The Pearl of the Mediterranean

The second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria is known as "The Pearl of theMediterranean." Though it is actually only 225 km. from Cairo, Alexandria’s ambience and cultural heritage distance it from the rest of Egypt.

Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria became the capital of Greco-Roman Egypt, with its natural setting on the Mediterranean trade routes and at the mouth of the Nile River making it an ideal location for international shipping. The setting for the stormy relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Alexandria was also the center of learning in the ancient world. Though little of the ancient city remains, there are still interesting sites nearby.

In the Mersa Matrouh area is Cleopatra's Bath, a rock-hewn whirlpool bath offshore, which was supposedly used by Antony and Cleopatra; a ruined temple fort built by Ramses II; an early Coptic chapel and "Rommel's Hideout;" a cave where the general planned his military campaigns--now a military museum.

At Burg al-Arab about 50 km. from Alexandria, along the western coast of the Mediterranean near Abu sir, stand the walls of ancient temple dedicated to Osiris. Climb the limestone ridge for views over the Lake Mariout marshes and the sea. Just over 60 km west on the coast road is Al Alamein, an essential stop for anyone interested in military history, has a war museum and the Allied Italian and German war cemeteries.

More than ancient wonders

Despite Egypt's ancient allure, today, the country probably attracts more beach vacationers than any other type of tourists. In spite of miles of white-sand beaches and azure sea, Egypt's Mediterranean is still undeveloped and relatively unpopulated. For visitors, the warm Egyptian beaches are both inexpensive and well appointed.

Be sure to add a few beach days to your Egyptian tour. Many major airlines fly to Egypt from all over the world, and there are chartered airlines that specialize in Alexandria beach vacations from Europe.

From Cairo there are a number of ways to reach Alexandria:

  1. Trains: the express "Turbini" service from Ramses Station
  2. Buses: Superjet, West Delta Bus Co. or Golden Arrow from Abdel Mouneem Riyad terminal near the Ramses Hilton Hotel. Some buses also depart directly from Cairo Airport.
  3. Service taxis: from in front of the Nile Hilton Hotel, near Ramses Station or the Ahmed Helmi terminal.
  4. There are two good roads direct from Cairo to Alexandria for those with private transport.

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Wonderful beaches and more

The Corniche is dotted with casinos built on stilts and rows of beach huts. Until the 20th century, this area remained fortified by a five-mile-long wall with towers that had protected the city since the 13th century. Today, the Corniche is lined with beaches featuring full tourist facilities, from the city centre outwards. You’ll find several close to town:

  1. In town, try the Stanley beach.
  2. Further east Montazah Beach and Ma'amoura are two of the best.
  3. At Abu Qir, a small fishing town, you can sunbathe, fish, swim, and eat fresh seafood.
  4. To the west of the city try the resorts of Agami of Hannoville.

Some of the most famous beaches are worth a special trip:

  1. Abu Kir: On the eastern boundaries of the city, Abu-Kir Bay is a shallow semicircular basin at the mouth of the Nile. It features some of the calmest waters in all Alexandria, and is excellent for fishing.
  2. El-Agami: The suburbs Bitash and Hanoville lie at the western boundaries of the city. These are famous for their white soft sandy beaches, transparently clear waters, and beautiful climate.
  3. El-Montaza Palace beaches: This area includes several natural bays and five of Alexandria's beat beaches--Aida, Cleopatra, Semiramis, Venisia and Palestine Hotel private beach. There is also a scuba diving center.

Outlying beach areas include:

  1. Mersa Matrouh: The natural bay and long white beach make for good sunbathing and swimming in calm transparent waters. Hired bicycles, or open-sided tuf-tuf buses will take you to other good bathing spots nearby including the outstanding beach at Al-Abyad and Ageebah cove, surrounded by beautiful scenery.
  2. Sidi Abd al Rahman: A secluded bay with clear wasters and a selection of villas and hotels.
  3. Sharm el Sheikh: Across the Sinai Peninsula from Alexandria on the Red Sea, a number of bays and reefs offer outstanding diving from miles of sandy beaches.