True to Alexander the Great’s intentions when he founded the city in 332 BC, Alexandria is still Egypt’s main seaport. Two deep-water harbors serve commercial, fishing and cruise traffic. With a population of over 7 million, it is the distribution center for fisheries and cotton manufacture. More important for gourmets, the city boasts the best seafood restaurants in the country.
The broad curve of the Corniche promenade begins at the ancient eastern harbor. On the edge of the harbor promontory, the fortress of sultan Qaitbay, now housing a naval museum, stands on the site of the ancient pharos lighthouse. Built by the Ptolemies in the 3rd century BC, the beacon, 120m (393 ft.) high, rated with the Giza pyramids as one of the seven Wonders of the World until toppled by earthquakes. On the west side of the promontory is the flamboyant Ras El Tin palace, in which King Farouk signed his abdication.