Corniche & Qaitbay Citadel

Corniche

The Corniche — Alexandria's waterfront promenade — stretches over 15 km along the Mediterranean coast. A sunset stroll is a must: fishermen cast their lines, families stroll, street vendors offer roasted corn and fresh juice. Unlike Cairo, here you feel a Mediterranean lightness.

Qaitbay Citadel

At the tip of the Corniche stands the Citadel of Sultan Qaitbay (1477) — built on the foundations of the legendary Pharos of Alexandria, the ancient lighthouse that was one of the Seven Wonders of the World (destroyed by earthquakes in the 14th century). The fortress offers a fantastic view over the harbor and the Mediterranean. Inside, a small maritime museum.

In front of the citadel, there are still sunken remains of the lighthouse and the ancient royal palace on the seabed — underwater archaeology to marvel at (snorkeling tours are offered when conditions permit).