Marsa Matruh

A Mediterranean resort city on Egypt's northwest coast, known for its turquoise bays, Cleopatra's Baths and Agiba Beach. Rommel's Caves tell the story of the North African campaign.

Marsa Matruh is the capital of Matrouh Governorate on Egypt's northwestern Mediterranean coast. It lies about 290 km from Alexandria and about 500 km from Cairo, and is one of Egyptians' favourite summer seaside resorts. The city wraps around a calm bay enclosed by reefs. Its attractions include a seafront boulevard, Rommel Beach and the Rommel Caves Museum. The western coast is the highlight. Going west from town, you pass Lovers' Beach, Cleopatra Beach with its rock pools, the white-sand beach at Obayed, and Agiba, a cliff-framed bay about 24 km west of the city, where the water shifts from emerald to deep blue. The best season is June to September, when temperatures are around 28–32°C. Many Egyptian visitors come in summer, so book hotels in advance. Spring and autumn are quieter, and the sea is slightly cooler. Winter brings wind and waves and is unsuitable for swimming. Local culture is fairly conservative, so dress modestly on the beach. Women at public beaches usually wear more modest swimwear. Getting there: Marsa Matruh International Airport has flights from Cairo in summer. From Alexandria, a long-distance bus takes about 4–5 hours. Along the way you can stop at El Alamein to visit the WWII memorial sites, which are part of the Alexandria-area route. In town and to the western beaches, use taxis or minibuses. The city is also the gateway to Siwa Oasis, about 300 km south. Plan 2–3 days.

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