Alexandria holidays

GMT +2 hours

Arabic

Egyptian Pound

Pickpockets operate around tourist areas, so never carry money in your back pocket and leave valuables and jewellery in the hotel safe.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina
This mammoth work in architecture officially opened in 2002 and was inspired by the city's ancient library.

El Alamein
The city gained notoriety on the Mediterranean Sea during the Second World War. Above all, the battles of Field Marshal Rommel and Montgomery went down in history. Today, war graves and cemeteries, monuments are left as reminders to history's events.

Fort Qaitbay
This 15th-century fortification originally stood on the site of the famous Pharos lighthouse, which collapsed in the 14th century following an earthquake. It now houses a naval museum.

Mosque of Abu al-Abbas Al-Mursi
Built in 1943 on the ruins of the old, this is now Alexandria's most beautiful mosque, south of Fort Qaitbay on the Corniche.

Underwater Museum
A large part of aLAlexandria is underwater. Take yourself on a diving excursion and discover the city's archaeological underwater museum.

In Alexandria itself there are public beaches, but they're usually dirty and overcrowded. Instead, try:
•   Mamoura, about 1 km away.
•   Hammock Beach, Porto Marina - with children's club, horse riding and an open-air cinema.
•   South Beach, Porto Marina - a watersports paradise, from banana-boating to scuba diving.

•   You’ll need a full valid EU passport, and the expiry date should be at least 6 months after your arrival back in the UK.
•   Brits also need a visa to enter Egypt, which you can get before you leave from: The Consulate General of The Arab Republic of Egypt (2 Lowndes Street, London, SW1X 9ET; 020 7493 5285).

•   Haggle at the bazaars on Al-Mitwalli Street.
•   Browse souvenirs and second-hand books in the Attarin district.
•   El Manshiya and El Attareen are home to silver and gold bazaars.
•   Visit the fish market on the Corniche Road to El Kashafa.

Cairo 4½ hours followed by a 3-hour transfer; or fly direct to Alexandria.

Beach, Shopping, Culture, Watersports, Eat & Drink, History & Tradition, Wellness / Spa

•   Alexandria Sporting Club was built in 1890 and houses one of Egypt's oldest golf courses.
•   Alexandria Stadium - football is the Alexandrians' favorite sport.

•   There are several places to play squash and tennis in the city centre.
•   Porto Marina Golf Course - An executive and championship golf course. Practice facilities include a floodlit driving range with 20 tees and seven target greens.

Food
•   Authentic Egyptian starters are called mezzeh, and are best eaten with traditional pitta-style bread.
•   Lamb is marinated in spices and grilled for juicy kebabs and shwarma is the Egyptian equivalent of the Turkish doner kebab.
•   Popular desserts include dates soaked in milk, honey-laced pastries and baked rice.

Drink
•   Stick to bottled water, and remember that it’s easy to get dehydrated here in the summer.

Religion
Islam

Dialling code
+20 3

Summer, Winter

•   Egypt is predominately a Muslim country, so make sure you’re properly dressed when out and about. Revealing outfits are a no-no, especially for women.
•   Pack lightweight cotton clothes in the summer and a jumper or jacket for cooler winter evenings.
•   Cover up when Egypt sightseeing or walking the streets – women shouldn’t go out scantily dressed.

Tipping or ‘baksheesh’ is a way of life in Egypt. It’s customary to tip about LE£1 for every little service, so keep a pocketful of small change!