The sea and the sunset in Alexandria

CAIRO –13 July 2017: Whether you are a resident or visitor on the Mediterranean coast, the sunset time is the moment worth being out and by the sea. Early evening is a perfect time to be out and feel the Mediterranean Sea breeze and the buzzing life. Stretching across several kilometers, the coast of Alexandria provides plenty of space and viewing platforms to enjoy the sun setting on the horizon. Bahary in Alexandria is one of them.


Sea promenade leading to the Citadel of Qaitbay - Monika Sleszynska

The promenade leading to the Citadel of Qaitbay fills up with colorful vendor stalls and amusements. The smell of the sea wind mixes up with the smoke of roasted corn and seasonal sweets and fruits, the local street snacks.

Children enjoy riding colorfully decorated bikes, colorful balloons and sweets from the vendors walking around.

The wind carries the sounds of the waves crashing on the sea front stones, partnered with squalling sea birds and gently punching voices of visitors, as if they were all coming out of the sea to sprinkle in the air a sense of joy and freedom.


Egyptian souvenirs at the sea promenade - Monika Sleszynska

The area is active all year round. During the winter rain storms the waves reach a few meters high and splash well into the promenade, which keeps most visitors away but attracts the youth playing with the wind and waves, usually resulting in being soaked eventually. In the summer the area fills up with vibrant colors and sounds of local entertainment.


Colorful bikes for hire - Monika Sleszynska

The cafe chairs spread by the low concrete sea fence are an invitation to rest for a drink while staring at the sea waters shifting colors in the sun’s reflection meandering steadily through the waves. Wanting to be as close to the sea as possible, many choose to sit on the rocks where the fishermen spread their fishing rods.

The bright walls of the Citadel in the background make for the impression of a scene from a picturesque fairy tale or a movie scene with a medieval castle.


Heart shaped souvenirs at the sea promenade - Monika Sleszynska

With the arrival of the pre-sunset hours, the promenade becomes the theater where the sun takes the main stage and plays through the warm shades of yellow, red and orange, until it slips down the most distant visible waves marking the border line with the sky. Some voyage on the small boats available and row into the sea opening to be swiftly carried by the waves.


The sun setting over the Mediterranean Sea in Alexandria Monika Sleszynska

The sun does not disappoint, delivering a new and different sunset panorama with the arrival of another evening. Each day, the promenade continues to fill up with familiar stalls, smells and sounds, yet not the same. The sea in Alexandria is said to have different colors every day.

Each day, the area welcomes new visitors, passing by to gather peacefully and joyfully to make up for the seemingly common scene by the sea, celebrating life and the beauty of nature and city merging at the sea front promenade.


Fishermen and visitors standing on the rocks while the sun sets over the Mediterranean Sea in Alexandria - Monika Sleszynska