Alexandria Holidays

The second largest city in Egypt with a population of nearly 5 million, Alexandria is also rightly known as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean" and has a distinctive Mediterranean ambience and atmosphere. It's only 225 kilometres from Cairo, but it feels different to the rest of Egypt. More southern European in flavour and style down to its broad Corniche dotted with Casinos and rows of beach huts. Nowadays, the glorious past of the city of Alexandria is hard to spot, however, a newly-opened library has re-established its reputation as the stronghold of wisdom. Because of its pleasant climate, wonderful beaches and excellent hotels, up to two million Egyptians choose to spend their summer in this city which stretches 20 kilometres along the Mediterranean Sea in a narrow strip just a few kilometres wide.

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and became the capital of Graeco-Roman Egypt. It still holds a number of ancient Greek and Roman sites including Pompeii's Pillar built amidst the ruins of the Serapuim in 297 A.D. to honour the Emperor Diocletian. Alexandria's status as a beacon of culture and an essential port was cemented by the construction of the Pharos, the legendary lighthouse that was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was the setting for the stormy relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Antony and was famed throughout the region as a centre of learning.

Alexandria still has the most important harbour in Egypt and is the focus for Egypt's commercial life, making the city even more synonymous with commerce, cosmopolitanism and a bohemian culture. Alexandria is a city to explore at random. It's as important to drink in the atmosphere as it is to see the sights. Alexandria was declared the "Arab Tourism Capital 2010" by the League of Arab States and this accolade merely confirms its reputation as one of the most cosmopolitan and lively destinations in the world