There are lots of brilliant places for UK holidaymakers going abroad , but Alexandria could be the greatest of all. Named for its founder Alexander the Great, tourists are sure to have a great time at this Egyptian hotspot . With a history and culture stretching back as far as 331BC, Alexandria is a marvel steeped in history and heritage with plenty to offer the modern day tourist too.
The city developed from a small port known as Rhakotis after the arrival of Alexander the Great and sits nestled at the western edge of the Nile River delta, around 114 miles from Egypt’s capital, Cairo. Known as the ‘Bride of the Mediterranean’, it is the largest city on the Mediterranean coast and is brimming with historial splendours that culture seeking tourists are sure to love. Unfortunately due to the constant presence of war in ancient times, very little of the ancient city survived into the modern day.
Much of Alexandria's old royal and civic quarters sank beneath the harbour, including Queen Cleopatra’s palace which is now under the sea, with ruins having been rebuilt over the years. But tourists can enjoy some of the ancient sites that did survive, including Pompey’s Pillar, the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Kom El Deka, which houses the city’s Roman amphitheatre, and the Temple of Taposiris Magna. The Citadel of Qaitbay is one of the key attractions where tourists can soak up beautiful panoramic views of the city.
The medieval fort was built on the site of the old Lightho.