Eastern harbor, Alexandria Travel Guide

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Discover the submerged history of Alexandria's Eastern Harbour, once home to palaces, temples, and the legendary Pharos Lighthouse.

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Eastern harbor

The Eastern Harbour of Alexandria, once the royal port and heart of Ptolemaic Egypt, now lies submerged beneath the Mediterranean. Explore the underwater remains of palaces, temples, and the legendary Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

A brief summary to Eastern harbor

6XP2+M7H, El-Geish Street, El Raml 1, Fleming, Alexandria Governorate, EG
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Eastern harbor.

Explore the Corniche, a scenic promenade along the Eastern Harbour, for sea views and a taste of modern Alexandria.
Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay, built in the 15th century, on the site where the Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood.
Consider a boat tour to get a different perspective of the harbor and the city's coastline.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Ancient Roman Theater, Alexandria

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Explore Eastern harbor on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Eastern harbor, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Midan Saad Zaghloul in downtown Alexandria, walk east along the Corniche. The Eastern Harbour will be on your right. Continue along the Corniche to reach various points of interest along the harbor.
Public Transport

Take the Alexandria tram to a stop along the Corniche. Several tram lines run along the Corniche, providing easy access to the Eastern Harbour. Tram fares are very affordable, typically around 1-5 EGP.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Alexandria. Agree on a fare before starting your journey. A short taxi ride from downtown to the Eastern Harbour should cost approximately 10-30 EGP, depending on the distance and your negotiation skills.

Discover more about Eastern harbor

The Eastern Harbour of Alexandria offers a glimpse into a glorious past, now largely hidden beneath the waves. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria quickly became a prominent city, serving as the capital of Ptolemaic Egypt. The Eastern Harbour, then known as Portus Magnus, was the city's royal port, bustling with palaces, temples, and the famed Pharos Lighthouse.The Pharos Lighthouse, commissioned in 297 B.C., guided ships from as far as 50 kilometers away with its massive bronze mirror reflecting a fire. Standing 130 meters tall, it was a true landmark until an earthquake in the 14th century caused its collapse. Recent underwater excavations have uncovered marble floors believed to be part of Cleopatra's palace, along with a temple to Isis, sphinxes, and statues.Today, the Eastern Harbour is a shallow bay, unsuitable for large vessels, but offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Divers can explore the submerged ruins, discovering remnants of a lost world. While much of the harbor's treasures remain hidden, ongoing excavations promise to reveal more about this fascinating historical site.