Alexandria: The Complete Guide to Egypt's Mediterranean Jewel

Alexandria is a major coastal city in northern Egypt, located on the Mediterranean Sea about 220 kilometres northwest of Cairo. It is Egypt's second-largest city and principal seaport, founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great. In antiquity, Alexandria was the greatest city of the ancient world — a dazzling center of learning, trade, and culture, home to the legendary Ancient Library of Alexandria and the towering Alexandria Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, Alexandria Egypt is a vibrant metropolis of around five million people, blending Greco-Roman heritage, faded colonial elegance, and a laid-back seaside atmosphere that sets it apart from anywhere else in the country.

Below you'll find everything you need to know about where Alexandria is, what to see, its climate, its founder, and the many cities around the world that share its name.

Alexandria lies on Egypt's northern coast, spread along a narrow strip of land between the Mediterranean Sea to the north and Lake Mariout to the south. It sits roughly 220 kilometres northwest of Cairo, making it an easy day trip or overnight escape from the capital.

The city extends for about 32 kilometres along the coastline, following the sweeping curve of its famous seafront promenade, the Corniche. Its position at the western edge of the Nile Delta made it a natural gateway between Egypt, the Mediterranean, and the wider ancient world — a strategic advantage that fuelled its rise as a hub of commerce and scholarship for centuries.

Getting to Alexandria is straightforward. Frequent trains and buses connect it to Cairo in around two and a half to three hours, while Borg El Arab Airport, west of the city, handles domestic and international flights. Once you arrive, the compact center, tram lines, and walkable Corniche make it easy to explore.

Alexandria rewards visitors with a rich mix of ancient sites, atmospheric neighbourhoods, and Mediterranean charm. Whether you're drawn to history or simply want to soak up the sea air, there's plenty to fill your days.

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is the modern tribute to the Ancient Library of Alexandria. Opened in 2002, this striking disc-shaped building rises beside the sea and houses millions of books, museums, and galleries. Its vast main reading room is an architectural marvel and a fitting successor to the ancient institution that once made the city the intellectual capital of the world.

The Citadel of Qaitbay stands guard at the tip of the eastern harbour, on the very spot where the Alexandria Lighthouse once stood. Built in the 15th century using stone from the collapsed lighthouse, this handsome fortress offers sweeping sea views and a tangible link to the city's ancient past.

The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are a remarkable underground necropolis carved deep into the rock. Blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman styles, these tombs are among the most fascinating archaeological sites in the country and a highlight for history lovers.

Pompey's Pillar and the Serapeum form another key ancient site, dominated by a towering red granite column that has stood for more than 1,600 years, surrounded by sphinxes and the remains of a once-great temple.

Montaza Palace and Gardens offer a greener, more relaxed experience. The former royal residence sits amid lush gardens overlooking the sea, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

The Corniche itself is one of the city's great pleasures — a long waterfront boulevard ideal for an evening walk, a fresh seafood dinner, or watching fishing boats bob in the harbour. Don't miss the historic cafés and the atmospheric Attarine district for antiques and local color.

Alexandria has a hot semi-arid climate softened considerably by the Mediterranean, giving it the mildest and wettest weather of any major Egyptian city.

Summers, from June to September, are warm rather than scorching, with daytime temperatures usually between 28 and 32°C. Sea breezes keep the coast comfortable, which is exactly why Egyptians have flocked here to escape the inland heat for generations. This is peak season, when the beaches and Corniche are at their liveliest.

Winters, from December to February, are mild but noticeably wetter than the rest of Egypt. Temperatures hover around 12 to 18°C, and Alexandria receives most of the country's rainfall during these months, occasionally accompanied by dramatic storms rolling in off the sea. A light jacket is useful, and the moody winter atmosphere has its own appeal.

Spring and fall are arguably the most pleasant times to visit, offering warm, sunny days without the summer crowds. Whenever you come, the sea air and gentler temperatures make Alexandria a refreshing contrast to the desert cities further south.

Alexandria owes its very existence and its name to Alexander the Great, the Macedonian king and conqueror who arrived in Egypt in 332 BC. Seeking a grand new capital that would link Greece with the riches of the Nile, he chose a small fishing village on the Mediterranean coast and, in 331 BC, laid out the plans for a magnificent city that would bear his name.

Alexander himself moved on to further conquests and never saw his city completed, dying in 323 BC. Yet the vision he set in motion flourished under his successors, the Ptolemaic dynasty. Under their rule, Alexandria became the largest and most sophisticated city of the ancient Mediterranean, renowned for the Ancient Library of Alexandria, which aimed to collect all the knowledge of the world, and the Alexandria Lighthouse, whose flame guided ships safely into harbour for centuries.

Legend holds that Alexander was ultimately buried somewhere in the city, though his tomb has never been found — one of the great enduring mysteries of the ancient world, and a reminder of just how deeply the conqueror's legacy is woven into Alexandria Egypt.

Alexander the Great founded numerous cities during his campaigns, and many were named Alexandria in his honour. As a result, there are Alexandrias around the world, though Egypt's remains by far the most famous.

In antiquity, Alexander established a string of cities bearing his name across his vast empire, from the Mediterranean all the way to the borders of India. Several survive today under evolved names — the city of Kandahar in Afghanistan, for example, is widely believed to derive its name from an ancient "Alexandria."

Beyond these ancient foundations, dozens of modern places carry the name, particularly in the United States, where Alexandria, Virginia, is a well-known historic city near Washington, D.C. There are also Alexandrias in Louisiana, Minnesota, and Indiana, as well as towns in Scotland, Romania, South Africa, and Australia. This scattering of namesakes across continents is a lasting testament to the enduring fame of the original Alexandria Egypt and the conqueror who founded it.

1. Is Alexandria worth visiting?
Yes. Alexandria offers a unique blend of ancient history, Mediterranean charm, and relaxed seaside living. From the Bibliotheca Alexandrina to the Citadel of Qaitbay and fresh seafood along the Corniche, it's a rewarding contrast to Cairo and Upper Egypt.

2. How far is Alexandria from Cairo?
Alexandria is about 220 kilometres from Cairo, roughly two and a half to three hours by train, bus, or car, making it a popular day trip or overnight excursion.

3. What was the Ancient Library of Alexandria?
It was one of the largest and most important libraries of the ancient world, aiming to gather all human knowledge. Though it was lost centuries ago, its legacy lives on in the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

4. Can you still see the Alexandria Lighthouse?
No, the original lighthouse was destroyed by earthquakes centuries ago. However, the Citadel of Qaitbay now stands on its site and was partly built using its fallen stones.

6. Who founded Alexandria?
Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and became the capital of Ptolemaic Egypt, growing into one of the greatest cities of the ancient world.

7. What is the best time to visit Alexandria?
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer warm, comfortable weather and fewer crowds, while summer is ideal for enjoying the beaches and lively seafront.