Algeria

Algeria is Africa's largest country and one of its most underexplored—a vast land stretching from Mediterranean beaches to the heart of the Sahara, containing Roman cities rivaling any in the Empire, prehistoric cave art older than Egypt's pyramids, and living desert towns that function as they have for a thousand years.

For too long closed to casual tourism, Algeria is now experiencing its biggest tourism surge in two decades. The country welcomed 3.5 million visitors in 2024—a 10% increase from the previous year—with the government targeting 4 million tourists in 2025 and an ambitious 12 million by 2030. This remarkable transformation reflects bold state-led reforms, rising foreign interest, and rapid investment in hospitality infrastructure.

Here are Roman ruins without the crowds of Tunisia or Morocco, Saharan landscapes that dwarf anything in the Middle East, and a unique Berber-Arab-French culture that defies simple categorization. The recently inaugurated Great Mosque of Algiers (Djamaa El-Djazair)—the largest mosque in Africa and third-largest in the world—has added another compelling reason to visit.

This is not easy travel—bureaucracy remains formidable, infrastructure outside major cities is limited, and independent tourism requires patience. But for those who make the effort, Algeria offers experiences available nowhere else: dining in the shadow of Rome's grandest African monuments, trekking through sandstone forests containing 12,000-year-old paintings, and sleeping in whitewashed desert towns where time has stood still for centuries.

2024-2025 Tourism Highlights:

• 3.5 million total tourists in 2024 (2.45 million foreign nationals, 1.09 million diaspora)
• Saharan tourism experiencing renaissance: 186,000 visitors to southern provinces in first trimester 2024-25 season alone
• 47 new hotels opened in 2024, adding 4,687 beds
• 571 new travel agencies licensed in 2024 (total now 5,570)
• Visa-on-arrival introduced for organized Saharan tours (since 2023)
• Great Mosque of Algiers officially inaugurated February 2024

The name Algeria derives from "Al-Jazair," Arabic for "The Islands"—a reference to the small islands that once dotted the bay of Algiers before the French colonial period connected them to the mainland. The capital city gave its name to the country, rather than the reverse.

Algerian identity is complex and layered. The indigenous Berber (Amazigh) people have inhabited this land for at least 10,000 years, leaving behind the extraordinary rock art of the Sahara. Phoenicians and Romans colonized the coast, followed by Arab conquest in the 7th century that brought Islam and the Arabic language. Ottoman rule from the 16th century and brutal French colonization from 1830 to 1962 added further layers to the national character.

Modern Algeria emerged from one of the 20th century's bloodiest independence struggles—the Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962) killed perhaps 1.5 million Algerians and traumatized France. This history shapes Algerian consciousness; the war and its martyrs remain central to national identity.

Algeria sprawls across 2.38 million square kilometers—larger than all of Western Europe combined. The landscape divides into three distinct zones, each with its own character and attractions.

The Tell (Mediterranean Coast)

A narrow strip along the Mediterranean contains most of Algeria's population and agriculture. Fertile plains backed by the Tell Atlas mountains produce wine, olives, and citrus. Here you'll find Algiers, the Roman cities, and a coastline with beaches rivaling anywhere in the Mediterranean.

The High Plateaus

South of the Tell Atlas, vast steppes extend toward the Saharan Atlas. This semi-arid zone supports grazing and dry farming. Winters are cold, summers scorching. The M'Zab Valley, with its remarkable Ibadite towns, lies at the southern edge.

The Sahara

Beyond the Saharan Atlas, the world's largest desert begins. Algeria's Sahara is not one landscape but many: rocky plateaus (hamada), gravel plains (reg), massive sand seas (erg), and the extraordinary Tassili n'Ajjer—a sandstone labyrinth containing prehistoric art galleries that rival Lascaux.

The Algerian Sahara is larger than Egypt and Libya combined, containing oases that have sustained caravan traffic for millennia.

| Feature | Details |

|---------|---------|

| Total Area | 2,381,741 km² (largest in Africa) |

| Coastline | 998 km (Mediterranean) |

| Highest Point | Mount Tahat, 2,908m (Hoggar Mountains) |

| Borders | Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Morocco |

| Climate Zones | Mediterranean coast, semi-arid steppes, hyperarid Sahara |

Algeria's history spans from the earliest human artistic expression to one of the 20th century's most influential anti-colonial struggles.

Prehistoric Era

The Tassili n'Ajjer rock art provides an unparalleled record of life in the "Green Sahara," when these now-barren lands supported lakes, rivers, and abundant wildlife. Images of cattle herders, hunters, and rituals date from approximately 10,000 BCE to the first centuries CE, documenting the gradual desiccation that transformed paradise into desert.

