North Coast Egypt – Egypt Travel Attractions

North Coast Egypt - Egypt Travel Attractions

Updated On: November 07, 2023 by   Ciaran ConnollyCiaran Connolly

North Coast Egypt – Egypt travel places we will help you know more about and get all the fun in the world!

North Coast is the summer destination place for all the Egyptian people, which is famously known as “Al Sahel” or “the coast” and which in Arabic is “الساحل الشمالي”, because of the good weather during this season, unlike the weather one will receive along the red sea, which is usually hot to a great extent and only starts to get better by October or just in the Spring phase of the year.

One of the main features of Egypt’s natural borders is the Mediterranean Coast, which extends along the North of Egypt. It is about 1,050 km along the Mediterranean shoreline from the eastern side of the Sinai Peninsula to the western village of Sallum at Egypt’s border with Libya. Recently, the North Coast has become one of the most famous attractions and hangouts of Egypt, mainly attracting the upper and middle classes of Egypt’s population. Unlike the Red Sea Coast and the other coasts along the Mediterranean shoreline in many other countries, there are not any mountains or heights along the Egyptian North Coast. One of the land’s main features is that it is a plain land with very limited greenery.

Two of the main local areas in the North Coast are ElDaba’a, where the new Nuclear Power Station is currently being built, and of course the famous El-Alamein, which is currently being developed to be a major international tourist attraction in Egypt.

History of the North Coast “Sahel”

Before becoming a major attraction, the North Coast was merely a deserted land that was colonized by the English during World War II. About a 100 kilometres west of the city of Alexandria lies El-Alamein, which is a coastal town on the North Coast, which marked two major battles between the British and Axis forces during WWII. During that era, it has become the defence line for the British that stopped the Germans from penetrating further into the Egyptian lands. Following WWII, many memorial cemeteries maintained by Germany, Italy, and Great Britain honouring their fallen soldiers were built near the battle site. A major legacy of the warfare has been the significant number of land mines that remained in the region, which subsequently rendered inaccessible more than one-fifth of the country’s terrain and blocked access to some oil and gas reserves.

Flash-forward, Egypt’s North Coast, or “Sahel” (“the Coast”) as known by many, is far from being a deserted area or a battle scene. It is now a piece of heaven on earth. It all started with entities trying to provide a resort in summer for their employees and their families far from the hassle of the city of Alexandria. Many companies, like gas companies, and entities, like the armed forces, built resorts with many facilities included, such as pools, in addition to the open beach, in the early 90s. This has set a trend for other entities to follow and then came the investors and the retailers, with Marakia Resort being the first to be built during the eighties of last century, followed by Sidi Kreir, a town-like resort, and others around the same period. Then, one of the national banks of Egypt built probably the largest and most popular resort in “Sahel” called Marina. It was “the” resort for celebrities and politicians for decades before the establishment of other more luxurious resorts.

In 2018, the main Alexandria – Matrouh road, which is basically “Sahel” has been rejuvenated. It is doubled in size and safer than it used to be. Many highway facilities have been established and a facilities lane has been added to avoid parking on the side of the road which has caused many accidents in the past. Many gas stations have been built, supermarkets, mosques and many other facilities.

North Coast Resorts

Marina

Marina has seven gates, which mark the end and beginning of seven resorts within one. Each gate has its own facilities; pools, cafes, shopping malls and marinas. In addition, each resort is divided into areas that have two story villas, chalets or apartments that are either occupied by the owners or are rented for visitors. In addition, Marina has the biggest artificial lake in the North Coast, that attract those who are seeking a tan on the beach. Within the last decade, Marina has expanded to the other side of the road building yet another extremely large resort called Porto Golf as an extension for Porto Marina, which is an apartment complexion inside Marina, that provides room services for the owners. And from there, Marina has become the icon of the North Coast, where concerts by famous performers are held annually.

So, when summer kicks in, Sahel is your ultimate destination. Contrary to the economic status of Egypt and the economic burden on the Egyptian public since 2013, you can hardly find a spot in the North Coast during the summer months. People flee from the crowded cities to the nightlife of the North Coast, with full of people clubs like Lemon Tree and Sachi, or exclusive beach parties.

