North Coast, Egypt

For a long time, Egypt's North Coast on the Mediterranean Sea and its pristine white sand beaches were Egypt's best kept secret from the rest of the world. And why is that, you may ask? Let us explain.

The North Coast (called Sahel el Shamali in Arabic, or Sahel for short) wasn't getting as much international recognition as Egypt's Red Sea Riviera, which is best known for its resort cities Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. This was mainly because the Red Sea area was developed with year-round tourism in mind, while the Mediterranean North Coast started off as mainly summer beach homes for Egyptians.

Egypt has a ton of beaches, but what made the North Coast such a desired place to buy a pricey seaside home is that the beaches there are nothing less than SPECTACULAR. No seriously, just look at the pictures. A common statement you'll hear from Egyptians at world-famous beaches across the globe is: "This is nice, but not as nice as our beaches in Sahel". And while we may be biased, we invite you to visit the North Coast yourself and see if we're wrong!

And the good news is, the North Coast has slowly begun developing over the years to allow for more tourism, more hotels, more restaurants and just easier and better beach access for visitors to Egypt to really experience it for themselves!

A Few Quick Facts:

• When we refer to the North Coast, we're specifically talking about a stretch of coastline on the Mediterranean Sea in the north of Egypt, stretching from the city of Alexandria westwards to the town of Marsa Matrouh, about 230 km.

• Well-off locals flocking from Cairo and Alexandria have been 'summering' at the North Coast for decades, but the real development boom for summer homes happened in the 1990s and 2000s, continuing on to present day.

• Private gated residential compounds or 'villages' were built directly on the coastline, making beach access for non-owners difficult until recently.
  

• These days, hotels and beachfront restaurants in different compounds have been built with the express purpose to boost tourism for both visitors and locals who don't own property there.

• New Alamein City, smack in the middle of the stretch of the North Coast, will be a year-round, open-to-the-public seaside city by 2030. It's not fully finished or operational yet, but one of the North Coast's best hotels, the Rixos Premium Alamein, is already up and running there, as well as a few malls and entertainment venues where summer concerts are held.

Best Time To Go

The North Coast is a summer beach destination, with ideal beach weather from June through to September. The water is warm and it's sunny all summer long, but not scorching like in Cairo or other Egyptian destinations due to the temperate Mediterranean breeze.

Summer is also when the restaurants, shops and general services will be open. From October through to May (especially during the winter months), 90% of what's open during the summer months will be closed, and some of the hotels might close certain amenities. Transportation between different spots on the coast will be difficult during the winter unless you have a car with you, because most taxi and car services run during the summer months only.

Don't get us wrong – you can still go to the North Coast outside of the summer months, but in that case just make sure you're staying at a hotel (and know that the water will probably be cold!).

Getting There

By car: Driving to the North Coast from Cairo or Alexandria is pretty easy and direct via main highways. Depending on where exactly you're staying at the North Coast, it's anything from a 2.5 hour to 5 hour drive from Cairo.

By bus: there are several different bus companies (eg. Go Bus, Superjet and West & Middle Delta) that run bus routes daily between Cairo and the North Coast. They don't stop at each village on the coast though, so you might have to take a taxi from the closest North Coast bus stop to your final destination.

By limousine service/car service/ride hailing app: there are several different services/apps that can take you from Cairo to the North Coast, such as Uber, Careem, InDrive or London Cab, but you need to book in advance. You can also hire a limousine or car service through a limo company or travel agency; just do a Google search for "limousine service to the North Coast" and a bunch will pop up.

By plane: if you're not already in Egypt, the closest international airport to the North Coast is the Borg El Arab Airport in Alexandria. You'll then drive westwards along the Mediterranean to your final destination. New Alamein City for example is about an hour's drive from the Borg El Arab Airport, while the far ends of the North Coast are about two and a half hours away by car.

Starting July 2024, there's a twice weekly domestic flight between Cairo Airport and El Alamein Airport.

