Take the ferry to Algeria and explore the largest country in Africa with a complex history, rich cultural heritage influenced by Arab and Berber traditions!
Algeria is a place with many influences from different cultures that influenced it over the years such as the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Vandals, the Greeks and the Turks. However, culturally, Algeria is characterized by its Islamic heritage as it was significantly shaped by Arab Muslim migrations and influences many aspects of daily life, including customs, traditions, art forms such as music (Raï) and literature.
Algeria is geographically located in the Maghreb region of North Africa and borders Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Western Sahara and Morocco while having a northern coastline along the Mediterranean Sea.
The capital is Algiers, with the majority of Algerians being Arabs or Berbers (Amazig), with Arabic and Tamazight being the official languages while French is widely used in the media and education, but not as an official language.
Algeria is a unique tourist destination because it offers a unique blend of rich history, unique cultural tapestry, enchanting diverse landscapes and outstanding culture with important archaeological sites, Roman ruins and remnants of various cultures that have influenced it. To all this wonderful puzzle that composes Algeria, we will add its Mediterranean coastline and the vast Sahara desert which certainly makes it fascinating. The traveler will choose Algeria for a travel experience away from mass tourism and will explore its complexity.
What to mention, the local traditions in the bustling bazaars, its lively music scene, its famous dishes like couscous, its many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient Roman ruins at Timgad and Djemila or the historic Casbah—a place of UNESCO—where narrow streets and traditional architecture tell stories of the past.
Algeria is definitely worth a visit for all these exciting reasons!
Ferry connections to Algeria
The ferry connections to Algeria are mainly from France and Spain with access to many of the country's main ports.
Let's look at the main ferry connections to Algeria:
From France to Algeria
- Marseille to Algiers: Usually the route runs once a week with a journey time of around 21 hours
- Marseille to Skikda: One route per week with journey times of around 21 hours
From Spain to Algeria
- Valencia to Mostaganem: With one route per week and a sailing time of approximately 14 hours and 30 minutes
- Almeria to Gazauet: One route per week with journey times of around 8 hours
- Almeria to Oran: One route per week with a sailing time of around 8 hours
Itineraries can vary significantly depending on the season and demand.
Ports in Algeria
Algeria has an important port network with 13 major commercial ports which are essential for its maritime trade.
Let's look in detail at these important Algerian ports:
Port of Algiers
It is the largest and one of the most important ports in Algeria. It acts as a major hub for passenger ships, connecting Algeria to various European destinations. It is very well equipped to handle a large volume of shipping traffic, making it a vital point for both tourism and trade.
Port of Skikda
It is mainly known for its oil exports, however it is also home to ferry services. It acts as an important gateway for passengers traveling to various destinations along the Mediterranean coast. The port's infrastructure supports both merchant shipping and passenger ships, contributing to its overall importance in Algerian maritime transport.
Port of Arzew
It mainly focuses on hydrocarbon exports, but also supports coastal shipping activities. Its facilities are designed to accommodate large vessels, including those used for passenger.
Port of Oran
Located in Western Algeria, it is another major ferry port connecting Algeria with Morocco and other Mediterranean countries. This port has been a commercial and industrial center since the 1960s and plays an important role in facilitating passenger ferries as well as freight. Its strategic location makes it an essential link for travelers heading to and from Europe.
Modes of transportation in Algeria
The modes of transportation in Algeria vary, each suitable for different needs and preferences. Algeria's road network is the densest in Africa with major routes connecting urban centers to smaller towns and even extending into desert areas.
