Marsa Matruh: Discover the Egyptian Caribbean in the Mediterranean

Marsa Matruh, known as the Egyptian Caribbean, boasts beautiful white sandy beaches that gently slope into the azure blue sea. Cleopatra cherished this spot, meeting Caesar here. Today, a modern resort with new hotels awaits your discovery. It's an ideal vacation destination for families, couples seeking romance, history enthusiasts, and those looking for unique experiences. If relaxation in a beautiful setting with quality services is what you seek, Marsa Matruh delivers.

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Egypt in Summer? Marsa Matruh Awaits

Just a three-hour flight from Bratislava or Košice lands you on breathtaking beaches. Though you're in Egypt, it feels like the Caribbean. The summer temperatures here are pleasant, rarely hitting 40°C. The swimming season stretches from late May to late September, with temperatures hovering around 30–32°C.

This paradise was once a summer retreat for wealthier Egyptians seeking cooler climes. Marsa Matruh enjoys a Mediterranean climate, while the nearby Red Sea and inland areas often exceed 40°C during this period.

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

Which Beach to Choose?

Take your pick. Northern Egypt's Mediterranean coast offers hundreds of kilometers of white beaches and turquoise sea with gentle entries. The mild waves make it feel like swimming in a vast pool. The crystal-clear water lets you observe life beneath the surface.

Among the most stunning beaches is Cleopatra's Beach, a five-kilometer stretch where you'll find a bust of the famous Egyptian queen and a beautiful lagoon where she reportedly bathed. The beaches in Almaza Bay, Caesar Bay, and Ageebah are equally stunning. Nearby, you'll find luxurious private villas and high-quality five-star all-inclusive resorts, some resembling Dubai's architecture.

These beautiful beaches with long promenades offer opportunities for romantic walks, and you'll also find options for water sports.

Most hotels provide comfort and services like doctors, shops, beauty treatments, currency exchanges, and gyms. Everything vacationers need is available. But don't stay in the hotel; this part of Egypt offers real gems for history, nature, and adrenaline lovers.

The City of 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.

Marsa Matruh features a lovely 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 unforgettable.

Where to Go on a Trip?

Many visit Egypt for the pyramids. They're accessible from here, 450 kilometers away, similar to the distance from Hurghada. However, summer temperatures in Cairo and Giza exceed 40°C, so it's better to save the pyramids for another season and explore destinations less accessible from Egypt's famous resorts.

Alexandria

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

In the past, Alexandria was a major city of the Roman Empire, a center of culture and science. It housed the largest library in the ancient world, which unfortunately burned several times. Caesar's burning ship set the harbor and part of the city, including the library, ablaze. He later sent 200,000 scrolls from Pergamon's library to Cleopatra as an apology.

The library met 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 with UNESCO's support, it has 13 floors and can hold eight million volumes. It features the world's largest open reading room, covering 20,000 square meters, and includes three museums, six art galleries, and a planetarium. It's a must-visit.

Alexandria was home to one of the seven wonders of the world, the Lighthouse of Pharos, which stood for over a thousand years. The 15th-century earthquake destroyed it, and 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, the so-called Cleopatra's obelisk in the old city walls, 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 have stopped. The old town, built from stones, sand, and salt, is dominated by temple remains. Climbing to them rewards you with a view of the entire oasis. A famous oracle once stood here, attracting even Alexander the Great. It's believed he's buried here, but this remains unconfirmed.

Besides the old town and ancient tombs, you'll meet the oasis's current inhabitants, members of the Berber tribe. They earn a living through agriculture and selling small souvenirs to tourists, though this magical part of Egypt remains largely undiscovered.

The oasis is notable for its turquoise salt lakes, saltier than the Dead Sea. You can't swim in them, but you can float and let the gentle waves rock you.

For adrenaline seekers, a jeep ride through the Sahara's sand dunes offers an unforgettable adventure.

Conclusion

Still deciding where to fly? Consider the Egyptian Caribbean. You'll find beautiful clear seas, long sandy beaches, modern hotels with all-inclusive services, and plenty of experiences. Explore places still hidden from tourist crowds. This exotic location offers perfect relaxation and a unique blend of culture and nature.