The most famous beach in Marsa Matruh, and the most theatrical. The headland west of town drops into the sea in a series of white limestone shelves, and Cleopatra's Beach wraps around a natural rock pool where the water goes from pale turquoise to deep blue in a matter of metres. The swimming is excellent — the pool shelters the water from any swell, and the transparency lets you see the bottom clearly in several metres of water.
The beach gets busy in July and August, particularly on weekends, when Egyptian families set up for the day with umbrellas and charcoal grills. Outside peak season, and particularly on weekday mornings, you may have sections of it almost to yourself. Get here early to claim a good spot on the limestone ledges.