BootsnAll Travel Community

Hey All!

Sorry if this is a repeat question, I searched the forums and couldn't find this specific topic.

My girlfriend and I are heading to Egypt in May as part of a 4 month African journey, and we want to do some swimming and sunning on the Mediterranean in Alexandria.

I'm wondering, given that Egypt is a Muslim country, what sort of swimwear is appropriate for myself and the lady?

Also, if anyone could recommend some nice beaches in/around Alexandria that would be great as well.

Muslims are really very friendly, and probably wouldn't give you a hard time on what you would wear since you are just visiting the place. Still, it pays to dress in a sensible way to respect their customs.

For men, this may include shorts that wouldn't be too short above the knee. You may also have to cover your shoulders while in public.

Females can wear something that doesn't look too revealing.

For your second question, there are too many to mention. But, here are a few good choices:

* Montazah Beach
* Sidi Abd al Rahman
* Ma'amoura
* Stanley Beach

When I went to the red sea there were plenty of women swimming with their skin showing. Even though most were European and Russian, there were no bare chests. My better half used shorts and a t-shirt and we got no bad looks.

Everywhere else it was long pants and long sleeve shirt and a scarf that didn't really cover the hair. We encountered no problems.

When I was in Hurgada on the Red Sea at a resort, I think I wore swimwear without problem but it was some years back.

In terms of daily wear when going around the country, I found it better to wear a skirt than pants because male strangers would pinch my bottom when I wore pants. They were normal pants, nothing weird or revealing. However, I got much more respect when wearing a skirt. I did wear short sleeves and no one gave me any hassle. Only occasionally did I feel a need to cover my hair with a scarf.

One interesting thing I've found about most Muslims is that they are very conservative....until they hit the beach! Then anything goes! "This is the beach, what's the problem!" they exlamed at me when I pointed at the local girls sporting bikinis.
Now as a westerner you/girlriend might feel more comfortable in a normal swimsuit and board shorts, or a tank top and board shorts, but...it's the beach. They should get it.

Thanks for the input! I guess I'll leave my lime green Borat style one piece at home then.

I was curious because I had heard that female Westerners might attract a lot of unwanted attention wearing a bikini outside of the Red Sea resorts and such.