Crossing Egypt: From Red Sea to the Mediterranean

After a blissful week in Dahab, full of diving and desert adventures, I packed up my gear for the next leg of the journey: a cross-country road trip to Alexandria.

What made it extra special was that I wouldn’t be driving solo—my new dive buddy, Fouad, also happened to live in Alexandria and was heading home. So we joined forces, piled our bags into the car, and hit the road for a 13+ hour drive across Egypt.

Under the Suez and Into the Sandstorm

The route took us across the Sinai Peninsula and under the Suez Canal via a tunnel that links Africa and Asia. We rolled down the windows, blasted Arabic music, and at one point stopped for a nostalgic comfort meal—McDonald’s, in the middle of the desert.

The weather didn’t make it easy. We passed through stretches of low visibility sandstorms, desert wind whipping across the highway, making the drive a little wild—but all part of the experience. By the time we reached Alexandria, the air felt cooler, and the Mediterranean shimmered in the distance.

Settling In and Sharing a Meal

The next morning, I settled into my Airbnb near the Corniche, Alexandria’s sweeping seaside promenade. I walked along the waterfront, soaking in the breeze and the mix of history and modern life. I stocked up on groceries for the week and took it slow.

That evening, I met back up with Fouad, who invited me out for a sunset drink at the Alexandria Yacht Club, where the sea sparkled and boats bobbed gently in the harbor. Later, he brought me to his family’s home for one of the most memorable meals of the trip:

A homecooked duck dinner, lovingly prepared by his parents, followed by mint tea and cake, and long conversations about Egypt, life, and travel. Hospitality like that stays with you.

Libraries and Lost Cities

The next day, I finally visited the stunning Bibliotheca Alexandrina—a modern reincarnation of the ancient Library of Alexandria, with bold architecture, exhibitions, and thousands of books from around the world. Even as a traveler passing through, the space made me want to stay and study forever.

Then came a day I’ll never forget…

Scuba Diving Alexandria’s Sunken Secrets

Fouad and I joined a dive group heading out into the Mediterranean Sea, just off Alexandria’s harbor. Our dives? A surreal underwater tour of:

• Cleopatra’s Palace (or Temple) – columns and ruins scattered on the seafloor
  
• The Pharos Lighthouse site, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
  
• And most hauntingly, the remains of a downed WWII Nazi plane, still lying eerily intact beneath the waves
  

While visibility wasn’t as crystal-clear as the Red Sea, the sense of history beneath the surface was chilling and magical in its own way.

A Week of Walks and Seafood

The rest of my Alexandria stay was peaceful. I wandered the Corniche, read books, and tried as much seafood as I could.

One afternoon, Fouad showed up with a massive platter of leftover seafood from a business meeting—crab, scallops, fish, shrimp, and more. I ate like royalty for the rest of the week, grateful for the serendipity that brought me new friends and unexpected feasts.

Final Thoughts: Why Alexandria Stays With You

Alexandria is unlike anywhere else in Egypt—laid-back yet full of life, layered with history, and cooled by Mediterranean winds. Whether you’re a history buff, a diver, or just a lover of good food and kind people, it offers a quieter but deeply rewarding chapter of any Egypt trip.

Planning Tips for Alexandria Travelers

• Road trip time from Dahab to Alexandria: ~13-14 hours
  
• Best seafood spots: Samakmak, Sea Gull, or any busy local joint near the port
  
• Scuba diving: Arrange with local dive centers for history-focused wreck dives
  
• Must-sees: Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Corniche, Citadel of Qaitbay
  

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