The 12 best places to visit in Algeria

Choosing where to go in a country of 2.38 million km² is the first challenge of any Algerian trip. Here are the twelve places our team recommends most often, from the desert to the sea. Each one links to a full destination guide.

1. The Tassili n'Ajjer

A UNESCO-listed sandstone plateau above Djanet, carved into towers and arches and filled with prehistoric paintings. Sefar, the "rock city" that gave our agency its name, is the highlight. Best for: trekking and rock art. Tassili n'Ajjer guide.

2. Djanet and the Tadrart Rouge

The oasis of Djanet is the gateway to the Tadrart, where red dunes rise against cliffs and natural arches and canyons are covered in engravings. Best for: the most photogenic desert landscapes. Djanet guide.

3. The Hoggar and the Assekrem

Around Tamanrasset, black volcanic peaks and Tuareg camps; the sunrise from the Assekrem plateau, near Charles de Foucauld's hermitage, is legendary. Best for: mountain landscapes and Tuareg culture. Hoggar guide.

4. Algiers and its Casbah

The capital climbs from its bay in white terraces. The Casbah, Notre-Dame d'Afrique, the Jardin d'Essai and the Martyrs' Memorial deserve two or three days. Best for: history and city life. Algiers guide.

5. Constantine

A city on a rock above a deep gorge, crossed by spectacular bridges, with Ottoman palaces and a refined food culture. Best for: dramatic urban views and day trips to Roman sites. Constantine guide.

6. Tipaza

Roman and early Christian ruins among pines on a headland above the Mediterranean, an hour from Algiers, with the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania nearby. Best for: archaeology by the sea. Tipaza guide.

7. Timgad and Djémila

Two of the best-preserved Roman towns anywhere: Timgad with its perfect grid and Arch of Trajan, Djémila on a mountain ridge. Both are UNESCO-listed and easily reached from Constantine. Best for: ancient history. See 5 archaeological sites.

8. Ghardaïa and the M'zab Valley

Five fortified towns built from the 11th century around their mosques, still lived in today. Beni Isguen's auction market is unforgettable. Best for: architecture and culture. M'zab guide.

9. Taghit

A restored ksar and palm grove at the foot of some of the highest dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental. Best for: a short, easy first desert experience. Taghit guide.

10. Timimoun

The "red oasis" of the Gourara, with earth-built ksour overlooking a salt lake and gardens watered by foggaras. Best for: oasis life and Saharan architecture. Timimoun guide.

11. Oran

Algeria's lively second city: the Santa Cruz fort above the bay, Ottoman mosques, seafront boulevards and the birthplace of raï. Best for: atmosphere and music. Oran guide.

12. Tlemcen

The former Zayyanid capital, rich in Andalusian art: the Great Mosque, Sidi Boumediene and the Mansourah minaret. Best for: Islamic architecture. Tlemcen guide.

How to combine them

Distances are large, so combine two or three areas. In spring or autumn: Algiers, Tipaza and Constantine with Djémila and Timgad. In winter: Algiers and a week in the Tassili or Tadrart. For a western loop: Oran, Tlemcen and Taghit. Our planning guide gives sample itineraries, and our team can build one around your dates.