Much of the north coast of Sinai between Port Fuad and Al-Arish is dominated by the swampy lagoon of Lake Bardawil, separated from the Mediterranean by a limestone ridge. As a result of this inhospitable geography, Al-Arish is the only major city in the region, and by default the capital of North Sinai Governorate. Unsurprisingly, Al-Arish resembles a ghost town for much of the year, aside from the bustling central market that draws in thousands of Bedouin traders from around the peninsula.In the summer months, however, the long, palm-fringed coastline of Al-Arish comes alive when holidaying Cairenes arrive en masse. With a modest smattering of holiday villages and beachfront hotels, Al-Arish is a popular alternative to the decidedly more upscale (and unashamedly brash) southerly neighbour of Sharm el-Sheikh.