Sharm el-Sheikh in Winter: Why Egypt is Way More Than Just "All-Inclusive".
When you hear "Egypt," you probably picture endless buffets, sparkling pools, and lazy lounging under palm trees.
But after our trip, I realized one thing: Egypt is a country you can't just box up within the confines of a resort.
We flew to Sharm el-Sheikh in February, and it was arguably one of the best choices for a winter getaway. Why February, you ask?
While it's freezing back home, daytime temps in Sharm sit at a cozy +24…+27 °C, the sea stays around +22…+23 °C, the sun isn't scorching, and strolling around town is an absolute delight.
Sure, you’ll need a light sweater in the evening—especially if you're walking by the sea or heading out on excursions.
And the best part—you can often score super cheap flights in February.
We rarely buy package tours anyway. We love traveling DIY-style: first we hunt down cheap tickets, then pick a hotel, and map out our itinerary, excursions, and hot spots in advance. This approach lets you experience the country on a much deeper level and often turns out to be way more budget-friendly.
Our Hotel — Domina Coral Bay
We chose Domina Coral Bay for our stay.
I’ll be real with you right off the bat: if you're used to brand-new, modern hotels, you'll definitely feel its age. The complex was built back in 1994, and it could seriously use a facelift.
But... there’s a lot to love about this place.
It's basically a mini-city.
The grounds are massive, with "taf-tafs"—small open-air shuttles—running on various routes 24/7. No matter where your room or the restaurant is, you can always catch a quick ride. I’ve got to give them a massive thumbs-up for such a well-thought-out setup.
A Beach Nearly Two Kilometers Long
The main reason to pick this specific hotel is the sea. Its private sandy beach stretches out for almost 1.8 kilometers, and there's a stunning coral reef right off the shore.
I bought a standard snorkel mask right on the hotel grounds... and spent hours every day swimming along the reef, checking out the underwater life.
Vibrant Corals, Fish of Every Color Imaginable
The Red Sea is like a gigantic natural aquarium. Even if you've never been snorkeling before, give it a shot at least once.
You'll have a hard time stopping after that.
All-Inclusive... But With a Catch
Like the majority of Egyptian resorts, this one runs on an All-Inclusive system.
They put on entertainment shows in the evenings, and there’s even an on-site casino.
As for the food...
It's super subjective here.
My husband was thrilled and ate absolutely everything.
I turned out to be a bit more of a picky eater. I was especially bummed about the meat—it was often tough and dry. But when it comes to the booze, I’ve got a seriously important piece of advice.
Don't experiment with the local hard liquor. We decided to give it a try one evening... and deeply regretted it for a long time afterward.
So my tip is—stick to beer or wine. Your vacation will definitely be much more enjoyable.
The Egyptian Maldives Do Exist
One of the most memorable days was our dive in the Red Sea. We were picked up from the hotel bright and early and taken to the port. From there—a yacht, the open sea, and water of a color so stunning you can hardly believe your eyes. It’s no wonder so many call these spots the Egyptian Maldives.
A whole different world opens up underwater.
If you've never tried scuba diving, the Red Sea might just be the perfect place for your first dive.
By the way, it's better not to book excursions through the hotel.
The prices there are usually way higher.
We found a local organizer while we were still back home and were super happy with the experience.
If you need some tried-and-true contacts for excursions—drop a comment, I’d be happy to share.
Naama Bay — A Totally Different Egypt
We dedicated one day to wandering around on our own. We really wanted to check out the famous fish market in the Naama Bay area.
Locals told us later that things here really only kick off towards the evening. We showed up in the afternoon.
Most of the stalls were just getting set up. But we lucked out anyway.
We stumbled upon a little fish stand and bought some fresh shrimp. They cooked them up right in front of us.
Piping hot and aromatic... We took them to-go and had a full-on feast by the pool.
And you absolutely have to try the local mangoes and strawberries. Even in winter, they are ridiculously sweet.
The Old Town
A completely different vibe rules the Old Town.
You won't find expensive hotels and beach zones here.
Instead, it's packed with authentic Egyptian flavor.
Narrow streets, spice stalls, oriental sweets, souvenirs, and the scent of coffee and hookah in the air.
Even if you don't plan on buying anything—just take a stroll. This is where you really start to feel the real Egypt.
Cairo — A Journey of Almost 24 Hours
The most exhausting, yet simultaneously the most mind-blowing excursion was the trip to Cairo.
We left the hotel in the middle of the night.
We didn't get back until about 4 AM the next day. A nine-hour bus ride each way.
Super rough. Incredibly long. But...
How can you fly all the way to Egypt and not see the Pyramids?
That would be a straight-up crime.
Cairo is so multifaceted and massive that it deserves a whole story of its own.
Dahab and the "5 in 1" Excursion
Another jam-packed day was our trip to Dahab.
During this tour, we managed to:
· ride ATVs through the desert
· hike through the famous canyon
· ride camels
· go snorkeling
· grab a delicious lunch.
Excursions like this really show just how diverse a vacation in Egypt can be.
Is it worth going? Absolutely—yes.
But only if you're ready to step outside the resort grounds.
Because that's exactly where the real Egypt begins. In the turquoise waters of the Red Sea.
In the bustling markets of the Old Town.
In the breathtaking desert sunrises.
In the aroma of spices. In fresh shrimp cooked right in front of you.
On a nine-hour road trip to the Pyramids.
And in the feeling that this country knows how to surprise you time and time again.
Egypt isn't just an "all-inclusive" vacation. It's a place where ancient history meets the vibrant East, and where every day can turn into a mini-adventure. And if you allow yourself to venture beyond your sun lounger, you'll take home way more than just a nice tan—you'll bring back genuine memories that will stick with you for a lifetime.