Mediterranean Coast of Egypt

The Mediterranean coast of Egypt spans over 500 km from Alexandria to the Libyan border, with most of it located in the Matrouh Governorate and a smaller section in the Alexandria Governorate. 

During the pharaonic period, the coast primarily served as a commercial corridor with the neighboring western lands, due to its less fertile inland terrain in comparison to the Nile Valley.

However, the Ptolemaic dynasty changed this perception when they made Alexandria their capital and promoted closer relations with their northern neighbors in the Mare Nostrum. Despite this, the coast’s role remained somewhat peripheral to ancient civilizations, including the Byzantines and Arabs who followed.

In the mid-twentieth century, the Mediterranean coast of Egypt gained fame for its crucial role in the North African campaigns of World War II. The battles between German and Italian troops against allied forces, mainly British and Egyptian, unfolded in locations such as El Alamein.

And everything indicates that they will continue to do so, as conditions are very favorable for tourism in this area, especially compared to other competitors in the Mediterranean. It is true that the environment of 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 peak summer season is perhaps more pleasant. Winter, on the other hand, can be classified as low season, although even so the climate and temperatures are much milder here than in the European Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean coast of Egypt is currently experiencing significant development, with the Borg El Arab International Airport playing a major role in boosting the area’s growth. Additionally, the construction of modern marinas is attracting more and more tourists to this region, and the increase in the quality of services and accommodations is palpable. If you’re planning a trip to Egypt, the Mediterranean coast should definitely be on your radar.

In the past, the Mediterranean coast of Egypt was mainly a popular holiday destination for local citizens, with Marsa Matruh being a prime example of a place where the population multiplies during the summer months. 

However, today the area is undergoing a new phase of development, marked by large public and private investments. The Egyptian government is carrying out extensive urban developments to ease demographic pressure on the Nile Delta, while many private investments have resulted in exciting resorts that cater to international tastes.

Favorable conditions for tourism make the Mediterranean coast of Egypt a highly attractive destination, especially when compared to other competitors in the Mediterranean. While the environment of vacation destinations here is more arid than on the European coast of this sea, due to the influence of the Western Desert.