Sharm el Sheikh & Na’ama Bay – The former fishing village of Sharm el Sheikh is now one of Egypt’s most popular beach resorts. Both it and neighbouring Na’ama Bay boasts a wide range of hotels, bars and tourist facilities, as well as some of Egypt’s best snorkelling and diving.

Nuweiba – Believed by many to be the point where Moses parted the Red Sea, this low-key port town is spread along a 15 km stretch of coastline in Sinai’s east. Beautiful beaches, dense palm groves and shallow waters make it a delightful alternative to busy Sharm el Sheikh.

Dahab - Backed by rugged mountains, this lovely beach resort offers excellent diving, and is a great place for organising treks and tours of Mt Sinai and the surrounding deserts.

Mt Sinai – Scaling this holy mountain is no mean feat (there are 3750 Steps of Repentance, as well as a much easier camel track), but the desert views from the top are well worth it. You can climb up at night and watch the sunrise from the summit.

Al-Arish – Situated on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, North Sinai’s unofficial capital entices sun-seekers with its white-sand beaches, swaying date palms and cool, clear water. The weekly Bedouin market attracts traders from all over the peninsula to sell silver, beads, embroidered clothing and camel saddles.

St Catherine’s Monastery – Housing the remains of St Catherine the Martyr, this 4th-century monastery is one of the oldest in the world. The on-site museum displays a range of artefacts and religious manuscripts.

Pharaoh’s Island – Located 250 m off the coast north of Nuweiba, this small island is dominated by a 12th-century crusader fortress. The clear waters surrounding the island abound with coral and are ideal for snorkelling.

Zerenike Protectorate – A nature reserve on Sinai’s north coast, the Zerenike Protectorate is a birdwatcher’s heaven. You’re likely to spot migratory waterbirds like flamingos, white pelicans and spoonbills, while sea turtles can sometimes be seen at a nearby beach.