Imagine a country with Roman ruins rivalling Italy’s, vast Saharan landscapes, and cities where French colonial architecture meets ancient medinas. Now imagine exploring it all with barely another tourist in sight. This is Algeria, Africa’s largest nation and perhaps its most misunderstood destination.
The country remains less-explored, thanks to a restrictive visa policy, limited tourist infrastructure, and a lingering perception of security issues. Yet, for the intrepid traveller willing to navigate the initial hurdles, the reward is an authentic and profoundly welcoming experience.
The primary challenge is the visa process, which can be a bit of a trial. While simpler than in the past, it demands meticulous preparation. A key requirement is providing confirmed hotel bookings for every single night of the stay, making early research into algeria hotels an essential first step.
Applicants must also submit bank statements, employment letters, and travel insurance. Some embassies may even request photocopies of every page of the passport in duplicate. The entire process can take over a month, and the visa’s validity will be tightly fixed to the submitted itinerary.
A common strategy is to apply using an itinerary focused on northern cities, where independent travel is fully permitted, and later adjust plans to include incredible destinations like Ghardaia.
Once the visa is secured, the next crucial step is financial planning. The prevailing advice is to bring the entire trip budget in euros or US dollars and exchange it locally. The difference between the official bank rate and the informal market is staggering; the official rate might be 149 dinars per euro, while the alternative market can offer up to 252. Using foreign cards is often impractical due to unfavourable exchange rates and unreliable ATMs.
With cash, however, Algeria becomes very affordable. Excluding flights and accommodation, a couple can easily spend less than thirty euros a day. Decent hotels typically start around thirty euros per night, often including breakfast.
Navigating the country is an adventure in itself. For long distances, domestic flights are inexpensive, but passengers should be prepared for significant delays. For more flexibility, shared taxis are the easiest and fastest option for inter-city travel, operating on good roads and requiring no advance booking. Within cities, ride-hailing apps work remarkably well. For those with time, trains are an option, though they are notoriously slow.
A well-paced itinerary reveals Algeria’s incredible diversity in just under two weeks. The journey often begins in the capital, Algiers, where wandering the labyrinthine alleys of the ancient Casbah is essential. From there, a trip to Oran reveals a faded elegance that has earned it the nickname “Little Paris,” best appreciated from the heights of the Fort of Santa Cruz. The journey south to Ghardaia is a highlight, introducing travellers to the unique pentapolis of the M’zab Valley.
Here, guides are required to enter the ancient, fortified towns, but are easily arranged at the entrance for a small fee. The final stop is often Constantine, the “City of Bridges,” which serves as a perfect base for unforgettable day trips.
| Destination | Key Experience | Practical Tip |
| Algiers | Exploring the historic Casbah | Museum information is typically only in Arabic and French |
| Oran | City views from Fort of Santa Cruz | Take the cable car up and a taxi down |
| Ghardaia | Touring the Mozabite towns | Guides cost 250-500 dinar and are mandatory |
| Constantine | Day trips to Roman ruins | A private taxi to Timgad or Djemila costs 7000-8000 dinar |
The greatest takeaway for many visitors is not the monuments, but the people. Travellers consistently report encountering minimal hassles and no scams. Quite the opposite, Algerians are frequently described as super friendly and kind. This warmth, combined with the sheer scale and history of the country, makes navigating the initial bureaucratic efforts worthwhile.
For those seeking a destination far from the well-trodden tourist trail, Algeria offers a unique and deeply rewarding adventure.