El Alamein War Cemetery is a quiet, moving stop on Egypt's north coast — the Commonwealth burial ground for soldiers who died in the desert battles that turned the WWII North African campaign in 1942. For expats, it's a different kind of day out, usually combined with the coast west of Alexandria.
What you're looking at
The cemetery holds several thousand Commonwealth graves, with memorials to thousands more who have no known grave, and is maintained to the high standard of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It commemorates the Battles of El Alamein, where Allied forces under Montgomery halted the Axis advance toward the Suez Canal — a turning point of the war. Nearby are separate German and Italian memorials and a war museum.
Visiting as a resident
El Alamein lies on the coast roughly 100 km west of Alexandria and about 240 km from Cairo, easiest reached by car along the coastal road; public transport is limited. Entry is free. It's a sombre, well-kept site best paired with the north-coast drive rather than visited as a standalone trip.
Good to know
- Go early or late to avoid the midday heat; shade is limited.
- Dress respectfully — this is an active place of remembrance.
- Bring water and sun cover.
- Combine it with Alexandria and the north coast (Sahel) for a full day.
Related
- Living in Egypt — the full expat guide
- Getting around in Egypt — transport along the north coast
- Qaitbay Citadel — the seafront fort back in Alexandria