
Cleopatra Beach
Golden sands, blue Gulf waters, pure Egyptian spirit






About
Cleopatra Beach stretches roughly 400 metres along the Gulf of Aqaba in Sharm El Sheikh, its golden sand meeting calm blue water that's gentle enough for a relaxed swim. A curved concrete promenade frames the shoreline, giving the whole place a tidy, unhurried feel. This is where domestic Egyptian tourists come to unwind — the atmosphere is local, affordable, and refreshingly unpretentious. On clear days the Saudi coastline appears on the horizon, a quietly striking backdrop you won't find at the resort bays further south. It's open around the clock, so early risers get the sand almost to themselves.
How to get there
The beach sits in the Nabq Bay area of Sharm El Sheikh, about a 10-minute drive from the city centre — car is the easiest option, and street parking near the beach access is free, though some private beach clubs in the area charge for their lots. Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) is only 6.5 km away, making this one of the quickest beach stops off any flight. Entry runs 150–200 EGP (roughly $10 USD), which covers sunbed access, showers, and general upkeep. A ferry connection also serves the area if you're arriving by sea.
Who it's for
For couples
The relaxed, local atmosphere and calm blue water make for an easy, low-key afternoon together — grab a sunbed, watch the horizon, and let the Gulf do the rest. The promenade is a pleasant evening stroll once the heat drops.
For families
Calm, swimmable water and affordable entry make this a practical family choice, but go in with eyes open: there are no lifeguards on duty, the water entry is rocky due to coral reefs, and facilities are limited. Younger children need constant supervision near the water.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Cleopatra Beach is an honest, no-frills slice of Egyptian coastal life — golden sand, blue Gulf water, a concrete promenade, and a visitors that's almost entirely local. That's its appeal. You're not paying resort prices or performing for an international audience; you're just at the beach. The Saudi coastline on the horizon is a genuinely striking detail that catches most first-time visitors off guard. That said, go in clear-eyed: no lifeguards, a rocky coral entry, limited facilities, and a beach that gets extremely packed during Eid and national holidays. June through August is best avoided — extreme heat plus peak domestic holiday season is a punishing combination. Come in spring or October, arrive early, wear water shoes, and you'll find one of Sharm's most characterful stretches of shore.
What to do
The Gulf of Aqaba rewards anyone willing to go a little further — Louilla and Jackson Reef are both around 3.9 km away, and Thomas Reef sits just 4 km out, making this stretch a solid base for day-trip diving or snorkelling excursions. About 5 km north, the Nabq Protected Area shelters the northernmost mangrove forest on the Sinai coast, worth a half-day visit for anyone curious about the region's quieter natural side. Tiran Island, 12 km offshore, is uninhabited and ringed by world-class dive sites. If you want the full resort-town experience, Naama Bay is 16 km down the coast with a wider range of tourist facilities.
The curved promenade shot looking back toward the beach captures the full arc of golden sand against blue water in one frame.
The Saudi coastline horizon view is best photographed from the waterline at dawn when the light is low and the sea is glassy. The beach entry point, with its coral-edged shore and open Gulf behind it, makes a striking detail shot in the late afternoon.
Where to eat
A cluster of restaurants sits within easy walking distance — Fish Restaurant, Il Mondo, and VIP Lounge are all around 0.3 km from the beach, while Barracuda is a short 0.4 km stroll. Olivos rounds out the options at 0.5 km. You won't need to go far for a post-swim meal.
Where to stay
The Cleopatra Luxury Resort Sharm El Sheikh sits right at the beach and carries a strong 4.5/5 rating across more than 4,600 reviews — the obvious first choice if you want to roll out of bed and onto the sand. Further along, the Rixos Premium Seagate (1.9 km) holds a remarkable 4.9/5 from over 58,000 reviews, and the Amwaj Oyoun Resort & Casino (1.5 km) offers solid mid-range value with 4.1/5 across nearly 11,000 reviews.
Photography
The curved concrete promenade makes a strong compositional frame — shoot from its far end at golden hour for the Saudi coastline silhouette on the horizon. Early morning light on the golden sand before the day-trippers arrive gives you clean, warm tones with minimal distraction.
Good to know
Dress modestly when arriving and leaving — this is a public beach with a conservative local culture, and no alcohol is permitted on the shore. Watch your step entering the water: coral reefs create a rocky entry that can catch you off guard, so water shoes are a smart call. There are no lifeguards on duty, so keep an eye on weaker swimmers and children at all times. During Egyptian national holidays and Eid periods the beach becomes extremely packed — if you want a quieter visit, avoid those windows entirely, and note that June through August brings both extreme heat and peak domestic holiday traffic.
Map
Nearby places
Fish Restaurant
Il mondo
VIP Lounge
Barracuda
Olivos
Cleopatra Luxury Resort Sharm El Sheikh
Parrotel Lagoon Waterpark Resort
Amwaj Oyoun Resort & Casino
Rixos Radamis Sharm El Sheikh
Rixos Premium Seagate
Things to see around Sharm El Sheikh
Nabq Protected Area
Northernmost mangrove forest on the Sinai coast within a protected natural reserve.
Tiran Island
Uninhabited island with world-class dive sites.
Naama Bay
Main resort bay with full tourist facilities.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Other beaches in the region
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Dagomir Oniwenko · source · Public Domain
- Photo 2 — Андрей Бобровский · source · CC BY 3.0
- Photo 3 — Андрей Бобровский · source · CC BY 3.0
- Photo 4 — Андрей Бобровский · source · CC BY 3.0
- Photo 5 — Salmaisherephotos · source · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo 6 — Masgalal · source · CC BY-SA 4.0




