Destinations

El Alamein & the Mediterranean Coast

The Mediterranean coast west of Alexandria is developing ever more resorts, mostly aimed at well-heeled Egyptians, but is not quite as frenetic as the Red Sea complexes. Heading out from Alexandria there are one or two historic sites, including Abu Sir, known as Taposiris Magna in classical times - renowned for its lighthouse - thought to be a scaled-down copy of, or prototype for, the Pharos in Alexandria.

100 kilometres out of Alexandria, is El Alamein, marking the furthest extent of the Axis advance across North Africa. It was here that General Montgomery decided to dig in and retreat no further. After initially quelling the advance of Rommel’s Afrika Korps, the Allies were eventually able to launch a devastating counter-attack almost wiping out the German tanks: A victory that eventually led to the surrender of the Germans. The battlefield is huge and still heavily mined, so roaming across it is not advised! The focus of most people's visits are the various war cemeteries. Serried rows of headstones bearing silent witness to heroism in the desert. There is also a War Museum, giving an insight into the terrible conditions of a battlefield and a balanced view of both sides position.