Ever since my first trip to Algeria, I’ve been completely captivated by this amazing country. I honestly didn’t expect to fall in love with it so quickly, but after exploring everywhere from the bustling streets of Algiers to the endless Sahara dunes, I totally get why it’s still one of Africa’s best-kept secrets.
I’m excited to share the most beautiful places to visit in Algeria. From the mind-blowing Roman ruins of Timgad to the picture-perfect beaches of Oran, these 12 incredible spots showcase why Algeria deserves a top spot on your 2025 travel list. Trust me, this country will surprise you in the best possible way!
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#1 tip to save money on your trip to Algeria
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Algerian adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). I have seen flights to Algiers for just $385 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: Save by buying meals or ingredients from local markets and supermarkets like Ardis, Family Market, and Carrefour. You’ll find fresh produce, local specialties, and ready-to-eat meals for under $5—a steal compared to tourist restaurants!
- Transport: For intercity travel, use the SNTF train network for the best value on longer routes between major cities. Within cities, the metro in Algiers is very affordable, and local buses provide good coverage. For flexibility between cities, shared taxis (louages) are a budget-friendly option that locals frequently use.
Algeria may have a reputation for being mysterious and unexplored. But if you follow the strategies above, you can discover its wonders on the cheap. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Algeria:
The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Algeria
Eager to uncover the most captivating spots in Algeria? Fly to this North African nation, and you will be amazed by what you see. The beauty of Africa is truly on full display everywhere you look. Here are the must-visit places in Algeria you should have on your list:
1. Belezma National Park
- 📍 Location: Batna Province, Northeastern Algeria
- 🏆 Best For: Forest hikers 🌲, wildlife watchers 🐗, solitude seekers 🧘
- 📸 Top Experiences: Trekking Mount Belezma, spotting Barbary deer, exploring ancient ruins in the region
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June for lush trails and active wildlife 🌼
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hôtel Chelia – Simple base in Batna with easy access to the park
Belezma National Park is one of Algeria’s most underrated natural gems. Tucked in the Aurès Mountains, it’s a mix of pine forests, rocky plateaus, and hidden trails that feel a world away from the buzz of city life. The landscape is especially known for its high-altitude cedar groves, which give the park a peaceful, almost alpine vibe.
It’s also a haven for wildlife. You might catch sight of Barbary deer moving through the trees or hear rare birds calling overhead. The trails here aren’t overly touristy, so you’ll often have huge stretches of forest to yourself, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Beyond nature, the region has a rich historical backdrop. Nearby ruins and old Berber settlements add a deeper layer to your hikes. Whether you’re after crisp mountain air or quiet moments in the forest, Belezma delivers a grounded and refreshing journey.
2. Algiers
- 📍 Location: Algiers, Northern Algeria
- 🏆 Best For: Architecture buffs 🏛️, city explorers 🏙️, culture lovers 🕌
- 📸 Top Experiences: Wandering the Casbah, visiting the Ketchaoua Mosque, riding the cable car over the bay
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May for warm weather without heavy crowds 🌿
- 🏨 Where to Stay: ABC Hotel – Central location with classic décor near the city’s main landmarks
Algiers feels like a city split between worlds. On one side, you have the Casbah, which is a tangle of ancient alleyways, hidden staircases, and hilltop views that make you feel like you’ve stepped into the past. On the other, grand boulevards and French-style buildings create a more modern rhythm that’s just as intriguing.
The city’s Mediterranean coastline adds even more to the vibe. You can ride the cable car for aerial views of the sea and the city skyline, or hang out near the port where locals gather for coffee and conversation. The palm-lined streets and sea breeze make even a casual stroll feel special.
Algiers is also home to deep history and resilience. Sites like the Martyrs’ Memorial and the Ketchaoua Mosque speak to its layered past. Whether you’re here for the architecture, the energy, or the view from a rooftop café, this city is a must-visit.
