Marsa Matruh

295 km. west of Alexandria and 510 km. northwest of Cairo, accessible by train or bus (faster) from both cities. The airport is 5 km. west.
Last town before the border with Libya, its history overlaps with several celebrities. Alexander would have stopped there during his trip to the oasis of Siwa, and Cleopatra would have bathed in its waters. German Marshal Rommel, meanwhile, had set up his headquarters here, where he led the decisive battle of El Alamein in 1942.

Beaches:
Marsa Matruh extends to the edge of a large lagoon protected by a ledge, it is possible to travel in local transport, the caretta, a cart pulled by a donkey. Here you can benefit from the clear waters off the beaches of the Hotel Beau Site (located on the Corniche), where the toilet meets Western standards regarding the use of bikini.
If the most beautiful beaches found on the outskirts of the city, it is advisable to stay in the upgraded areas. Since the coast was mined during World War II, caution is needed. Among the most notable, is the Agiba (28 km. To the west), with its natural caves.
At the edge of the desert, a place known as "Cleopatra bath" is a magnificent bay of clear water surrounded by rocks, like a large square pool where, according to legend, Queen Cleopatra came to bathe.

Souk Libya (Libya Market)
Not long ago, smugglers in the city introduced products from Libya without paying customs duties. Today, this market is tolerated by the authorities. There you can find products originating in Libya, the Maghreb and Europe as well as various regional products: wool, olives, barley, sheep, dates, watermelons, etc.

Fortress and temple at the time of Ramses II:
The ruins that remain today evoke a time when this was erected the walls of Pharaonic temple of Ramses II. Built at the end of his campaign against the Libyans in 1200 BC, was used as a stronghold to defend the border with Libya.