- Driving: In case you choose to drive in Algeria, you should know that you will need either a visitor's permit or a resident's permit. The minimum age to rent a car is 24 years. Roads are generally in good condition, especially those connecting major cities such as Algiers, Oran and Constantine
- Car rentals: Undoubtedly, choosing to rent a car offers greater freedom and convenience to visit urban areas as well as more remote areas. However, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with local driving laws and conditions
- Shared taxis (Louages): It is definitely a faster solution than the buses which are used in northern cities. These shared taxis offer an efficient way to travel short distances and operate on set routes
- Buses: Intercity buses are more common in the north than in the south. Advance ticket purchase is recommended due to limited availability during peak travel times
- Trains: There are regular SNTF train services connecting major cities such as Algiers, Oran, Annaba and Constantina. It is thought that traveling by train is often more comfortable and reliable
- Metro: Algiers has a modern metro system that provides safe and efficient transportation within the capital. Recommended to avoid traffic jams
For more detailed information regarding transportation options in Algeria, please visit Transportation in Algeria.
Highlights worth seeing in Algeria
There are many highlights worth seeing in Algeria, Africa's largest country, with a diverse landscape and a rich mosaic of history, culture and natural beauty.
Let's look at some of the best things to see when visiting this charming country with many charming cities , outstanding architecture , amazing coastlines , lush green landscapes and ancient ruins but also with the main and only attraction of the country which is none other than the Sahara Desert!
- Algiers: The capital of Algeria with a historical charm and unique UNESCO World Heritage sites that combines modernity with historical charm
- Atakor: This plateau is located in Ahaggar National Park with a red-brown arid landscape dotted with hard craggy peaks. The highlight of the plateau is Assekrem peak which in Tuareg language means "the end of the world" and best reflects the view from the top and the rugged harshness of the landscape. Access is possible with your own transport
- Tamanrasset: A modern and vibrant city referred to as 'Tam has many shops, restaurants, banks and various amenities for the visitor
- Oran: Is the second port city of Algeria, very lively with a special beauty character and many historical buildings to explore, such as beautiful mosques, the Casbah and Le Theatre
- Annaba: This city has a natural harbor which handles many of the country's exports, but for travelers, its history and culture, especially the ruins of Hippo Regius, are the main attraction
- Constantine: The city of Constantine's Bridges has a rich history and is famous for the dramatic landscape on the cliff edge above the Rhumel River, offering stunning views from several points, including the Sidi M'Cid bridge
- Ghardaia: Part of the M'zab Valley region and a UNESCO heritage site for its unique architecture and cultural significance to the Ibadite Muslim community. Visitors can explore the traditional markets (souk), mosques and distinctive buildings made from local materials
- Tlemcen: The city is distinguished for its impressive Moorish buildings which can compete in beauty with those of Southern Spain or Morocco. Among the sights that the visitor can see Attractions include the Grand Mosque, the Eiffel Bridge and the waterfalls in the nearby Tlemcen National Park
- Setif: An Algerian city worth visiting for its Roman ruins, while the city's attractions include the central square with its Roman sculptures. Setif is located in the Little Campilli region of Algeria and is over 1,100 meters above sea level
- El Oued: Has the curious nickname "the city of a thousand domes" because of the many domed roofs of its buildings, it is an oasis of a city in an endless sea of sand. It is arguably the best place to buy carpets or affanes (traditional Algerian slippers)
- Djanet: Looks like a Mediterranean city with its white buildings and blue roofs, and is the main city of the Tassili region of Algeria. It is located in an oasis of palm trees with an almost tropical landscape
- Timgad: The ruins of Timgad are one of the most beautiful Roman sites in existence and its perfect preservation has made it a Unesco World Heritage Site
- In Salah: Owes its name to its famous (or perhaps infamous) salt water. The buildings are of Sudanese style and the mosque with the In Salah is slowly being occupied by a moving dune
- Bejaia: Is located on the Mediterranean coastline of Algeria and this is the main attraction of the city for tourists. The city's history has influences from the Vandals, Byzantines and Ottoman Turks; it has a museum with artifacts that betray its turbulent history and an impressive Spanish fortress and the so-called "Monkey Peak", which is home to the endangered Barbary Macaque monkey
- Sahara Desert: Covers much of Algeria's territory with a rugged beauty combined with a cultural richness. It offers unique experiences to the traveler such as hiking with camels through huge sand dunes and exploring oasis towns such as Djanet or Timimoun
