6 Stunning Beaches On Egypt’s North Coast

With its soft sand beaches and bright blue waters, the North Coast in Egypt has some of the country’s most breathtaking beaches.

Often called the “Maldives of Egypt,” the North Coast has the bright turquoise waters and white sands that many wouldn’t expect to find in the land of pyramids and mosques.

And the North Coast isn’t as popular with tourists as the resorts on the Red Sea (there’s no diving on the North Coast, for one). The North Coast is often better known for local summer homes than international tourism.

But that’s quickly changing as more hotels open up and more visitors flock to Mediterranean gems like Marassi and Hacienda White.

I’m a longtime expat living for over a decade in Egypt – and I’ve been up and down the North Coast numerous times.

And this is my ultimate local’s guide to the best beaches on the North Coast, where to stay and insider tips.

The North Coast: the basics

What’s meant by “the North Coast” is roughly the area between Alexandria and Marsa Matruh, or as local’s call it “sahel.”

The area is packed with gated compounds and private summer homes – along with hotels open to visitors.

And it gets crowded in the summer as thousands of upper-middle-class Egyptians flock to the area for swimming, shopping and nightlife. Which also means exclusive parties, high-end boutiques and the see-and-be-seen crowd flocking in.

The North Coast has lots of gorgeous beaches where you can enjoy an effortless summer getaway – whether you’re looking for nightlife, a family vacation or a quiet getaway.

Here are my picks for the best North Coast beaches:

1. Almaza Bay

Location: 50 minutes from Marsa Matruh International Airport.

With its bright turqouise waters, 5-star resorts and elegant restaurants, Almaza Bay is the perfect spot for a quiet upscale getaway in the sand.

Almaza Bay has those crystal clear waters that have earned the North Coast the nickname “the Maldives of Egypt.”

Spend an afternoon kayaking or kitesurfing on the white sandy beaches before you tuck into a decadent dinner with cocktails at Sachi by the Sea.

Almaza is a top choice for luxury on Egypt’s Mediterranean. And it has some great nightlife too with its international DJs and trendy bars.

Best hotels: Jaz Almaza Beach Resort for comfortable rooms steps away from a beautiful beach.

Best restaurants: Sachi by the Sea for the best seafood and maki rolls. Pier 88 for pizza and pasta.

2. Marassi

Location: 1.5 hours from Al Alamein Airport.

Marassi is a hugely popular resort community that boasts luxurious hotels, summer homes, crystal-clear beaches and an 18-hole golf course.

It’s also less than an hour from El Alamein, the site of a significant World War II battle that now houses a fascinating museum.

Marassi has striking turquoise waters, laid-back beaches and some of the North Coast’s most stunning hotels.

Best hotels: Address Marassi Golf Resort for spacious rooms overlooking the golfing greens. Al Alamein Hotel for ultra-modern luxury right on the beach.

Best restaurants: Reif for upscale Japanese indulgence. Izakaya for Japanese-Peruvian fusion in a sumptuous setting.

3. Hacienda White

Location: 1.5 hours from Borg El Arab Airport.

This elite beachside compound has a pristine coastline, secluded lagoons and ultra-lux adults only hotels that are an antidote to crowded beaches.

Hacienda White has the North Coast’s soft sands and crystal clear waters.

And although the area is packed with summer homes, there are also some great hotels and eateries for the rest of us to enjoy.

Best hotels: Casa Cook North Coast for a lagoon and boho chic decor sprinkled with handmade Egyptian accents. Mazeej White is a great boutique hotel with incredible views and artsy decor.

Best restaurants: The Lemon Tree for cocktails with sea views amid flowing white curtains. Kiki’s Beach Bar for the best breakfasts and signature cocktails.

4. Caesar Bay

Location: 1 hour from Marsa Maruh International Airport.

Caesar Bay has gorgeous beaches, chic eateries and unique views of a nearby island.

It’s also near El Alamein, the site of a significant World War II battle that now houses a museum.

From beach bars with palmleaf umbrellas to white sands and vivid blue waters, Caesar Bay is a great destination to unwind on the beach with a paperback and a pina colada.

Best hotels: Caesar Bay Resort has a beautiful beach with great views of a nearby island.

Best restaurants: Great Italian at the resort’s restaurant.

5. Ghazala Bay

Location: 1.5 hours to Marsa Matrouh International Airport, 1.5 hours from Borg El Arab International Airport.

Ghazala is one of the most beautiful bays on the North Coast with pristine shorelines, breathtaking hotels and chic eateries.

Ghazala Bay is in a bustling part of sahel with lots of great resorts and restaurants to chose from – all walking distance from some of the coast’s most crystal blue beaches.

You’re spoiled for choice on this part of the coast with lots of other beaches and resorts nearby.

Best hotels: Rixos Alamein for spacious sea view rooms and great restaurants.

Best restaurants: White & Blue for incredible seafood in a cozy beachside atmosphere. Gigi Plage for cocktails on the beach.

6. Sidi Heneish

Location: 40 minutes from Marsa Matruh International Airport.

Sidi Heneish is picturesque and serene with quiet beaches surrounded by rugged desert.

Just east of Marsa Matruh, it’s home to some new resorts and a more quiet vibe than the North Coast’s party beaches.

Best hotels: Cleopatra Sidi Heneish for spacious rooms with incredible views.

Best restaurants: Sofra for Middle Eastern and Lebanese cuisine. The Cookery for international fare with gorgeous sea views.

Best time to visit the North Coast

The North Coast is sweltering hot in the summers with the perfect beach weather from June to August. That’s also the high season so everything is open and the hotels are packed.

If you want to avoid the summer crowds (but still enjoy warm sea temperatures) then aim for April-May and September-October for perfect warm weather and a fraction of the crowds.

Just note: some places might be closed and it will be more difficult to get taxis, but you’ll be more than fine if you book at a good hotel that provides all the amenities.

Best things to do

Enjoy your hotel beach. The North Coast is the perfect spot to lay in the sand with a good paperback and take periodic dips in the sea to cool off. Work on your tan, unwind and enjoy a lazy lunch in the sand.

Discover World War II history. Head to the El Alamein Military Museum to learn the story of one of the most important battles of World War II. The museum includes an open-air exhibit lined with canons, tanks, airplanes and armored vehicles used during this decisive battle.

Try some water sports. Lots of North Coast hotels have sports centers where you can rent a kayak or a banana boat – or even try some surfing (at Hacienda’s Surf Camp Egypt).

Take the kids (or yourself) to a water park. For a fun day of slides and water chutes, head to Marassi Water World.

Getting there

If you’re booking through a travel agency, they’ll easily arrange transport to your hotel. Or fly into Marsa Matruh International Airport or the Borg El Arab International Airport in Alexandria (which ever’s closest to your hotel) and then arrange a driver with your hotel from there.

In the summer season, there are buses (through Go Bus) that go between Cairo and various drop-off points along the North Coast.

Uber and Careem also have special offers in the summer where you can book a ride from Cairo all the way to the coast.

Once you’re there, however, taxis aren’t as easy to pin down as in Hurghada or Sharm. So chose your hotel wisely and make sure it’s got everything you need on site. If you want to sightsee or go anywhere in the area, it’s best to book a taxi with your hotel. Uber and Careem are also available in the summer season.