- Read next: Prettiest Places in the Mediterranean
3. Djémila
- 📍 Location: Sétif Province, Northeastern Algeria
- 🏆 Best For: History lovers 🏛️, ancient architecture fans 🏺, quiet explorers 🌿
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the Roman theatre, walking through old stone streets, visiting the museum on site
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October for dry weather and clear skies ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hôtel El Hidhab – Simple stay in Sétif with easy access to Djémila’s ruins
Djémila feels like a time capsule in the hills. Once a Roman city called Cuicul, it’s now one of Algeria’s best-preserved archaeological sites. The town’s stone roads, arches, temples, and forum are still standing strong, surrounded by green mountains and crisp air.
The ruins are incredibly walkable, and it doesn’t take much imagination to picture life here two thousand years ago. The amphitheater remains mostly intact, and carved Latin inscriptions can still be found on some of the walls. Compared to other Roman sites around the world, Djémila is quiet and uncrowded, which makes the experience even more powerful.
You can take your time here. Bring water, wear good shoes, and let the place speak for itself. Whether you’re into history or just looking for somewhere off the usual tourist map, Djémila delivers in the most unassuming way possible.
✈️ My Go-To Travel Tip:
I use Going.com to find crazy flight deals...($300 roundtrip to Europe kind of crazy).
It’s free, and I honestly check it more than Google Flights. For a limited time only, they are offering 25% off on Premium and Elite to readers of my website, using my special code: JON25)
4. Ghardaia
- 📍 Location: M’zab Valley, Northern Sahara
- 🏆 Best For: Architecture fans 🏘️, cultural travelers 🧕, desert explorers 🐫
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the old ksar of Ghardaïa, shopping at traditional markets, touring the M’zab Valley
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for cooler desert days 🌵
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Mirana Mayotte Hostel 47 – Cozy hostel right near the heart of Ghardaia
Ghardaïa is unlike anywhere else in Algeria. Tucked deep in the Sahara, this ancient town was built by the Mozabite people and still follows the traditional Ibadi way of life. Its tight alleyways, whitewashed walls, and fortified structures blend perfectly with the desert landscape, creating a timeless scene that feels preserved rather than restored.
The main market is one of the most colorful in the country, with handwoven rugs, pottery, and bright fabrics that reflect Berber and Arab influences. You’ll likely get invited for tea while browsing, especially if you’re curious and respectful of local customs.
Beyond the town, the entire M’zab Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to five hilltop settlements, each with its own rhythm and sacred architecture. Ghardaïa is the kind of place that makes you slow down, observe, and really listen to the silence of the desert.
5. Hoggar Mountains
- 📍 Location: Southern Algeria, near Tamanrasset
- 🏆 Best For: Adventure travelers 🥾, photographers 📸, lovers of remote landscapes 🏔️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Trekking Assekrem Plateau, watching sunrise over Mount Tahat, stargazing in the desert
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for cooler, clear weather 🌌
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Caravanserail Hotel Tamanrasset – Comfortable base in Tamanrasset with free breakfast, Wi‑Fi, and parking
The Hoggar Mountains are one of Algeria’s most dramatic landscapes. Located near Tamanrasset, this remote range rises out of the Sahara with towering volcanic peaks and lunar-like valleys. Mount Tahat, the highest point in Algeria, is part of this range and can be seen from several lookout spots.
One of the highlights is the Assekrem Plateau. It’s a rocky outpost that feels completely disconnected from modern life. Watching the sunrise here is a major draw, especially from the small hermitage once used by Charles de Foucauld. The light spills over the peaks, creating a surreal glow.
The Tuareg presence is strong in this region. You’ll find villages with traditional mud-brick homes and markets that reflect centuries of desert life. Visiting Hoggar is less about sightseeing and more about immersing yourself in silence, vastness, and timeless culture. It’s a powerful place to reset and recharge.