Phoenician and Roman Algeria (1000 BCE - 430 CE)

Phoenicians established trading posts along the coast, while indigenous Berber kingdoms controlled the interior. The most powerful, Numidia, briefly unified under King Massinissa before falling under Roman influence.

Rome made Algeria one of its most prosperous provinces. Cities like Timgad, Djemila, and Tipasa rivaled any in the Empire for sophistication. The region exported grain, olive oil, and wild animals for the Colosseum. Christian North Africa produced theologians like Augustine of Hippo, whose thought shaped Western civilization.

Vandal invasion in 430 CE ended Roman rule, followed by Byzantine reconquest—but the old prosperity never fully returned.

Islamic Period (7th - 16th centuries)

Arab armies brought Islam in the 7th century, though Berber resistance continued for generations. The indigenous Ibadite sect established remarkable communities in the M'Zab Valley that survive today. Various Arab and Berber dynasties ruled, including the Hammadids whose capital at Beni Hammad is now a UNESCO site.

Ottoman Rule (1516-1830)

Ottoman corsairs made Algiers a wealthy base for Mediterranean raiding—European powers paid tribute to avoid capture. The Kasbah of Algiers, with its labyrinthine alleys and Ottoman palaces, dates from this era. The infamous Barbary pirates operating from Algerian ports influenced early American foreign policy.

French Colonial Period (1830-1962)

France invaded in 1830 and waged brutal campaigns of conquest over the following decades. Settlers confiscated Algerian land; French became the language of administration and education; Islam was suppressed. Algeria was considered not a colony but an integral part of France itself—a fiction that would make independence all the more traumatic.

War of Independence and Modern Era

The Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962) was one of the 20th century's most savage conflicts. The FLN (National Liberation Front) waged guerrilla warfare; France responded with torture, forced relocations, and massive military operations. Perhaps 1.5 million Algerians died.

Independence in 1962 brought one-party socialist rule, oil-funded development, and suppression of political opposition. A brutal civil war in the 1990s killed perhaps 200,000 people. Modern Algeria, under President Tebboune since 2019, has achieved stability while struggling with economic diversification beyond oil and gas.

Algeria's roughly 45 million people are predominantly Arab-Berber, with significant Tuareg populations in the Sahara. The tension and synthesis between Arab and Berber identities remains central to Algerian culture.

Languages

• Arabic: Official language, though Algerian Arabic (Darja) differs significantly from Modern Standard Arabic
• Berber (Tamazight): Recognized as a national language since 2002; spoken by approximately 30% of the population in various regional forms
• French: Widely spoken, used in business and higher education; Algeria is one of the world's largest French-speaking countries

Useful Phrases

| Phrase | Meaning |

|--------|---------|

| Salam / Salaam alaikum | Hello / Peace be upon you |

| Shukran | Thank you |

| La | No |

| Nam / Ayih | Yes |

| Bslama | Goodbye |

| Wesh rak? | How are you? (Algerian Arabic) |

| Labas? | Are you well? |

| Insha'Allah | God willing |

| Hamdullah | Thanks be to God |

| Bezzaf | A lot / Very much |

Religion

Islam (Sunni Maliki school) is the state religion. Algeria is generally conservative but has a secular constitution. The Ibadite communities of the M'Zab represent a distinct Islamic tradition dating back to early schisms. The inauguration of Africa's largest mosque in 2024 represents the government's effort to promote moderate Islam.

Music

Raï music, born in Oran in the early 20th century, blends Bedouin poetry with Western instruments and rhythms. Artists like Cheb Khaled, Cheb Mami, and Rachid Taha brought raï to world attention in the 1980s and 1990s. The annual Festival du Raï in Oran (August) is the premier celebration of this uniquely Algerian genre.

Chaabi is another popular folk music style, originating in the Kasbah of Algiers, combining Andalusian melodies with Algerian rhythms.

Algerian cuisine blends Berber traditions with Arab, Ottoman, and French influences—a hearty, flavorful cuisine perfectly suited to the country's varied climates.