Marina Hills Resort

Marina Hills, a beautiful residential resort where life unfolds at its own pace. Experience a special way of living where every moment holds enchantment and joy. Discover modern design and indulge in a luxurious lifestyle that you truly deserve. Marina Hills is your first home, perfectly situated in a prime location with stunning views. We care for the environment, using Eco-friendly practices and natural materials, harnessing solar energy and promoting water treatment. Come and explore the essence of coastal living at Marina Hills.old town , which is only 9 minutes away.

Mall Al Sokhna

Mall Al-Sokhna, located in Ain El Sokhna's prime area, offers a unique shopping and entertainment experience.

Adjacent to notable landmarks and just 4 km from Galala city, it's an ideal destination for residents and tourists alike. This mall, embracing a diverse tenant mix and family-friendly entertainment including a KIDS CLUB, ensures a vibrant atmosphere. Its strategic position near Cairo and the upcoming high-speed train station enhances its accessibility and appeal as a premier shopping and leisure destination.

Marina Hills Resort

Marina Hills, a beautiful residential resort where life unfolds at its own pace. Experience a special way of living where every moment holds enchantment and joy. Discover modern design and indulge in a luxurious lifestyle that you truly deserve. Marina Hills is your first home, perfectly situated in a prime location with stunning views. We care for the environment, using Eco-friendly practices and natural materials, harnessing solar energy and promoting water treatment. Come and explore the essence of coastal living at Marina Hills.old town , which is only 9 minutes away.

Mall Al Sokhna

Mall Al-Sokhna, located in Ain El Sokhna's prime area, offers a unique shopping and entertainment experience.

Adjacent to notable landmarks and just 4 km from Galala city, it's an ideal destination for residents and tourists alike. This mall, embracing a diverse tenant mix and family-friendly entertainment including a KIDS CLUB, ensures a vibrant atmosphere. Its strategic position near Cairo and the upcoming high-speed train station enhances its accessibility and appeal as a premier shopping and leisure destination.

Marina Hills Resort

Marina Hills, a beautiful residential resort where life unfolds at its own pace. Experience a special way of living where every moment holds enchantment and joy. Discover modern design and indulge in a luxurious lifestyle that you truly deserve. Marina Hills is your first home, perfectly situated in a prime location with stunning views. We care for the environment, using Eco-friendly practices and natural materials, harnessing solar energy and promoting water treatment. Come and explore the essence of coastal living at Marina Hills.old town , which is only 9 minutes away.

Mall Al Sokhna

Mall Al-Sokhna, located in Ain El Sokhna's prime area, offers a unique shopping and entertainment experience.

Adjacent to notable landmarks and just 4 km from Galala city, it's an ideal destination for residents and tourists alike. This mall, embracing a diverse tenant mix and family-friendly entertainment including a KIDS CLUB, ensures a vibrant atmosphere. Its strategic position near Cairo and the upcoming high-speed train station enhances its accessibility and appeal as a premier shopping and leisure destination.

Marina Hills Resort

Marina Hills, a beautiful residential resort where life unfolds at its own pace. Experience a special way of living where every moment holds enchantment and joy. Discover modern design and indulge in a luxurious lifestyle that you truly deserve. Marina Hills is your first home, perfectly situated in a prime location with stunning views. We care for the environment, using Eco-friendly practices and natural materials, harnessing solar energy and promoting water treatment. Come and explore the essence of coastal living at Marina Hills.old town , which is only 9 minutes away.

Mall Al Sokhna

Mall Al-Sokhna, located in Ain El Sokhna's prime area, offers a unique shopping and entertainment experience.

Adjacent to notable landmarks and just 4 km from Galala city, it's an ideal destination for residents and tourists alike. This mall, embracing a diverse tenant mix and family-friendly entertainment including a KIDS CLUB, ensures a vibrant atmosphere. Its strategic position near Cairo and the upcoming high-speed train station enhances its accessibility and appeal as a premier shopping and leisure destination.