Marsa Matrouh Travel Guide
Marsa Matruh is the most beautiful Mediterranean city in Egypt! The city has always been unique to me. I can still remember, more than 20 years ago, when I often visited the town with my family. My dad would rent a government chalet that was quite convenient at the time, and my mom would take me and my brother to a different beach each day, as Marsa Matruh is quite famous for its many beautiful beaches.
I still remember the first time we went to the Beau Site Hotel. At the time, the hotel had only 20 rooms and was very cozy. Now, the hotel and the entire city have expanded. My family usually visits Marsa Matruh once every two or three years, and I have seen the town grow. However, the last time I went to Marsa Matruh this past summer, I have to admit that the city has changed a lot. All the services, hotels, and shops have improved and started attracting tourists and Egyptians who consider Matruh their favorite summer resort with every service and fun activity you could ever imagine.
Marsa Matruh is the most beautiful Mediterranean city in Egypt! The city has always been unique to me. I can still remember, more than 20 years ago, when I often visited the city with my family. My dad would rent a government chalet that was quite convenient at the time, and my mom would take me and my brother to a different beach each day, as Marsa Matruh is quite famous for its many beautiful beaches.
I still remember the first time we went to the Beau Site Hotel. At the time, the hotel had only 20 rooms and was very cozy. Now, the hotel and the entire city have expanded. My family usually visits Marsa Matruh once every two or three years, and I have seen the town grow. However, the last time I went to Marsa Matruh this past summer, I have to admit that the city has changed a lot. All the services, hotels, and shops have improved and started attracting tourists and Egyptians who consider Matruh their favorite summer resort with every service and fun activity you could ever imagine.Marsa Matruh is the most beautiful Mediterranean city in Egypt! The city has always been unique to me. I can still remember, more than 20 years ago, when I often visited the city with my family. My dad would rent a government chalet that was quite convenient at the time, and my mom would take me and my brother to a different beach each day, as Marsa Matruh is quite famous for its many beautiful beaches.
I still remember the first time we went to the Beau Site Hotel. At the time, the hotel had only 20 rooms and was very cozy. Now, the hotel and the entire city have expanded. My family usually visits Marsa Matruh once every two or three years, and I have seen the town grow. However, the last time I went to Marsa Matruh this past summer, I have to admit that the city has changed a lot. All the services, hotels, and shops have improved and started attracting tourists and Egyptians who consider Matruh their favorite summer resort with every service and fun activity you could ever imagine.
Matruh's History
I could never have imagined that the history of Matruh went back to the period of Alexander the Great, who is said to be the builder of the city. In ancient times, Marsa Matruh was called "Amounia" because it was the beginning of the way leading to Siwa, where there was a temple for the god "Amoun," which was regularly visited by Alexander. History also mentions that Cleopatra had a palace on the high hill that overlooks her famous basins in Marsa Matruh. Since these ancient times and up till now, Marsa Matruh has become one of the most popular resorts in the Mediterranean Sea.
The Egyptian government has begun giving special attention to Marsa Matruh in the past few years. It was considered a small, unimportant city, but as they noticed that Matruh could attract many tourists, they started to pay increasing attention. This special care the government gives to Marsa Matruh can be felt as soon as you step into the city.
The traffic has become entirely organized, unlike in Cairo. The governorate of Matruh prohibited the Kareta, the famous donkey carriage ride because they caused a big traffic problem and cleaned the city.
I was also amazed to see international food chains opening in Marsa Matruh, such as McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Hardees. Of course, this is in addition to the numerous oriental restaurants that offer tasty Egyptian and international dishes at very cheap prices located on the seaside and downtown Matruh.
Activities in Marsa Matruh
The most important question people ask before they go to a seaside resort is, what is there to do at night? In Matruh, there are many activities. The most popular among the Egyptians visiting Matruh is walking downtown. Marsa Matruh is also an excellent place for shopping as its closeness to the Egyptian-Libyan border gives Marsa Matruh the chance to be the perfect market for products imported from Libya and other African North Coast countries. These products include shoes for all ages, imported cotton products, and others manufactured in Egypt. There are oriental perfume shops as well that sell different colognes and scents for men and women. Marsa Matruh is famous for selling "Leb," the most popular Egyptian nuts.
