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Matareya
ℹ️Practical info — Matareya
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit Lake Manzala early in the morning for the best bird watching opportunities.
- Dress modestly as this is a traditional, conservative fishing town.
- Carry plenty of cash, as small vendors and boat operators do not accept cards.
- Always negotiate the price of a boat tour with the local fishermen beforehand.
🍽 Food
Fresh Bouri or Tilapia caught and cooked directly at the small fish joints along the lake.
Brown spiced rice with onions, acting as the traditional and excellent side for any seafood.
Try this hearty soup at the local, unpretentious eateries near the main docks.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Arrive early in the morning to experience the bustling authentic atmosphere of the fresh catch.
Walk around the docks to find local artisans making and selling traditional nets.
An excellent, calm location to watch the sun set over the vast expanse of water.
Away from the busy main market, you can peacefully watch the wooden boats gently rocking.
Water temperature…
Matareya is a significant city in the Dakahlia Governorate, situated on the shores of Lake Manzala in the northeastern Nile Delta. The city is primarily recognized as the foremost hub of the Egyptian fishing industry on Lake Manzala, with a large majority of its population involved either directly or indirectly in fishing. Historically, Matareya gained fame during Napoleon Bonaparte's French expedition when its residents offered fierce resistance against the invading forces. Its geographic location between the lake and the fertile Delta plains makes it a critical logistical node for the transport of seafood and agricultural products. Over recent decades, the city has experienced substantial growth, with modernized infrastructure to accommodate fish processing facilities. Matareya takes great pride in its cultural identity, which is deeply intertwined with life on the water and maritime traditions. The city remains a bustling economic center in northern Egypt.
- Location: Egypt
- Top sights: El-Shaarawy Mosque · The Great Mosque of Al-Asafra · Al-Rahma Mosque
- Nearby: Port Said (29 km)
- Population: ~162.045 (2023)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 14 | 15 | 17 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 25 | 20 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 14 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 11 |
Geography
Facts
- Matareya is the largest fishing port on the shores of Lake Manzala.
- The city's residents mounted a legendary resistance against the French in 1798.
- Lake Manzala is the largest coastal lagoon in the entire Nile Delta.
- The population of Matareya is estimated to be over 140,000 residents.
- The city sits on a vital land route connecting Damietta and Port Said.
- The local economy is heavily dependent on the ecological health of the lake.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Matareya (3)
Frequently asked questions
What role does al-Matariyya play in fishing?
Where is al-Matariyya located?
Can you take boat trips on the lake?
What is a local specialty?
Is the city developed for tourism?
Matareya: where is it located?
Matareya: what is there to see?
Matareya: when is the best time to visit?
Matareya: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
