Alexandria

Hailed as the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’ for its curious cultural intermingling of Middle Eastern traditions and European character, Alexandria has stayed true to its history as a Greek colonial outpost on the coast of North Africa. The city was first established in 331 BC by Alexander the Great (who’s also its namesake), making it noticeably younger than most of the metropolitan centres in Egypt, but no less important in its line-up of historical and cultural points of interest. But the story of this truly legendary city is both grand and tragic. Unfortunately much of the old Alexandria has been lost, consumed by the ever-encroaching ocean and the destructive course of history. Amongst the fallen, the majestic Pharos Lighthouse and the Royal Library Complex stand as perhaps its greatest and most lamentable losses. But while the bulk of the ancient sites of Alexandria remain submerged at sea, there is something of a cultural revolution taking place on its modern streets. A number of planned museums, an exploding gastronomic scene and lively day-to-day atmosphere make it a truly enticing city that is worthy of its reputation.