Na’ama Bay is the most Benidorm-like place on the Red Sea. This beach in Sharm el-Sheikh is the liveliest area along the entire coastline since it is packed with hotels and restaurants where you can enjoy the atmosphere at any time of the day. Even when night falls, the bay becomes a constant stream of people coming and going amid the lights in search of entertainment venues to have a drink and listen to live music.
Setting
The Sharm el-Sheikh area on the Red Sea is one of Egypt’s major tourist attractions. It was finally consolidated after the Six-Day War in 1967, in which the area’s borders shifted in the dispute over the control of the Sinai.
From then on, this area has been filled with large hotels and resorts that foster a peaceful and fun holiday at any time of the year since the sun never leaves this bay. In fact, the peak season at Na’ama Bay is precisely in the winter months when it can reach a comfortable 25 degrees Celsius without a trace of rain or cold.
Over the years, Na’ama Bay, which is about 10 kilometres from the airport, has been transformed into a tourist centre thanks to its stunning beaches, but also to the opening of many attractions and entertainment venues.
The arrival of the big hotel chains along the bay has led to a boom in water activities and it is easy to find dive and snorkel shops to explore the amazing coral and marine life in this area, as well as hire kayaks and boat trips.
Beaches and leisure
Na’ama Bay has some very popular beaches for tourists and locals alike not only because of the facilities available but also because of their accessibility, which makes them perfect for swimmers going with young children or groups of friends who want to enjoy the sea and sand.
Many of the hotels in the Na’ama area have direct access to a part of the beach where there is a variety of parasols and sunbeds, depending on the design of the hotel, and food service.
Nevertheless, there is enough sand for everything and it is easy to find another accessible swimming area for those who want to explore with their snorkel goggles a unique seabed full of colourful fish and perfect corals.
Within Na’ama Bay there is a more remote part, Montazah Beach, which is just as beautiful but much quieter for those who want to enjoy the views and a swim in the Red Sea with fewer people.
Na’ama Bay has all types of activities in and out of the water, all of which are aimed solely at ensuring that tourists enjoy their holidays to the full. That is why, in addition to its nightlife and endless list of restaurants, it also has safaris along this Red Sea coastline where you can even see the camels and an aquarium where you can observe the spectacular marine life of the bay without having to get wet.
You must not leave the area without visiting the Mercato Shopping Arcade, which is one of the main shopping centres in Sharm el-Sheikh. If you want to see some history, Na’ama Bay is very close to the recently built Coptic Church which pays homage to the ancient Christians who populated Sinai.
Where to eat
The variety of restaurants at Na’ama Bay is almost a sign of its identity. You can find everything from delicious Egyptian food establishments to franchises of almost all the international chains.
If you want a good venue with sea views, one of the most popular is Camel Bar, where you can try a varied menu almost made for tourists.
You can also enjoy Italian cuisine, very much present in this area, with La Dolce Vita, famous for its pastas and pizzas, or Fares Seafood, if you want to enjoy a good seafood meal. At this establishment, you can even pick the seafood you want to be cooked from the pools containing the fresh seafood.
Among the many Asian restaurants is Rangoli, with Indian dishes, and there is always the Hard Rock Café for an authentic burger or ribs in the heart of the Sinai.
If you are looking for something more informal local food, the best thing to do is stroll through the Old Market and try one of the smaller eateries in the area.
