Discover Algeria, in depth
From the rock art of the Tassili to the Roman cities of the north and the oasis towns of the M'Zab — our in-depth guide to the largest country in Africa, by the team that takes you there.
Algeria, mapped for travellers
Algeria is the largest country in Africa and one of the least-travelled in the Mediterranean: seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the best-preserved Roman cities anywhere, the oasis worlds of the M'Zab and the Souf, the Kabyle mountains, a long Mediterranean coast and a Sahara that fills four-fifths of the map — spread across 58 states. This is our in-depth country guide: the regions, civilisations and practicalities in one place, so you understand Algeria before you go. For who we are and how we operate, see About Algeria Compass.
Where to go
Algiers
Algiers (El Djazaïr) is Algeria's capital and largest city — a Mediterranean port famous for its UNESCO-listed Ottoman Casbah, white tiered waterfront, French-colonial boulevards, the vast new Great Mosque of Algiers, and grand monuments like Notre-Dame d'Afrique and the Maqam Echahid. It's the country's main gateway and a city best explored on foot, with a guide for the Casbah.
Annaba
Annaba is a Mediterranean port city in the far north-east of Algeria, near the Tunisian border. Built beside the ancient Roman city of Hippo Regius — where Saint Augustine was bishop — it is known for the hilltop Basilica of St Augustine, the ruins of Hippo, a string of turquoise coves and beaches below the wooded Edough massif, and a lively seafront and old centre.
Batna
Batna is a highland state in eastern Algeria, the gateway to the Aurès mountains and the Chaoui Amazigh heartland. Its headline sight is the UNESCO Roman city of Timgad — the most complete Roman grid-city anywhere — alongside the ancient mausoleum of Imedghassen and the dramatic gorges and cedar forests of the Aurès.
Ways to travel Algeria
Curated multi-day itineraries that show how the country fits together — from Saharan expeditions to the Roman north-east.
The Andalusian Kingdom Journey
Five days through Algeria's Hispano-Moorish west — Tlemcen, Oran and the legacy of Muslim Spain.
Bou Saada Oasis Escape
Two days in the City of Happiness — a palm oasis on the edge of the Sahara, ochre gorges, an old ksar, and the light that drew painters south.
City of Bridges Expedition
Four days through Algeria's dramatic north-east — Constantine's gorge, Ottoman palaces and Roman echoes.
Read & understand
Is Algeria Safe in 2026? An Evidence-Based Guide
A calm, evidence-based look at safety in Algeria: crime, road and desert risks, women and family travel, regional differences, scams, emergencies and what official advisories actually say.
Getting Around Algeria: The Complete Transportation Guide
How to move around Africa's largest country: domestic flights, trains, buses, shared taxis, trams, private drivers and desert 4x4 — with routes, travel times, costs and booking advice.
Algeria Visa Guide (2026): Types, Documents, Process
Who needs a visa for Algeria, which type to apply for, the documents and fees involved, processing times, the special case of the far-south desert, and how to avoid the common reasons for refusal.
Planning a trip to Algeria?
Algeria Compass is a licensed Algerian tour operator. Tell us your dates and interests and we will craft your private, guided tour across Algeria.
Plan a journey →