The North Coast has now extended west up to Raas Elhekma, about 50 kilometres before reaching the city of Matrouh. This has resulted in newer, better and more luxurious hangouts and resorts. Marassi, for example, has become a destination for ultimate luxury for those wishing to spend their vacation in the North Coast. The resort itself is overlooking the mesmerizing turquoise waters, and is ideally situated along the Alamein coastline in Sidi Abdelrahman area.

Marassi

Indulgence transcends from Marassi’s shores to its lavish residences and luxurious hotel, creating a lifestyle of absolute pleasure for every holiday seeker. Marassi has a number of outstanding features, including one of the region’s largest marinas and signature hotels and residences including The Address, which will further build its appeal as a holiday destination.

If you are not staying in Marassi, but you wish to indulge in its hangouts, a plaza-like place called Mporium is located right on the highway with a parking area. This place has designer shops, cafes and great entertainment for kids. You will find people going there to grab a quick coffee or meal before heading to clubs to spend the rest of the night. The resort also has many facilities varying from a golf course to a yacht club. This is in addition to hosting many concerts during the summer for famous performers like Amr Diab, who is the most famous pop singer in the Middle East.

As far as property-owning and rent are concerned, Marassi is up there in price. If we consider owning, a three bedroom chalet costs roughly EGP 4,000,000 (about $224,000) which is quite expensive. As for rent, this summer of 2018, a 2 bedroom chalet cost EGP18,000 per month (about $1100).

Rixos Alalmein Resort

Another location for the elite is Rixos Alalmein Resort hosted in Ghazala Bay, which is about 140 kilometres away from Alexandria. This resort offers a Full Board Plus concept, including breakfast and dinner in the Buffet Restaurant and lunch in the Beach Restaurant. Soft drinks are included and the mini bar is stocked ready for the guest’s arrival. Rixos Alalmein also includes 5 conference rooms, 6 swimming pools including a relax pool and children’s pool. Sports-related activities like darts, billiards, beach volleyball, snorkelling, aerobics, go-karting and tennis are all available during vacation, in addition to the Rixy Kids Club which is great for kids looking to have fun: face painting, play areas, games rooms are all available. WIFI is available free of extra charge in public areas of the resort.

Rixos Alamein offers a wide variety of rooms and suites, all elegantly furnished and designed to provide the ultimate comfort for the guests. Rixos Alamein presents in its restaurants and bars a variety of culinary delights, offering Turkish, Lebanese, international and seafood cuisines. If you want tranquillity and relaxation, the resort offers a spa experience like no other, including Turkish baths, massages, steam rooms and state of the art gyms with experienced therapists. Of course, cost varies according to the season and if you want to book only for the hotel of flight and hotel.

Marsilia Beach

Another famous resort is Marsilia Beach Sidi Abdel Rahman, which is located about 124 Kilometers west of Alexandria on over 140 acres of land. This resort offers a multitude amount of services and facilities. First of all, the accommodation is a hotel room accommodation whether the unit is rented or owned. Swimming pools, private beaches, kids areas, shopping mall, sports area and many other facilities are available at any time. In addition, maintenance and security services are available 24/7.

Recently, a new extension has been added to Marsilia Resort which is a massive aqua park located on the other side of the main North Coast road. This aqua park is the only one in the North Coast and because of this, it is almost always fully booked, especially in feasts. It offers the latest trends in water sports with a mixture that keeps up with the latest developments in this area.

Caesar Hotel and Resort

Caesar Bay Resort is 50 km West of Alamein airport in the North Coast. It is located between Mountain View and Mena 5 along the cost of Mediterranean in Egypt and has a mesmerizing beach with a unique view of an island. It offers a magnificent seascape and a beach in addition to the privileges of luxury and comfort.

The rooms are constructed around relaxing swimming pools with appropriate depth and surrounded by gardens ensuring an enjoyable atmosphere in every single corner of the property. The Resort offers different luxurious types of accommodations, from the Superior to the Deluxe rooms and from the Junior Suite to the Family Rooms consisting of apartments with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and living rooms with all the services.
Caesar Bay Resort offers an extraordinary culinary experience as a result of the harmony between culture, traditions, experience, techniques and the creative fantasy of the Food & Beverage Team across the various restaurants and bars in the resort.

