Egypt's North Coast: El Alamein, Marina, Marassi

Egyptians call their Mediterranean shore "the North Coast", or simply Sahel. Every summer a large part of Egypt heads there, along with visitors from the Gulf. For an Algerian traveller it is a very different Egypt from the temples and the Red Sea: beaches, large residential resorts and hotels, very lively in July and August and much quieter the rest of the year. Here is how to find your way before you book.

Where is the North Coast?

The North Coast runs along the Mediterranean west of Alexandria, towards Libya, as far as Marsa Matrouh. The main hubs, from east to west:

• El Alamein and New Alamein: New Alamein is a new city built by the sea, with towers, hotels and, in summer, concerts and festivals. It is one of the main hubs of the coast.
• Marina El Alamein: a neighbouring resort with its residences and marina.
• Sidi Abdel Rahman and Marassi: the upmarket heart of the coast, with luxury resorts and beach clubs; Marassi is the largest of these resorts.
• Marsa Matrouh, further west: a real town, known for its coves, such as Agiba beach and "Cleopatra's Bath", a natural pool in the rock.

Alexandria lies just to the east, so a trip can easily combine the city and the coast. See our guide Alexandria: where to stay and what to see.

When to go

This is a summer destination. The beach season runs from late June to September and peaks in July and August, when Egyptian families pour in. Outside summer, many restaurants and shops close and the sea turns cool: you can still go, but a hotel is the sensible choice. Egypt is trying to lengthen the season, but for now summer is what keeps the coast alive.

Tip: for July and August, book early, as demand is very high.

Getting there

• By air: El Alamein International Airport serves the coast, with many seasonal flights; Borg El Arab airport, near Alexandria, is the other gateway.
• By road from Cairo: allow about three hours to New Alamein, more for the far western end of the coast.
• From Alexandria: the coast starts just west of the city.

Hotel or residential resort?

This is the real question on the Sahel.

• Hotels are the easiest choice for a first stay: meals, beach and services on site, with no transport to organise.
• Gated residential resorts (compounds) cover much of the coast, with villas, flats and a beach reserved for residents. Entry requires the owner's permission or an access code. If you rent in a compound, ask before paying about access to the beach, pools and restaurants.

Either way, ask for the real distance to the sea and read the cancellation terms.

What to see in El Alamein

The coast keeps the memory of the battles of El Alamein in 1942, during the Second World War. You can visit the Commonwealth and Italian war cemeteries and memorials, as well as a military museum. Half a day is enough; in summer go early in the morning or late in the day.

North Coast or Red Sea?

• The North Coast: the Mediterranean, an Egyptian holiday atmosphere and a short season, in summer.
• The Red Sea (Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Dahab): sunshine all year, coral reefs and large all-inclusive hotels. For a winter holiday, that is where to go: see our hotels in Sharm El-Sheikh, our hotels in Hurghada and our comparison Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada with the family.

Entry requirements

As a rule, Algerian travellers would need a visa to enter Egypt; conditions can change, so check them with an Egyptian embassy or consulate, or on the official website, before you travel. For health and safety, read the official advice. Nreservi does not handle visa applications.

Book your hotel in dinars

North Coast hotels are not yet in our online search: contact our agency with your dates and the number of guests, and we will tell you what is available. From Algeria, you pay in dinars, without a bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly agency. Living abroad? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you after payment. Before confirming, check the board basis and the cancellation terms. Couples should bring their family record book (livret de famille) and ask us to check the hotel's policy. Everything about payment is in our guide booking a hotel without a bank card.

Ask us for a hotel on the North Coast

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.