Comparison · Maldives vs Sharm El Sheikh · Maldives / Egypt
Maldives vs Sharm El Sheikh
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Alexey Potov - Noblige, CC BY-SA 2.5
Quick answer
Choose Maldives for Overwater villas, House-reef snorkelling and a milder winter; choose Sharm El Sheikh for Coral reefs, Scuba diving, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife. Sharm El Sheikh is generally less expensive, and the two are about 4,912 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 4,912 km
- Less expensive
- Sharm El Sheikh
- Best time for Maldives
- December–April
- Best time for Sharm El Sheikh
- March–May and October–November
Side by side
| Maldives | Sharm El Sheikh | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Maldives | Egypt |
| Known for | Overwater villas, House-reef snorkelling and Manta rays | Coral reefs, Scuba diving and Ras Mohammed National Park |
| Best time to visit | December–April | March–May and October–November |
| Ideal stay | 7 days | 7 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $250–$500 | $100–$200 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Affordable |
| Warmest month | April, 32°C (90°F) | July, 37°C (99°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 30°C (86°F) | January, 22°C (72°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 3 | 4 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 4 |
| Beaches | Hulhumalé beach | Naama Bay |
| Airports | MLE, GAN, DRV, VAM, KDO | SSH |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Maldives for…
Overwater villas, House-reef snorkelling and a milder winter. The Maldives is a chain of about 1,190 low coral islands grouped into 26 natural atolls that stretch across the equator in the Indian Ocean. Almost every visitor lands at Velana International Airport beside the capital, Malé, then continues by speedboat to…
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Choose Sharm El Sheikh for…
Coral reefs, Scuba diving, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife. Sharm El Sheikh is a resort city spread along about 30 km of coast at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Red Sea. Its draw is underwater: fringing coral reefs start a few metres from the shore, and boats reach the…
Top sights compared
| # | Maldives | Sharm El Sheikh |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hanifaru Bay manta rays | Ras Mohammed National Park |
| 2 | Whale sharks in South Ari Atoll | Strait of Tiran reefs |
| 3 | Banana Reef | SS Thistlegorm wreck |
| 4 | Maaya Thila and Fish Head | Naama Bay promenade |
| 5 | Lankan Manta Point | Old Market |
Food compared
| Maldives | Sharm El Sheikh |
|---|---|
| Mas huni | Grilled Red Sea fish |
| Garudhiya | Sayadeya |
| Mas riha | Bedouin tea |
| Roshi | Bedouin flatbread |
Which is cheaper?
Sharm El Sheikh is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $100–$200 per person there, against $250–$500 in Maldives (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Sharm El Sheikh on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 4,912 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 15 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Maldives or Sharm El Sheikh cheaper?
Sharm El Sheikh is usually less expensive: about $100–$200 a day mid-range against $250–$500 (estimates).
+Is Maldives or Sharm El Sheikh better for a first trip?
Pick Maldives for Overwater villas, House-reef snorkelling and a milder winter, or Sharm El Sheikh for Coral reefs, Scuba diving, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife.
+How far is Maldives from Sharm El Sheikh?
About 4,912 km in a straight line.