Entertainment

Alexandria’s most popular attractions are its beaches. Alarmingly popular, in fact; during the blazing summer months, Cairenes come here by the thousands. The masses are daunting: it’s possible to ride up and down the entire 18km coast without seeing a single square meter of free sand. Consider the effects of ever-increasing erosion and exceptionally disagreeable pollution (the net weight of the litter nearly exceeds that of the bathers), and you will doubtless opt to avoid this temptation to court melanoma. A rule of thumb: the more expensive a beach is, the less crowded it is.

Thus the free beaches along the corniche are the most crowded (and family-oriented-women bathe fully clothed or, occasional!}’, in modest maillots). Westernized Egyptians tend to congregate at the slightly less crowded beaches at Montaza and Ma’mura. Ma’mura, just east of Montaza, can be reached by a Montaza bus or train (see above under Sights). Another semi-private beach, San Stefano, lies a little bit east of the half-way point between Sa’ad Zaghloul Sq. and Montaza. Small changing rooms on the beach can be rented for LE5 per day; larger cabinebs go for LE20 per day. Take tram #1, 2, or 5 from Raml Station.