A journey through the archives of the sea… Stories of Egyptian summer resorts from papyrus to chalets
In the embrace of the Nile River and along the shores of the Mediterranean and Red Seas, Egypt weaves a tale of summer resorts through the ages. Nature intersects with history, and the spirit meets the place. From moments of tranquility on the banks of the Nile, where the first recreational outings took place, to historic beaches such as Ras al-Bar, Agami, and Gamasa, which have witnessed the presence of generations, to today’s resorts on the northern coast, Sharm El Sheikh, and Hurghada, the forms of summer resorts change and evolve. But their essence remains the same: a refuge where people seek peace of mind and renewal of life.
Just as ancient stories begin at their roots, so does the story of the Egyptian resort, which began in ancient Egypt. The Nile was not just a river, but the heart and soul of life. There, by its waters, the ancient Egyptians practiced the earliest forms of recreation, with picnics on its banks, swimming in its waters, and fishing in its lakes forming part of their daily lives. The idea of the summer resort was not yet complete, but the seeds were planted there, in the shade of palm trees and to the sound of boat oars, forming the foundation from which the culture of summer resorts in Egypt would later grow.
The origins of summer resorts in ancient Egypt
Historical documents tell us that the ancient Egyptians were closely connected to nature, enjoyed picnics and fishing, and found comfort and pleasure in the water.
Among the sports that were part of their daily life, swimming stood out as a time-honored art practiced by Egyptians since pre-dynastic times. Ancient inscriptions have preserved scenes of young people swimming with skill and agility, providing the first physical evidence of swimming in human history.
Swimming was not exclusive to a particular class, but was available to everyone: the general public, the nobility, and even kings. People practiced it in the clear waters of the Nile, in lakes, and sometimes in pools built inside royal palaces or the homes of the wealthy, somewhat resembling modern swimming pools. This passion for water, despite its antiquity, did not translate into what we call today a summer vacation.
However, we find that some kings chose to travel to distant places for hunting or relaxation; King Thutmose I, for example, went to “Naharina” in the Levant. Queen Cleopatra was known for her love of travel and recreation. Even the general public found in the Nile, with its calm currents, a place to refresh the heart and body and take a break from the burdens of daily life. Thus, it is clear that the ancient Egyptians knew the pleasure of being close to water and frequently swam and went on outings. However, they did not know summer resorts as we know them today.
Modern Egyptian resorts
Modern Egyptian resorts have a different history, as these coastal cities were built to keep pace with the developments of the times and meet the Egyptians’ need for leisure and recreation. Among these modern resorts that combine the fragrance of history with the spirit of renewal are Ras al-Bar, Gamasa, Baltim, and Alexandria, each of which tells a unique story of growth and development.
Ras El Bar: A painting between the Nile and the sea
Ras El Bar is located where the Nile meets the Mediterranean Sea, a city that carries a rich historical and cultural heritage among its golden beaches. At first, it was nothing more than a small suburb for fishermen and travelers. However, over time, it transformed into a sophisticated resort that attracted leading artists and dignitaries, before opening up to all Egyptians after the July Revolution.
As for the details of its transformation into a resort, Nicola Youssef mentions in his book, “The History of Damietta Since Ancient Times”: “In the Middle Ages, it was known as ‘Giza Damietta’. Fishermen settled there and military barracks were built to protect the coast. It also witnessed sieges and wars during the Crusades. Meanwhile, it remained a spiritual center for Sufism with the Mawlid al-Jarbawi festivals, which still retain their status today. Sufis and visitors gather in ceremonies that express a long history of tradition and spirituality.
Huts between the Nile and the sea
At the beginning of the 19th century, it began to develop as a port and a place for fishing and recreation. Huts made of reeds and mats were built on the shore and gradually turned into organized rows of huts between the Nile and the sea. It witnessed an increasing influx of visitors and traders. By the end of the century, German historian Koch described it as a unique summer resort with clean air and beautiful beaches. Signs of modernity began to appear with the construction of the first hotel and the opening of restaurants, the establishment of an organized street network and public spaces, and the development of traditional means of transportation.
In the 20th century, Ras al-Bar witnessed significant urban expansion. With the construction of the Damietta Bridge connecting the resort to the mainland in 1930 and the construction of the Lisan Pier to protect the coast in 1938, it became a favorite destination for the elite, including statesmen, artists, and writers, especially during the two world wars.
Cultural and social life flourished there. After the July 1952 revolution, it underwent a comprehensive transformation, with infrastructure expansion and the introduction of new means of transportation such as the “taf-taf.” Sanitation and water projects were implemented, transforming it from an elite resort into a popular destination for all classes.
It continued to attract artists and tourists throughout the ages, while preserving its free beaches. From simple fishermen’s huts on the banks of the Nile, it has been transformed into a vibrant tourist city that tells an Egyptian story that is renewed with every wave of its river and sea, in an unforgettable tableau.
