Beach vacation Guide - Egypt - Alexandria (Mediterranean Coast)

Egypt Egypt is the oldest tourist destination on earth. Ancient Greeks and Romans started the trend, coming to goggle at the cyclopean scale of the Pyramids and the Colossi of Thebes. Today, the attractions of the country are little different. The focus of most visits remains the great monuments of the Nile Valley, combined with a few days spent exploring the souks, mosques and madrassas of Islamic Cairo. However, there are plenty of good opportunities for swimming on the many fine beaches along Egypt's Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts. Diving and snorkelling are by far the most popular organised activities in Egypt, and the Red Sea is said to have some of the best scuba diving in the world. Alexandria (Mediterranean Coast) Alexandria turns its back on the rest of Egypt and faces the Mediterranean, as if contemplating its glorious past; a hybrid city characterized by Durrell as the "Capital of Memory". One of the great cities of antiquity, Alex slumbered for 1300 years until it was revived by Mohammed Ali and transformed by Europeans, who gave the city its present shape and made it synonymous with cosmopolitanism and decadence. This era came to an end in the 1950s with the mass flight of non-Egyptians and a dose of revolutionary puritanism, but Alexandria's beaches, restaurants and breezy climate still attract hordes of Cairenes during the summer, while its jaded historical and literary mystique remains appealing to foreigners. Alexandria's beaches are an overworked asset. Hardly a square metre of sand goes unclaimed during high season, when literally millions of Egyptians descend on the city. Before June the beaches furthest out are relatively uncrowded, with predominantly local users; however, Alexandrians alone can number hundreds on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays - days to be avoided. The popularity of the beaches doesn't imply Western-style beach culture. On most of the beaches you will rarely see any woman past the age of puberty wearing a swimsuit - they wander into the sea fully clad. For Western women who want to swim without the hindrance of a galabiyya, or a lot of attention, the only place where even a modest one-piece seems OK is the Westernized enclave of Ma'amoura. As far as facilities go, most beaches have parasols and chairs for rent, and sometimes public showers, while fish restaurants, soft-drink and snack vendors are ubiquitous. Since 1991, the civic authorities have solved the image problem posed by the 47 sewage outlets that used to pollute the seaside from the centre of town to Montazah, by pumping sewage into Lake Mariout instead, whence it finds its way into the Med more discreetly. If that deters you, there are still two indisputable attractions: the Royal Jewellery Museum in Glym, and the extensive grounds of the Montazah Palace, further along the coast. Many visitors go to Abu Qir for its seafood - though you can eat just as well in nicer surroundings in central Alexandria. Retrieved from "http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/beach-vacation-guide-egypt-alexandria-mediterranean-coast-4080617.html" (ArticlesBase SC #4080617) Watch your traffic increase just by submitting articles with us, click here to get started. Liked this article? Click here to publish it on your website or blog, it's free and easy! Beach-vacation-guide.net - About the Author: Beach-vacation-guide.net