ALEXANDRIA /
The undulating corniche
Alexandria is unbelievably long. Most visitors walk the streets and see the sea from the western area of Manshiya; which also is the true city centre. But east of the new library, a new row of houses appear just as long as the one of Manshiya. And it continues beyond this too.
If you have a lot of time, you could walk the entire stretch, starting at Fort Qaitbey and ending at Montazah. The 20 or so kilometres should be done in 3-4 hours. Or you could hire a taxi for the ride, preferably going from Montazah, which allows you to see the beach stretches. I found it impressive, although not many of the seafront houses looked as nice as they ought to. But the total is great, and the road undulates along the cliffs and the several beaches. I thought to myself that I had started to understand why Egyptians are so crazy about this city.
Alexandria in late November (2004). It is chilly, windy and the waves unfriendly. But the water is warm enough for a swim, should you really want to.
And this is in April (1999). This is perhaps the finest time of the year for swimming, without the loads of tourists filling Alexandria over summer.