Must-Try Dishes

| Dish | Description |

|------|-------------|

| Couscous | The national dish—steamed semolina with vegetables and lamb or chicken in countless regional variations |

| Chorba frik | Rich lamb soup with green wheat, essential during Ramadan |

| Mechoui | Whole roasted lamb, festive food for celebrations |

| Chakhchoukha | Torn flatbread soaked in tomato and pepper sauce with lamb, specialty of Biskra |

| Dolma | Stuffed vegetables (peppers, zucchini, tomatoes), showing Ottoman influence |

| Rechta | Fresh pasta with chicken in cinnamon-spiced sauce, traditional for celebrations |

| Bourek | Crispy fried pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables |

| Makroud | Date-filled semolina cookies from the south, fried and dipped in honey |

| Kalb el louz | Semolina cake soaked in syrup, flavored with almonds |

| Zlabia | Deep-fried honey spirals, popular during Ramadan |

Drinks

• Mint tea (atay): Sweet and refreshing, served throughout the day
• Turkish coffee: Strong and unfiltered, often with cardamom
• Sharbat: Cold fruit syrups mixed with water
• Algerian wine: Colonial legacy—production continues despite being a Muslim country, primarily for export

Couscous Royal

National Dish

Fluffy semolina couscous with lamb, merguez, and vegetables in fragrant broth.

Ingredients: 240ml couscous, 200g lamb, cubed, 2 merguez sausages, 1 carrot, 1 zucchini, 1 turnip, 1 can chickpeas, 15ml harissa, Ras el hanout, 480ml broth.

Preparation: Brown lamb, add spices and broth. After that, add root vegetables, simmer 30 min. Add zucchini and chickpeas. Then steam couscous, fluff with fork. Grill merguez separately. Last, serve couscous topped with meat, veg, broth.

💡 Steam couscous twice for lightest texture.

Chorba

Ramadan Soup

Hearty tomato-based soup with lamb, chickpeas, and vermicelli.

Ingredients: 150g lamb, diced, 1 onion, 2 tomatoes, grated, 60ml chickpeas, soaked, 60ml vermicelli, 15ml tomato paste, Cilantro, mint, Cinnamon, cumin.

Preparation: Brown lamb and onion. Add tomatoes, paste, spices. Add 960ml water and chickpeas. Then simmer 45 min until tender. Add vermicelli, cook 5 min. To finish, finish with fresh herbs.

💡 Traditionally served to break fast during Ramadan.

Makroud

Semolina Date Cookies

Diamond-shaped semolina cookies stuffed with spiced date paste.

Ingredients: 240ml semolina, 60ml butter, melted, 60ml oil, 15ml orange blossom water, 120ml date paste, ½ tsp cinnamon, Honey for dipping.

Preparation: Mix semolina, butter, oil, orange blossom. Rest dough 30 min. Roll into log, flatten. Then spread date paste, roll up. Cut into diamonds. To finish, fry until golden, dip in honey.

💡 Let makroud cool completely—they crisp as they dry.

📖 Traditional Recipes

Algeria's wine story is one of the most dramatic rise-and-fall narratives in the history of viticulture. In the 1930s, this North African nation was the world's largest wine exporter — producing over 18 million hectolitres annually, more than the entire output of modern-day Australia. French colonial plantations carpeted the coastal hills from Oran to Constantine, and Algerian wine secretly constituted up to two-thirds of what was sold in France as "French wine," adding body and colour to the thin vintages of the Midi. At independence in 1962, Algeria possessed 400,000 hectares of vineyards — an area larger than all of Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Champagne combined.

Then came the great unravelling. The departure of French colons removed both expertise and export markets overnight. Boumediene's socialist nationalisation (1971) replaced skilled vignerons with state bureaucrats. Islamisation campaigns in the 1980s stigmatised alcohol production. The devastating civil war of the 1990s (la décennie noire) destroyed infrastructure and terrified remaining winemakers. By 2000, Algeria's vineyard area had collapsed to under 60,000 hectares — an 85% decline in four decades.

Yet the vine endures. Algeria still produces approximately 500,000 hectolitres annually, making it the largest wine producer in North Africa and the Arab world. The terroir remains extraordinary: limestone soils at 600–1,200 metres altitude in the Atlas Tell, Mediterranean climate tempered by Atlas winds, and vines averaging 40–60 years old — ancient by any standard. A quiet renaissance is underway, driven by a handful of determined producers who recognise that Algeria's wine heritage is too valuable to abandon.

🍇 Colonial Empire & Decline

The French planted Algeria's first commercial vineyards in the 1830s, but expansion accelerated dramatically after phylloxera devastated French vineyards in the 1870s. Desperate for wine, France turned to its colony across the Mediterranean. By 1930, Algeria had become a viticultural superpower — its wines shipped in bulk to Marseille, Sète, and Bordeaux, where they were blended anonymously into French labels. The seven VDQS appellations established in 1957 (Médéa, Mascara, Coteaux de Tlemcen, Dahra, Coteaux du Zaccar, Ain Bessem-Bouira, and Haut-Dahra) represented France's belated acknowledgment of Algerian wine quality.

