Alexandria

Alexandria is a city to explore at random. It's as important to enjoy the atmosphere as it is to see the sights. The city center now stretches back from Midan Saad Zaghloul, on the seafront, where there is a statue of the nationalist leader. This was formerly the site of the Caesareum, a magnificient temple begun by Cleopatra for her lover Antony and subsequently completed by their enemy Octavian.

The Corniche is lined with beaches, with full tourist facilities, from the city center outwards. In town try the Stanley beach. Further east Montazah Beach and Ma'amoura are two of the best. In spite of miles of white sand beaches and azure sea, Egypt's Med is still undeveloped and relatively unpopulated. There are fine beaches all along the coast from Alexandria to Mersa Matrouth, including the resort of Sidi Abd al Rahman, a secluded bay with clear waters and a selection of villas and hotels. At Mersa Matrouh itself, the natural bay and long white beach make for good sunbathing and swimming in calm transparent waters. Hired bicycles will take you to other good spots, including the outstanding beach at Al-Abyad and Ageebah cove. At Abu Qir, a small fishing town, you can sunbath, fish, swim and eat fresh seafood. To the west of the city try the resorts of Agami or Hannoville

The second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern; its ambience and cultural heritage distance it from the rest of the country although it is actually only 225 km. from Cairo.

Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria became the Capital of Graeco-Roman Egypt, its status as a beacon of culture symbolized by Pharos, the legendary lighthouse that was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The setting for the stormy relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Alexandria was also the center of learning in the ancient world. But ancient Alexandria declined, and when Napoleon landed he found a sparsely-populated fishing village.

From the 19th century Alexandria took a new role, as a focus for Egypt's commercial and maritime expansion.