Beaches near Montaza Palace

The sea is not the same as a beach

Montaza is a coastal estate, and the Mediterranean is clearly part of its character. Seeing the water from the gardens or the palace area does not mean there is a safe, permitted swimming spot there.

Do not assume you can step off the promenade into the sea. Ask what is actually a beach and what is simply coastline.

Public and private beaches

Alexandria has both public beaches and private or membership beaches. Their rules, facilities and access are different, and a private beach may not be open to people who are not staying or paying at that establishment.

In practice the same stretch of coast can behave differently from one section to the next. Read the signs where you actually are.

Sea conditions and safety

• The Mediterranean here can be rough, with strong waves
• Conditions change with wind and season
• Follow lifeguards, flags and local instructions
• Do not swim where it is signed as prohibited
• Keep an eye on children and on anyone who is not a strong swimmer

Practical planning

If swimming is part of your plan, decide which kind of beach you want — public and informal, or private and organised — before you travel, and confirm access on the day. Facilities such as changing rooms and shade vary from beach to beach.

For many visitors to Montaza, the coast is something to enjoy from the promenade and the gardens rather than to swim from, and that is a perfectly good way to experience it.

The beaches we name, and the caveat that goes with them

We do name beaches on this page, because a real name helps you plan access. Each one below was checked against public listings on 4 November 2026.

What we cannot promise is that a beach is open, safe or suitable on the day you go. Beach access, rules and conditions change with the season, and the sea here can be rough. Confirm access and conditions on the day, and follow lifeguards, flags and local signs.

The beach at the estate

Within the estate area there is a beach by the cove below the Palestine hotel, known simply as the Montazah Beach. It is the closest named beach to the gardens, but access depends on the estate and the hotel, so treat it as something to confirm rather than a public facility.

Not every stretch of the estate coastline is a swimming beach; ask what is actually permitted before you plan a swim here.

Managed beaches in Sidi Bishr

West of the estate, in Sidi Bishr, Montazah Aida Beach is a managed beach with loungers, umbrellas and cabanas. Because it is managed, access and facilities are more organised than on an open public beach.

We do not publish entry prices or hours, so confirm those with the beach on the day.

Maamoura Beach, east of Montaza

East of Montaza, Maamoura Beach is known for golden sand and shallow water, and beach clubs there offer sunbeds. It suits a family outing, but confirm which club is open and what it provides before you travel.

The district of Maamoura and its bay are a coastal area in their own right, separate from the estate.

Public beaches on the governorate list

Alexandria’s public, free beaches include several stretches named in the governorate’s list, among them Gleem, Al-Mandara 3, Al-Maks and Al-Hanoville. Public beaches generally have basic facilities only.

On a public beach, expect to bring or rent a chair and an umbrella, and to find fewer services than at a private or managed beach. Confirm conditions on the day.

• Al-Mandara 3 — a public beach in the Al Mandarah district, close to the estate
• Gleem — a public beach further west in the city
• Al-Maks — a public beach in the city
• Al-Hanoville — a public beach in the city
• Public beaches have basic facilities; bring or rent a chair and an umbrella

Frequently asked questions