North Africa - Cities in Algeria
5 Major Cities: Algiers, Oran, Bijaya, Constantine, Setif
Algeria may not always be the safest place but with a local guide, travelers can experience the magic of the desert and the wonder of interesting North African cities.
Where is Algeria?
Algeria is in Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Nearly four times the size of Texas, Algeria is bordered on the west by Morocco and Western Sahara and on the east by Tunisia and Libya. The Sahara desert region, which makes up 85 percent of the country, is almost completely uninhabited.
It’s just over two hours by plane from London to Algeria. The main airports in Algeria are:
- Algiers
- Constantine
- Annaba
- Oran.
Travel and Accommodation in Algeria
Travel in Algeria takes place mostly by car and bus and the country can either be accessed by road, air or sea. Travelers should make sure they get a car with aircon that can handle rough surfaces if they are going to the desert.
Bed and Breakfasts, hotels, guest houses and self-catering accommodation can be found with prices varying according to service and location. Accommodation in is generally reasonable especially in the major cities in Algeria.
The working week is from Saturday to Thursday like in most Islamic countries. Credit cards are not much use here; cash is a better option.
Algiers – Capital City of Algeria
Algiers with a population of over three million is the largest city in Algeria and is located on the Mediterranean coast, set against forested mountains and overlooking a bay. Read more about Algiers.
Other major cities in Algeria including Oran:
- Oran: With a population of approximately 800,000, cosmopolitan Oran is Algeria's second largest city and one of the country's busiest ports as well as being a major trading and industrial center. Albert Camus was born in Oran and used the city as the setting for the, The Plague and The Stranger. French fashion guru Yves Saint Laurent was also born in Oran.
- Annaba: The eastern port city of Annaba is the third largest city in Algeria and an important industrial and shipping center.
- Bijaya: A center of Algeria's recently-developed petrochemical industry, Bijaya is an important regional town located on the sea at the base of Gouraya mountain.
- Constantine: Constantine is one of Algeria's principal cities. It is spectacularly set upon a stone mountain overlooking the spectacular Rhumel Gorge which is spanned by four bridges. Constantine, remains a city with strong Islamic traditions.
- Sétif: Sétif has existed since Roman times and is located at an elevation of 1,100m.
- Tlemcen: Located 170 miles from Oran, Tlemcen is one of Algeria's great Islamic cities. The city is set amidst olive groves and vineyards in one of Algeria's most beautiful regions.
The Sahara Desert - Ghandia hub of M'Zub
Then there is the Sahara desert. Towns like Beni-Isguen, Ghardaia and Melika are great to explore. (Beni Isguen is a religious town – travelers have to be accompanied by a guide). Ghardaia, the hub of the M’Zab has good tourist facilities and is the main center for carpets (rugs).
The Sahara Desert is the home of beautiful natural 'masterpieces' like the Desert Rose.
Visitors who travel to Algeria and only visit the major cities like Algiers and Oran, are often not aware of the smaller, cultural and traditional towns that are located off the beaten track. One these destinations is In Salah, situated in the heart of the desert, and once a flourishing outpost for Trans-Saharan caravans. This magnificent oasis has an estimated population of 35 thousand residents. But its name means salty water so bring plenty of your own fresh water along. Tamanrasset. Known locally as Tamanghest is the center of the Hoggar region and is a place where Trans-Saharan travelers stop over.
Lonely Planet Advises: In the desert regions of the south of Algeria tourists are strongly advised to travel with a reputable tourist agency. It is compulsory for self-drive tourists to be accompanied by an Algerian guide.
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