Alexander the Great founded his magnificent eponymous city in 334 BC. Rivaling Rome for millennia as a seat of learning, Alexandria was conquered by, among others, Napoleon. The Pharos lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the world, once towered 440 feet above the entrance to this vital port, until destroyed by earthquakes in mediaeval times. Modern Alexandria enjoys 20 km of coastline for city-slickers to get away from it all. To the East is the Corniche district, dotted with casinos built on stilts over the sea, now flanked by the extraordinary new library.
As a thriving city of almost 5 million, there is plenty going on in Alexandria property-wise. Luxury apartments of about 85m2 can be had for under £10,000 while the smart new suburb Alex West offers many amenities, including a golf course. Property-seekers could take a medium-term rental, with prices ranging from £15 to £90 per week.
