You’re scraping ice off the windscreen, checking the weather app for the fifth time today and wondering whether the sun still exists. Typical British winter. But, believe it or not, it doesn’t have to be that way. With direct flights from London Southend Airport to Sharm El Sheikh from January to March, you can swap all that faff for Red Sea beaches, coral reefs, desert sunsets and warm days by the water.
Spend your days snorkelling above coral gardens, sailing towards Ras Mohammed or Tiran Island, or claiming a sunlounger with a cold drink and zero guilt. After dark, head for the Old Market, the marina or Naama Bay for seafood, shopping and a little seaside buzz. Sharm works whether you want poolside peace, desert drama or a holiday with proper adventure built in.
Here’s your ultimate guide to Sharm El Sheikh, from where to stay to what to do, eat and explore while you’re there.
Book your flight to Sharm El Sheikh from London Southend Airport.
Flight times between London Southend (SEN) and Sharm El Sheikh (SSH):
| Day | Depart SEN | Arrive SSH | Depart SSH | Arrive SEN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 07:55 | 14:55 | 15:45 | 19:25 |
| Friday | 07:50 | 14:50 | 15:40 | 19:20 |
When is the best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh?
Sharm El Sheikh is built for winter sun holidays. While much of Europe is wrapped up against the cold, the Red Sea coast enjoys warm temperatures, blue skies and very little rainfall.
January averages around 21°C, February reaches 23°C and March climbs to roughly 25°C. That’s warm enough for beach days, boat trips and snorkelling, without the intense summer heat that arrives later in the year. Yā salām.
Read more: Here’s 21 package holiday destinations you can book from London Southend Airport in 2026
Where should I stay in Sharm El Sheikh?
Sharm is really a collection of resort areas rather than one single centre, so where you stay shapes the trip. Naama Bay is the lively, first-timer-friendly choice, with beaches, restaurants and evening buzz. Sharks Bay is calmer and great for snorkelling, while Nabq Bay suits bigger resort stays and family-friendly holidays. Hadaba puts you closer to the Old Market and local sights, giving you a little more of Sharm beyond the sunlounger.
- Xperience St.George Homestay, Hadaba: A great-value resort close to the Old Market area, making it a good choice if you want sunshine, pools and easy access to local attractions. Book 7 nights from £598pp.
- Aurora Oriental Resort, Nabq Bay: A relaxed resort in one of Sharm’s most popular holiday areas, suited to families and travellers looking for a classic Red Sea resort stay. Book 7 nights from £624pp.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Sharm El Sheikh Sharm Bay, Sharks Bay: A reliable beachfront option with easy access to snorkelling, swimming and resort facilities. Book 7 nights from £674pp.
- JAZ Sharm Dreams Resort, Naama Bay: A strong all-rounder close to one of Sharm’s best-known beach and entertainment areas. Book 7 nights from £736pp.
- Rixos Premium Seagate, Nabq Bay: The luxury option on this list, offering extensive facilities, multiple pools and a premium all-inclusive experience. Book 7 nights from £1,324pp.
What is there to do in Sharm El Sheikh?
The beach is just the beginning. Here are the stand-out experiences you can’t miss when you fly to Sharm this winter.
- Snorkel above colourful coral reefs: The Red Sea is one of the world’s most famous snorkelling destinations, with coral gardens and tropical fish just offshore.
- Take a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park: One of Egypt’s most famous marine reserves, known for its reefs, marine life and spectacular coastal scenery.
- Sail towards Tiran Island: Boat trips around Tiran Island offer some of the region’s best opportunities for snorkelling and swimming.
- Explore the Old Market: Browse spices, souvenirs and local products while experiencing a different side of Sharm beyond the resorts.
- Visit Al Sahaba Mosque: One of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, located beside the Old Market and particularly impressive after dark.
- Head into the Sinai Desert: Quad biking, camel rides, Bedouin dinners and stargazing experiences offer a complete change of scenery from the coast.
- Spend a day at a waterpark: Families can cool off at Aqua Blue Water Park, one of the largest in Sharm, or head to Cleo Park in Naama Bay for slides, pools and a fun change of pace from the beach.
More winter sun guides:
Where should I eat and drink in Sharm El Sheikh?
The best restaurants in Sharm El Sheikh are scattered across Naama Bay, the Old Market and the city’s waterfront districts. From fresh seafood and Egyptian favourites to rooftop cocktails and marina dining, there’s plenty to get stuck into.
- Fares Seafood (Old Market): One of Sharm’s best-known restaurants, serving fresh fish, seafood platters and Egyptian favourites. It’s a popular stop after an evening exploring the Old Market.
- Camel Bar & Rooftop (Naama Bay): A long-running Sharm favourite with a rooftop terrace overlooking the centre of Naama Bay. Expect cocktails, cold beers and a lively atmosphere once the sun goes down.
- Pomodoro (Naama Bay): A reliable choice for pizza, pasta and Mediterranean dishes in the heart of Sharm’s busiest resort area.
- SOHO Square: One of the resort’s most popular evening destinations, packed with restaurants, cafés, bars and entertainment. Ideal if your group can’t quite agree on dinner plans.
- The Queen Vic (Naama Bay): A British-style pub serving that home-away-from-home feeling, with food, drinks and live sport. Popular with visitors looking for a familiar atmosphere after a day in the sun.
- Hard Rock Cafe Sharm El Sheikh (Naama Bay): A lively option for burgers, cocktails and live music, sitting right in the middle of the action.
- Farsha Mountain Lounge (Hadaba): Perched above the coastline, this cliffside lounge is famous for its views, lantern-lit terraces and sunset drinks. One of the most distinctive spots in Sharm for an evening out.
Top tips for your stay in Sharm El Sheikh
- Pack reef shoes: Some beaches can be rocky, particularly around reef areas.
- Bring high-factor sun cream: Winter sunshine in Egypt is still strong, especially on boat trips.
- Respect local customs: Egypt is a Muslim-majority country, so modest clothing is expected when visiting markets and non-resort areas.
- Carry some local currency: Egyptian pounds are useful for markets, tips and smaller purchases.
- Try a boat trip: Even if you’re not a diver, getting out onto the Red Sea is one of the highlights of visiting Sharm.
- Don’t be scared to haggle politely in the Old Market: Negotiation is often part of the shopping experience.
- Check passport and visa requirements before travelling: Entry requirements can change, so always check the latest guidance before departure.
- Choose your resort area carefully: Naama Bay, Nabq Bay, Sharks Bay and Hadaba all offer different experiences.
From coral reefs to desert sunsets, Sharm El Sheikh is the kind of winter escape that makes the wet weather back home feel like a distant memory. So pack your swimwear, bring your sunglasses and get ready to swap grey skies for the Red Sea.
Book your flight to Sharm El Sheikh from London Southend Airport.
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