Made up of the towns of Sharm el Sheikh, Naama and Nabq, the Sharm el Sheik tourism centre is a popular holiday destination for lovers of water sports and sun seekers. Though Sharm el Sheikh, Ras Mohamed and the island of Tiran were recorded on Spanish ocean maps as long ago as 1762, Sharm el Sheikh was not to become known to the world’s public until 1967. In that year, the then Egyptian president, Gamal Abdel Nasser, blockaded the Strait of Tiran and, with it, Israel’s access to the Red Sea. The blockade of this strategically important strait led to the 6-Day War and to the occupation of the Sinai by Israel. One year later, in 1968, the Israelis constructed the Ophira settlement on the rocky cliff of Ras Um Sid. Following the Camp David agreement in 1978, and the signing of the Israeli-Egyptian peace agreement of 1979, the Sinai was handed back to Egypt, in 1982. Since then, the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) - an international peace force established externally to the UN – has been present in Sharm el Sheikh, to monitor the agreements. Over the past 15 years, many hotels and apartment facilities in a range of price categories have been created to accommodate the growing numbers of native and international guests. With its 60 kilometres of beaches, the region of Sharm el Sheikh extends from Ras Um Sid and the old part of Sharm el Sheikh, through Naama Bay, the centre of Sharm el Sheikh itself, to the Nabq nature reserve, famed for its mountains, beaches and mangroves. Ras Mohamed was founded in 1983, south of Sharm El Sheikh – it is Egypt’s first and only national park. Its beauty and variety are truly captivating, both out on the water and on land. Many activities are offered here. Numerous excursion boats moor in the ports of Sharm el Sheikh and Naama Bay, ready to take snorkellers and divers to the magnificent coral reefs of the Red Sea, with its rich aquatic fauna and flora. The unique Sinai Desert is the ideal place to take fascinating, event-filled excursions on a bike, quad-bike or motorcycle. Rides out on horses or camels are also available. The further attractions on offer to tourists include the old town of Sharm El Sheikh, the Naama Bay tourist resort and the large shopping malls in Ras Um Sid and Nabq. Many well-known international companies – such as McDonalds, Burger King, Virgin, Planet Hollywood, Little Budda, Adidas and others – are represented here. And those looking to have fun outside their hotel, too, are sure to find something to suit them in the many stores, cafes, beach bars, pubs and restaurants. Dance lovers can pick and choose between a number of impressive discotheques. But you can also play billiards in a music café, or just relax smoking a water pipe.