Alexandria is the pearl of Egypt on the Mediterranean coast. This city is a must-see for every traveller with its historical depths, impressive modern buildings, delicious gastronomy and fascinating outdoor spaces.
Located approximately 237 km from Sphinx International Airport, Alexandria can be reached in 3-4 hours by land. From the ancient Roman ruins to the traces of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, from the contemporary architecture of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina to the peaceful paths of the Montaza Gardens, there is beauty to discover in every corner of this city.
Shopaholics can find traditional markets such as Souq El Khreit, Souq El Attarine and modern shopping centres such as San Stefano Grand Plaza. Seafood lovers can enjoy fresh fish and appetisers at Farag Fish and Arous El Bahr Fish. Alexandria, which offers a mild experience all year round thanks to its hot, dry Mediterranean climate, is the best route for those who want to experience history, culture, nature and flavour together.
Historical and Cultural Attractions
Kom El Shoqafa Sarcophagus: Dating from the 2nd century BC, this underground necropolis offers a combination of Egyptian and Roman art. The sculptures and reliefs here are breathtaking.
The three-storey tunnel system includes a large Triclinium hall where funeral banquets were held, a porticoed section known as the Hall of Caracalla, and numerous sarcophagi.
The statues are designed with Egyptian facial features, but their clothes reflect Roman fashion. You can follow the stairs down into this labyrinth 10 metres underground and rediscover history.
Pompeius Column: The 25 metre high granite column bears the traces of Ancient Rome. This monolith obelisk, extracted from Aswan granite in one piece, was dedicated to Emperor Diocletian in 298-302 BC. A statue of Diocletian used to stand on it. This statue was about 7 metres tall, but this statue has not survived to the present day.
Qaitbay Fortress: Built in the 15th century, this coastal fortress rises on the site of the ruins of the old Alexandria Lighthouse. The square three-storey tower and four corner bastions guarding the eastern harbour mouth are typical of the Islamic defence architecture of the period.
The extensive restoration carried out between 2009 and 2019 strengthened the structure. The terraces overlooking the sea have been reopened to visitors. Inside, there is also a small maritime museum with exhibits on the history of the harbour and artefacts from the Mamluk-Ottoman period.
National Museum (opened in 2003): A 3-storey Italianate mansion of 1926 has been converted into a museum. More than 1,800 artefacts are exhibited in this museum.
The basement covers the Pharaonic period, the ground floor the Graeco-Roman period, and the first floor the Leper, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Among the most remarkable pieces are the colourful Ptolemaic mosaic, the statue of King Berenice II and ceramic canopic jars.
Greco-Roman Museum (since 1892): Rare pieces such as sphinxes, Attic funerary stelae and a replica of the Rosetta stone are exhibited in this museum. The museum also exhibits underwater finds from sunken harbour cities. There are nearly 10.000 artefacts.
Alexandria Lighthouse and Corniche
Ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria: The Ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria was a lighthouse built in the 3rd century BC and considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
It was one of the most magnificent structures of the period with a height estimated to be around 117-137 metres. The lighthouse played a critical role in both guiding merchant ships and pointing out the dangerous rocks of the harbour.
In the 14th century, the lighthouse was severely damaged by a succession of earthquakes and its remains were eventually buried at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. Since 1992, underwater excavations led by Franck Goddio have uncovered thousands of structural blocks, sculptural fragments and column capitals.
Modern buildings and splendid architecture
Bibliotheca Alexandrina: The colossal library, the work of the Snøhetta architectural office, is a contemporary masterpiece with a circular structure 160 metres in diameter and a height of 32 metres.
The building’s central reading room is 32 metres high, under a roof covered with glass windows sloping towards the sea, and covers an area of 20,000 m².
Stanley Bridge: This bridge is a marvel of modern engineering. Stanley Bridge is one of the first bridges to be built over the Mediterranean Sea, connecting the Stanley Bay and Roushdy districts.
Its total length is approximately 400 metres and it has 4 arched structures. The classical style lantern poles and decorative iron railings on the bridge add aesthetics to the panoramic view of the city both day and night.
MASS Alexandria MASS Alexandria is a 440 m² independent art production, research and education space founded in 2010 by artist Wael Shawky. Located in the basement of a garden apartment building, the space includes studio, talk and workshop areas.
Shopping and Gastronomy
Souq Al Khreit: Souq Al Khreit is a textile market. In this market, you can find cotton fabrics, traditional dresses and traditional souvenirs.
Souq El Attarine: In its narrow streets you can find jewellery, spices, antiques and colourful glassware.
City Centre Mall & San Stefano Grand Plaza: There are over 170 shops here. It is home to global chains such as Debenhams, Zara, Max, H&M as well as local boutiques. This shopping centre also has a cinema, a food and beverage area and a children’s playground.
Farag Fish: This is one of the most popular restaurants in Egypt with its fresh fish and squid options.
Arous El Bahr Fish Restaurant: It is an authentic restaurant located by the beach. The fish menus are legendary.