Gamasa: An oasis of purity on the coast
The city of Gamasa is growing as an oasis pulsating with beauty and history. Its name dates back to the days of the French campaign, when soldiers named the hill of Orabi “JAIMECA,” meaning “beloved place.” The name has retained its meaning over time and has become a favorite destination for vacationers.
Gamasa began its journey as a resort in the early 1960s, when the Suez Canal Authority borrowed half a million pounds to build 40 chalets and a small hotel on the seafront. This was the beginning of a place that began to flourish and take shape. In 1964, a public company was established to manage the resort, inspired by the experience of Al-Maamoura, to develop and organize the city with the support of youth camps that enthusiastically participated in paving roads, building facilities, and planting green spaces.
The Golden Summer
Despite the challenges the country faced, from the 1967 setback to the October 1973 war, Gamasa was a haven for vacationers from other cities such as Port Said and Ras al-Bar, and its beaches became a major destination.
Then came the summer of 1972, known as the Golden Summer, which saw a film festival and large celebrations that attracted stars and visitors. The city achieved high revenues during this period, but with the reopening of other resorts, the influx of visitors to the city declined.
However, it retained its charming nature, with clear waters, soft sand, low humidity, and green parks bearing historical names such as Andalusia, Umm Kulthum, and Ibn Luqman. Its markets, such as the Pharaonic Market and the Jamsa al-Balad Market, are vibrant with life and authentic spirit. The paved corniche also adds a unique touch of comfort to the city.
Baltim: A melting pot of heritage and development
In the heart of Kafr El Sheikh Governorate lies Baltim, which has a deep history dating back to the Ptolemaic era. The origin of its name dates back to that ancient time. Baltim was not just an ordinary city, but an important strategic point. This is evident in the presence of the Tabia Arabi Fort, built by Saladin to defend the coast against invaders, which has undergone several stages of renovation. Khedive Ismail restored it in 1882, before Ahmed Arabi used it in his heroic battles against the British occupation. This fort is a living witness to the stages of Egyptian struggle and history.
The memory of November 4, 1956, remains etched in the minds of the people of Baltim. On that day, Egyptian boats defeated the French battleship Jeanne d’Arc off the coast of Burullus in a heroic naval battle that brought together Burullus fishermen and the Egyptian navy, demonstrating national pride and courage.
In terms of civil development, Baltim emerged in the 1940s as a quiet resort that attracted those seeking peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, before entering a phase of development in the 1950s. Young people from Egypt, Asia, and Africa contributed to the construction of roads and infrastructure, laying the foundations for it to become a comprehensive summer destination. This is especially true with the presence of the Burullus lighthouse, which has been lighting up the sea at night for more than 120 years, as a symbol of resilience and the precise engineering efforts that have allowed it to withstand the winds of time. The lighthouse has been documented in the British Encyclopaedia and is now the focus of maintenance efforts to preserve it.
Alexandria… Past and present
Alexandria is the most famous of all, both past and present, due to its historical significance linked to royal and republican Egypt. It is not just a coastal city, but the summer capital of Egypt. From the corniche to the cafes that witnessed the birth of literary and poetic works, the city retains a rich history of cultural and entertainment life.
In the past, Alexandria’s beaches had wooden cabins built on stilts in the sea, connected to the mainland by wooden bridges. Examples include Al-Mansheya, Santi in the eastern port, Al-Shattabi, and Al-Raml. In addition, there was Cleopatra, built by the Greek merchant George Zoro. In 1934, the Corniche Road was opened, stretching from the Montazah Palace in the east to Ras al-Tin in the west. This contributed to the urban expansion of the city.
Modern concrete baths also appeared in the areas of Stanley, Gleam, and Sidi Bishr. Miami Beach was known for its privacy and tranquility. It was reserved for the upper classes, with nominal entrance fees to maintain this exclusivity. The Bolkli area was the center of the Council of Elders’ meetings in the summer, chaired by Saeed Pasha al-Fakhar, where summer resorts were organized and regulated.
New resorts
The great diversity of Egyptian summer resorts over the decades cannot be ignored. From the simplicity and warmth of the popular resorts to the luxury and privacy of the chalets and villas that reflected the differences between social classes and their desires. These variations were an integral part of the history of summer resorts and painted a vivid picture of the colorful summer life of Egyptians.
With the passage of time and the emergence of new destinations on the resort map, such as Hurghada, Dahab, New Alamein, and Sharm El Sheikh, in addition to the North Coast, resort patterns have changed and the options available to vacationers have expanded. These modern places have attracted a wide range of people in search of different experiences, with advanced facilities and a contemporary atmosphere. However, despite the emergence of these new resorts, historic resorts such as Ras al-Bar and Alexandria still retain their special appeal and great popularity among Egyptians, who appreciate the fond memories and spirit of the place, which cannot be replaced by anything new.
