Alexandria Corniche (Mediterranean Sea)

The Alexandria Corniche is the long seafront road and promenade along the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria, Egypt, about 220 km north-west of Giza. The section beside the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in El Shatby is a common starting point, with the sea wall, wide pavements and beaches and beach clubs stretching along the coast. Sand beaches in Alexandria are of varying quality and are often narrow and crowded, with city beaches such as Shatby and the clubs further east being the main places to swim, while much of the corniche is a sea wall for walking rather than bathing. The water is Mediterranean blue and can be rough on windy days, with waves breaking on the breakwaters and a persistent sea breeze. The vibe is local, lively and family-oriented, especially in summer, when Egyptian families from across the country fill the beaches, and in the evening when the corniche becomes a social promenade. Amenities include cafes, seafood restaurants and ice cream stalls along the road, with beach clubs offering loungers, umbrellas and changing facilities for an entry fee; lifeguard cover and hours depend on the individual beach. Access from Giza is by ENR express train from Giza station, taking about 2.5-3.5 hours, or by Go Bus and Superjet coaches, or by private car in 2.5-3 hours. Within Alexandria, taxis, microbuses and the tram serve the seafront. Parking on the corniche is informal and congested on summer weekends. Swimming is most comfortable from June to September, while the cooler months from October to May suit walking the promenade, visiting the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and eating seafood by the water. Visitors usually treat it as a long day trip from Giza.