Before Renting Apartment in Sharm El Sheikh
Location is everything when renting in Sharm. Apartments far from the main road often lead to taxi costs that far outweigh any initial rental savings. Always prioritize properties within walking distance of local supermarkets and transport hubs for a stress-free stay.
💡Pro Tip: Most residential gated communities in Sharm feature swimming pools. As a legal tenant, you generally have the right to use these facilities throughout your stay at no extra cost.
Sharm El Sheikh Residential Areas
Hadaba Sharm El Sheikh Apartments
Hadaba is a cliffside residential area known for its authentic atmosphere and panoramic sea views. It is quieter than the tourist centers, making it a preferred choice for long-term stays. Most rentals here are apartments within private compounds or standalone villas.
⚠️ Good to Know: Most independent apartments here are in standalone three-story buildings and lack swimming pools. Stay near Dahab Mall to be within walking distance of the area’s most affordable supermarkets and pharmacies.
Naama Bay Sharm El Sheikh Apartments
Naama Bay is the oldest and most established tourist hub in Sharm. For someone looking for an apartment, it is the most “walkable” area where you don’t need a car. The rentals here vary between older, spacious apartments in the heart of the bay and newer complexes on the hills (Cliff-top). It is the primary destination for those who want to be steps away from the main pedestrian promenade, banks, and major shopping malls.
⚠️ Good to Know: Most apartments here are located inside gated compounds on the hills, not on the beach. To reach the sea, you’ll need to walk at least 2 km or take a short taxi ride. Also, remember that beach access is mostly paid as hotels own the entire shoreline.
Montazah Sharm El Sheikh Apartments
Montazah is a premier residential district located directly across from Ras Nasrani, known for its quiet, high-end atmosphere. It is a dedicated residential zone with very few hotels, offering some of the best sea-view apartments in Sharm. While it feels more private and exclusive than other areas, it lacks central services, making it a place for people who prioritize peace, scenery, and a “living by the sea” lifestyle.
🎯 Good Advice: While prestigious and secure, these areas have no public transport or local supermarkets. Having a car is absolutely essential here; you will need to drive for all grocery shopping and errands, as you won’t find buses or shops within this exclusive zone.
Nabq
Sharm El Sheikh Apartments
Nabq offers larger, newer apartments at much lower prices, making it perfect for a quiet, pool-focused stay. While the area is self-sufficient for daily food shopping, it is notoriously windy and far from the city center. Relying on public transport is exhausting for long stays due to the slow, indirect routes to Naama Bay.
⛱️ Good Advice: Nabq is known for being very windy, which can make the sea choppy and red-flagged for swimming quite often. Also, because the area is so spread out, having a car is almost essential here, as walking between compounds and the main service areas can be long and tiring in the heat.
Gated Community Sharm El Sheikh
Staying in a gated community in Sharm offers a unique blend of privacy and resort-style living. Most compounds feature 24/7 security, shared swimming pools, and landscaped gardens, making them a safer and more organized choice than standalone buildings. Whether in Hadaba or Nabq, these communities provide a quiet environment favored by expats and long-term vacationers who appreciate a standardized level of maintenance and community feel.
⛱️ Good Advice: When booking, always confirm that all service fees (electricity, water, and maintenance) are included in the price. Some hosts list low rates to attract you, then demand extra payments for these services later. Make sure your agreement explicitly covers everything to avoid any hidden costs during or at the end of your stay.
Sharm El Sheikh Apartments: Know before you book
Know the local rules before you pick up your keys with our essential rental tips
Utility Costs
On booking platforms, utilities are typically included. However, for personal rentals, you will likely pay for electricity, water, and internet using prepaid cards. Always ask your host for these specific details before booking.
Beach Access
There are no gated communities in Sharm El Sheikh located directly on the sea. Booking an apartment will not grant you beach access anywhere; you must pay a daily entry fee to visit public or private beaches. Check our Sharm El Sheikh Beaches section for more details.
Short-Term Rentals
For stays up to one month, you typically won’t need formal contracts or deposits. We highly recommend choosing “hotel-style” apartments for shorter visits. These units come fully equipped, saving you the hassle of maintenance issues during your holiday.
Plugs & Pests
Sharm uses the European 2-pin socket system, so don’t forget your travel adapters. Also, buy a room mosquito spray (for the air, not your skin) on your very first night. Sharm’s mosquitoes are persistent, and a good room spray is the only way to ensure a peaceful, bite-free sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to your Sharm El Sheikh apartment rental questions
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