Post-independence, the Soviet Union briefly became Algeria's largest wine customer — a surreal arrangement in which Marxist Algeria shipped Mediterranean wine to Communist Russia. When that trade collapsed in the late 1980s, Algeria's wine industry entered what many considered terminal decline.

🏷️ Key Wine Regions & Wines

🍷 Coteaux de Médéa

Red blend · Cinsault, Carignan, Alicante Bouschet · 800–1,200m altitude · KWS 84

The crown jewel of Algerian wine. Médéa's high-altitude vineyards (the highest in North Africa) produce wines of surprising elegance — cooler nights preserve acidity while intense Mediterranean sun builds concentration. The ONCV (national wine office) Médéa bottlings show dark berry fruit, garrigue herbs, and a mineral backbone that betrays the limestone terroir. These wines regularly outperform their modest price in international competitions.

Coteaux de Médéa — ONCV's flagship, dark berry and garrigue against the Tell Atlas

🍷 Mascara

Full-bodied red · Carignan dominant · Oran province · KWS 82

The historic powerhouse of Algerian wine — Mascara reds were the backbone of blended "French" wine for a century. Carignan vines here average 50+ years old, producing wines of remarkable depth and warmth. Tannic, robust, sun-baked — think of it as North Africa's answer to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, though the comparison flatters the marketing more than the precision. At its best, genuinely impressive.

Mascara — opaque Carignan on a weathered barrel in a colonial-era cellar, tagine and merguez

🥂 Coteaux de Tlemcen

Red & rosé · Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre · Western Algeria · KWS 81

Tlemcen, the "Pearl of the Maghreb," produces both powerful reds and surprisingly delicate rosés. The Moroccan influence is palpable — both in the Andalusian architecture and in the generous, fruity wine style. Cinsault-based rosé from Tlemcen may be the most charming wine Algeria produces, all Mediterranean sunlight and dried rose petals.

Coteaux de Tlemcen — salmon-pink Cinsault rosé in an Andalusian courtyard with zellige and jasmine

🍷 Dahra & Haut-Dahra

Coastal red · Alicante Bouschet, Carignan · Chlef province · KWS 78

The coastal Dahra hills produce deeply coloured, full-throttle reds dominated by Alicante Bouschet — the teinturier grape prized for the intensity of its colour. These were the blending workhorses of colonial-era wine, and they retain a rustic, uncompromising character. Not subtle, but honest.

🍷 Ain Bessem-Bouira

Red blend · Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir · Kabylie foothills · KWS 80

The most "French" of Algeria's wine regions — Ain Bessem in the Kabylie foothills was planted with noble varieties rather than colonial workhorses. Cabernet and Pinot Noir at altitude produce structured, age-worthy reds with genuine complexity. The region's Berber culture adds a layer of terroir identity that sets it apart.

Ain Bessem-Bouira — garnet Cabernet-Pinot with Berber couscous and Kabyle fibula, mist rolling through the mountains

🥃 Boukha, Mahia & Spirits

Boukha is North Africa's most famous spirit — a fig eau-de-vie with roots in the Tunisian and Algerian Jewish communities, crystal clear with an intense, sweet fig aroma. Though production has largely moved to Tunisia and France following the Jewish exodus, it remains culturally significant. Mahia, distilled from dates or figs, serves a similar role. Both are traditionally served ice-cold as digestifs.

Locally produced beer — Tango and Heineken Algeria — dominates the (discreet) alcohol market. Algeria's relationship with alcohol is pragmatic rather than prohibitionist: production and sale are legal but socially restricted. Bars exist but are rarely visible from the street. Most drinking happens at home or in licensed restaurants.

🍵 Mint Tea — The Real National Drink

Atay (mint tea) is Algeria's true social lubricant — far more than wine or spirits ever were. Chinese gunpowder green tea brewed with enormous bunches of fresh spearmint and shocking quantities of sugar, served in small ornate glasses from a height that creates a satisfying froth. In the Saharan south, tea ceremony follows Tuareg tradition: three glasses mandatory — the first "bitter as life," the second "sweet as love," the third "gentle as death."

Atay — Three Glasses · Chinese gunpowder green tea, fresh spearmint, and sugar cubes on a brass tray before the Sahara — the first bitter as life, the second sweet as love, the third gentle as death.

Qahwa (coffee) follows Turkish preparation in most of Algeria, though the Kabyle region has its own style with orange blossom water. Fresh fruit juices — particularly orange, pomegranate, and citron — are ubiquitous, and lben (buttermilk) remains the traditional accompaniment to couscous in rural areas.

