Marsa Matruh: Discover Egypt's Caribbean in the Mediterranean

Marsa Matruh, often called the Egyptian Caribbean, boasts beautiful white sandy beaches that gently slope into the azure sea. Cleopatra cherished this place, meeting Caesar here. Today, modern resorts and hotels await your discovery. It's an ideal vacation spot for families, couples seeking romance, history enthusiasts, and those craving unique experiences. If relaxation in a beautiful setting with quality services is what you seek, Marsa Matruh is perfect.

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Egypt in Summer? Choose Marsa Matruh

Just three hours by plane from Bratislava or Košice, you'll find beaches that amaze with their beauty. Although you're in Egypt, it feels like the Caribbean. The summer temperatures here are pleasant, rarely exceeding 40°C. The swimming season runs from late May to September, with temperatures around 30–32°C.

This paradise was once a summer retreat for wealthier Egyptians. Marsa Matruh enjoys a Mediterranean climate, unlike the surrounding Red Sea and inland areas where temperatures soar above 40°C.

This summer, Slovak travel agencies have added all-inclusive hotels in the Egyptian Caribbean to their offerings. If you can travel before the end of September, consider visiting. Prices are likely to rise in future seasons.

Choosing the Right Beach

Any of them. Northern Egypt's Mediterranean coast stretches for hundreds of kilometers with white beaches and turquoise waters. The gentle waves make it feel like swimming in a giant pool. The water is crystal clear, perfect for observing marine life.

Among the most stunning beaches is Cleopatra's Beach, five kilometers long, featuring a bust of the famous Egyptian queen and a beautiful lagoon where she is said to have bathed. The beaches at Almaza Bay, Caesar Bay, and Ageebah are equally stunning. Nearby, you'll find luxurious private villas and five-star all-inclusive resorts, some with architecture reminiscent of Dubai.

These beautiful beaches offer long promenades for romantic walks and opportunities for water sports.

Most hotels provide comfort and services like medical care, shops, beauty treatments, currency exchanges, and gyms. You might not feel the need to leave the hotel, but that would be a shame, as this part of Egypt offers real gems for history, nature, and adrenaline enthusiasts.

Exploring Marsa Matruh

Once a small fishing village, Marsa Matruh has grown into a city of 230,000, similar in size to Košice. It played a significant role during World War II, with several memorials commemorating this period.

The city features a beautiful coastal promenade. Notable buildings include the Al Awam Mosque and the Church of the Virgin Mary. Don't miss the Libyan market, where the atmosphere and mix of scents are truly memorable.

Excursions and Adventures

While many visit Egypt for the pyramids, you can reach them from here too. They're 450 kilometers away, about the same distance as from Hurghada. However, Cairo and Giza can be over 40°C in summer, so it's better to save the pyramids for another season and focus on destinations less accessible from more famous resorts.

Alexandria

Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria is Egypt's second-largest city, with a population nearly equal to Slovakia's.

Once a major city of the Roman Empire, Alexandria was a cultural and scientific hub. Its famous library, the largest in the ancient world, was tragically destroyed by fire multiple times. Caesar was responsible for one such fire, but he later sent 200,000 scrolls from Pergamon to Cleopatra to make amends.

The library faced its final destruction when Muslims conquered the city, using the scrolls to fuel their baths.

Today, Alexandria hosts the largest library in the world again. Designed by a Norwegian team and supported by UNESCO, it has 13 floors and can hold eight million volumes. It includes the world's largest open reading room, three museums, six art galleries, and a planetarium. It's definitely worth visiting.

Alexandria was home to one of the seven wonders of the world—the Lighthouse of Pharos. It stood for over a thousand years but was destroyed by an earthquake in the 15th century. The Citadel of Kait-Bay now stands in its place, offering a beautiful city view.

Other notable sites include the ruined Temple of Ramses II, Cleopatra's Baths, Cleopatra's Obelisk, and the Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi Mosque. The city center is bustling with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Siwa Oasis

Located in the Sahara, 70 meters below sea level, Siwa Oasis is Egypt's largest oasis, where time seems to stand still. The old town, built from stones, sand, and salt, is dominated by the remains of a temple. Climb up for a view of the entire oasis. Alexander the Great is said to have visited the famous oracle here, and some believe he is buried in the area, though this remains unconfirmed.

The oasis is home to the Berber tribe, who live off agriculture and selling souvenirs to tourists. This magical part of Egypt remains largely undiscovered by travelers.

Siwa Oasis is also known for its turquoise salt lakes, saltier than the Dead Sea. While swimming is not possible, you can float and enjoy the gentle waves.

For those seeking adventure, a jeep ride through the Sahara's sand dunes offers an exhilarating experience you'll remember for a long time.

Conclusion

If you're undecided about your next destination, consider the Egyptian Caribbean. You'll find clear seas, long sandy beaches, modern all-inclusive hotels, and a wealth of experiences. Explore places still hidden from the tourist crowds. This exotic location offers perfect relaxation and a unique blend of culture and nature.