Sharm El Maya Guide
Planning your holiday in Sharm El Maya
Sharm El Maya is the original Sharm El Sheikh resort, descended from the port town known as ‘Ofira’ and originally built by the Israelis during their occupation of the Sinai Peninsular (1967-81).
As Naama bay has overtaken as the destination of choice for those seeking all night discos and European super clubs, Sharm El Maya remains a (slightly) more peaceful, down to earth resort with a good selection of restaurants, reasonably priced hotels and a long, scenic, sandy beach.
Sharm El Maya Beach
Sharm El Maya Beach wraps itself some 1.5km around the inside of a pleasant cove in Southern Sinai. The beach is wide and sandy and runs from the ferry port in the South to the cliffs of Hadaba to the North.
Several hotels dominate the central section of the beach including the Iberotel Palace, with the rest divided up between various cafes, aqua centres and chill out bars. For those who get restless lying on a sun bed, there are a number of water based excursions also available.
These include trips on pedal boats, banana boats, and indeed glass bottom boats around the bay and out to some of the fabulous coral reefs in the region.
Downtown Sharm El Maya and the Old Market
Just a short walk back from the Sharm El Maya Bay is the area known as downtown or the ‘old market’. A network of streets, shops and vendors selling everything from tourist tat to delicious Egyptian spices.
It’s a good stop for picking up a few last minute Egyptian souvenirs or if you have time to kill while waiting for the ferry to Hurghada.
It’s also home to some very good and very reasonably priced restaurants, albeit with less scenic views than those on the beach. The ‘Old Market’ lies directly behind the Iberotel Palace.
Hadaba
Hadaba is the town located on the cliffs that tower above Sharm El Maya Bay. It’s easily reached from the beach via taxi (5-10LE depending on your haggling skills) or in one of the frequent micro buses that stop by the old market (1LE). The journey from either takes just a few minutes.
As Hadaba doesn’t have a beach of its own as such, it’s often the place to pick up cheap hotel options. It’s also home to a growing number of flats and apartments for rent.
What Hadaba lacks in beach accessibility, it makes up for to some degree in scenic, panoramic vistas.
The apartments located on the cliff front offer breathtaking views out to sea and across the bay.
Getting Around in Sharm El Maya
If you’re staying in Sharm El Maya and still want to get out and spend an evening or two in Naama, the drive takes approximately 15 minutes and should cost you no more than 50LE (read current exchange rates) with a bit of haggling.
