Sharm El Luli beach
Discover the enchanting Sharm El Luli, a serene bay nestled on the western coast of the Red Sea. Situated in the core of Egypt's coastal national park, Wadi al-Gemal, this hidden gem is approximately 40 kilometers south of the burgeoning resort town of Marsa Alam. Accessible via a convenient route, the journey to Sharm El Luli takes you along a highway that, while functional, may not boast the highest quality. Nonetheless, it offers a direct path that stretches down the southern coastline, leading you to an idyllic beach vacation destination.
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Beach description
The beach itself is composed of very fine sand in a spectrum of colors that vary with location and lighting. Predominantly, the sand is a dazzling white, formed from limestone crushed by the waves. Large sandy expanses are often broken up by clusters of hard limestone. These form small, flat surfaces approximately one and a half meters above the sand, providing perfect spots for leisurely sunbathing directly on the stones, without the need for a lawn chair.
Some of these rocky outcrops extend significantly into the sea, creating natural platforms ideal for diving into the water while snorkeling. However, even near these formations, the depth can reach four to five meters. To explore the greater depths, one must venture a bit further from the shore.
Close to the coast, the sea is relatively shallow, averaging no more than one and a half meters in depth. During low tide, extensive sandbars may be revealed, and reaching deeper water for swimming could require a walk of over a hundred meters. Near the shore, isolated coral formations can be found, so caution is advised to avoid injuring your feet on them. Nonetheless, in the crystal-clear blue water, such hazards are easily visible from a distance.
At a greater distance from the shore, where the bay ends, large coral reefs begin in the open sea, astonishing in their beauty and diversity. Access to these reefs is possible either by boat from Marsa Alam or by swimming from the headlands that frame the bay. This should only be attempted by those confident in their swimming abilities and possessing a high level of proficiency. Due to the shallows, boats rarely approach the beach directly.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Egypt for a beach vacation is typically during the spring and fall months, specifically from March to May and from September to November. During these periods, the weather is pleasantly warm, making it ideal for enjoying the country's stunning beaches.
- March to May: Spring in Egypt is warm but not excessively hot, with average coastal temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). This is a perfect time for swimming and sunbathing without the intense heat of the summer months.
- September to November: The fall season offers similar conditions to spring, with the added benefit of the sea remaining warm from the summer heat. This makes it an excellent time for water activities such as snorkeling and diving, especially in the Red Sea resorts.
It's important to avoid the peak summer months from June to August, as temperatures can soar above 30°C (86°F), which might be uncomfortable for some travelers. Additionally, the winter months from December to February, while mild, can be too cool for those looking to spend time in the water.
Video: Beach Sharm El Luli
Infrastructure
There are no large hotels directly on the beach. Transfers are organized for individual tourist groups by travel agencies or directly from the hotels in the resort of Marsa Alam.
Transfers can be arranged both by road and by sea. In the latter case, these are typically groups initially sent for diving and snorkeling. A separate stop will not be made solely for them to swim in the sea or sunbathe on the beach.
A significant number of hotels were constructed in Marsa Alam previously, but some construction was halted due to economic crises and the threat of terrorist attacks. Consequently, with the decline in tourist numbers, many hotels in the city are competing for each guest. The price level is quite reasonable and even low by Egyptian standards.
Almost any hotel will offer a stay for two adults at $100-$110 using the all-inclusive service. Among them, Labranda Gemma Premium Resort stands out, a resort complex that offers additional discounts for early reservations.
Weather in Sharm El Luli
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It should be remembered that the beach is located in the national park. There are no large clusters of hotels, restaurants and cafes. Most often people come here to visit as a part of their excursion programs. Therefore, you should always be careful not to leave trash after yourself. It is imperative to take all the garbage with you. There are frequent cases when especially littering tourists were subjected to penalties through the hotel administration.
It should also be remembered that there are no organized toilets on the beach. And you should take care of such a simple thing as sanitation in advance.