pizick

Hello, My husband and I are (still) planning our trip to Egypt and are looking for a little advice. We had originally planned on spending three nights in Sharm, but have heard from some that Dahab is the way to go.

We are in our early 30s and are looking for a place we can relax, enjoy the beach/pool, have a good meal and possibly a bit of nightlife, but nothing too wild (beachside bars are preferred to night clubs).

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

katrinab

I haven't been to Sharm but my husband and I really enjoyed Dahab a few months ago. Very chill town, lots of loungy cafes/bars where you can lie on pillows for hours. The water is great but there isn't much sand for the beach--lots of snorkeling and diving, though, if you and your husband are into that. It's a great place to relax! Info and pics in our Dahab post at http://patrinadoestheglobe.blogspot.com/

pizick

Thank you, Katrina! It looks like you have been to some amazing places. Any favorites?

We were a bit hesitant about the beaches in Egypt, but we're excited about Cairo, the Nile and pyramids and wanted to tack on some relaxation time so I think we'll do a bit more research on Sharm vs. Dahab, but stick with the plan to visit Egypt.

Thanks again!

Grcxx3

For the most part, the "beaches" in Egypt really aren't we think of as beaches. They're okay, but not great.

I've never been to Dahab, so can't speak from experience. Been to Sharm twice but it's not my fav place.

Are you really looking for the beach/water environment just for chilling out? Do you want to snorkel?

pizick

Hi Grcxx3, Thanks for your reply. What do you mean by not really beaches? Not sandy and good for swimming? What about Sharm did you not like?

We will definitely snorkel, but would like to lay in the sun too. Lady Egypt recommended we stay at the Golden Renaissance which I have heard has a bit of a beach. We'd also be willing to relax by the pool.

Here is our perfect day after MUCH sightseeing: Wake up, lay by pool or beach, lunch by water, snorkel in afternoon, nap, nice dinner and low key drinks.

Any further advice/comments you have are greatly appreciated and thanks again!

Grcxx3

Again - can't speak for Dahab...

Sharm - the reason Sharm is so famous for diving/snorkeling is that the reefs come almost right up to the shoreline. As a result, there really isn't a big sandy beach area. Here are some photos to give you an idea.

http://www.sharmandbeyond.com/userimages/beach.jpg
http://imgpe.trivago.com/uploadimage...5019299_l.jpeg

Now, several of the major hotels have created man-made sand beaches (the Sheraton is one, can't think of the others) and they are supposed to be nice. Of course, all the major hotels have floating docks that go out into the water (just past the reef) for the divers/snorkelers. I guess you could go off one of those and swim - but the water is very deep.

To be honest....for what you described - it would be fine. I just wanted you to know what to expect.

We never really cared for Sharm, but then we aren't big snorkers. DH took the boys out a few times, then they weren't interested anymore. It's fine, but just not my thing. We preferred spending our "beach" vacations on the Egypt side of the Red Sea at El Gouna. It's north of Hurghada, maybe 30 miles. For us, it was just easier. We could drive - taking along the boys' scooters, an ice chest. snacks, etc.

That being said - if it was just me and DH, Sharm might be fun!

pizick

Thanks, Grcxx3! That was very helpful. We'll think about it a bit more, but it seems we'll be happy either way!