Best things to do in Matrouh Governorate

Imagine the tragedy of desert warfare and pay tribute to the dead at El Alamein War Cemetery, a Commonwealth cemetery built near the site of the famous World War II tank battle. Designed by a British architect and unveiled in 1954, the memorial commemorates 11,866 Commonwealth forces members who perished during war. Most of them died in the Western Desert Campaign and in Syria, and have no marked graves. The cemetery particularly focuses on those who died during the Battle of El Alamein. Climb the central stairway leading to a tall elevated stone cross and a terrace for an overview of the area.

All ages can relax and swim at Cleopatra's Pool - Spring of Juba, fed by a natural spring. The stone pool draws lots of locals and tourists, so expect crowds and pay attention to personal belongings. Since this is a very conservative area, make sure you're not wearing anything too revealing.

See the wonders of the seemingly endless sand with a guided tour of Great Sand Sea. The 7.2 hectare (18 acre) stretch of dunes creates the feeling of waves when you ride across them. You can also see several hot and cold springs in the middle of the desert, as well as a salt lake. If you're feeling adventurous, try out the sandboarding.

Gain insight into the many sides of North Africa's military history at El Alamein World War II Military Museum. Divided into several parts, the museum showcases a number of exhibits that tell the stories of war from the perspectives of different nations involved. You'll see how it was for the Egyptians, the British, the Germans, and others. Pore over enormous marked maps of the battlefields, and step outside to see the collection of weapons and old tanks. Take a break in the coffee shop on site.

See the enigmatic ruins of Shali Fortress, which once towered above the oasis. Dating back to the 13th century, the fortress was built from "kershef"--a mixture of salt, mud, and rocks. It wasn't meant to last more than a few decades, but it was destroyed by a heavy rainfall in 1926. Today, it is largely abandoned apart from some buildings near the edges, which are mostly used for storage. Walk through the labyrinth of impressive organic shapes, which once used to rise up to 60 m (197 ft) in height. Follow the path that spans the remnants of this ghost town, past the ancient mosque to the top, which offers scenic views.

When you visit Marsa Matruh, a popular seaport, your only obligation is to relax. Soak up the sun on the white sandy beaches, then take a break from tanning in the cool clear waters. You don't have to worry about high seas here, since natural rocks surround the bay and provide protection from big waves.

Experience the sprawling white sands of Almaza Bay, a one-stop with resorts that embrace the beach-front location. Located on Egypt's north coast, the bay's turquoise waters welcome throngs of people with sun loungers and resort hotels with pools and other amenities.