Affordable flights to Alexandria

This northern destination is the main airport to the Mediterranean coast and Egypt's second-largest city. It has a long-standing reputation as a maritime hub that connects North Africa to the rest of the world through its busy ports.

History feels tangible here, especially when visiting the Citadel of Qaitbay, which was built on the former site of the ancient lighthouse. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a modern tribute to the city's lost intellectual centre, while the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa reveal a mix of Egyptian and Roman funerary art. You can also see the massive Pompey's Pillar, which remains one of the largest monolithic columns ever constructed.

The city is defined by its breezy waterfront and a cosmopolitan atmosphere that feels distinct from the rest of the country. Visitors often come for the seafood, the European-inspired architecture of the city centre, and the chance to explore layers of Greek and Roman history. This makes it a rewarding stop for those who value cultural depth and a slower pace during their journey.

The high season in Alexandria

The period from June to September is the busiest time for the city, as the Mediterranean climate has cooler weather from the intense heat found further south. During these months, temperatures usually stay between 25°C and 30°C, kept comfortable by consistent sea breezes. Life moves to the Corniche, where the 15 km promenade stays active until the early hours of the morning. You will find the city at its most energetic, with social life centred around outdoor cafes and the historic beaches that line the coast.

When you arrive at Borg El Arab International Airport during the summer, you enter a city in constant motion. This is the peak of the cultural calendar, with the Alexandria International Film Festival often drawing crowds and the Roman Amphitheatre hosting open-air performances. The atmosphere is social and fast-paced, as many families from across the region move to their summer residences. This influx of people creates a lively, festive environment that defines the city's modern identity.

The low season in Alexandria

From December to February, the city adopts a quiet, more contemplative character. Temperatures drop to an average of 13°C to 18°C, and the Mediterranean often brings dramatic rainstorms and grey skies. This weather transforms the coastal view, replacing the summer crowds with a misty, cinematic landscape that highlights the city's neoclassical architecture. The pace of life slows down significantly, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of indoor landmarks like the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

Landing at Borg El Arab International Airport in winter offers a starkly different introduction to the region. The air is crisp, and the scent of the sea is more pronounced as the waves crash against the sea walls of the Citadel of Qaitbay. You will see locals gathering in traditional coffee houses to escape the wind, enjoying the nostalgic charm that the city is known for during the cooler months. This season is ideal if you prefer a peaceful atmosphere and the chance to see the city as its residents do.

Stepping off your flight at Borg El Arab International Airport puts you at the edge of a city where the air carries the scent of the Mediterranean Sea. Alexandria greets you with a sense of depth that only an ancient port can hold, moving you from the modern tarmac into a world of coastal light and deep history.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina
This modern architectural marvel sits on the waterfront, designed as a massive tilted disc that mirrors the sun rising over the sea. Inside, the vast reading rooms and museums carry on the intellectual spirit of the original ancient library.

Citadel of Qaitbay
Located at the mouth of the eastern harbour, this 15th-century fortress stands on the exact site of the legendary Pharos Lighthouse. Walking along its limestone ramparts allows you to feel the sea breeze while looking out over the water where ancient ruins still lie submerged.

Kom El Shoqafa Catacombs
These underground chambers reveal a fascinating mix of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman styles carved directly into the rock. The spiral staircases lead down into a silent world of decorated tombs that show how different cultures merged in this city centuries ago.

The Corniche
The wide promenade stretching along the shoreline is the heart of local life, especially as the sky turns orange at sunset. It is the perfect place to watch fishing boats bobbing in the water while the city's grand colonial-era buildings glow in the fading light.

Montaza Palace Gardens
Extensive groves of date palms and manicured lawns surround a whimsical royal palace that overlooks a private cove. The quiet walking paths and ornate bridges provide a peaceful contrast to the energetic pulse of the central city streets.

Roman Amphitheatre
Discovered by accident in the heart of the city, this marble theatre remains a testament to the classical era of Alexandria. The surrounding park includes well-preserved mosaics and a collection of statues recovered from the seabed nearby.

Is a trip to Alexandria / Borg El Arab on your horizon? You can maximize your travel budget by staying flexible with your schedule and organizing your flights through Opodo well in advance. For regular travelers, Opodo Prime offers the kind of extra benefits that make every visit to this historic city even better.