Last updated on November 14th, 2026 at 09:35 am
Marsa Matrouh is a Mediterranean beach city on Egypt’s North Coast, about 290 km west of Alexandria, known for its calm turquoise bays, white sand and rock formations such as Cleopatra’s Bath. It is a favourite summer holiday town for Egyptians and the gateway to Siwa Oasis, 300 km to the south.
Quick answers
Marsa Matrouh is the capital of Matrouh Governorate, a city of a few hundred thousand people built around a natural harbour. In ancient times it was the port of Paraetonium. Today it is mainly a beach resort, busy with Egyptian families in summer and quiet the rest of the year, with a long seafront, simple hotels and fish restaurants.
At a glance
| Where | Mediterranean coast, about 290 km west of Alexandria |
| From Cairo | About 5 hours by road; seasonal flights to Marsa Matrouh airport |
| Known for | White sand and very clear turquoise water |
| Best months | June to September for swimming; spring and autumn are quieter |
| Good for | Egyptian-style summer beach holidays, families |
| Onward | Gateway to Siwa Oasis, about 4 hours south-west |
Matrouh has some of the clearest water on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, in sheltered bays protected by rocky reefs. It also has history: Alexander the Great passed through on his way to the Oracle of Amun in Siwa, Ramesses II built a fortress nearby, and the area saw heavy fighting in the Second World War, which you can learn about at Rommel’s Cave and El Alamein.
Most visitors come for the beaches, but the town also has a few historic sites. These are the highlights.
About 14 km west of the city, this beach is known for a natural rock pool where, according to legend, Cleopatra bathed. The waves crash through a gap in the rocks, and the setting is beautiful, though the sea can be rough here, so swim carefully.
Agiba (“wonderful” in Arabic), about 25 km west of town, is a small cove of turquoise water at the foot of tall limestone cliffs. Steps lead down to the sand. Go in the morning, or stay for the sunset from the top of the cliff; swimming is not always safe when the sea is rough.
One of the most famous beaches on the North Coast, with very white sand and shallow, calm, clear water. It is good for families, but it gets crowded in July and August.
A small museum in a cave by the sea that the German general Erwin Rommel is said to have used during the North Africa campaign in the Second World War. It displays maps, photos and personal items. Next to it is Rommel’s Beach, a calm bay that is good for swimming.
A quieter beach west of the city, near the village of Zawyet Umm El Rakham. The water is calm and clear, and there are fewer crowds than on the central beaches.
About 25 km west of Matrouh are the ruins of a mud-brick fortress built by Ramesses II around 1250 BC to guard Egypt’s western border. Only the foundations and some stone parts remain, so it is mainly of interest to history fans.
The long seafront in the centre is pleasant for an evening walk, with cafés and fish restaurants. The town beaches are convenient but busy in summer; the best beaches are a short drive west.
The harbour has been used since ancient times. It was a Greek and Roman port called Paraetonium, and it was an important stop on the coast road between Alexandria and Libya. The modern town grew in the 20th century, especially after the railway from Alexandria arrived.
For clear water and white beaches without the big resorts of the Red Sea. It is also the natural stop on the way to Siwa, and El Alamein’s war cemeteries and museum are on the road from Alexandria.
Marsa Matrouh is on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, about 290 km west of Alexandria and about 500 km by road from Cairo. Siwa Oasis is about 300 km to the south, and the Libyan border is around 220 km to the west.
For swimming, June to September is best, with warm water and sunny days. July and August are the busiest months, when Egyptian families fill the beaches. May and October are quieter and still warm. From November to March it is often windy and the sea is cold.
Two or three days is enough to see the best beaches and Rommel’s Cave. If you are on your way to Siwa, one night is a good break in the long journey.
Matrouh is a conservative, family town. On public beaches many Egyptian women swim fully covered, so modest swimwear is the most comfortable choice there; standard swimwear is fine at hotel and private beaches. In town, cover your shoulders and knees. Bring sun protection and a light jacket for windy evenings.
Yes, it is a safe and relaxed holiday town. The main dangers are on the water: some beaches have strong waves and currents, so swim only where it is calm and where others are swimming. There are police checkpoints on the roads to Siwa and the Libyan border, so carry your passport.
Beach lovers, families and travellers on their way to Siwa will enjoy it most. It suits people who want a simple, local seaside holiday rather than an international resort with nightlife.
Fresh seafood is the speciality. The seafront and the area around the fish market have simple restaurants where you choose your fish and pay by weight. Also try the local Bedouin dishes, and the dates and olives brought in from Siwa.
No. The town and the beaches are easy to visit on your own with a taxi or a rented car. A guide is useful only if you continue into the desert to Siwa or want to learn about the Second World War sites.
Yes, for a few days of clear water and white sand, especially if you combine it with Siwa Oasis. Go between June and September for swimming, or in May and October to avoid the crowds, and choose the beaches west of town, such as Agiba and Ubayyid.
To continue your trip, read our guides to Siwa Oasis and the White Desert.
Book a nearby tour: Marsa Matrouh is not included in our tours yet. For a desert trip from Cairo, see our Western Desert tours.
Marsa Matrouh – Everything you need to know to plan your visit to Marsa Matrouh
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