Al Mandarah: Beach and History

Al Mandarah combines beach appeal with tangible traces of history: the beach “طاحونة المندرة,” a grain mill dating from the early 19th century, and the story of a church that began in 1937. These themes offer a local point of reference when searching for a holiday apartment. First consider whether you want to focus your trip mainly on the beach or on cultural and historical sites. The wider destination of Alexandria offers its own selection of museums, archaeological sites and historic gardens.

Beach and History in Al Mandarah

The “طاحونة المندرة” beach is in the Al Mandarah area of the Montaza Thani district. A description published on June 15, 2025, calls it one of the best-known and oldest beaches in Alexandria Governorate and praises its clear seawater and fine sand.

The Al Mandarah windmill is near Alexandria’s Corniche and about 300 meters from the walls of the Royal Montaza Gardens. It is located in Mandarah Bahri in the Montaza Thani district. It was built in 1807 during the rule of Muhammad Ali Pasha as one of the windmills he commissioned to grind grain.

The history of the Church of Saint Mina the Wonderworker in Al Mandarah began in 1937 at the initiative of the Friends of the Bible Society.

Alexandria as a Wider Destination

Alexandria is a coastal city and port on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. In the wider destination, you can shift your focus from Al Mandarah’s local attractions to museums and archaeological sites. The Royal Jewelry Museum displays pieces from the Egyptian royal family’s collection; the palace combines European and Islamic architectural styles. The Alexandria National Museum displays sunken antiquities recovered during excavations in Abu Qir Bay.

Ancient sites offer a different perspective. Kom al-Dikka includes a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater in the heart of Alexandria. The site also includes public baths, lecture halls and a villa decorated with mosaics. Kom al-Shoqafa is a Roman catacomb near the Serapeum of Alexandria, on the grounds of which the Column of Diocletian also stands. It is often, but incorrectly, called “Pompey’s Pillar.” The Citadel of Qaitbay stands on the site of the Lighthouse of Alexandria. The Al-Anfoushi Tombs give visitors a sense of ancient Ptolemaic burial practices.

The gardens offer another perspective. The Montazah Gardens are extensive, lush botanical gardens that once belonged to the royal family of Muhammad Ali Pasha. They include two historic palaces, a museum and a number of private beaches. Visitors can stroll around Antoniadis Villa and its gardens; the villa and gardens were designed after a miniature version of Versailles in France. Visitors can also dine at one of Alexandria’s fish restaurants.

Discover more destinations: Izbat An Namus.

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