Algeria's drinking culture reflects its Islamic heritage and Mediterranean soul — coffee reigns supreme, from the legendary Mazagran (the world's first iced coffee) to the mint tea ceremonies inherited from Berber tradition. Fresh citrus drinks and aromatic infusions dominate, flavored with orange blossom water from the country's vast orchards.

☕ Mazagran

The World's First Iced Coffee — Born in Algeria, 1840

Born in 1840 when French soldiers at Fort Mazagran in Mostaganem ran out of milk and mixed cold water with strong coffee and sugar. This Algerian invention spread to Parisian cafés and became the ancestor of every iced coffee on earth.

INGREDIENTS

• Double shot of strong coffee (cooled)
• 15ml sugar syrup
• 10ml lemon juice (Algerian style)
• Cold water or milk
• Ice cubes

PREPARATION

1. Brew strong coffee and let cool slightly.
2. Fill tall glass with ice cubes.
3. Pour sugar syrup, add coffee.
4. Add lemon juice for authentic Algerian version.
5. Top with cold water, stir, garnish with lemon.

Glass: Tall glass  |  Method: Build over ice  |  Garnish: Lemon slice

💡 The lemon-coffee combination is the authentic Algerian original — before milk became the global standard for iced coffee.

🍋 Citronnade Algéroise

Algiers-Style Sparkling Lemonade with Orange Blossom

Every Algerian home has its own citronnade recipe, but the Algiers version is distinguished by a generous splash of orange blossom water — the aromatic signature of North African cuisine.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 large lemons (juiced)
• 100g sugar
• 1 liter sparkling water
• 1 tbsp orange blossom water
• Fresh mint leaves, crushed ice

PREPARATION

1. Dissolve sugar in warm water, let cool.
2. Combine lemon juice, syrup, and orange blossom water.
3. Add crushed ice generously.
4. Top with sparkling water, add lemon slices and mint.

Glass: Tall glass with pitcher  |  Method: Stir & chill  |  Garnish: Lemon slices, mint

💡 Orange blossom water (mazhar) is the secret — just one tablespoon transforms ordinary lemonade into something unmistakably Algerian.

🍵 Thé à la Menthe

Algerian Mint Tea Ceremony

In Algeria, mint tea isn't just a drink — it's a ritual of hospitality. Chinese green gunpowder tea meets handfuls of fresh spearmint and generous sugar, poured from height to create the prized foam.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tsp gunpowder green tea
• Large handful fresh spearmint
• 3-4 sugar cubes per glass
• 500ml boiling water

PREPARATION

1. Rinse tea with boiling water, discard (removes bitterness).
2. Add tea, sugar, and mint to pot. Pour boiling water.
3. Steep 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour from height (~30cm) into glasses for foam.

Glass: Small decorated glass  |  Method: Brew & pour from height  |  Garnish: Spearmint sprig

💡 The high pour is essential — it aerates the tea and creates foam. Always accept at least three glasses in an Algerian home.

— Radim Kaufmann, January 2026

Algeria's festival calendar reflects its diverse cultural heritage, from ancient Berber celebrations to international music events.

| Festival | When | Where | Description |

|----------|------|-------|-------------|

| Yennayer (Berber New Year) | January 12 | Nationwide | Ancient Amazigh celebration with traditional food, music, and ceremonies |

| National Amazigh Film Festival | January | Tizi Ouzou | Celebrates Berber cinema and culture |

| Ghardaïa Mousseum | March-April | Ghardaïa | Sufi festival with spiritual music and dance |

| Timimoun Date Festival | April | Timimoun | Celebrates the oasis harvest with markets and performances |

| Dimajazz Festival | May | Constantine | International jazz in the ancient city of bridges |

| Timgad International Music Festival | July | Timgad | World music amid Roman ruins—rock, raï, classical, jazz |

| Festival du Raï | August | Oran | Celebration of Algeria's signature musical genre |

| Sebiba Festival | Islamic New Year | Djanet | Tuareg celebration commemorating ancient peace treaty |

| International Festival of the Sahara | December | Douz/Sahara | Nomadic culture, camel races, traditional music |

| Marathon des Sables | February | Béchar | Desert ultra-marathon attracting global runners |

Algeria possesses seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites—an extraordinary collection representing 12,000 years of human history from prehistoric cave art to Ottoman urbanism.

🏛️ Timgad (Inscribed 1982)

Founded by Emperor Trajan around 100 CE as a colony for retired soldiers, Timgad is often called "the Pompeii of Africa." Unlike the Italian original, however, Timgad was never buried—its perfect grid plan and remarkable monuments have stood exposed to the Aurès Mountain air for nearly 2,000 years.

