El Alamein and Ras El Hekma: Egypt's North Coast Resorts

Each summer, Egypt's North Coast, known locally as the Sahel, becomes the country's social capital. Families, artists and entrepreneurs head west from Cairo and Alexandria to beach communities with marinas, beach clubs and concerts under the stars. The water is famously clear and calm, and the sand is powder white.

At the center is New Alamein City, a new Mediterranean city with a skyline of towers, a seafront promenade, universities and a summer festival program. Farther west, Ras El Hekma is being developed into one of the largest new coastal destinations in the Mediterranean. For the country overview, see our guide to luxury vacations in Egypt.

In 2024 Egypt signed a landmark agreement with Abu Dhabi's ADQ, with Modon as master developer, to build a new city on the Ras El Hekma peninsula. Plans include hotels, a marina, residential districts, a business zone and an international airport. Work is under way, and the first projects are expected to set a new standard for the coast; we will add hotels here as openings are confirmed.

Read more about Egypt's growth plans in Egypt Vision 2030.

In season, many of Cairo's favorite restaurants open summer outposts in Marassi, New Alamein and the neighboring beach communities, so the dining scene changes year to year. Fresh grilled fish, seafood rice and Levantine mezze are the staples; reserve ahead in July and August.

Americans can buy an e-visa online or a visa on arrival (each about $30), each for up to 30 days, with a passport valid for at least six months. The resorts are relaxed and international in style, with beachwear normal inside the communities and alcohol available at many hotels and beach clubs. Many venues open only for the summer season.