Sidi Bishr Beach

Sidi Bishr Beach sits along the Corniche in the Montaza district of Alexandria, about seven kilometers east of downtown, and is one of the city's busiest free public beaches thanks to its direct connection to the Sidi Bishr transport hub, one of the main microbus and bus interchanges on the eastern side of the city. The sand is light-colored but heavily used, and the beach itself is a fairly open, exposed stretch without the sheltered coves found at Montaza or Stanley, which leaves it more exposed to wind and a stronger shorebreak during rougher weather. Sidi Bishr draws an intensely local crowd, especially in July and August, when the beach becomes shoulder-to-shoulder with families and groups from across the city; the density here is generally higher than nearby Miami or Glim. Small kiosks and food stalls line the beach selling snacks, tea, and cold drinks, and there are basic changing facilities available for a small fee, though the amenities are simpler and less developed than at gated beaches like Maamoura. There is no advertised lifeguard service, so swimmers should stay in the more crowded, closely watched sections. Because of its transport hub location, Sidi Bishr is one of the easiest beaches in Alexandria to reach without a car, with microbuses, buses, and taxis converging nearby, though this same convenience is a major reason the beach becomes so crowded on hot summer days.