Algeria

Algeria Flag

Why visit Algeria?

Well known for archaeology, beaches, culture, desert, fortresses, mountainous scenery, skiing and spas.

Aïn Taya Beach, Algiers, Algeria. Photo Credit: SofieLayla Thal/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Ali Baba pants, baskets, brassware, ceramic tiles, copperware, leather goods, pottery, silver jewelry and woven blankets.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bagita (bread). Chorba (soup). Couscous (any meal). Djari (soup). Dolma (stuffed cabbage rolls/vine leaves). Harira (soup). Jwaz (stew). Karantita (chickpea pie). Lobia (stew). Méchoui (grilled lamb). Merguez (sausage). Shakshouka (poached eggs in tomato sauce). Mhajeb (stuffed flat bread). Tchicha (soup).
• Local Drink to Try: Gazouz (soft drink). Green Tea with Mint. Thick Espresso.

Cherchell Lighthouse, Cherchell, Algeria. Photo Credit: Djamel RAMDANI/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Their pop music, Rai a blended mixture of funk, jazz, latin, reggae, rock and reggae. 
  
• During sandstorms, drivers will deflate tires and drive in the opposite direction to oncoming sand. Reinflate after the storm passing.
  
• Economy largely relies on exporting energy.
• Cuisine is often referred to as the "granary of Rome".
  
• From the third school year, French is taught and the language spoken in  science classes. 
  

Assekrem (Hoggar Mountains), Ahaggar National Park, Algeria. Photo Credit: jacqueline macou/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: National Amazigh Film Festival (January), Western Sahara Marathon (February), Ghardaia Carpet Festival (March), Strawberry Festival (March), Marathon des Dunes (April), Sahara International Film Festival (April), Dimajazz Festival (May), European Cultural Festival (May), Festival Internacional de Cine del Sahara (May), National Day (June), S’Biba of Djanet (June), Pan-African Cultural Festival (July), Timgad International Music Festival (July), Festival du Rai d’Oran (August), Festival International Bande Dessinnee dÁlger (August), World Festival of Youth & Students (August), International Festival of Comics (October) and Eid al-Adha (November).
  
• Holidays: Mawlid (January), Muslim New Year (January), Uraza Bairam (May), Eid ul-Fitr (July), Independence Day (July), Qurban Bairam (July), Ashura (August), Eid al-Adha (September), Ashura (October), Islamic New Year (October), Mawlid (October) and  Anniversary of the Revolution (November).

Ancient Roman Ruins, Djémila (Cuicul), Algeria. Photo Credit: dodorosa/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• For safety and security purposes, some travelers opt for Morocco or Tunisia, instead.
• Dinner service usually starts around 8PM. 
  
• Weekends generally starts on Thursday afternoon through Friday.
  
• Women normally do not partake at local village bars or cafes.
• Best to travel with a vetted organized and guided tour group.
  
• Never venture into unknown areas.
  
• Border tension with Morocco.
• Below Western standards is medical care, restaurant sanitizing and tab water.
• Beware of poisonous scorpions and snakes.
• Risks of malaria (south).
• During Ramadan (Holy Month) public drinking, eating, and smoking is prohibited.
• Don't forget to pack your sunscreen.
• Do not photograph military, mosques, people or strategic installations.
  
• Languages spoken in Arabic, Berber and French.
  
• Women should cover arms and legs. In some cities, also cover their heads.
  
• Taxi fares are negotiable. Avoid flagging a street taxi.
  
• Camels are used extensively.
  
• Homosexuality is illegal, public display is punishable up to two years in prison. 
  

Known to have elevated crimes with armed robberies, carjacking and hotel burglaries. 

Sahara Desert, Algeria. Photo Credit: jacqueline macou/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required unless entering on a cruise ship.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry if possess more than 3000 Algerian dinar and upon Exit: Algerian dinars cannot be taken out of the country.

 

Travel Advisory usually suggests to reconsider travel due to terrorism.

• Best Time to Visit: March - November
• Coldest Month: January
• Hottest Months: June - September
• Peak Season: March - May

Timgad (Aurès Mountains), Batna Province, Algeria. Photo Credit: Ma-Ti/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad, Djémila, Kasbah of Algiers, M'Zab Valley, Tassili n'Ajjer, Timgad and Tipasa.

Djurdjura Mountains (Jurjura Range), Kabylie, Algeria. Photo Credit: Kamel Benyoub/Pixabay 

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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.