Marsa Matruh
Egypt's other sea.
Marsa Matruh is on the Mediterranean, not the Red Sea. Its bays have white sand and some of the clearest water in Egypt, and it is the gateway to Siwa Oasis.
What it is
really like.
Marsa Matruh is a town on Egypt's north coast, about 290 km west of Alexandria. In summer it fills with Egyptian families on holiday; outside the summer months it is very quiet. Its beaches are famous in Egypt for their colour: white sand and water that shades from pale green to deep blue.
For international travellers, Matruh is usually a stop rather than a destination. It sits on the coast road between Alexandria and the turn-off for Siwa Oasis, so a night here breaks the long drive into the Western Desert and gives you a swim on the way.
The Mediterranean is cooler than the Red Sea and has no coral reefs. Swimming is best from June to September.
The best of
Marsa Matruh.
The places we build days around. Not a list to tick off: most people choose three or four and leave time between them.
Cleopatra's Bath
A natural rock pool in the sea, linked by legend to the queen.
Agiba beach
A small cove below cliffs, with some of the bluest water on the coast.
The Rommel Museum
A small museum in a cave used by the German commander during the Second World War.
El Alamein
The war cemeteries and museum on the road from Alexandria, a moving stop for many visitors.
The road to Siwa
Four hours south through open desert to one of Egypt's most remote oases.
Summer swimming
Warm, clear water and long beaches from June to September.
Marsa Matruh,
answered.
Is Marsa Matruh on the Red Sea?
No. It is on the Mediterranean coast, in the north-west of Egypt. The Red Sea resorts are on the opposite side of the country.
When is the best time to visit?
June to September for swimming. Outside summer, it works best as a stop on the way to Siwa.
How do we get there?
By road from Alexandria in about four hours, or from Cairo in around five to six.
Ways to fit Marsa Matruh
into a trip.
Desert, Oasis, Cairo
Cairo and Alexandria, the Mediterranean coast road and three nights in Siwa Oasis, with a 4x4 day in the Great Sand Sea.
See this journey →
Cairo, Alexandria & the Nile
Cairo, an overnight in Alexandria and a three-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor: Egypt's ancient and classical sides in nine days.
See this journey →Tell us how long
you have.
Send your dates and who is travelling. We will suggest how many nights Marsa Matruh deserves and what fits around it.