Marsa Matruh is a serene haven of tranquility located on the extended Mediterranean coast. It is distinguished by its turquoise waters and sandy beaches, attracting people from Egypt and abroad who plan their trips to travel in summer or winter. The reason behind its popularity is the fact that it’s the most peaceful place in Egypt, blending simplicity with classic charm that no other city can offer. If you will visit Marsa Matruh in summer 2024, Read this blog to help you make a great plan. Explore Marsa Matruh’s location, heritage, best beaches, and sightseeing.
Egypt’s Serene City
Marsa Matruh is the capital of Matruh Governorate, the second-largest governorate in terms of area after the New Valley. For years, Marsa Matruh City has been Egypt’s summer traditional destination. Most Egyptians prefer visiting this beautiful city, remembering their heart-warming childhood. For more than 20 years, families used to rent a cozy chalet, prepare food supplies for one or two weeks, and make plans to visit different beaches and famous places that mark Marsa Matruh.
Marsa Matruh’s Prime Location
Marsa Matruh is a seaport in Egypt and the capital of the Matruh Governorate. It is located 240 km west of Alexandria and 222 km east of Sallum on the main highway connecting the Nile Delta to the Libyan border. You can also reach the city from the south through another highway that runs through the Western Desert towards Siwa Oasis and Bahariya Oasis.
Where is Marsa Matruh on Google Maps?
Check Marsa Matrouh’s location on Google Maps through this link: Location
Marsa Matruh History
The history of Marsa Matruh goes back to the period of Alexandar The Great, who is said the builder of the city. In ancient times, It was known as “Amounia” as it marked the starting point of the road that led to Siwa. Siwa was home to a temple dedicated to the god “Amoun,” which was frequently visited by Alexander the Great. Historical records also indicate that Cleopatra once owned a palace located on the high hill that overlooks her famous basins in Marsa Matruh.
Marsa Matruh was initially an Egyptian village that mainly relied on fishing. However, it gained significance and was selected as a site for an ancient Egyptian temple during Ramesses II’s reign around 1200 BC. Its prosperity increased as it served as a port for the oracle of Amun Ra at the Siwa Oasis during the 8th century BC.
Activities to do in Marsa Matruh
The most frequently asked question for people who plan to visit any summer destination is what to do. EstateBook helps you find activities to do in Marsa Matruh.
- Go Shopping
Going Shopping in Matruh is exciting as various options match all visitors’ needs. This is due to its proximity to Libya’s borders, which allows the chance to import countless products from Libya and other African North countries. Marsa Matruh’s selling product is “Leb,” a famous Egyptian nut.
Matruh’s famous two markets are Souq Libya, the place where you find everything you need in good quality, and Alexandria Street, the second major street after the Kornish.
- Relax on the beach
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to spending time at the beach. While some people like to do sports and water activities on the beach, others prefer to just sit and relax. There is something truly therapeutic about feeling the sand between your toes, listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, and taking in the salty ocean air. This is an effective way to escape from daily life hassles and work stress.
Whether you enjoy playing beach volleyball or swimming in the ocean, or simply want to lay out a beach towel and soak up the sun, there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy the beach. It’s a place where you can truly unwind and let your mind drift away from the worries of the world.
In the following lines, read about well-known beaches in Marsa Matruh.
Marsa Matruh Beaches
If you are going to visit Marsa Matrouh this summer, don’t miss out on these fantastic beaches, which are considered the prominent landmarks of Marsa Matruh.
- Ageeba
Ageeba is one of the most famous beaches in Matruh. Western explorers said, “The pride of Marsa Maruh” because it is starting to be recognized worldwide on the same level as Namaa Bay in Sharm El-Sheikh. Ageeba’s name means “wonderful place.” The Ageeba sea is as clear as crystals, while the beach boasts of soft, white sand. The sky above is cloudless, and the air is refreshingly crisp.
- Gharam Beach
More than 50 years ago, Gharam Beach witnessed a well-known scene from the Egyptian movie Shate’ El Gharam. Layla Murad sang a famous song called “Baheb Etenein Sawa, El Maya We El Hawa” while sitting on a massive rock on this charming beach. The film’s story is about a man who meets a woman in Marsa Matruh while on vacation and falls in love with her. The woman first captures his attention while singing a song on the beach.
- Rommel Beach
Compared to other beaches in Marsa Matruh, Rommel Beach features shallow sea and soft sands. It is located east of Marsa Matruh when reaching the end of the city’s shore.
On the beach, there are two sections that are divided. The first section is called the umbrella section, where each family is required to pay five pounds to get an umbrella. The other section is calmer and less crowded. It consists of wooden sun blockers, and each family or group is assigned a section. Rommel Beach is known to be one of the most well-known beaches in Marsa Matruh.
- Cleopatra’s Beach
Cleopatra Beach holds a reputation for being one of the most stunning beaches in Egypt. However, it’s not considered safe to swim in. If you decide to take the risk, it’s essential to note that you must be an excellent swimmer. The reason for this is that to swim there, you need to navigate your way through rocks. Due to the hostile waves and water currents, it’s not an easy task. Additionally, the water conditions can become rough, and there’s a risk of undertow.
Nevertheless, the beach is an excellent place for sunbathing and exploring. It’s especially worth checking out the rock of Cleopatra, which is the beach’s gem and most prominent feature. The rock is located approximately 20 meters from the shore and is accessible by walking. There’s an opening in the rock that enables visitors to go inside. While it’s not very wide, you can still see the water waves from the top of the rock and emptying inside it.
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Sightseeing
Marsa Matruh city hosts many attractions that draw its history from years ago. These places are a source of fascination for both tourists and Egyptians, who visit them to learn about Egypt’s heritage and delve into endless stories about Egypt’s history that have unfolded over the years.
- Bedouin Heritage Museum
- Matruh Archaeological Museum
- Salt Cave Salman pic 6
- Cleopatra Bath
- Rommel’s Cave Museum
- Sidi El-Awwam Mosque
The hidden gems
Okay, what’s next after visiting famous places in Marsa Matruh? You can visit hidden gems to have a uniquely amazing experience, one of which is Zarda.
- Zarda
Attending a bedouin night at Zarda in Matruh is a unique experience. It’s a place in the desert where you can enjoy a meal of lamb or chicken cooked in a sand pit.
Restaurants in Marsa Matruh
As Matruh lies on the Mediterranean sea, it features fresh and delicious seafood that resembles the city’s culinary heritage. Find the best restaurants to eat in Marsa Matruh.
- Corallo – SeaFood – Almaza Bay
- MORGANA Restaurant
- Belle Vue Restaurant
- New Samakmak Restaurant
- Caviar Seafood Restaurant
- AlAhrar Grill and Bedioun Food Restaurant
- Kamona Marsa Matruh
The people of Matruh
Known for their generosity, the people of Marsa Matruh are used to hosting many guests, whether tourists or Egyptians and offering them bedouin tea and meals. Matruh’s people have inhabited the region for centuries and have a nomadic lifestyle and traditions that are likely still present.
So, if you are looking for a place to unwind, Marsa Matruh is worth a visit. While it’s a peaceful city, it offers a variety of fun activities to energize you both in the morning and at night.
