El Sayala in Alexandria: God’s gift to seafood lovers

CAIRO - 30 May 2019: In Sayala district, Alexandria reside uncountable shops selling amateur and professional fishing supplies for amateurs and professionals.



During the end of winter, a massive fish market is held in the district offering all kinds of fish and sea creatures for seafood lovers. The prices are never stable, leaning more towards the expensive side, but buyers can guarantee the freshness of the fish offered for sale.

It is common to see amateur and professional fishermen going early in the morning to Sayala carrying hooks and nets of all kinds. The fish market attracts locals and tourists alike as it comprises several attractions to visit.



El Sayala witnessed a great internal tourism activity, especially after the comprehensive renovations in the region and in Alexandria in general. Renovations made in the Qaitbay Citadel contributed to the creation of a new tourist activity in the summer season.

The neighborhood is relatively cheaper and less crowded in the summer compared to other neighborhoods in Alexandria that are full of vacationers, which cause prices to be raised across the beautiful Mediterranean city.



This makes El-Sayala preferred by common people who live nearby. Sometimes, the high demand from nearby locals causes congestion on the coast of Morsi Abul Abbas and Sayala.

The old metro or “tram” as called by locals is still considered the main form of transportation in the area, beside taxis and public buses. El-Sayala closes on Fridays and Sundays.

A lot of people buy their needs of seafood especially during the time of bidding in the early morning.

It is noteworthy that the fish sold in Sayala are not sold by kilograms. Different kinds of fish are displayed on a wooden piece by the fishermen and are sold that way.



A lot of fish traders and seafood restaurants' owners gather in that area to buy their needs of fresh fish. Hundreds of labor specializing in catching, processing, cleaning and cooking the fish and roam around the place as well, offering their services.