Why It Matters: Timgad offers perhaps the clearest example of Roman colonial town planning in existence. The original city was laid out in a perfect square, with streets crossing at right angles, colonnaded thoroughfares, and a forum at the center.

The Story: Timgad's 12,000 inhabitants enjoyed theaters, libraries (the large library ruins remain), public baths, and sophisticated water systems. An inscription on the forum reads "VENARI LAVARI LUDERE RIDERE HOC EST VIVERE"—"To hunt, to bathe, to play, to laugh, that is to live." The Arch of Trajan still stands at the city's entrance. Each July, the Timgad International Music Festival transforms these ancient stones into a spectacular concert venue.

🏛️ Djemila (Inscribed 1982)

If Timgad shows Roman planning at its most rigid, Djemila ("Beautiful" in Arabic) demonstrates how Romans adapted to challenging terrain. Perched at 900 meters in the mountains near Sétif, this city cascades down a ridge between two wadis.

Why It Matters: Djemila's architects brilliantly adapted the standard Roman urban formula to mountain topography, creating a city that flows with its landscape rather than fighting it. The museum contains one of the world's finest collections of Roman mosaics from a single site.

The Story: Originally called Cuicul, the city flourished from the 1st to 6th centuries CE. Two forums, a theater seating 3,000, elaborate baths, and houses with stunning mosaic floors testify to prosperity.

🎨 Tassili n'Ajjer (Inscribed 1982)

In the remote southeast, where Algeria meets Libya and Niger, a sandstone plateau rises from the Sahara like a massive fortress. Eroded into bizarre towers, arches, and "forests of rock," Tassili n'Ajjer contains one of the world's most important collections of prehistoric rock art.

Why It Matters: Over 15,000 drawings and engravings document life in the "Green Sahara," when this now-barren landscape supported lakes, rivers, and abundant wildlife. The images span approximately 10,000 years, recording the gradual transformation from savanna to desert.

The Story: Early images show elephants, hippos, and crocodiles—animals requiring water now absent for millennia. The "Crying Cow" of Sefar is perhaps the most famous image—a cow with tears streaming from her eyes, possibly mourning the dying world around her. Access requires multi-day expeditions from Djanet.

🕌 Kasbah of Algiers (Inscribed 1992)

The historic heart of Algiers, the Kasbah rises steeply from the harbor, its whitewashed buildings crowding labyrinthine alleys too narrow for cars, sometimes too narrow for two people to pass.

Why It Matters: The Kasbah represents a unique type of Mediterranean Islamic city—a medina adapted to extreme topography, creating an urban fabric of extraordinary density and complexity.

The Story: Ottoman palaces, hammams, mosques, and fountains hide within the maze of ordinary houses. Le Corbusier called it "a masterpiece of architecture and town planning."

🏘️ M'Zab Valley (Inscribed 1982)

Five 10th-century Ibadite towns cluster in the M'Zab Valley—Ghardaïa, Melika, Beni Isguen, El Atteuf, and Bounoura—functioning as living museums of desert urbanism. Their architecture inspired Le Corbusier and remains virtually unchanged for a millennium.

🏰 Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad (Inscribed 1980)

Ruins of the first Hammadid capital (1007-1152), perched at 1,000 meters in the Hodna Mountains. The minaret of the great mosque influenced North African architecture for centuries.

🌊 Tipasa (Inscribed 1982)

Phoenician, Roman, and early Christian port city on the Mediterranean coast that inspired Albert Camus's essay "Nuptials at Tipasa." Roman ruins overlook the azure sea—one of Algeria's most romantic settings.

Algiers (El-Bahdja, "The White City")

The capital rises dramatically from the Mediterranean, its white buildings climbing steeply from the port to the heights of the Kasbah. Colonial French architecture dominates the lower city, while the UNESCO-listed Kasbah preserves Ottoman and pre-colonial layers. The city combines grandeur with decay—peeling Belle Époque facades, bustling markets, and Mediterranean light that inspired Albert Camus.

New in 2024: The Great Mosque of Algiers (Djamaa El-Djazair) was officially inaugurated in February 2024, becoming Africa's largest mosque and the third-largest in the world. Its 265-meter minaret is the world's tallest, featuring observation decks with panoramic views of the Mediterranean. The prayer hall accommodates 120,000 worshippers, and the complex includes a museum of Islamic art, a library for one million books, and a Quranic school.

Oran

Algeria's second city is the country's musical capital, birthplace of raï music. More Spanish than French in feel, Oran's colonial architecture and seaside promenade make it a relaxed alternative to Algiers. The annual Festival du Raï (August) draws thousands of music fans.

