Egypt's Mediterranean Sea coast extends for over 1000km from east to west. To the west of the Nile delta lies the city of Alexandria, which was founded in ancient times by Alexander the Great. The coast to the west of Alexandria consists of a series of white sand beaches with pristine sea waters. Due to its natural beauty the coast has undergone heavy development. Its western part between El Alamein and Alexandria is now covered with a string of finished or unfinished apartment complexes. El Alamein was heavily fought after during World War II between German, Italian and British troops.