Hidden Gems of Egypt: Exploring Eye of Matrouh and Beyond

Hidden Gems of Egypt: Exploring Eye of Matrouh and Beyond

• Mar 18, 2026

The majority of travelers who envision Egypt first think about the Pyramids of Giza and Luxor's temples and the Red Sea's coral reefs. The Mediterranean region contains a hidden area which serves as Egypt's best-kept secret for those who want to explore less common paths to discover its sapphire waters and tranquil desert landscapes. 

Marsa Matrouh welcomes you.

This coastal sanctuary known as the "Egyptian Maldives" combines Caribbean-style white sands with a historical legacy that dates back to Alexander the Great and Queen Cleopatra. The Eye of Matrouh functions as the central attraction of this coastal paradise which leads visitors to discover its multitude of concealed treasures.

The Enchanting Eye: Cleopatra’s Bath

The Eye of Matrouh known as Cleopatra's Bath stands as the main attraction which represents Marsa Matrouh. The beach functions as a natural monument because it serves as a site where legends meet with the beauty of nature.

The Legend
Historical sources indicate that Queen Cleopatra VII selected this location as her private retreat area. She would travel by boat from Alexandria to the hidden bay where she would swim in the turquoise waters beyond the view of her royal court.

The Natural Architecture
The "Eye" formation consists of a giant rock structure which extends into the ocean. It functions as a naturally occurring sun-warmed swimming pool. Mediterranean Ocean waves strike the outer walls which forces cool oxygen-rich water to flow through the open spaces into the water containment area. The rock structure maintains perfect water temperature because of the intense Egyptian sunlight which heats the rock.

Travel Tip: The best time to visit the site is during the period known as "Golden Hour" which occurs just before the sun sets. The light that passes through the rock roof creates a shimmering glow which creates an ethereal effect on the water surface that photographers find desirable.

 Agiba: The Miracle of the Mediterranean

The Eye of Matrouh represents the region's soul while Agiba Beach serves as its central point. The name "Agiba" in Arabic means "Miracle" or "Wonder" which proves to be correct. 

Agiba Beach exists as a small cove which lies 24 kilometers away from Alexandria's city center and exists between two high limestone cliffs. The beach requires visitors to walk down a stone staircase which leads to the beach while they enjoy Mediterranean views that show blue colors ranging from light translucent to dark indigo. 

The Experience: The beach offers a narrow design which creates a close atmosphere because the surrounding cliffs block wind access. 

The Viewpoint: The cliffside cafes provide exceptional views that reveal North Africa's most beautiful landscapes even to people who do not want to swim. Watching the ocean waves crash against rocks while drinking traditional "Bedouin Tea" creates a peaceful state of mind.

The White Sand Paradise: Al-Obayed Beach

Al-Obayed Beach provides a solution for individuals who consider the Red Sea too rocky and the North Coast too packed with people. The beach at this location features "flour-like" sand which displays an exceptional white color and fine texture that enables visitors to experience a silk-like sensation when walking on it.

The water here remains extremely shallow for many hundred meters which makes this location perfect for families and people who want to explore the clear shallow waters. The location provides complete peace because the only noise which exists there comes from the Mediterranean Sea's steady rhythm.

The Gateway to the Deep Desert: Siwa Oasis

The coastal area offers excellent visual appeal but the authentic "Beyond" site of Matrouh extends 300 kilometers toward the Great Sand Sea which lies 300 kilometers to the south. The region requires visitors to make a trip to Siwa Oasis in order to complete their exploration.

The Fortress of Shali
The Shali Fortress stands in the center of Siwa as its melted remains. Built from kersheef (a mixture of salt and mud), this 13th-century labyrinth looks like something out of a fantasy novel. Exploring its narrow passageways at dusk provides a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into ancient Saharan life.

The Temple of the Oracle

History buffs will know that Alexander the Great marched across the desert to reach this very spot. He wanted to verify his identity as Zeus's son with the Oracle of Amun. The temple ruins create an experience where you can feel the historical weight of the site while watching thousands of palm trees and shimmering salt lakes.

The Salt Lakes of Siwa

The Siwa Salt Lakes serve as the most Instagrammable secret location throughout Egypt. The emerald-green pools allow people to float on their surfaces because of their extreme salt content which exceeds the floating ability found in the Dead Sea. The mineral-rich waters are also famous for their healing properties for the skin and respiratory system.

The Bedouin Culture: A Different Side of Egypt

The people of Marsa Matrouh and its surrounding area create its unique atmosphere. The region contains active Bedouin communities whose customs show major differences from Nile Valley traditions.

Culinary Delights
Traveling with a specialized agency allows travelers to experience genuine Bedouin "Zarda" outdoor desert feasts.

Mandi: The dish consists of lamb which cooks in a subterranean oven for an extended period.

Siwan Dates: The dates from this region hold the title of best dates in the world.

Bedouin Rice: The dish consists of yellow rice which contains savory spices and serves as the main dish for all festive occasions.

Why Visit Marsa Matrouh Now?

The local people of Matrouh preferred their beach for many years until it now begins to receive international recognition. The "New Alamein" city development together with better road connections has created better access to the area. The Eye of Matrouh together with other "Hidden Gems" sites maintain their natural authentic beauty.

Your travel experience with [Your Agency Name] goes beyond standard tourist attractions. Our company provides access to hidden beaches, Bedouin camps that are off-limits to the public, and historical locations that do not appear on conventional maps.

The Adventure of a Lifetime

Egypt consists of multiple historical layers that show its development through time. After visiting the Pyramids and sailing on the Nile River, you should visit the Eye of Matrouh to experience its unique pace of life. The location exists at the boundary between desert and ocean where ancient queens used to bathe and the Sahara Desert provides a rare peacefulness that modern society cannot match.