Constantine

Built on a dramatic gorge, Constantine was the capital of Numidia before Rome. Bridges span impossible chasms; the old city tumbles down precipitous slopes. This is Algeria's most spectacular city setting. The annual Dimajazz Festival (May) brings jazz to this ancient city.

Ghardaïa and the M'Zab Valley

Five fortified Ibadite towns cluster in the M'Zab Valley, their white and pastel buildings virtually unchanged since the 10th century. The closed community of Beni Isguen, where women wear white and reveal only one eye, offers a glimpse of a way of life found nowhere else on Earth. The annual Ghardaïa Mousseum celebrates Sufi traditions with music and dance.

Saharan Destinations

The southern provinces have become Algeria's tourism hotspot, with Tamanrasset, Djanet, Timimoun, and Ghardaïa leading the renaissance. The 2024-25 Saharan season saw 186,000 visitors in the first trimester alone, including 22,700 foreign tourists. The government has extended visa-on-arrival to organized tours visiting these destinations.

Inaugurated in February 2024, Africa's largest mosque has become Algeria's newest landmark and a must-visit for travelers. The Djamaa El-Djazair (Great Mosque of Algiers) is the third-largest mosque in the world after those in Mecca and Medina.

Architecture & Features: The mosque's prayer hall covers 22,000 m² with a magnificent dome spanning 50 meters in diameter and rising 70 meters high. The complex includes:

• Observation decks on the 265-meter minaret with panoramic Mediterranean views
• Museum of Islamic Art with rotating exhibitions
• Library designed to house one million books
• Quranic school and research center
• Underground parking for 6,000 vehicles

Visitor Information: The mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times. Women must cover their hair; modest dress required for all. The observation deck offers the best panoramic views in Algiers. Photography is permitted in most areas but check signs for restrictions.

Construction: Built between 2012-2019 by China State Construction Engineering Corporation, the mosque was designed by German architecture firm KSP Jürgen Engel Architekten. It survived the 2003 Boumerdès earthquake and was built to withstand seismic activity up to 9.0 on the Richter scale.

Algeria's size creates dramatic climate variation from Mediterranean coast to deep Sahara.

| Season | Conditions | Recommended |

|--------|------------|-------------|

| Spring (Mar-May) | Pleasant coast, mild desert | ✅ Excellent |

| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | Similar to spring, harvest time | ✅ Excellent |

| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Hot everywhere, brutal in desert | ❌ Avoid Sahara |

| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Mild coast, cold nights in desert | ⚠️ Coast only |

Best Time: March-May and September-November. The Sahara is best October-March (avoiding summer heat), while coastal sites are pleasant most of the year except high summer.

Visa Information

Most nationalities require a visa. The traditional application process is bureaucratic—apply at least 2-3 months in advance.

Visa-on-Arrival (Since 2023): Available for organized Saharan tours through Algerian travel agencies recognized by the Ministry of Tourism. Valid for visits to Timimoun, Ghardaïa, Illizi, Djanet, or Tamanrasset. Maximum 30 days. Requirements:

• Return/onward ticket
• Hotel reservation confirmation
• Issued at Algiers International Airport or Djanet Airport

Note: Israeli passport holders are refused entry. Israeli stamps may cause difficulties.

Money & Payment

• Currency: Algerian Dinar (DZD)
• Exchange Rate: ~135 DZD = $1 USD (2025)
• Exchange: Official banks offer poor rates; informal exchange is common but technically illegal
• Cards: Very limited acceptance even in cities; bring sufficient cash (Euros or USD)
• ATMs: Available in major cities but often unreliable

Health & Safety

Algeria has recovered from the civil war years and is generally safe. The UK Foreign Office and US State Department consider most of Algeria safe for visitors but advise against travel within 30km of borders with Libya, Mali, Niger, and Mauritania due to terrorism concerns.

Health Considerations:

• No mandatory vaccinations, but hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and routine vaccinations recommended
• Tap water not safe to drink in most areas
• Comprehensive travel insurance essential
• Limited medical facilities outside major cities

Getting Around

• Air: Air Algérie connects major cities; domestic flights to Saharan destinations
• Train: Coastal line Algiers-Oran-Constantine; some interior routes; generally safe and reliable
• Road: Long distances, variable road quality; police checkpoints common
• Guided tours: Highly recommended for Saharan regions; mandatory for Tassili n'Ajjer

Connectivity

• Mobile: Djezzy, Mobilis, Ooredoo networks cover urban areas; limited in remote Sahara
• Internet: WiFi available in hotels; speeds variable
• SIM cards: Available at airports with passport registration

Algeria offers varied options for all budgets. Research current prices before your trip.

