Marsa Matrouh is located 240 km west of Alexandria and 222 km from Sallum, on the main highway from the Nile Delta to the Libyan border. Another highway south of the town, leads toward the Western Desert and the oases of Siwa and Bahariya. It is well known for its white sandy beaches and calm transparent waters. During winter it is cool and during summer it is dry and warm. 
It originally started as a small fishing town during the Pharaonic period and the ruins of a temple of Ramses II can be seen there. During the time of Alexander the Great, the city was known as Amunia. Later on, and during the Roman occupation, it became an important harbor for trade and shipping good and crops to Rome. Marsa Matrouh was well known in World War II for the battle between the British and German Armies.

Other touristic sites: 

Cleopatra’s Bath: a rock hewn whirlpool bath offshore used by Cleopatra and Anthony as legend says.
Rommel’s Museum and beach: A cave where General Rommel used to plan his military campaigns.