6. Moskarda Beach
- 📍 Location: Skikda Province, northeastern Algeria
- 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, local getaways 🚗, chill escapes 🌞
- 📸 Top Experiences: Picnicking under pine trees, swimming in calm waves, enjoying a slow day by the shore
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September for warm weather and swimmable seas 🏊
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Résidence Wassim – Simple seaside apartments with essential amenities
Moskarda Beach is a low-key escape on Algeria’s Mediterranean coast. It’s not flashy, and that’s exactly the point. You won’t find jet skis or massive crowds here. Just soft sand, green hills, and the sound of waves rolling in.
Locals treat it as a weekend getaway spot. People bring snacks, music, and beach mats for long afternoons doing absolutely nothing. Pine trees near the shore offer natural shade, and the water stays calm enough for easy swimming or floating around with friends.
The nearby city of Skikda adds some color to the trip. Grab a grilled fish plate from a harbor café or walk the seaside promenade after sunset. If you’re craving a chill vibe and quiet coastline with more locals than tourists, Moskarda delivers the reset without the hassle.
7. Mzab Valley
- 📍 Location: Ghardaïa Province, northern Sahara
- 🏆 Best For: Architecture lovers 🏛️, cultural travelers 🎨, heritage seekers 🧕
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the ksour of Beni Isguen, shopping in traditional markets, visiting Mozabite mosques
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for comfortable desert temperatures 🌵
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Belveder – A cozy stay in Bounoura
M’zab Valley is a UNESCO-listed region that feels frozen in time. It’s made up of five hilltop towns founded by the Mozabite people, known for their distinct architecture and communal way of life. The white and ochre buildings, narrow alleys, and palm-dotted surroundings give the valley a desert village feel unlike anywhere else.
One of the highlights is Beni Isguen, a fortified town where photography is limited and tradition runs deep. Visitors are asked to dress modestly and respect local customs, but the experience of walking through its quiet streets is unforgettable. You’ll find handmade pottery, colorful fabrics, and intricately designed rugs sold by locals.
The valley is also a lesson in sustainable design. Homes are built to beat the desert heat, and the layout encourages community living. If you’re into cultural depth, M’zab Valley offers an eye-opening and respectful look into one of Algeria’s oldest communities.
8. Oasis of Djanet
- 📍 Location: Tassili n’Ajjer, southeastern Algeria
- 🏆 Best For: Desert wanderers 🐫, adventure seekers 🧗, photographers 📷
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Tassili rock art, camel trekking in the desert, visiting traditional Tuareg camps
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to February for cooler temperatures and stargazing 🌌
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Safari Algeria Camp – Desert camp accommodation in Tassili n’Ajjer National Park
Djanet is a true oasis town tucked deep in the Algerian Sahara. Surrounded by palm trees and dramatic sandstone cliffs, it’s the main gateway to the Tassili n’Ajjer plateau, which is one of the most surreal landscapes in North Africa. The contrast between the green oasis and red desert is unforgettable.
Most travelers come here to explore the nearby national park, famous for its prehistoric rock art and otherworldly rock formations. Local guides lead trekking and camel tours that take you through dry riverbeds, arches, and dunes that seem to stretch forever. Nights bring clear skies full of stars and the occasional Tuareg campfire.
Despite its remote location, Djanet has a strong cultural vibe. Markets buzz with silver jewelry, leather goods, and indigo-dyed fabric. It’s a place where ancient rhythms and raw natural beauty meet, and where travelers leave with more than just photos.
9. Oran Beach
- 📍 Location: Oran, northwestern Algeria
- 🏆 Best For: City beach lovers 🏖️, music fans 🎷, laid-back travelers 🧢
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming at Les Andalouses, exploring the clifftop fort, catching live music in town
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for hot beach weather ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Le Méridien Oran Hotel – Chic hotel with panoramic sea views, a large pool, and easy access to Oran’s waterfront
Oran Beach blends Mediterranean beauty with city energy. Unlike quieter coastal towns, Oran gives you a dose of beach time with cafes, clubs, and history just minutes away. Les Andalouses is the most popular stretch of sand—its turquoise waters and long shoreline make it perfect for swimming or lounging with friends.
