Full of surprises, epic Algeria is an adventurous traveler’s dream. Africa’s largest country by area has a 1600km (994-mile) coastline fringed with long sandy beaches and dotted with history-rich cities, which include some of the best Roman ruins in the world. Inland, a fantastic desert hinterland promises authentic oasis towns, vast sand seas, and ancient volcanic mountains covered in rare prehistoric petroglyphs and paintings.
Until recently, Algeria was one of the hardest countries in the world to visit; however, this is changing, with tourist visas getting easier to obtain (still, budget two months for the process) and an increasing number of flights from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Algeria
Curiosity piqued? Explore the following 10 places you’ll want to visit in this country, a travel destination that will soon get the attention it deserves.
1. Timgad
Best for fans of epic Roman ruins
The UNESCO-listed Roman ruins at Timgad were built by the emperor Trajan in 100 CE. The site sits at a crucial pass through the Aurès Mountains, a strategic point that gave Rome control of access to the Sahara. Often called North Africa’s Pompeii, Timgad is an exemplar of Roman urban planning, laid out like a chessboard over 50 hectares (123 acres). Expect to spend a full day exploring the forums, temples, markets, bathhouses, theaters, law courts, and villas, as well as a rare public library. Look out for the inscription in the forum which reads, “to hunt, to go to the bath, to play, to laugh: this is to live.” The on-site museum has 200 stunningly well-preserved floor mosaics.
Planning tip: Timgad is a very exposed site. Wear a hat and drink plenty of water in summer, and bring a jacket in winter or spring as it can be cold and windy.
2. Constantine
Best for admiring one of the world’s most improbably sited cities
Since the 4th century BCE, Constantine has occupied a rocky pinnacle above the river Rhumel, encircled by 200m (656ft)-deep ravines. The ingenuity behind this improbably located city is remarkable. Notable viewpoints include the Sidi M’Cid Bridge and the Monument aux Morts, which presents a stunning view. While wandering the streets, be sure to visit the richly decorated Ottoman Palace of Ahmed Bey, the National Museum, and the striking Emir Abdelkader Mosque, one of the largest on the continent.
Planning tip: Non-Muslims can enter mosques in Algeria outside of prayer times, so plan your visits accordingly.
3. Annaba
Best for following in the footsteps of North African Christian pioneers
Charming Annaba is where Amazigh theologian St Augustine, a central figure in Catholicism, taught and wrote works that remain cornerstones of modern theology. Augustine was bishop of Roman Hippo Regius, now a serene ruin in the suburbs. The Basilica de Saint Augustine, built in the late 19th century, overlooks the site where Augustine taught and is still tended by Annaba’s Augustinian community, serving as a site of pilgrimage.
Planning tip: Underrated Annaba boasts a beautiful seaside setting, an atmospheric old town, and lovely sandy beaches.
4. Tassili n’Ajjer National Park
Best for taking in the world’s oldest gallery of art
Tassili N’Ajjer National Park spans 72,000 sq km (27,800 sq miles) of extraordinary desert landscape, featuring a surreal sandstone rock forest adorned with 15,000 prehistoric petroglyphs and paintings that depict herds of elephants, giraffes, and buffalo. These images are reminders of the Saharan steppeland, where Neolithic pastoralists coexisted with large wild animals over 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. To view the entire park, a thorough exploration of ten days is recommended, although shorter tours of 5-6 days are possible.
Planning tip: Remote Djanet is the gateway to Tassili n’Ajjer National Park. Travelers touring the desert typically require an agency escort/guide for security.
5. Algiers
Best for discovering a capital with character
Algiers, Algeria’s capital city, brims with atmosphere, historical Ottoman and art deco architecture, and lively cafes playing haabi, a Muslim-Jewish fusion style forged in the city’s ancient alleys. The historic heart of Algiers, the Casbah, is a fascinating labyrinth of staircases, antique palaces, and mosques. The Martyrs Monument, Maqam Echahid, pays homage to those who lost their lives during the long fight for independence, which was finally achieved in 1962.
Planning tip: Consider exploring the Casbah with a local guide. A visit to the extraordinary Roman ruins of Tipasa and Cherchell is also highly recommended.
6. Tlemcen
Best for rich medieval architecture
Tlemcen is a testament to medieval architectural brilliance, showcasing mosques and palaces amid a verdant pine forest. Between the 12th and 13th centuries, this city was a center of learning and trade, rivaling cities like Fez, Tunis, and Granada. Tlemcen features a unique blend of Hispano-Moorish architecture, epitomized by the Great Mosque (1082) and the El Mechouar citadel.
Detour: Tlemcen is spiritually significant due to the tomb of Sidi Boumediene, located nearby. The El Ourit waterfalls and the stunning Grottes des Beni Add are just a short drive away.
7. Ahaggar National Park
Best for feeling like you’re at the edge of the world
Older than Tassili, the Hoggar Mountains of Ahaggar National Park are formed from volcanic basalt buttes that rise steeply from the desert floor. Ancient river valleys are lined with petroglyphs and paintings depicting wild animals and charioteers, thought to be the ancestors of the Tuareg tribes. Adventurous visitors can embark on week-long camel treks and 4×4 tours that depart from Tamanrasset to the high plateau of Assekrem, which means “the end of the world.”
Planning tip: Guiding practices usually suggest tipping guides and drivers the equivalent of an extra day’s payment for each week worked.
8. Ghardaïa and the M’Zab Valley
Best for seeing secretive desert citadels
The M’Zab Valley is home to five ksours (fortified villages) built between 1012 and 1350. The ancient cities here are inhabited by Mozabites, members of an Amazigh tribe following unique customs. Engage a guide to navigate these closed communities, particularly the Sidi Brahim mosque in El-Atteuf, an inspiration for modern architectural design. Don’t forget to explore the carpets at Ghardaïa’s market, a testament to the traditional craft of weaving.
Planning tip: To visit Ghardaïa, tourists are required to be on group tours with permits. Within ksours, respect community rules such as modest dress and no photography of individuals.
9. Sétif & Djemila
Best for gorgeous ancient mosaics
Sétif’s archaeological museum houses some of the finest Roman mosaics globally, including the unparalleled “Triumph of Dionysus.” Many artifacts originate from Djemila (formerly Cuicul), a UNESCO Heritage Roman city set against a beautiful hillside in the Petit Kabyle mountains. An excursion here is essential; although a half-day is sufficient, linger longer to appreciate the breathtaking views and intricate mosaics displayed in the on-site museum.
Planning tip: Djemila can be easily accessed from Sétif or Constantine, both within a one-hour journey.
10. Timimoun
Best for oasis life and dune-bashing
Timimoun, located in Central Algeria, presents a stunning desert oasis at the edge of an escarpment overlooking a sebkha (salt pan) and the undulating dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental. The breathtaking landscape provides an otherworldly experience; hotels often arrange quad biking and sandboarding adventures close to town. Explore the Sebkha Circuit, leading to abandoned villages amidst towering dunes.
Planning tip: Timimoun’s S’Boue Festival lasts seven days and attracts thousands who celebrate with music, poetry, and traditional dances.