Fish Market: Fish Market is a fish market famous for its variety of appetisers and fresh seafood.
Natural Beauties and Outdoor Activities
Montaza Gardens: You can spend a peaceful day among the wide trails and colourful flower beds around the Montaza Palace.
Corniche Walks: You can cycle or walk along the long coastline. Especially at sunrise and sunset, the view is marvellous.
Mamoura and Maamoura Beaches: Mamoura and the adjacent Maamoura Beach, about 15 km from the city centre, is a favourite beach for families and day-trippers with its long beaches with fine sand.
There are motorised water sports activities such as canoeing, jet skiing and banana boats. You can rent equipment from local businesses.
Pharos Ruins: Alexandria is like a real open-air museum for underwater archaeology enthusiasts. You can see the ruins, excavation blocks and column capitals at a depth of 6-8 m, right on the seaside of the Kâitbay Fortress, by diving. the water is shallow and there is almost no current.
Cleopatra’s Underwater City: Founded by Alexander the Great and buried in the sea by an ancient earthquake, it covers an area of 300 m² full of harbour structures, sphinx statues and Roman columns. The depth ranging from 5-15 m is suitable for both novice and advanced divers.
What is the climate like?
As a city on the northern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Alexandria has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average annual temperature is 20.8 °C. Total rainfall is about 181 mm. Most of the precipitation falls between November and March. There is almost no precipitation between June and September. The annual average humidity is 64%. The average sunshine duration is 10 hours a day. The sea water temperature rises to 26-28 °C in summer. You can visit here at any time of the year.
Why You Should Visit Alexandria?
Alexandria has been the intersection point of civilisations since ancient times. It is one of the rare cities that makes you feel both the traces of the past and the energy of contemporary Egypt.
Its rich historical heritage is home to many archaeological sites, from the Ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, an engineering marvel of the Hellenistic period, to the Necropolis of Kom El-Shoqafa.
In the modern world, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is both an architectural icon and a cultural centre, with its Snøhetta-designed circular form 160 m in diameter and 32 m high.
With its wide coastline, sandy beaches and underwater archaeological remains, swimming and diving enthusiasts can enjoy unique experiences here. A sunset stroll along the Corniche, lined with cafes and restaurants, is a romantic and energetic way to feel the city’s romantic and energetic spirit.
Alexandria also presents the dynamic face of contemporary Egypt to the world with cultural, art and music festivals organised throughout the year.
Transportation Options from Sphinx Airport to Alexandria
By Bus
The distance between Sphinx Airport and Alexandria is 237 km. There are regular bus services from Tahrir Bus Station to Alexandria.
You can reach this bus station from Sphinx Airport and take the bus from here. Go Bus Egypt organises five daily services on this route. The bus journey takes an average of 3 hours. Ticket prices are around 2-4 USD.
Transportation by Private Transfer
You can quickly reach Alexandria city centre directly from Sphinx Airport by private door-to-door transfers. If you prefer this service, an English-speaking driver will meet you at the terminal exit. The driver will help you with your luggage and stop at the places you want along the way.
Depending on the traffic, the transfer time takes approximately 2-2.5 hours. Fares per person are between 14-32 USD. Buses are usually luxurious, air-conditioned and have spacious seats. The buses have free Wi-Fi, toilets and charging stations. Each passenger is usually allowed two cabins and one large baggage allowance for overnight or day trips. If you have extra luggage, you can pay extra fees.
Taxi + Train Transport:
You can take a taxi from Sphinx Airport to Ramses Railway Station and then take the train to Alexandria. The journey from the airport to Ramses Train Station takes 45 minutes on average.
You can travel to Alexandria by Egyptian Railways trains departing every hour. The train journey takes approximately 3 hours 45 minutes. Services also continue at night.
The busiest line of Egyptian Railways is the Cairo-Alexandria line. At least 18 pairs of trains run daily between Alexandria and Cairo.
The first departures start around 05:00 in the morning, the last trains depart between 22:30-23:00. In the intermediate hours, at least one Express or French-Economy train departs every hour, depending on the peak hour. Talgo services usually depart at 07:00, 08:00, 14:00 and 15:00.
Train Options and Comfort Classes
Third Class French-Economy: Simple seating arrangement, no air conditioning, no view. The most economical option, tickets start from EGP 65
Second Class (Intercity Second): A slightly more comfortable version of French-Economy. There is air conditioning and the seats are more comfortable. Tickets cost around 65 EGP.
First Class French Express: Wide, tilting seats, air conditioning, catering. The journey takes 2 hours. Ticket price is 80 EGP.
VIP Special Express (Sleeping): This line includes cabins with single beds. There is catering service. Especially if you are travelling at night, you can book a single cabin. The ticket is in the range of EGP 300-600.
Car Rental
You can rent a car from the rent-a-car offices at the airport for 50-80 USD + fuel cost per day and you can reach Alexandria by drawing your own route. There are offices of national and international car hire companies at Sphinx Airport. You can quickly rent your car here. You can reach Alexandria in 2 hours by using the Cairo-Alexandria Motorway Motorway.