The resort offers many facilities including recreational facilities that vary from the private sandy beach overlooking the island, equipped with umbrellas and sun beds, 5 swimming pools, including 1 kids pool, 1 Jacuzzi, a beach volley court, tennis table, billiard, darts and a gym. The resort also offers a spa and a kids area.

Special beaches for ladies only in the North Coast

Egypt is considered a conservative country, veiled woman has many hardships and difficulties to face during the summer season, the biggest of which being tolerating the heat with all the layers that they must wear to observe their veil and modesty including swimwear or if they are not veiled, they might be conservative when it comes to swimming wear. For this reason, some resorts have established private places that are ladies only, even staff are ladies. One of the most popular in the North Coast is “La Femme” beach, this ladies-only beach is located in Marina 5. Inside, ladies can wear bikinis instead of burkinis, which they normally wear to go to public beaches. There are always events being held inside; in addition to a dance floor and an all-day DJ. On weekends, performers and celebrities are invited to spend the day among the users. Last summer, the famous belly dancer Dina attended an event where she performed live for the audience. Needless to say, taking photos is forbidden and you are not allowed to take food or beverages inside. Tickets are about EGP270 per person. The beach is open from 10 AM till 7 PM.

And since ladies only beaches have become a hot trend in the last few years, other ladies only beaches have opened and events are held in certain places. For example, another famous beach is Al Yashmak in Marina 3, and one-day events are held for ladies like the event “Take me to the beach” in Hot Pink – Amwaj Resort, this event included a Zumba party. But if both beaches are crowded, which they will probably be, you can go for Eve Beach in Marina 5, which is the newest addition to the genre.

Hottest spots in the North Coast

Moving on from the conservative to the wild, eight spots have hit it this year with their beach clubs and nightclubs in the North Coast. First, is Cheers Sahel located in Bianchi Sidi Abdel-Rahman’s Clubhouse serves breakfast and shisha on its rooftop in the mornings and then transforms into a hot nightspot with the best DJs and entertainment at night, reservations are done through their Facebook page. Then, there is Sodic Olympia in IOS Village, where you can eat, drink and watch the sport you like.

If you are coming from Cairo and you want to save on gas for the weekend, you can stop by Rakkan by Sass, a beach club in the morning and a jazzing nightclub in the evening, the location is Bo islands, you should reserve first though. If commuting is not the thing for you, you should try Salt Beach & Restobar in Bianchi Sidi Abdel-Rahman, a great beach club in the morning and a restaurant and bar in the evening, reservations are through their Facebook page, enjoy!

A party animal?! Exit in Hacienda has reopened its doors featuring local bands, musicians, and DJs. It is a party until sunlight. Back to the scene is Danos Beach Club in Hacienda complete with sun beds, beanbags, and a themed beach party every weekend. Yet, the ultimate place to go for in “Sahel” is the infamous 6IX Degrees in Hacienda Bay where partying is taken to a whole new level. Exquisite entertainment acts, the country’s most popular DJs, and even popular pop stars taking the stage.

A deluxe culinary experience is brought to you by Sachi By The Sea in Hacienda Bay. The beach bar offers one of the most delicious wining and dining experiences along the coast. Finally, it is Lemon Tree & Co., a legendary Sahel spot that has been slowly upping up its game since 2014 with a fabulous beach bar in the enchanting Telal and their night party spot in Marassi.

Winter in the North Coast

Summer is over, and with it goes all the partying and clubbing. But, Sahel is an ultimate getaway in winter. This is the season for tranquillity and calmness. Chalets owners would go there in winter, especially the elderly, to enjoy the weather, which is not so cold, and of course the scenery, which they cannot possibly enjoy in the hassle of the summer days. Also, in winter some people enjoy hunting the immigrating Quail as a winter sport, so they set up nets directly on beaches.

So, if you are planning on having your summer vacation in Egypt, and you want to enjoy your every minute of it, the North Coast of Egypt is your ultimate destination.

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