The city of Alexandria, christened “The Pearl of the Mediterranean” is the second largest city of ancient Egypt and an important tourist resort.

Located some 200km from Cairo, Alexandria boasts a good share of Egypt’s major tourist attractions.

Alexandria, a city with a population of more than 3 million people, was founded by the renowned  Alexander the Great in 331 BC and designed by architect Denokrates II in the shape of a chessboard.

Alexandria became the capital of Graeco-Roman Egypt, its status as a beacon of culture symbolised by Pharos, the legendary lighthouse that was one of the Seven Wonders of the World The setting for the stormy relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Alexandria was also the centre of learning in the ancient world.

However ancient Alexandria declined, and when Napoleon landed, he found a sparsely populated fishing village.

From the 19th century Alexandria took a new role, as a focus for Egypt's commercial and maritime expansion. This Alexandria has been immortalised by writers such as E-M- Forster and Cavafy. Generations of immigrants from Greece, Italy and the Levant settled here and made the city synonymous with commerce, cosmopolitanism and bohemian culture.

Alexandria is a popular travel destination in the northern coast of Egypt. From historical walks to cultural tours, Alexandria has something for everyone. The city offers some of the best opportunities to discover the northern Egypt. The main attractions in the area include, among others, spectacular beaches, ancient monuments and museums.

The most spectacular of all the sandy beaches of Alexandria is the Abu Kir Suburb. Placed at the eastern boundaries of the city, Abu Kir is the calmest of all beaches in Alexandria and it is also famous for fishing and specialty seafood restaurants. Others popular beaches are El-Agami and El-Montaza Place.

El-Agami: These suburbs (Bitash and Hanoville) lie at the western boundaries of the city. These are famous for their white soft sandy beaches, transparent clear waters, and beautiful climate.

El-Montaza Palace beaches: this area includes several natural bays and five of Alexandria's beat beaches.. Aida, Cleopatra, Semiramis, Venisia and Palestine Hotel private Beach. There is also a scuba diving center.

Major monuments in Alexandria are Pompeii’s Pillar, a granite pillar with a height of 25 m surrounded by the ruins of the Serapuim and Catacombs of Kom-al-Shoqafa, the largest Roman cemetery dating back to the 2nd century AD. The cemetery is built in three levels representing Pharaonic and Roman art. Alexandria, lined with many charming sandy beaches extending from the east to the west makes for some of the best ancient Egypt tours.

The world famous Lighthouse of Alexandria also attracts numerous visitors. The Lighthouse was originally built in 280 BC to serve as that port’s landmark. With a height estimated at between 115 and 135 metres it was among the tallest man made structures on earth for many centuries, and was identified as one of the 7 Wonders of the World by classical writers such as E.M Forster, the poet Cavafy and Lawrence Durrell.

The Lighthouse was apparently a tourist attraction right from the very beginning. Food was sold to visitors at the observation platform at the top of the first level. A smaller balcony provided a view from the top of the eight-sided tower for those that wanted to make the additional climb. The view from there must have been impressive as it was probably 300 feet above the sea. There were few places in the ancient world where a person could ascend a man-made tower to get such a perspective.

Alexandria is reached by air, train and bus. Majority of international arrivals first land in Cairo, then use internal flight or travel by rail, bus or private transport to Alexandria. There are daily flights from Cairo and weekly flights from many Arab countries to Alexandria. EgyptAir, for instance, flies daily to Alexandria throughout the year and to Mersa Matrouh in the summer months. There are also regular buses that ply between Cairo and Alexandria.

Generally, Alexandria has an arid Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, variably rainy winters and hot, dry summers. January and February are the coolest months in the region with daily maximum temperatures typically ranging from 12°C to 18°C. The region experiences storms and sometimes hailstones during the cooler months.

There is a wide range of accommodation in Alexandria as well as other parts of Egypt ranging from 5-star luxury to budget lodgings. You are advised to compare Egypt hotels and resorts before making your reservation to ensure you get the best deal in the city.