Alexandria Castle, Egypt

Alexandria

The second-largest city in Egypt, Alexandria, known as “The Pearl of the Mediterranean”, 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 Greco-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 Roman Amphitheatre, Alexandria, Egypt
Alexandria, Egypt

The Importance of Alexandria

The setting for the stormy relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Alexandria was also the centre 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.

This Alexandria has been immortalized by writers such as E.M. Forster and Cavafy. Generations of immigrants from Greece, Italy and the Levant settled here and made the city synonymous with commerce, cosmopolitanism and bohemian culture.

Lighthouse of Alexandria in Al Montazah - Egypt
Alexandria, Egypt

Ancient Sites and Spectacular Coastline

The Alexandrian coastline is dotted with beautiful bays and harbours, such as Abu-Qir and the crescent-shaped Alexandrian Eastern Harbour which is overlooked by the majestic Qaitbay Fortress. The Cornice in Alexandria is a treat during both summer and winter. Starting from Ras El Tin and stretching all the way to Montazah you can enjoy spectacular views of the White Mediterranean.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Kom el Shoqafa Catacombs, Alexandria, Egypt

Explore Ancient Egyptian Ruins

Visit the Catacombs of Kom el-Shouqafa and underwater ruins of Montazah and Maamoura.

Alamein Cemetery, Egypt

Visit Al Alamein

Make a day trip to Al Alamein to visit the war memorials from WWII.

New library, Alexandria, Egypt

Alexandria’s Arts Scene

Explore the city’s vibrant arts scene and gain an insight into modern Egypt.

Montazh Palace and Gardens, Alexandria, Egypt

Architecture of Alexandria

Absorb the Mediterranean ambience and charm of the old European residences, cafes and Greco Roman monuments.

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Charlotte Lawton

Charlotte is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Asia.

My strong sense of belonging in Asia stemmed from a childhood in Hong Kong and Nepal. My Grandmother was born in a tent in India. Some of my clearest memories are of walking through a dense, tropical jungle while hailstones the size of cricket balls rained down on us; of being carried on my father’s shoulders as we trekked through the Himalayas; my mother wearing flipflops on a snowy mountainside; and me falling into Dal Lake in Srinagar as we disembarked from our houseboat. 

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