Marsa Matrouh is an Egyptian holiday destination that is also very popular among locals, which is located in the very north of the country on the Mediterranean Sea. The capital of Matrouh Governorate, which has a population of about 138,000, has its own international airport, which is located just a few kilometers from the city center. This makes Marsa Matrouh easily accessible from Europe. In Marsa Matrouh, beach holidays are particularly popular and divers also get their money’s worth here. Despite their beauty, the beaches are rarely crowded.
Especially in the low season, you often have a complete section of beach all to yourself. If you are looking for a real metropolis, you can take a trip from here to Alexandria , about 300 kilometers away. In addition, breathtaking desert landscapes and the Siwa Oasis can be discovered from Marsa Matrouh. The Egyptian adventure in and around Marsa Matrouh is rounded off by visiting interesting historical sites.
Relax on the beaches of Marsa Matrouh
The beaches around Marsa Matrouh truly exude a Caribbean flair. The waters of the Mediterranean Sea here are crystal clear and take on a delicate turquoise hue, while the sandy beach in front of it is covered with snow-white fine grains of sand. Behind it, rock formations that can be described as massive tower up, which offer a spectacular sight. In addition, the best bathing conditions prevail almost continuously between May and October. The local hotel complexes usually have private beach sections in the immediate vicinity of the accommodation.
Here, visitors are offered activities such as jet skiing or surfing under expert guidance. In addition, it is also worth visiting beaches further away. Very popular, for example, is Cleopatra Beach, which is located on a headland only about three kilometers from the city center. Cleopatra herself is said to have sought relaxation on the beach here. If you like it quiet, go to Agiba Beach. It is wedged into a small bay where only a few people gather at a time. Here you can always experience romantic waves in front of a rocky backdrop, which is very romantic, especially in the evening hours.
A visit to Al Awam Beach is also not to be missed. In its immediate vicinity, the Al Awam Mosque attracts worshippers and tourists. The mosque is considered the landmark of the city of Marsa Matrouh due to its striking construction. The mosque is surmounted by two artfully turned towers. Below is a pedestrian promenade that connects directly to the beach and has everything a holidaymaker’s heart desires with bars, restaurants and numerous shops.
A trip to the Siwa Oasis
If you are in the mood for something other than a pure beach holiday, you can take a trip to the Siwa Oasis, about 300 kilometres away. From Marsa Matrouh it is easily accessible by public bus. The buses run daily and at fast intervals. Considerable sand dunes tower up around the oasis. It is advisable not to arrive without a hat and enough water, because the sun burns around the oasis and it gets very hot, especially in the summer months. However, the deeper you go into the center of the Siwa Oasis, the more impressive this paradisiacal-looking wonder of a lushly blooming nature becomes. Because in the middle of the desert the most beautiful palm trees, olive trees and other plants grow here and small water springs bubble up on every corner. About 12,000 people currently live in the Siwa Oasis. Mostly these are Berbers and Bedouins, whom you can meet on this excursion in their living environment.
For those interested in history: A visit to the Rommel Museum
Marsa Matrouh was an important base for British soldiers during World War II. At that time, the railway line from Alexandria ended here, which is why Marsa Matrouh was important for the supply of the fighting troops. Between 1940 and 1942, several battles took place in the immediate vicinity of the city, in which both German and Italian troops were involved in addition to the British. Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, who, according to historical sources, was increasingly critical of National Socialism as the war progressed, is commemorated today by the Rommel Museum in Marsa Matrouh. It was launched in 1977 in a cooperation between Egyptian and German authorities. In the Rommel Museum, you can see Erwin Rommel’s personal belongings, his weapons and uniforms, which date back to the times of the Second World War, and historical maps that were used by Erwin Rommel. By the way, the Rommel Museum can be found in the caves where Rommel retreated during the African campaign to use them as his strategic headquarters.
Marsa Matrouh as a meeting point for diving enthusiasts
Egypt has been one of the most popular regions for diving enthusiasts for a long time. And around Marsa Matrouh you can also indulge in diving and snorkeling. The best diving spots in the area are located in front of Agiba beach. The water is particularly clear here, which promises wonderful underwater experiences when observing fish and other sea creatures.
