Egypt’s cool Mediterranean coastline, known as El-Sahel, has long been loved as the place to be every summer. Spanning 300 kilometers west from Alexandria, within a three-hour drive of the capital, El-Sahel offers vacationers a bit of a beachside break from the city heat and is always buzzing with parties and concerts by the Arab world’s top singers. Whether you are in search of family-friendly venues, partying all night or relaxation by the waves, here is your guide to El-Sahel.

The Marakia and Marabella were the first compounds to blaze the trail to the beach.

The former is the oldest and is a small (240 feddans) resort divided into three main parts; the beach, the housing units and the so-called market, which is basically a big mall by the sea. Once strictly the resort of the elite, Marakia is now a relatively affordable option for those looking for a short-term rental. A sea-front chalet costs around LE 250 per night, while flats in the more inland buildings, which still have large sea-view balconies, are around LE 125. There are also villas in Marakia, most of which are rented out by private owners.

Marabella is smaller and less crowded in summer than the rest of the resorts. It has fewer rental facilities, but is slightly cheaper than Marakia. One night in a chalet in Marabella sets you back about LE 140, while a villa by the sea goes for about LE 400.

The largest and most talked-about resort is Marina, with a 750-meter beach, an artificial lake hosting water sports and concerts, and plenty of chic restaurants and hangouts. Marina also offers two women-only beaches, La Femme (Gate 5) and Yashmak. A night in one of Marina’s villas goes for a little more than LE 3,000, though it is open to a little negotiation.

Roshdy Saad Marsa Matruh offers a less glitzy, more natural day in the sun.

Porto Marina, located between Gate 2 and 3, is more than the first international yacht marina on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast: It is a full-fledged resort with a spa complex, Venice Canal Mall, multiple eateries and the Porto Marina Residence and Golf. Compared to villa rentals, Porto Marina’s hotel costs a bit more — the rate for a double room by the sea has dropped to $165 (LE 935) per night, down from $245 (LE 1,390) last year. Call at least a few weeks in advance to reserve a room.

Among Sahel’s other popular resorts, Costa Del Sol, Ghazala and Diplomats (Sidi Abdel Rahman) have earned a reputation for offering a more relaxed and chilled day by the beach, while Hacienda and Hacienda Bay are competing for the best spot for great beach parties. Other recommended hotels are El-Alamein in Sidi Abdel Rahman and the Ghazala Hotel in the compound of the same name. The hotels are known for being slightly pricey, but are definitely worth it. Again, book at least two weeks in advance to guarantee a room.

If you’re up to checking out what’s new on the coast, pay a visit to Marassi, Sahel’s latest haven for clubbing and beach parties. Don’t think about staying: The residences are still under construction, but have already sold out.

If you want a break that is a bit more secluded and won’t dent your wallet quite as much, consider Marsa Matruh, one of the most relaxing and beautifully structured cities on the coast. Approximately 473 kilometers from Cairo and 290 kilometers from Alexandria, you can get there by train or bus from Cairo, a bus from Alexandria, or via private transportation arranged with the help of a hotel or tour company.

Matruh’s most famous spots include Aguiba (weird) Beach, west of Matruh’s center. It is magnificently decorated with natural caves and rock formations that line the blue sea. Nearby you will find legendary singer Laila Murad’s rock, named after the spot where she sang her famous song El Maya we El Hawa (The Water and the Breeze). Climbing up the rock will serve as a good workout and you will be rewarded with an incredible view once you reach the top.

About 40 kilometers east of Marsa Matruh is Almaza Bay, a still-developing resort city that, since 2006, has opened the five-star Iberotel Almaza Beach Resort and Jaz Almaza Beach Resort. Targeting European tourists, Almaza Bay is set to include a golf course, yacht marina, water park, health club, a shopping arcade featuring 300 shops, restaurants and cafes and an international conference center.

A day on the beach, be it spent perfecting your tan or playing water sports, can take a lot out of you. You will want to pump up your energy level for the Sahel nights. Seafood lovers, of course, have plenty to choose from. Hala’t El Samak in Marina has a friendly atmosphere perfect for a Friday family lunch. Samakmak, opposite Long Beach resort (87 Km, North Coast Rd.), is owned by retired belly dancer Zizi Mostafa, who usually gives her weekend diners quite a show. If you are staying in one of the resorts closer to Alexandria, give Zephir or Seagull in El-Max near Agamy a try.

For sushi, Mori Sushi has an outlet in Diplomats (Sidi Abdel Rahman), while Makani has made it to Marina’s Gate 5. Marina and Porto Marina are home to an array of chain cafés and comfort-food restaurants including Cilantro and Chili’s.

No one with a sweet tooth should miss a chance to go to Saber, one of the best oriental dessert places in the country. Saber’s branches in Marina and Sidi Krair serve its specialty roz bel laban (rice pudding), mastic-flavored ice cream, and lokomados (sphere-shaped cakes drenched in syrup or sprinkled with powdered sugar). Following dessert, digest your meal and enjoy the fresh breeze of the sea while you smoke shisha in one of the many cafés scattered along the coast.

Evening entertainment options abound. Sharm El-Sheikh’s Pacha has a branch in Marina that is popular among university students. For an older and more sophisticated crowd, Andrea restaurant in Hacienda is the place to go: make reservations beforehand to make sure you get in. Marassi’s parties are definitely the place to see and be seen. Even though Agamy is no longer the coast’s number-one nightspot, Christina Restaurant and Bar is another old-time favorite, perfect for a more laidback outing with friends. et