Sally Mikhail says those wanting to spend some beach time in Egypt might want to consider the country’s Mediterranean coast.

Mikhail, who runs GMTours, which sends people to Egypt, says its Mediterranean beaches tend to be overlooked by tourists,  who are more likely to visit Red Sea resorts.

“Individuals who love global travel are likely to be familiar with the beautiful Egyptian beaches: the Red Sea beaches, Hurgada, Sharm el Sheik, or Dahab,” she says. “In my opinion, some often overlook the beaches of the White Med. The White Med—short for White Mediterranean—is a region in Egypt that spans from El Alamein to the harbour town of Marsa Matrouh.

“In my opinion, Marsa Matrouh has some of the best beaches in the world. Marsa Matrouh is a secluded area on Egypt’s Mediterranean shore; it has long sandy white beaches and crystal-clear waters. Two of them in particular, Agiba Beach and Gharam Beach, are described as some of the most beautiful seashore landscapes in the world. Old tales tell us that Cleopatra herself is believed to have bathed in the waters of Marsa Matrouh. Indeed, Cleopatra’s Beach is still accessible today. The water’s colour ranges from blue to green, due to the varying depths of the bay. All in all,  Marsa Matrouh is a beautiful and historical location for relaxing.”

There are beaches outside Egypt that have wowed Mikhail as well.

“Aside from the beaches of Marsa Matrouh, some of my other favourite  beaches are located on the Greek island of Samos, just off the coast of Turkey,” she continues. “Samos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous in antiquity for its wine, and an important sanctuary to the goddess Hera. It was also the birthplace of the famous Stoic philosopher, Epicurus. Less toured than Santorini or Mykonos, but equally if not more appealing for its unique combination of history, heritage, and beauty, Samos and its beaches are a must-see.

“The experiences at the Dead Sea are a must-see at some point in every traveler’s life,” Mikhail adds. “The Dead Sea is bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel-Palestine to the west. The waters of the Dead Sea are extremely dense, allowing you to float on the surface of the sea, an attraction in its own. The Dead Sea is a popular international destination for the medical tourism industry. The waters and mud contain a rich concentration of minerals, zinc, and the oxygen-rich air surrounding the sea has been clinically proven in the treatment of various skin diseases, asthma, rheumatism, and high blood pressure.”

Meanwhile, Mikhail says both beaches and archeological sites should be seen as part of Egypt’s appeal.

“To me, Egypt is one of the most unique destinations – we would do it a disservice by separating its cultural and historical richness from the splendours of its landscapes, since so often its history has depended on its natural terrain and vice versa,” she states. “The country should be seen as a destination where culture, history, and natural beauty cannot be disentangled, with something special to offer everyone who visits.”

More information is available at gmtours.com.