Why Algeria belongs on your list
Algeria is Africa's largest country, blending Mediterranean coastline, Roman ruins, Ottoman casbahs and the vast Sahara. It still sees few tourists, so its cities feel authentic and uncrowded. Here are the best places to start.
Algiers
The capital, known as Algiers the White for its bright hillside buildings, mixes French colonial boulevards with a steep Ottoman old town.
- Highlight: the Casbah, a UNESCO-listed maze of alleys, palaces and mosques tumbling down to the bay.
Oran
Algeria's second city and the birthplace of rai music is a relaxed, sun-soaked port with Spanish and French heritage.
- Highlight: climb to Santa Cruz fort above the city for sweeping views over the Mediterranean.
Constantine
Dramatically perched on a plateau split by deep gorges, Constantine is the City of Bridges, linked by spectacular spans high above the Rhumel River.
- Highlight: crossing the Sidi M'Cid suspension bridge, around 175 metres above the ravine.
Ghardaia
In the M'Zab Valley, this UNESCO-listed cluster of fortified desert towns shows centuries-old Mozabite architecture in ochre, white and pink.
- Highlight: the tiered, pyramid-like old town and its busy traditional market square.
Tlemcen
Near the Moroccan border, Tlemcen is a refined city of Andalusian and Moorish art, gardens and craftsmanship.
- Highlight: the Great Mosque of Tlemcen and the nearby Mansourah ruins.
Annaba
A coastal city in the northeast with broad beaches and an easygoing pace, built beside ancient Hippo Regius, home of Saint Augustine.
- Highlight: the Basilica of Saint Augustine, overlooking the Roman ruins.
Timgad
Often called the Pompeii of Africa, Timgad is a remarkably complete Roman town founded by Emperor Trajan around 100 AD.
- Highlight: the Arch of Trajan standing over the original grid streets.
Practical tips
- The dinar (DZD) is cash-based; carry some for markets and taxis.
- Spring and autumn are ideal; the Sahara is brutally hot in summer.
- A few words of Arabic or French go a long way.
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