The city behind the beach has a strong musical soul. Rai music, born in Oran, fills the streets and cafés. You can explore the old Spanish Fort of Santa Cruz during the day and find live performances at night. The energy here is more youthful, with locals always ready to hang out or share a meal.
It’s not just about relaxing by the sea. Oran Beach is for those who want a bit of everything: sun, culture, and a good beat in the background. Bring a speaker, grab a snack, and join the vibe.
10. Sahara Desert
- 📍 Location: Central and southern Algeria
- 🏆 Best For: Adventure travelers 🐪, nature photographers 📸, stargazers 🌌
- 📸 Top Experiences: Camel trekking across dunes, camping under the stars, visiting Timimoun’s red oasis
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for cooler, more comfortable conditions 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Gourara – Comfortable desert hotel with views of red dunes
The Sahara Desert in Algeria is vast, powerful, and impossible to forget. Endless dunes, shifting sands, and pink-orange sunsets make it feel like another planet. This is the kind of place where time slows down and your only plan is to follow the breeze and the stars.
Camel treks through the Grand Erg Occidental are a classic way to explore the area. Local guides will take you past ancient caravan routes and into oases where palm trees and wells still serve desert communities. The silence of the desert is so deep, it becomes its own kind of music.
At night, the stars come alive. With zero light pollution, the sky looks endless. Timimoun, known for its red earth and traditional architecture, makes the perfect base for desert adventures. Whether it’s your first time in the Sahara or your fifth, the landscape always finds a way to surprise you.
11. Tassili n’Ajjer
- 📍 Location: Southeastern Algeria, near Djanet
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, ancient art lovers 🖼️, desert adventurers 🏜️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring prehistoric rock art, hiking through eroded rock forests, camping in desert caves
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for clear skies and mild desert temps 🌄
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Safari Algeria Camp – A rustic desert camp just minutes from Tassili n’Ajjer and the Oasis of Djanet
Tassili n’Ajjer is one of the most surreal places on Earth. Its lunar landscapes, twisted rock arches, and deep canyons stretch across a massive sandstone plateau. What sets it apart is its incredible collection of prehistoric rock art, which are thousands of paintings and carvings that tell stories from over 10,000 years ago.
Reaching it takes effort, but the payoff is huge. Guided hikes will take you past formations that look like they belong on another planet. Some trails lead to natural rock shelters where you can sleep under the stars. The silence and scale of it all makes you feel like a dot in deep time.
This national park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you’re trekking for days or exploring shorter routes, every path reveals something new. It’s a raw, powerful place that stays with you long after the dust settles on your boots.
12. Timimoun
- 📍 Location: Adrar Province, southwestern Algeria
- 🏆 Best For: Oasis lovers 🌴, architecture fans 🧱, off-the-grid explorers 🧭
- 📸 Top Experiences: Wandering red-mud ksars, sunset dune walks, exploring palm-filled gorges
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February for cooler desert weather 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Dar Agham Akbou – Charming guesthouse with terrace
Timimoun feels like something out of a painting. Red earth buildings, framed by glowing sand dunes and endless palm groves, give the town a distinct and warm aesthetic. It’s often called the “Red Oasis” for good reason. Everything here glows when the sun hits just right.
The ksars (fortified villages) and traditional homes are built from local mudbrick and hold centuries of desert history. You can walk through narrow alleyways, sip mint tea with locals, and shop for woven carpets or spices in the market. It’s a quiet town, but the landscapes around it are dramatic.
One of the highlights is simply watching the sun go down over the dunes. The light changes every few minutes, painting the desert in oranges and purples. Timimoun gives you that peaceful, grounded feeling that’s hard to find anywhere else.
