Sharm el-Sheikh cheap holidays from the UK

Last updated 29 October 2026 · by the HopCheap team

Sharm el-Sheikh, at the southern tip of Egypt's Sinai peninsula, offers winter sun, some of the world's best snorkelling and a big choice of all-inclusive hotels, often at prices that undercut Spain in winter. After years without direct UK flights, routes from the UK have returned, which makes Sharm an easier budget option again.

Flights from the UK

Leisure and low-cost airlines (such as easyJet, TUI and Jet2) have run direct UK–Sharm (SSH) routes from airports including Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol, with a flight time of around five and a half hours. Schedules are seasonal and change, so check live search. Packages through ATOL-protected UK operators are common and often good value.

What are the best months to go?

• November–March: warm (often mid-20s °C), ideal UK winter sun. It's breezy at times, with cooler nights.
• March–May and October–November: warmer sea and great snorkelling.
• Summer: very hot (often 35–40°C), sometimes cheaper.
• Avoid for value: Christmas, New Year, February half-term and Easter.

Visas

For years, a "Sinai only" entry stamp has been available to visitors staying within the Sharm area for a short period, while a full Egypt visa is needed to travel further, for example to Cairo or Luxor. Rules change, so check the FCDO Egypt advice before you go, including its safety guidance on parts of Sinai.

Which area?

• Naama Bay: lively, with a pedestrian promenade, bars and restaurants. Good for people who want to go out.
• Sharks Bay and Nabq Bay: quieter resort areas, often with good house reefs and family-friendly hotels. Nabq has many good-value all-inclusives.
• Hadaba and Ras Um Sid: clifftop hotels with great reefs, close to the Old Market.

Snorkelling for less

A hotel with a good house reef saves a lot on boat trips. Read recent reviews for pontoon access and reef health. Bring your own mask and snorkel. Ras Mohammed National Park is one of the Red Sea's highlights, and boat trips there are widely available. Compare prices, and choose operators with a good safety record. Never touch or stand on coral.

All-inclusive vs half board

Because eating out in Sharm involves taxis, and resort-area restaurants are pricier than local ones, all-inclusive is often the best value here, especially for families. Couples who want to explore the Old Market and Naama Bay may prefer half board. See our all-inclusive vs DIY guide.

Excursions worth considering

• Ras Mohammed by boat (snorkelling and diving).
• Tiran Island snorkelling trips.
• Desert quad and Bedouin dinner evenings. Compare prices and safety standards.
• Dahab day trip for the Blue Lagoon and a more laid-back vibe. Check FCDO advice for overland travel.

Money and tipping

Tipping is expected in Egypt. Bring plenty of small notes (euros, dollars or Egyptian pounds) for porters, housekeeping and guides. Haggle in the markets. If paying by card, pay in the local currency rather than pounds.

Savings checklist

1. Compare packages and DIY. Packages often win for Sharm.
2. Avoid school holidays.
3. Choose a hotel with a strong house reef.
4. Get a travel eSIM rather than roaming (see our eSIM guide).

Compare Hurghada, add a few days in Cairo, or see closer winter sun.

What does a budget trip look like?

Days 1–2: Settle in and snorkel your hotel's house reef at quiet times (early morning is best). Day 3: Take a Ras Mohammed boat trip, the highlight of most visits. Day 4: Rest by the pool, then go to Naama Bay for the evening. Day 5: Visit the Old Market and Al Sahaba Mosque, and haggle for spices and souvenirs. Day 6: Do a Tiran Island snorkel trip, or a desert evening if you prefer. Day 7: Final reef swim before your flight. Limiting yourself to two paid excursions keeps an all-inclusive week genuinely budget.

Before you book: a quick checklist for Sharm el-Sheikh

• Compare dates: check a whole month of fares, not just one date. A few days' difference can change the price a lot (see our flexible date tips).
• Count the extras: add bags, seats and airport transfers to the fare before comparing options.
• Check entry rules: read the latest FCDO advice for your destination on GOV.UK, including passport validity.
• Sort insurance early: buy travel insurance when you book, so cancellation cover starts straight away.
• Plan data and money: sort a travel eSIM and a fee-free card before you leave (see our eSIM and money guides).
• Read the partner's terms: the booking site handles your booking and payment, so check its price, baggage and cancellation terms before you pay.

Frequently asked questions

Are there direct flights to Sharm el-Sheikh from the UK?

Yes. Leisure and low-cost airlines have restarted direct UK routes. Check live search for current schedules.

Do I need a visa for Sharm el-Sheikh?

A Sinai-only entry stamp has been available for short stays in the area, with a full visa needed to travel further. Check FCDO advice, as rules change.

Is Sharm or Hurghada cheaper?

Both can be cheap. Hurghada often has more flights and a wider range of budget hotels, while Sharm is known for better snorkelling.

When is the best time to go to Sharm?

November to April for warm, not scorching, weather.

We don't quote fixed prices in our guides because fares change constantly — the search buttons fetch current fares. Entry rules can change: always check GOV.UK before you travel.