Translating as “head of land”, Ras El Bar is a resort city where the Damietta River meets the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a quiet city most of the year, but swells during the Egyptian summer holidays when beachgoers come to soak up the sun.
Things to do in Râs el-Barr
El Lesan marks the location where the Damietta River meets the Mediterranean Sea and is a major photographic landmark in the city. From here you can wander along Port Said Street into the heart of Ras El Bar or go shopping in the boutiques that line Nile Street.
At the far northern tip of the peninsula is the historic Ezbet El-Burj Lighthouse that has long guided ships. If you want to see traditional feluccas being built, travel to the opposite bank of the Damietta River and the town of Ezbet El-Burj, where fishing boats depart.
Ras El Bar is frequented by dolphins that can be seen playing in the Mediterranean waters and around the mouth of the Nile River. Birdwatchers should visit nearby El Manzala Lake, which provides an important resting ground for unique species migrating from Europe.
Visit nearby Damietta, which features a bustling souk where you can pick up traditional Egyptian handicrafts. Wander its ancient streets and admire the mosques, including one of the earliest to be built by Arabs after their arrival in Egypt.
Getting around Râs el-Barr
Public buses and taxis connect Ras El Bar to Ezbet El-Burj and Damietta, where there are regular train services to Cairo. The city itself is compact and can be explored on foot, with taxis also available for longer journeys.