The other reason Marsa Matruh is an exciting place for shopping is that it is at the top of the Western Desert of Egypt, and this gives it the chance to sell special desert herbs that can hardly be found anywhere else. These herbs can cure different sorts of diseases and illnesses. These include colon disorders, toothache, coughing and lung problems, headaches, hair herbs, etc. I have noticed they sell herbs that are beneficial in curing almost everything. The most delicious herb among these is the desert mint that Marsa Matruh is so famous for.
Marsa Matruh has two significant markets: Alexandria Street, the second major street after the Kornish, and Souq Libya, or the Libya Market, where many products are imported, legally or illegally, from Libya. A visit to any of these markets can be worthwhile as they have many friendly goods with good quality and meager prices.
Many hotels around the city have bars and nightclubs for those who want more action in their nighttime. The nightclub at the Beau Site Hotel is quite a nice place for having a drink and dancing. There are also places for billiards, bowling, and many other activities and games. Some hotels offer entertainment programs for guests of all ages.
You can also spend the night smoking shisha in oriental and modern cafes around Marsa Matruh. I must admit that seeing tourists in Marsa Matruh in the past was a strange scene. However, over the years, I have noticed that the number of tourists visiting Matruh has grown, and the people of Marsa Matruh have become accustomed to tourists and how to welcome them. It is now safe for any tourist from around the globe to move and walk freely without being annoyed by anybody.
The accent of the people in Matruh is different than in any other Egyptian city. Their Arabic language is more like the Libyans. The population in Marsa Matruh has exceeded 100,000 in the past few years. Most of these people work mainly with local tourism, as thousands of Egyptians visit Matruh in the summer. The original people of Matruh still live in tribes around the significant city of Marsa Matruh.
Marsa Matruh, or the port of Matruh in Arabic, is the capital and main city in the governorate of Matruh. It lies 290 kilometers away from Alexandria and 524 km away from Cairo. The most significant characteristic of this city is its long, fantastic 7 km shore with its crystal clear water and soft white sand, and the bay is protected by a series of rocks forming a natural wave breaker. This makes Marsa Matruh one of the most beautiful sea resorts in the whole world.
Another significant aspect of Matruh is the number of beaches spread across its long shore. Ageeba Beach, Al Obayed Beach, Al Gharam Beach, Cleopatra Beach, and other public beaches in Marsa Matruh, like Al Awam Beach and Romel Beach. Each hotel, as well, has its private beach.
All these beaches have a common feature: clear water and warm, soft sand. On the other hand, each beach has a special element that makes it unique. This is why we will explore the beaches of Matruh separately in another story.
Beach Activities
All kinds of beach activities can be done in Marsa Matruh, starting with swimming in the charming seawater. You can also lay around in the sun as its rays are marvelous in the summer. The kids can go and swim safely, play around the beach, and build sand castles as much as they want. You can also rent a motor, jet ski, row, and paddle boat. You can also go surfing as some of the beaches in Marsa Matruh have the waves needed for excellent surfing.
How to Reach Marsa Matruh
Marsa Matruh can be reached by a rented or personal car from Cairo. It takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. From Alexandria as most people would prefer to visit Alexandria first and then go to Matruh, the trip would take 2 hours and a half max. Some buses go from Cairo to the North Coast and then to Matruh twice a day. A ticket from Cairo to Matruh costs 45 pounds.
There is also an overnight train that goes to Matruh from Cairo every night, and this is the best choice overall because it is cheap and the marches are pretty organized and clean. The last means of transportation to Matruh is by plane, which takes less than an hour. International flights will arrive at Matruh airport soon as the government tries to make another Sharm El Sheikh-style major destination out of Matruh.
Sightseeing in and Around Matruh
Many tourists who visit Alexandria today prefer to take a two or three-day trip to Matruh to enjoy the sea and sun of Matruh that cannot be found anywhere else. The only tourist attraction in Marsa Matruh besides the sea is the Romel cave, which was transformed into a small, interesting museum. There is the military museum in Alamein, The British war cemetery, the Italian war Cemetery, and the German war Cemetery on the North Coast on the way to Matruh. One-day trips to the Siwa Oasis can be organized from Marsa Matruh to explore this oasis with its natural pools and astonishing antiquities.
