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The 15 Best Places to Visit in Algeria in 2026

What to see in Algeria in 2026: 15 must-visit places from the Mediterranean coast to the Sahara, with driving distances from Algiers and tips for getting around by car.

By The Best Cars team 3 min readUpdated June 14, 2026

Algeria, the largest country in Africa, packs in landscapes few destinations can match: 1,600 km of Mediterranean coast, seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a Sahara covering more than 80% of the territory. Here are 15 must-visit places in Algeria in 2026, from the coast to the oases, with approximate distances from Algiers to help you plan your route.

Algiers and around

  1. The Casbah of Algiers — a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, this Ottoman medina cascades down to the bay with stepped alleys, palaces and mosques.
  2. Notre-Dame d'Afrique — a 19th-century basilica perched above the sea, minutes from the centre.
  3. Maqam Echahid (Martyrs' Memorial) and the Jardin d'Essai du Hamma, one of the finest botanical gardens in the Mediterranean.
  4. Tipaza — about 70 km west, seaside Roman ruins listed by UNESCO, perfect for a day trip.

For the capital in detail, read our guide visiting Algiers.

The coast and Kabylie

  1. Béjaïa and Cap Carbon — about 230 km east, a dramatic bay and one of the highest natural lighthouses in the world (set on a cliff at ~220 m).
  2. The Jijel corniche — cliffs, turquoise coves and sea caves on one of the country's most beautiful coastal roads.
  3. Djurdjura National Park (Tikjda) — mountains, cedars and winter snow in the heart of Kabylie.

Eastern cities

  1. Constantine, the "city of suspended bridges," clinging to the Rhumel gorges (≈ 430 km).
  2. Djémila (Cuicul) and Timgad — two of the world's finest Roman sites, both UNESCO-listed.
  3. Annaba and the Saint Augustine Basilica, near the beaches of Séraïdi.

The west

  1. Oran — seafront, the Santa Cruz fort and the home of raï music; the city features in the New York Times' 2026 list of places to go.
  2. Tlemcen, the "pearl of the Maghreb," a jewel of Andalusian-Moorish art.

The Sahara

  1. Ghardaïa and the M'Zab Valley — a UNESCO-listed group of five ancient cities (≈ 600 km), reachable by road.
  2. Taghit and Timimoun — ochre dunes, oases and ksour of the Saoura, among the most photogenic in the desert.
  3. Tassili n'Ajjer and the Hoggar — prehistoric rock art and lunar landscapes around Djanet and Tamanrasset. Important: these regions are reached by plane and then by 4x4 with a licensed guide, which is mandatory in the deep south.

Distances from Algiers

DestinationApprox. distance from AlgiersAccess
Tipaza70 kmCar (day trip)
Béjaïa230 kmCar
Constantine430 kmCar (A1)
Oran430 kmCar (A1)
Ghardaïa600 kmSUV / 4x4
Djanet (Tassili)—Plane + guided 4x4

Planning your trip

The north and high plains are easy to explore by car thanks to the East-West Highway (A1). A sedan or SUV is enough for most itineraries; for the drivable south (Ghardaïa, Taghit), choose an SUV or 4x4. Compare available models and book online on our car rental page, with pickup available at Algiers airport and our offices.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best place to visit in Algeria?

It depends on the season. For the coast, Tipaza and the Kabylie corniche (Béjaïa, Jijel) are unbeatable in summer. For culture, the Casbah of Algiers and the Roman ruins of Djémila and Timgad. For the desert, the M'Zab Valley (Ghardaïa) and Tassili n'Ajjer are among the most spectacular on Earth.

Can you explore Algeria by rental car?

Yes, for the north and the high plains: the East-West Highway (A1) links Algiers to Oran, Constantine and Annaba. The drivable Sahara (Ghardaïa, Taghit, Timimoun) is best done in an SUV or 4x4. However, Djanet and Tassili n'Ajjer are reached by plane and then by 4x4 with a licensed guide, which is mandatory in the deep south.

How many days do you need to visit Algeria?

Allow 7 to 10 days for a coastal loop Algiers–Béjaïa–Constantine, plus 4 to 5 days to add a Saharan leg via Ghardaïa. As the largest country in Africa, Algeria rewards picking one region rather than trying to see everything.

When is the best time to visit Algeria?

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer the best weather everywhere. The coast shines in summer (July–August), while the Sahara is best from October to April when temperatures are comfortable.

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Written by

The Best Cars team

The editorial team at Best Cars, a car rental agency based at Algiers airport (Houari Boumediene), in Dar El Beïda.

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