For nearly a thousand years, Alexandria was the capital of Egypt. Often overlooked today in favour of its more glamorous, tourist-orientated sister city of Sharm El-Sheikh, Alexandria occupies a unique location on the coastline of the Mediterranean, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.
The beach city offers a wide variety of amenities, including expensive beach resorts and modest, small-town local souqs for lazy afternoons and interesting breakfast meetings.
Alexandria has a long and rich history that is apparent in its museums and palaces.
Taking an evening stroll on the Stanley Bridge after a long day is not only relaxing but also satisfying for architecture and history buffs.
The city was founded, of course, by Alexander the Great and was rumoured to be his favourite place.
Now it is often called the Bride of the Mediterranean or the Pearl of the Mediterranean.
Alexandria is the second-largest city in Egypt after Cairo and has a beautiful opera house and a number of stately museums and palaces open to visitors.
One of the city's main attractions is its library.
The Library of Alexandria, brimming with historical artefacts, has captured the hearts and minds of many intellectuals.
In addition to having a rich history, the library is a great place to spend a day off. And, if you're still hankering for the air-conditioned malls and hotels of the UAE, Alexandria will be able to satisfy you with San Stefano, its own impressive mall that has a chain of fashionable boutiques and overlooks the sea.