• "Lonely Planet Algeria"
  Comprehensive travel guide
• "Culture Smart! Algeria"
  Cultural insights for travelers

Algeria's accommodation options have expanded significantly with the tourism boom. Algiers offers international chains like Marriott, Sheraton, and Sofitel alongside boutique riads in the Casbah. Coastal cities provide beach resorts, while Saharan destinations feature desert camps and eco-lodges that offer authentic experiences under the stars.

Budget: €20-40/night – Basic hotels, hostels in major cities

Mid-range: €50-100/night – Comfortable hotels, renovated riads

Luxury: €150-300+/night – International brands, desert glamping

Booking in advance is essential during peak Saharan season (October-March) when desert camps fill quickly.

Béni Abbès — The "Pearl of the Saoura," this oasis town features stunning kasbahs and the hermitage of Charles de Foucauld, surrounded by dramatic red dunes.

Tipasa — UNESCO-listed Phoenician and Roman ruins overlooking the Mediterranean, immortalized in Camus' essay "Nuptials at Tipasa."

El Oued — The "City of a Thousand Domes," where unique cupola architecture creates an otherworldly skyline.

Tlemcen — The "Pearl of the Maghreb," with stunning Islamic architecture rivaling Granada's Alhambra.

Assekrem — The spiritual heart of the Hoggar Mountains, where Father Charles de Foucauld built his hermitage with some of the world's most spectacular sunrises.

Essentials: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+), headscarf for women visiting mosques.

Sahara specific: Light layers for temperature swings (40°C days to near-freezing nights), dust-proof bags for electronics, sturdy sandals, warm fleece for evenings.

Practical items: Copies of all documents, euros or dollars for exchange, universal adapter (Type C/F plugs), basic first aid kit, water purification tablets.

Don't forget: Torch/headlamp for power cuts and desert camps, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, patience for bureaucracy.

Official Tourism: Office National du Tourisme — Government tourism board with visa and travel information.

Travel Forums: TripAdvisor Algeria — Reviews and recent traveler experiences.

Embassy Info: Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visa requirements and consular services.

News: Algérie Presse Service — Official news agency in English.

🌍 Largest African Country: At 2.38 million km², Algeria is Africa's largest nation—and 90% is Sahara Desert.

🏛️ Roman Treasures: Algeria has more Roman ruins than any country outside Italy, including the best-preserved Roman city in existence (Timgad).

🎨 World's Oldest Art: The Tassili n'Ajjer rock paintings date back 12,000 years, depicting a green Sahara with hippos, elephants, and cattle.

🕌 Africa's Tallest Minaret: The Great Mosque of Algiers (2024) has a 265-meter minaret—taller than any skyscraper in Africa.

🏆 Football Obsession: Algeria's 2019 Africa Cup of Nations victory sparked celebrations across the diaspora in France that rivaled any local victory.

🎵 Raï Revolution: This Algerian music genre influenced global pop—Sting's "Desert Rose" featured raï legend Cheb Mami.

Albert Camus (1913-1960) — Nobel Prize-winning author born in Algeria, whose works like "The Stranger" and "The Plague" defined existentialist literature.

Cheb Khaled (1960-) — "The King of Raï," whose hit "Aïcha" became a global phenomenon, bringing Algerian music to world audiences.

Zinedine Zidane (1972-) — Though born in France, Zidane's parents emigrated from Algeria; widely considered one of football's greatest players.

Frantz Fanon (1925-1961) — Revolutionary psychiatrist and philosopher who supported Algerian independence and wrote "The Wretched of the Earth."

Djamila Bouhired (1935-) — Iconic freedom fighter of the Algerian Revolution, whose story inspired the film "The Battle of Algiers."

Football: The undisputed national obsession. Les Fennecs (The Desert Foxes) won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019, and the national league draws passionate crowds. Top clubs include MC Alger, USM Alger, and JS Kabylie.

Athletics: Algeria has produced notable middle-distance runners, including Noureddine Morceli (multiple world records) and Hassiba Boulmerka (Olympic gold, 1992).

Boxing: Growing popularity with Olympic medalists including Mohamed Allalou.

Desert Sports: The Marathon des Sables crosses Algerian territory, and off-road rallies in the Sahara attract international participants.

Algeria's media landscape has diversified since the 1990s, though state influence remains significant. ENTV is the public broadcaster, while private channels like Echorouk and Ennahar offer alternatives. French-language newspapers El Watan and Liberté provide independent journalism alongside Arabic outlets.

Internet penetration has reached 70%, with social media increasingly important for news and public discourse. Press freedom has improved since the 2019 Hirak protests, though challenges remain.