Water in the region is scarce. Annual rainfall seldom exceeds 200 mm, but local wells attempt to provide the rest of the area’s needs. Among many other crops and agricultural products particular to the region, Olives, barley, and grapes for wine, take precedence.

Recently, tourism has become an important economic activity for the region receiving mainly Egyptians and Libyans. A number of beautiful beaches mark the distinctiveness of this city. Port activities have also developed over the past few years into much greater importance with exports of various minerals from the region. Marsa Matruh is well-connected to other urban centers by road and rail lines. It is 300 kms north of Siwa Oasis, 217 kms east of the border city of El Sallum, and 298 kms west of Alexandria city.

It is located on the edge of a large lagoon protected by a long Corniche. The most beautiful of its beaches, therefore, lie around the edges of the town. Among the best known is called Agiba beach (meaning Wondrous) (28 km west) with its caves, and beautiful rock formations. Another is called “Cleopatra’s bath” lying on the edge of the desert, in a wonderfully formed bay-area with fascinatingly clear blue water surrounded by amazing rock forms assuming the look of a vast, square-shaped, swimming pool in which, according to legend, Cleopatra herself had come to bathe. The ruins of one of her palaces were uncovered on the hillside opposite to the pool.

Rommel's Cave:

The place used as a hideout and a headquarters for war operations by the Nazi military commander during the Sahara Campaign in World War 2. It has been converted into a War Museum by the Egyptian government where Rommel's own armory donated to Egypt by his son, is on display

Pharaohic Fortress and temple dating back to Ramesses II reign :
Present ruins are evidence of a past colossal structure of Ramesses II’s temple and fortress, built at the end of his campaign against the Libyans in 1200 BC. The complex was used as a stronghold to defend the western frontier from Libyan raids.

Cleopatra's beach:
Visually stunning, this seems to be the most beautiful looking of all Egyptian beaches, because of the variety of rock interruptions and formations it enjoys, despite the fact that it offers very few opportunities for actual swimming. Good swimmers will have to fight their way out amongst rocks and hostile waves. But, as long as you don't mind avoiding an actual sea swim, it is actually a real fine place to relax and sun-bathe.

Cleopatra's beach

Agiba Beach:
It is the crown of Marsa Matruh’s beaches, despite its relatively short span of about 30-40 meters. It enjoys perfectly clean sand and lovely warm temperatures. It is set between high protecting cliffs, behind which the sun often prematurely sets, creating a beautiful light show to compliment the relaxing atmosphere of the nice sea side. A nice purpose-built reception area occupies the top of one of these cliffs, whose vantage point of view, over the coast and to the east, offers a breathtaking experience of the sunset.

Agiba beach

El Gharam beach (Love beach):

It is the largest of Marsa Matruh's beaches. Despite being 17 kilometers out of town, it actually faces the town, occupying the last stretch of land around the lagoon before it opens up to the great sea. It swings a couple of times, before houses take over, and at times waves come in hard on its shores. Even when it becomes crowded in the height of the summer season, there are always plenty of spaces left for more visitors.

Marsa Matruh beach