For many people planning to travel to Africa, Egypt is among the most preferred vacation destinations. One great place you should visit when you while on holiday in Egypt is the northern coast. With millions of tourists visiting every year, this region is one of largest tourist markets in the world. This coast stretches for 500 kilometers from Agani, a resort town west of Alexandria, all the way to the Libyan border at a village called Marsa Matrouh. The Arabic name for this region is Sahel Shimali.
Many Egyptians residing in Alexandria and Cairo prefer to go on holiday in this cool northern Egypt region, especially in the summer months. Likewise, Arab and European tourists travel to the area to relax and enjoy the year-round sun. This coastal area in the shores of the Mediterranean sea has earned its respectful place among the major Egypt tourist attractions, alongside the great River Nile, the historical sites of ancient Egypt, and the coral reefs, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters of the Red sea.
There are spectacular beaches stretching along the Northern coast from Alexandria to Mersa Matrouh, including the resort of Sidi Abdel Rahman, a secluded bay with clear waters and a selection of villas and hotels. Mersa Matrouh, a natural bay and long white beach make for good sunbathing and swimming in calm transparent waters. Mersa Matrouh is located 290 km west of Alexandria and is famed for its breath-taking 7km long Mediterranean beach. A majority of visitors believe this beach is among the most beautiful in the world. The beach is not only acclaimed for its soft, white sands and crystal-clear waters, but for the natural bay in which it resides. The beach dates back to the days of Aristotle’s student, Alexander the Great.
Besides the beaches there are other attractions in the Mersa Matrouh. These include Cleopatra’s Bath, a rock-hewn whirlpool bath off-shore which is said to have been used by Antony and Cleopatra, a ruined temple fort built by Ramses II, an early Coptic chapel and “Rommel’s Hideout”, a cave where military campaigns used to be planned and which has now been turned into a military museum.
Another great destination in the northern coast is the Ageeba beach, located 28 km west of Mersa Matrouh. It is famous for its alluring scenery and several natural caves. Al-Abyad beach, 20 km west of Mersa Matrouh, is yet another beautiful beach destination, with some traveler’s claiming that it is more beautiful than even Mersa Matrouh.
The ancient city of Alexandria is in itself a great attraction for travelers. The city is the second largest in Egypt, and is popularly known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean. The atmosphere in Alexandria is less Middle-Eastern and more Mediterranean. Alexandria is distinguished from other cities in Egypt by its cultural heritage and ambiance. This is despite the fact that is only about 200km from Cairo.
Alexandria was founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, and designed in the shape of a chessboard by Denokrates II the architect. The city is today an important commercial center, renowned also for its cosmopolitanism and bohemian culture. The population of Alexandria is today at over 3 million people.It is home to several of Egypt tour attractions including beautiful beaches, a number of ancient monuments, and museums.
The Lighthouse at Alexandria is one of the most popular attractions in the city. At the time it was built (280 BC) it was intended to serve as the landmark for this port city. Various estimates give its height as anywhere between 115 meters (383 ft) and 115 meters (440 ft). The lighthouse was among the world’s tallest man-made structures for several centuries, earning it a spot as one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.
As you travel further west along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, the weather gets hotter and drier. Alexandria however gets very cold and windy during winter, often with torrential rains. Conditions in the Mediterranean may not be conducive for swimming until June when the sea becomes warm enough. However, you are assured of continuous sunshine from April to November.
In Egypt, including in the northern coast, you will find a variety of hotels and accommodation facilities, from 5-star luxury resorts, to budget lodging. If your trip to Egypt falls in the popular winter season, it is best you make your hotel reservations in advance. Generally, Egypt is a good value destination, and therefore Egypt hotel rates are cheaper when compared to equivalent hotels in many other travel destinations in Africa.
Tags: Vacation