Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Coast of Egypt: Beaches and Other Tourist Attractions

Traditionally, the Mediterranean coast of Egypt was the summer destination for Egyptians, while the resorts of the Red Sea were heavily focused on foreign travelers. And to a large extent, this is still the case, although less so. This is mainly because the northern coast is experiencing significant development in terms of infrastructure and resorts. Borg El Arab International Airport has provided a boost to the area, as it serves not only the city of Alexandria but also the entire coast that extends to the west. And the construction of modern marinas has multiplied its appeal.

All of this is causing many tourists and travel agencies to set their sights on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, as the increase in the quality of services and accommodations is also palpable. That is precisely what Egipto Exclusivo does, with a portfolio of suppliers that meets the expectations of premium travelers.

Therefore, on this page, we briefly show you the attractions of the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, which will help you get an idea for organizing your trip through this amazing area.

Table of Contents

Where is the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt and What is it Like?

The Mediterranean coast of Egypt extends from the western end of the Nile Delta to the border with Libya. That is, just over 500 km from Alexandria, most of which is part of the Matrouh Governorate, although a small part is in the Alexandria Governorate.

During almost the entire Pharaonic era, the Mediterranean coast of Egypt was relegated to the background compared to the Nile Valley, and its function was little more than to serve as a commercial corridor with the neighbors to the west, since the lands inland are not as fertile as those of the banks of that enormous river.

Something changed with the Ptolemaic dynasty, which established its capital in Alexandria and promoted more fluid relations with the neighbors to the north of the Mare Nostrum.. However, its role was always rather peripheral for that ancient civilization, as it was for the peoples who succeeded them, including Byzantines and Arabs.

The Mediterranean coast of Egypt came to the fore in the mid-20th century, as it was a key location in the North African campaigns of World War II, which pitted German and Italian troops against the Allies, mainly British and Egyptian. The crucial episode of that history can be seen in El Alamein.

Decades later, with the country’s demographic boom and the increase in the purchasing power of its inhabitants, the Mediterranean coast of Egypt became the preferred vacation destination for local citizens. And this is exemplified by Marsa Matruh, which multiplies its population in the summer months.

Now the Mediterranean coast of Egypt is entering a new phase, marked by large public and private investments. Regarding the former, the Egyptian government is carrying out major urban developments to alleviate the demographic pressure of the Nile Delta. And with respect to the latter, many have already resulted in interesting resorts to international tastes.

And everything indicates that they will continue to do so, since the conditions are very favorable for tourism in this area, especially compared to other competitors in the Mediterranean. It is true that the environment of the vacation destinations here is more arid than on the European coast of this sea, due to the influence of the Western Desert.

But it is also true that the climate is somewhat warmer and drier here, although not as much as the Red Sea, so the high summer season is perhaps more pleasant. Winter, on the other hand, can be described as the low season, although even so the climate and temperatures are much more benign here than in the European Mediterranean.

What to See on the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt

On the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, vacation destinations follow one after another, especially in the area closest to Alexandria and up to approximately Marsa Matruh. However, not all have the same interest and not all offer exactly the same thing. Therefore, you can take note of the following places to see on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt.

Marsa Matruh

Marsa Matruh

This is the classic vacation destination among Cairo residents and Egyptians in general. Therefore, it has a wide range of tourist accommodations, although not all of the same quality. Highlights include the bathing areas of Cleopatra Beach, among the most beautiful on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. It is also the place from which to depart to the Siwa Oasis. For more information about Marsa Matruh, take a look at this page.

El Alamein Coast

El Alamein

Its name is linked, of course, to the Battle of El Alamein, of World War II. Such was its importance that this issue monopolizes the tourist proposals of this place, highlighting the War Museum and the memorials that each military power built in the area (United Kingdom, Germany and Italy), with moving cemeteries inside. However, in recent years it has begun to exploit its beaches for tourism, which are also among the best on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. Here you can get more information.

Lesser-Known Beaches on the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt

Although these are two of the most famous places, the Mediterranean coast of Egypt hides other beaches that are equally liked by local and foreign tourists, although the latter know them to a lesser extent. Ageeba Beach stands out, a few kilometers from Marsa Matruh, as well as other bathing areas in its immediate surroundings. If you want a personalized proposal on this beach or others where natural beauty, tranquility, cleanliness and safety are combined, do not hesitate to contact us and we will advise you.

Cultural Visits

As we were saying, most rulers, except the Ptolemies, had limited interest in the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. Therefore, the offer of cultural visits in this area is not the most extensive in the country. However, a couple of them can be mentioned, in an uneven state of conservation:

  • Abusir Site: not to be confused with the necropolis of the Old Kingdom, of the same name, but located in the Nile Valley. In this case, it is an archaeological site from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, known at the time as Taposiris Magna. There is much to excavate and musealize, but you can see the ruins of a temple from the period and a tower-shaped construction that aims to commemorate the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria. It is located about 50 km west of that city
  • Precincts of Abu Mena (or Saint Mena): this is the name of a local Christian saint, soldier and martyr of the Roman era, who was martyred for his religious beliefs. According to legend, his mortal remains were transported by a camel that decided to stop here permanently. Therefore, a religious enclosure was built that became a true center of pilgrimage in the 5th and 6th centuries. Over time, it lost its popularity and was abandoned, although recently this complex in ruins wants to be revalued. For this reason, it was declared a World Heritage Site and visits are organized to its remains, among which there are churches, baths and other constructions. At present, there is another modern monastery dedicated to the same saint, a few hundred meters further north, of monumental dimensions. Both sites are located south of Borg El Arab airport.

How to Travel to the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt

The Mediterranean coast of Egypt has two international airports. The most modern and largest is Borg El Arab, built to serve Alexandria, but also widely used to access the vacation destinations of this coastline. The other is Marsa Matruh, with seasonal and charter flights, mainly. You can get more information about them on the pages of Alexandria and Marsa Matruh.

The train is another means of transport widely used to travel to the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. Especially in high season and by Egyptian users. There are night lines departing from Cairo. The main bus lines also depart from the capital and from Alexandria.

However, you will find much greater comfort in private road transport. In this sense, there are vehicles with drivers of all sizes and the highest quality and professionalism. In addition, they will provide great flexibility, as you can configure the route according to your preferences: from Cairo or Giza, from Alexandria or from any other place. The private option is also the solution if you want to access one of its ports by boat, so we recommend that you contact us to manage this aspect.

If the Mediterranean coast of Egypt arouses your interest, whether to spend a whole vacation, to end your tour of the country or simply to take an excursion from Alexandria or Cairo, our agency is your best solution. We will take care of organizing a trip tailored to your needs so that you can fully enjoy your experience. We are waiting for you!

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