"On the Sinai - Sharm-El-Sheikh " a Sharm El Sheikh Travel Page by MikeAtSea

The port and town of Sharm-el-Sheikh lies near the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula where the Straits of Tiran meet the Gulf of Aqaba. With its strategic position, the Sinai posed a desirable target for various rulers of the centuries.

In recent times the battle for the Sinai was fought between Egypt and Israel from 1967 to 1979, which finally ended in a peace treaty. Since the withdrawal of the Israelis more and more Egyptians have settled in the Sinai, taking advantage of the booming tourism trade. However the vast interior regions are still sparsely populated. Many Bedouins have been affected by the advent of the 21st century, which is rapidly changing their age-old customs and nomadic lifestyle. As tourism and hotel projects continue to spring up along the Sinai coast, contact with Bedouins not involved in tourism in becoming increasingly rare.
Sharm-el-Sheikh was initially developed by the Israelis during the Sinai occupation. Na'ama Bay, a short drive from the port, has grown from virtually nothing into a sizable resort since the early 1980s.
Between the two towns a string of hotels line the once untouched coastline.
Resort hotels offer great opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. Glass bottom boat trips are available for those preferring to view the exotic marine life of the Red Sea without getting their feet wet.
Diving and snorkeling here is an absolute treat, the diversity of marine life make the Red Sea as one of the best diving spots in the world. On my last visit at the end of October the outside temperature was still well into the 30 deg C with a pleasant water temperature of 27 deg C.
However the town since it was only created in such a short time is only offering facilities for tourists. At times I feel like if it is a little Las Vegas in the Sinai desert with a Hard Rock Cafe, Casinos and plenty of shops lining the roads.

A must when visiting Sharm-El Sheikh is a visit to the Monastery of St. Catherine's. About 2 1/2 hour drive from the coast through rugged desert landscapes the way leads to the foot of Mt. Sinai. This Greek Orthodox holy place is the oldest Christian monastery in the world, with ties going back to the prophet Moses and the exodus of the Jews from Egypt. The monastery was founded in the 4th century AD by the Byzantine empress Helena, who had a small chapel built next to what is believed to be the Burning Bush from which God spoke to Moses. The chapel is dedicated to St. Catherine, the legendary martyr of Alexandria. According to legend, her body was transported by angels to an area just south of Mount Sinai.
Even today the monastery if inhabited by Greek Orthodox monks. Despite its remote location the monastery attracts a great number of visitors and pilgrims. Please note that the monastery closes at noon!