Fuka: Beach and History

Fuka combines a beach with specific events from the Second World War. This gives you two very different reasons to consider the place as a holiday destination: beach activities or an interest in the history of Fuka and its immediate surroundings.

Beach and Archaeological Surroundings

A beach in Fuka is used for sunbathing, surfing and swimming. If you want to make these activities the focus of your trip, that is a clear reason to consider Fuka as a holiday destination. For specific beach plans, it is advisable to check the current conditions.

An archaeological landmark lies in the immediate surroundings of the town: a 2025 description places the archaeological wine press of Fuka at kilometre 77 of the coastal road between Matruh and Alexandria, about one kilometre beyond the entrance to Fuka, at the start of Vienna Beach.

Fuka in the Second World War

On 14 September 1941, an aircraft from RAF No. 148 Squadron crashed while taking off at Fuka. On 3 November 1942, B-25 bombers struck the town. A war photograph dated 13 November 1942 shows Fuka airfield with a German Messerschmitt Me 110 fighter aircraft and other destroyed Axis aircraft.

A destroyed Italian Macchi C.202 fighter aircraft was also found on the airfield when Allied troops occupied it. Together, these events offer distinct historical points of reference: the crash of an RAF aircraft, the attack on the town and the occupation of the airfield.

A war photograph from 13 November 1942 shows Fuka railway station with tracks flooded after a storm. Another shows prisoners waiting to be transported to the station. Italian prisoners can be seen on their way to a prisoner-of-war camp in Fuka, while a prisoner transport vehicle is being freed from a mud puddle.

The surrounding area also features in the wartime chronicle. A rearguard action took place near Fuka on 5 November 1942 during an advance westward. On 3 November, B-25 bombers attacked targets on the road between Fuka and El Daba. A photograph from 13 November 1942 shows a convoy on the road between Fuka and Mersa Matruh.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Fuka, you can first consider whether beach activities or an interest in the history of the town and its surroundings should determine your choice of holiday destination. This helps you assess Fuka based on your specific travel interests, without conflating the beach with historical events.

Matruh as the Wider Setting

The wider travel destination of Matruh offers another dimension of landscape: the sandy coastline of Matruh Governorate stretches for about 450 kilometres and is divided by bays. The cultural themes there are also varied. The exhibitions at the Marsa Matrouh Museum cover fishing, trade, astronomy, science and philosophy.

The village of Shali in Siwa is also part of the wider travel destination of Matruh. It was built using a distinctive construction method with salt-saturated mud and dates back to the sixth century of the Hijra, or the twelfth century AD. The museum’s themes and Shali’s architectural history therefore offer distinct cultural perspectives within the wider Matruh region.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Siwa Oasis, El Alamein, Al Qasabah ash Sharqiyah, Zawyet El-Auwwama, Zawyet Eilet Nuh, Sidi Abd El-Rahman, Marsa Matrouh, Zawyet Sidi Musa.

Go to the wider travel overview: Matruh.