Algeria travel guide

Explore our Algeria travel guide and discover the UNESCO sites, Roman ruins and Saharan sand dunes that have long been the preserve of only the most adventurous of cultural travellers. Experience an early morning call to prayer overlooking Algiers or a train ride west to Oran; whatever you do, make sure you look at our Algeria map and highlights to learn how to make the most of your time within the largest country in Africa.

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ALGERIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Algeria commands respect. Africa’s largest country has a Mediterranean coastline that stretches for over 1,600km, the south of the country is given over to the even larger expanse of the Sahara Desert, and there are fantastic landscapes between the two. Train rides take you from Algiers to Oran whilst local guides and drivers can explain the background to historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Timgad, Djémila and the incredible Kasbah of Algiers.

Experience an ancient world where white washed buildings, minarets, mosques and markets overlook the Mediterranean and deserts drift on an endless tide of time

The Romans left their mark on Algeria, as did the Ottomans; however, it’s the current inhabitants that might leave the biggest impression on travellers. The country has co-existing Berber, French, Arab and Islamic influences, traditional street stalls proffer fantastic local produce grown on the fertile coast, and you may spend time with the Tuareg people in the Sahara. The civil war (1991–2002), and more recent anti-government protest, have ensured that Algeria is little visited and more difficult to enter than its neighbours; tour groups are often accompanied by official police escorts. Yet Mahgreb hospitality perseveres, even in an unforgiving climate.

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ALGERIA MAP & HIGHLIGHTS

Situated between vast desert nations, Algeria borders the Mediterranean and the Sahara to create the largest country in Africa and the tenth largest in the world. The north coast capital city of Algiers is the best starting point, before you head east to Constantine, the UNESCO Word Heritage Site of Djémil, then south to Timgad. Flights from Algiers to Béchar take around an hour and a half and place you on the edge of the Algerian Sahara. Tlemcen is about a 7hr drive north of Béchar, Oran is about 2hrs more and then it's 4.5hrs east, along the coast, and you're back in Algiers.

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1. Algiers
2. Constantine
3. Djémila
4. Oran
5. Taghit
6. Tlemcen

Algiers

1. Algiers

Wind your way from the whitewashed waterfront through narrow side streets and expansive boulevards and Algiers will peel back her veils to reveal Islamic and French-colonial influences, seemingly stacked at random. Rooftop views over the Bay of Algiers from Notre Dame d'Afrique, the Kasbah and Maqam Echahid, captivate, especially during the evening call to prayer.

Algiers

Constantine

2. Constantine

Coined the 'City of Bridges' thanks to the canyon that cuts through its centre, Constantine offers an exciting yet ancient ambience. Mosque minarets stretch skywards whilst the Rhumel River flows below. Despite the dramatic setting, Constantine has remained off the tourist trail, making visits to the old town kasbah and market, and the Palace of Ahmed Bey, all the more enlightening.

Djémila

3. Djémila

The mountain village of Djémila boasts some of North Africa's best kept ancient ruins. An impressive Roman amphitheatre and numerous arches, columns and paved piazzas can be found straddling its slopes, some 60km inland from the sea. This is a unique example of a Roman citadel built on a mountainous landscape, and you’ll appreciate its dramatic views just as much as its ancient architecture.

Djémila

Oran

4. Oran

The coastal setting adds impact to a trip to Oran with the gigantic market at Medina Jedida, the 17th century mosque at Sidi El Houari and the all-encompassing views from Santa Cruz Fort, on top of Mount Murdjadjo, all to be found on a sightseeing tour of the city. Seaside resorts and ancient forts vie for space with modern structures as Oran tries to cope with an increasing influx of visitors.

Taghit

5. Taghit

Overlooked by the dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental, the extreme conditions in which it is couched make the oasis town of Taghit, between Béchar and Beni Abess, all the more fascinating; a belt of date palms is all that stands between the buildings and the Algerian Sahara. Nearby Neolithic rock carvings and ancient mud brick houses show you the different ways of life conducted on the desert’s edge.

Taghit

Tlemcen

6. Tlemcen

Berber, Andalucian and Moorish influences have turned Tlemcen into an epicentre for art and architecture; a fine example being the mausoleum and adjoining mosque of Sidi Boumedienne. Leather and textile workshops can also be found throughout the city. The fortified citadel of Mechouar, with its still imposing palace walls, offers a calm oasis beyond the city streets.