Alexandria And The Egyptian Mediterranean A Traveler’s Guide

Book excerpt: The Mediterranean coast of Egypt stretches for 1,000 kilometers from Sallum in the west to Rafah in the east, exhibiting a variety of littoral landscapes--rocky shores and white sand beaches where the Western Desert meets the sea, low-lying wetlands along the edge of the Nile Delta, and rolling dunes in northern Sinai. Along the way are Egypt's second city, Alexandria, the battlefield of al-Alamein, and the historic town of Rashid. With this new fully revised edition of their popular guide, Jenny Jobbins and Mary Megalli traverse the entire coast, guiding the curious visitor on what to see and what to know, where to swim and where to stay, how to get there and how to get around. The guide is an informative companion for all travelers, whether their interest lies in sightseeing or nostalgia-seeking, archaeology or birdwatching. It offers information on recent excavations, submerged antiquities, places of interest, museums, hotels, and restaurants, as well as a comprehensive history of the coastal region and facts about its geography, wildlife, and natural environment. Detailed route and travel information are included for motorists, as are listings of bus, rail, and air services. Illustrated with detailed maps and 30 color photographs--and now revised with the most up-to-date information and practical advice--this convenient guidebook is an ideal companion for anyone traveling to this multifaceted region of Egypt.