunrise over the desert. Guided tour €40 to 60 per person, national park fee $3 extra.
• Desert safari by quad and camel Ride through the Sinai desert at sunset. Tours depart daily from most resorts for €35 to 60 per person.

Flights + transport from the Netherlands

Transavia flies direct from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Sharm el Sheikh (SSH) in around 5 to 5.5 hours. TUI fly departs from both Schiphol and Eindhoven; easyJet also flies from Schiphol. Return fares range from around €180 in low season to €380 in high season. Within Sharm a taxi or resort shuttle is usually enough. If you want to explore the Sinai desert and Dahab independently, book via DiscoverCars for a rental car in Sharm el Sheikh.

What does a holiday in Sharm el Sheikh cost?

One week all-inclusive including flight: €450 to 650 budget, €700 to 1100 mid-range. Budget hotel without meals: €30 to 60 per room per night. Local food at the Old Market or an Egyptian restaurant: €3 to 8 per meal. Airport transfer to resort by minibus: €5 to 10 per person.