The Western view of the guidebooks of Marsa Matruh says that it is a crowded and littered city that has changed over the years. Marsa Matruh is ready to host tourists from all over the world. Several fine hotels recently opened in Marsa Matruh, and other hotels improved their rooms and services to get as many tourists in the summer as possible. Marsa Matruh will always be a charming place to spend three to four days in the summer in Egypt.
Matruh Famous Beaches:
Cleopatra Beach
Although I have visited Marsa Matruh more than ten times before, as it is the favorite summer resort for my family, I have never gone to Cleopatra Beach. Maybe this was why I was so excited while taking my car from the parking of the Beau Site Hotel and heading towards the beach just recently. Another reason for my excitement was the name of the beach, Cleopatra, as I thought there might be some antiquities and historical sights there.
I drove around twenty minutes from the hotel to the beach, less than 20 kilometers from the center of Marsa Matruh. When I reached the beach, I quickly found a parking space, although many cars parked there and many buses took groups to the beach.
I first saw a little wooden sign over the beach gate. Just beside this gate is a beautiful Cleopatra statue with lovely features. Of course, this statue does not belong to the era of Cleopatra, but it is at least a demonstration of how this beautiful lady looked.
After entering the gate, you move into a small paved passageway leading to the beach. To the left of this passageway is the “Max” Coffee shop that offers delicious natural juices and some kinds of coffee and tea.
The first thing you see when you finish the passageway is a massive rock at the beginning of the sea. I saw many kids playing around it and families taking pictures in front of it. The color of the ocean behind this rock and all around the beach is magnificent, with all shades of blue and turquoise dancing together in the waves.
Afterward, you start walking over the warm white sand for a while, watching the sea colors and fascinating rock formations spread all over the beach.
I kept walking until I reached the prominent rock on the beach and the gem of Cleopatra. It is a vast rock located 20 meters from the shore. I went walking like many others who came to visit the beach. An opening in the rock enables people to go inside the stone. It is not very wide inside, but you can see the water waves coming from the top of the rock and emptying inside it. Openings at the top of the rock let the sunshine warm the water, forming a natural sunbath. People claim that Queen Cleopatra used to come to this beach to enjoy this sunbath hundreds of years ago!
Cleopatra Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Matruh and Egypt. However, it is not safe to swim there, and if you take the risk, you must be an excellent swimmer. If you swim there, you must make your way between rocks, and the waves and water currents can become hostile with undertow and rough conditions. However, it is a fantastic place for sunbathing and exploring this mysterious rock of Cleopatra.
Rommel Beach
I went to this beach when I was a kid twenty years ago with my mom and elder brother. I used to enjoy my time there. Much of the water is shallow compared to other beaches in Marsa Matruh, and the sand is very soft.
The beach is located at the east of the city of Marsa Matruh. You keep driving until you reach the end of the city's shore. At that point, you make a U-turn and then turn right to a bridge that takes you to the other side of the shore. This bridge has a beautiful view of the city and the shore.
This time, I was not going there to visit the beach itself. I was visiting Rommel cave, which was converted into a small museum. The beach is named after the famous German commander, Rommel, who led the German forces in Egypt during the Second World War.
The entrance to the beach is free, and the water is still the same as I left it twenty years ago: shallow and with no strong waves. It is a marvelous beach for kids. However, the beach was overcrowded when I went there.
Another significant thing about this beach is the light blue color of the seawater." It is just breathtaking. The beach is divided into two sections: the first is the umbrella section, where each family pays five pounds to get an umbrella. The other side, which is calmer and less crowded, consists of wooden sun blockers; each family or group receives a section. Rommel Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Marsa Matruh.
Gharam Beach
More than fifty years ago, the former famous Egyptian singer Layla Murad sang while sitting on a massive rock on this beach during a favorite movie scene. The song's name was "Baheb Etenein Sawa, El Maya We El Hawa," which means I love two things in life: the water and the air. This song was in an old famous Egyptian movie scene about a man who meets a woman in Marsa Matruh while on vacation and falls in love with her. The first time he sees her is when she sings a song on the beach. The movie's name is Shate' El Gharam or "the Beach of Love," which is why this beach is named Gharam Beach.
