Country Information

• Algiers, the capital, has been a port since Roman times and many impressive ruins can still be seen, such as those at Djemila and Timgad, which are all in good condition because of the dry desert climate. Although commercialised by the French in the mid 19th century, Algiers still has a Maghreb feel to it, with many zig-zag alleyways, mosques, a casbah, medersas (study houses) and the beautiful Turkish houses and palaces much admired by Le Corbusier.

• Within easy reach of Algiers along the coast, Tipasa has exceptional Roman, Punic and Christian ruins, and a Numidian mausoleum.

• The Chiffa Gorges and Kabylia in the mountains provide more rural scenery. Fig and olive groves in summer become ski resorts in the winter.

• The western coast around Oran, Algeria’s second city, has historic remains and mosques.

• Tlemcen was an important imperial city from the 12th to 16th centuries. It stands in the wooded foothills of the Tellian Atlas and is a pleasant retreat from the stifling heat of high summer. Sights include the Grand Mosque, the Mansourah Fortress and the Almohad ramparts.

• Constantine, to the east, is a natural citadel lying across the River Rhumnel. Founded by the Carthaginians, who called it Cirta, it is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Algeria. Sights include the Ahmed Bey Palace (one of the most picturesque in the Maghreb) and the Djamma el-Kebir Mosque.

• In the east of the M’Zab region is Ouargla, referred to as ’the golden key to the desert’. This town is well worth visiting for its malekite (an Islamic sect) minaret overlooking an expansive landscape.

• Deeper into the south lies the town of El Goléa, referred to as ‘the pearl of the desert’ or ‘the enchanted oasis’ because of its luxuriant vegetation and abundant water. The town is dominated by an old ksar (fort), whose ruins are well preserved.

• Further south are the Hoggar Mountains, an impressive, jagged range reaching as far as Libya and surrounded by desert on all sides. It consists of a plateau made of volcanic rock. Eroded cliffs and granite needles form fascinating shapes in pink, blue or black basalt. At the top of the Assekreu nestles the famous refuge of Charles de Foucault at 2,800m (9,259ft). Mount Tahat, which belongs to the Atakor Massif, can be seen in the distance, reaching 3,000m (9,921ft) at its highest point.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.