Algeria, the largest country in Africa, offers a tapestry of landscapes, history, and culture that few destinations can match. From the shimmering Mediterranean coastline to the endless Saharan dunes, every region tells a unique story. This complete Algeria travel itinerary is designed to help you experience the country region by region - so you can soak in its diversity without missing a single highlight. Whether you are a history enthusiast, nature lover, or adventurous explorer, this guide will take you from ancient ruins to modern cities and beyond.

Algiers and the Mediterranean Coast - The Urban Gateway to Algeria

The capital and surrounding coastal towns provide the perfect introduction to Algeria’s character: a mix of French colonial architecture, Islamic heritage, and seaside charm.

Algiers - The White City

Known as Alger la Blanche for its gleaming white buildings overlooking the bay, Algiers is a fascinating blend of Ottoman and French influences.

Casbah of Algiers - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this maze of narrow streets, mosques, and Ottoman palaces offers an authentic immersion into Algerian history.
Notre Dame d'Afrique - A 19th-century basilica with panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
French Colonial Boulevards - Wander through Didouche Mourad Street and admire grand façades and lively cafés.

Tipaza - Roman Glory by the Sea

Just an hour from the capital, Tipaza’s Roman ruins are among Algeria’s most photogenic.

The Ancient Ruins - Amphitheatre, basilicas, and bathhouses are beautifully framed by the turquoise sea.
Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania - An enigmatic stone structure believed to house Berber royalty.

Oran - Algeria’s Musical Heart

Further along the coast lies Oran, a vibrant city known for Raï music, bustling nightlife, and Spanish-style architecture.

Fort Santa Cruz - Perched above the city, offering sweeping coastal views.
Place du 1er Novembre - A historic square surrounded by grand colonial buildings.

Travel Tip: Algiers and the Mediterranean towns are well-connected by domestic flights and buses, making them ideal starting points before heading inland.

The Roman Heartlands - Stepping Back into Antiquity

The fertile Tell region and northern highlands are dotted with remarkably preserved Roman cities, rivaling those in Italy or Tunisia.

Timgad - Africa’s Pompeii

Founded by Emperor Trajan, Timgad is a perfect example of Roman urban planning.

Decumanus Maximus & Cardo - Wide streets lined with columns.
Theatre of Timgad - Still used for performances today.
Library Ruins - A reminder of North Africa’s scholarly past.

Djemila - Beauty in the Mountains

A UNESCO-listed site whose name means “beautiful” in Arabic, Djemila sits at 900m above sea level.

Temple of Septimius Severus - A masterpiece of Roman engineering.
Museum of Djemila - Houses exquisite mosaics from the ruins.

Constantine - The City of Bridges

Although famous for its dramatic ravines and suspension bridges, Constantine also has Roman connections.

Emir Abdelkader Mosque - Showcasing Algeria’s Islamic architecture.
Monument to the Dead - A viewpoint with citywide vistas.

Regional Insight: This is where the past truly comes alive, and in the middle of your journey, it’s the perfect moment to ensure you remain connected for navigation, translation, and sharing your experiences. Using an eSIM for Algeria

by Voye Global means you can move from site to site without hunting for local SIM cards, enjoying instant access to maps, transport schedules, and cultural insights.

The Sahara Gateway - Oasis Towns and Desert Adventures

The transition from northern plateaus to the great Sahara is nothing short of spectacular, and Algeria’s desert towns are steeped in both history and hospitality.

Ghardaïa - The M’zab Valley Jewel

A UNESCO World Heritage oasis town with a unique Ibadi Muslim culture.

Traditional Market - Handmade carpets, dates, and silver jewellery.
Pentagonal Layout - Distinctive urban design of M’zab settlements.

El Oued - The City of a Thousand Domes

Nicknamed for its white-domed rooftops, El Oued lies amid endless dunes.

Palm Groves - Ingeniously irrigated using foggaras (underground channels).
Sand Dune Treks - Sunrise and sunset walks are unforgettable.

Biskra - The Desert’s Green Edge

Known for its sweet deglet nour dates and as a winter retreat.

Ziban Oasis - A lush contrast to the surrounding arid landscapes.
Thermal Springs - Naturally heated waters for relaxation.

Deep Sahara - Timeless Landscapes of the Tuareg

The further south you travel, the deeper you venture into the raw, untouched Sahara, where Tuareg traditions and surreal geology meet.

Tamanrasset - Heart of the Ahaggar Mountains

Mount Tahat - Algeria’s highest peak.
Assekrem Plateau - A mystical landscape immortalised by French missionary Charles de Foucauld.

Djanet - Gateway to Tassili n’Ajjer

This UNESCO-listed national park is a living museum of prehistoric rock art.

Petroglyphs - Depicting giraffes, elephants, and ancient human life.
Martian-Like Rock Formations - Sculpted by millennia of wind erosion.

Desert Expeditions

Multi-day camel treks and 4x4 journeys allow you to sleep under a blanket of stars, far from modern noise.

Travel Note: For remote areas, connectivity can be challenging, but with proper preparation and an international-ready eSIM, you can still send updates, coordinate logistics, or even share that once-in-a-lifetime photo of the Milky Way over the dunes.

Cultural Crossroads - Festivals, Flavours, and Final Notes

No Algerian itinerary is complete without indulging in its cultural richness, from food to festivities.

Algerian Cuisine

Couscous Royale - Served with lamb, vegetables, and chickpeas.
Chakhchoukha - A hearty Berber dish made with torn flatbread and stew.
Makroud - Date-filled semolina pastries, perfect with mint tea.

Music and Festivals

Raï Festival in Oran - Showcasing Algeria’s most famous musical export.
Timgad International Festival - Music and dance among Roman ruins.

Souks and Craftsmanship

Algeria’s markets are a paradise for shoppers seeking traditional rugs, ceramics, and silver jewellery.

Final Thoughts - Building Your Algeria Itinerary

Travelling Algeria region by region allows you to truly appreciate its depth - from Roman ruins to desert dunes, from Mediterranean breezes to Saharan silence. While logistics can be challenging, the rewards are immeasurable: empty archaeological sites, authentic interactions, and landscapes that will stay with you long after you leave.

Whether you begin in Algiers or enter through the southern gateways, this itinerary ensures you see Algeria in its full glory. And with Voye Global’s eSIM for Algeria, you’ll navigate it all smoothly, staying connected wherever the road - or sand - takes you.

From Roman Ruins to Desert Dunes: A Complete Algeria Travel Itinerary