My memory of this beach goes back to when I was in preparatory school. My family used to visit Marsa Matruh every year, and my dad and I used to walk from the Beau Site beach to the other public beaches to the right of the Beau Site beach and then swim to Gharam Beach. Even though that was more than fifteen years ago, the beach has not changed much.
The beach is divided into two sections. The first section of Gharam Beach is one of the best places to swim in Marsa Matruh, as it is the largest and most popular beach in Matruh. Although the beach is seventeen kilometers out of Marsa Matruh, it faces the town, occupying the last stretch of land around the lagoon before it opens up to the sea. Although the beach can sometimes become quite crowded, there are sure places for everybody at Gharam Beach because of its vast length.
The second section is the rocky section. You keep walking from the other area of this section, moving between rocks, so wearing shoes or sandals is recommended. The water is clear, and walking around the stones can be fun. The different shades of blue colors of the sea are marvelous. You keep walking from the right to the left until you reach the famous Layla Murad rock at the very end of the beach.
It is a huge rock that looks like a shoe. It is around 10 meters long. Many people (including me) wondered how they were able to let Layla Murad climb this rock in the 1960s. Many young men love to climb the rock, stay in the sunshine for a while, and then jump into the sea. This seemed very pleasurable to me, and if I didn't have my camera with me, I would have done the same as they did.
This beach is unique as you can rent a motorboat and go around the sea. There are unique places for snorkeling near tGharam Beach, where you can see many diverse fishes and sea creatures.
Ageeba Beach
The most famous beach in Matruh is Ageeba. It is starting to get recognized worldwide on the same level as Naama Bay in Sharm El Sheikh. Western guidebooks call it “the pride of Marsa Matruh." It is more than forty kilometers away from Marsa Matruh, but the beach is worth the ride. The word "Ageeba" means "the strange or wonderful place," it got the name because of the astonishingly beautiful nature of the beach and the mountains around it.
I visited Ageeba Beach with my family when I was younger, more than twenty years ago, and I can remember huge mountains and a fabulous sea beneath them. Although this wasn’t my first time visiting Ageeba Beach, I didn’t know how to go there. This was why I lost my way and found myself on a private beach beside the public and main beach of Ageeba.
This beach was excellent as the water's color was soft, light blue with some waves for those who like some adventures, and it wasn’t very crowded as well. There were more than 10 meters between each group of people, and the sand was light yellowish and smooth.
Afterward, I asked for the way to the main beach in Ageeba, and an older man from the Bedouins who lived there directed me. I parked my car in the parking lot attached to the beach and found a wide walking path. I started walking very fast, anxious to know if the image I had in mind for Ageeba was accurate and if this mind-blowing place was still the same.
When I saw the sea, I knew that my image of the beach was accurate. If anything, the beach has improved in the past few years! The most significant feature of this beach is that it is naturally set between two protecting cliffs, and it is only thirty to forty meters long. Another critical factor is that the color of the sea in Ageeba is different than any other beach in Egypt or around the world. Different shades of blue and green are mixed together in a natural Kaleidoscope of beauty.
In the past, we used to move between the rocks to go down from the right cliff to the beach. However, there is now a lovely reception area on top of the cliff with a beautiful sea panorama view on the left-hand side. There are also tables for people to sit and watch the sea and enjoy the refreshing air in the area, as it is more relaxed than any other beach in Matruh.
I kept going down the stairs, as it was a long distance between the top of the cliff and the beach. I stopped now and then at different levels to take pictures of this astonishing beach. What amazed me was that the beach was not crowded, and there were places for everyone to swim out there.
I reached the beach after about 15 minutes, and I was extremely thirsty and tired of the hot sun. However, fresh, cold lemonade juice from the beach cafeteria made a significant difference. I kept walking, crossing the narrow beach at Ageeba until I reached the other cliff, and I found many people sitting there in small caves in the mountains, enjoying the sea view and the air. Ageeba is a fascinating beach in Matruh, and you must visit it if you can visit the tiny jewel of the Mediterranean, Marsa Matruh.
