North Coast and El Alamein
Destination
This North Coast and El Alamein travel guide covers the best things to do in North Coast and El Alamein: white-sand beaches, the New Alamein towers and the El Alamein war cemeteries. Below you will also find the best time to visit North Coast and El Alamein, how to get there and around, and where to stay.
The North Coast, known in Egypt as the Sahel, is the long stretch of Mediterranean shore running west from Alexandria towards Marsa Matrouh. It is Egypt’s main summer holiday coast, with white sand, turquoise water and a near-continuous line of holiday villages, resorts and beach clubs. Midway along it lies El Alamein, about 130 km west of Alexandria, best known for the Second World War battles fought there.
History
In 1942 El Alamein was the scene of the battles that stopped the Axis advance on Alexandria and the Suez Canal. After the Second Battle of El Alamein in October and November 1942, Allied forces under Montgomery pushed Rommel’s army west, a turning point in the North African campaign. Since the 1990s the coast has been transformed by tourism, and in recent years by the government-built New Alamein City, with its skyline of towers, marina and summer festival.
What to see and do
- Beaches: soft white sand and clear, shallow water, best at resorts and beach clubs, many of which sell day passes.
- El Alamein War Cemetery: maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, with more than 7,000 graves; the Alamein Memorial names nearly 12,000 servicemen with no known grave.
- German and Italian memorials: west of town, the fortress-like German ossuary and the Italian memorial stand on the ridge above the sea.
- El Alamein War Museum: halls for each army and an outdoor display of tanks and vehicles.
- New Alamein and Sidi Abdel Rahman: promenades, restaurants, shops and summer concerts.
Practical tips
The season is short and intense: July and August are packed with Egyptian holidaymakers and prices peak, while June and September are calmer. Many villages close or quieten outside summer. El Alamein International Airport has growing seasonal flights. Distances along the coast are long, so you need a car, taxi or resort transfer. Allow half a day for the war memorials, and swim only where lifeguards are present, as currents can be strong.
Last checked October 2026. Sources: Wikipedia.org, ask-aladdin.com, ask-aladdin.com, kriegsgraeberstaetten.volksbund.de.
Historical background
Tourist ideas
At a glance
Arabic nameالساحل الشمالي والعلمين
GovernorateMatrouh
Trip typeBeach, summer
Best seasonJun–Sep
Ideal stay4–7 days
Nearest airportEl Alamein (DBB)
Complete guide to North Coast and El Alamein
About the city, its weather, the best time to visit and how to get there.
About North Coast and El Alamein
- Arabic name
- الساحل الشمالي والعلمين
- Governorate
- Matrouh
- Region
- Mediterranean / Western Desert
- Good for
- Beach, summer
- Travel region
- Alexandria and the North Coast
What is the weather like in North Coast and El Alamein?
- Jan
- Apr
- Jul
- Oct
Average daytime highs, °C. Reference: Alexandria and the Mediterranean coast.
When is the best time to visit North Coast and El Alamein?
- Best season
- Jun–Sep
- Ideal stay
- 4–7 days
Summer is beach season and the coast is busy; winter brings rain and rough seas.
How do I get to North Coast and El Alamein?
- Nearest airport
- El Alamein (DBB)
Buses run from Cairo and Alexandria; summer flights serve the coast’s airports.
What to see in North Coast and El Alamein
- New Alamein towers
- white-sand beaches
- war cemeteries
Archaeological sites in Matrouh governorate
Museums in Matrouh governorate
Hotels near North Coast and El Alamein
Hotels for this area are being added. Browse all hotels.
Things to do from North Coast and El Alamein
Day trips with hotel pickup, run by a local operator. Book directly with them.
Where to eat in North Coast and El Alamein
Marassi Marina restaurants مطاعم مارينا مراسي
Cluster of Cairo restaurant brands that open seasonal branches on the marina, busiest from June to September.
Last checked October 2026. Opening hours and menus change; check with the venue before you go.
Shopping in North Coast and El Alamein
Marassi Marina مارينا مراسي
Marina promenade of boutiques, cafes and restaurants that becomes the coast's social hub in summer.
Last checked October 2026. Opening hours and menus change; check with the venue before you go.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit North Coast and El Alamein?
The best time to visit the North Coast and El Alamein is from June to September.
How do I get to North Coast and El Alamein?
Buses run from Cairo and Alexandria; summer flights serve the coast’s airports.
What is the nearest airport to North Coast and El Alamein?
The nearest airport to the North Coast and El Alamein is El Alamein International Airport (DBB).
How many days should I spend in North Coast and El Alamein?
Plan to spend 4–7 days on the North Coast and in El Alamein.
What are the must-see places in North Coast and El Alamein?
The must-see places on the North Coast and in El Alamein include the New Alamein towers, white-sand beaches and the war cemeteries.
Where can I eat in North Coast and El Alamein?
Popular choices include Marassi Marina restaurants. See the dining section above for more.
Where can I go shopping in North Coast and El Alamein?
For shopping on the North Coast and in El Alamein, try Marassi Marina. More options are listed in the shopping section of this page.
