The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Time spent on the beach is the perfect opportunity to unplug and disconnect from everyday reality and routine. There’s an Arabic saying that roughly translates to, “A book is always a good companion”, and it couldn’t be more true. Especially at the beach, where you want not only to unplug from this world but to escape into another altogether. Here are five books that will help you do just that.

Qadeyat Set El Hosn: Tahkikat Nuh Al-Alfyby Merna El-Mahdy

Reading mysteries on the beach has always been a classic choice. This one is thrilling and will keep you on the edge of your lounger the whole time. Besides the gripping plot, the friendship between the two main characters keeps you hooked, while their banter and catchphrases will have you laughing out loud. The best part is that if you can’t get enough of this amazing duo, the series includes three more books.

Wahat Al Yaccoub by Amr Abdel Hamid

Amr Abdel Hamid is known for his rich, well-crafted world-building, and this rare standalone fantasy novel is no different. If you want a superbly written fantasy that will take you to brand-new horizons without having to commit to an entire series, this is the perfect pick. It’s the epic story you didn’t know you needed.

Hewar Bein Tefl Satheg wa Ket Muthakaf by Ahmed Bahgat

This heartwarming story takes the form of a dialogue between a little child and a cat. Although it was written for children, readers of all ages can enjoy it and learn a thing or two from its cultivated furry friend. While it may be an older book, it remains timeless and makes for a wonderful beach read.

Hebta by Mohamed Sadek

No beach reads list would be complete without a romance. Hebta was all the rage back in 2016, and since the internet has apparently decided that 2026 is the new 2016, it might be time to bring that hype back. If you missed it the first time around, make sure to pick it up this summer. It has exactly the right vibe for a day by the sea.

Zaabalawi by Naguib Mahfouz

This short, surreal read is brimming with literary brilliance. Even on the beach, you can still enjoy a dose of some of the finest writing Egypt has to offer. This story will take you deep into the subconscious, and turning the final page feels like waking up from the strangest dream you’ve ever had.

The beach is the perfect place to relax with a good book and take a break from the usual routine. So take the opportunity this summer to dive into these great reads, and don’t forget to explore a variety of genres along the way.