Algeria is Africa's largest country and one of its most rewarding for adventurous travellers — from the extraordinary Roman ruins of Timgad and Djémila to the vast Saharan landscapes of Taghit and Tassili n'Ajjer, and the vibrant French-Arab culture of Algiers.
Top Algeria Highlights to Visit
Handpicked destinations for the ultimate algeria highlights experience
Tassili n'Ajjer
A UNESCO plateau of prehistoric rock art in the Sahara
Tassili n'Ajjer is one of the world's most extraordinary natural and cultural landscapes — a vast sandstone plateau in the central Sahara containing over 15,000 prehistoric rock paintings and engravings, some dating back 12,000 years. The plateau's eroded rock formations create a surreal landscape of arches, towers, and canyons, while the rock art depicts animals, humans, and scenes from a time when the Sahara was green.
Highlights
- 15,000+ prehistoric rock paintings and engravings
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Extraordinary sandstone rock formations
- Evidence of the Green Sahara — giraffes, hippos, and cattle in the art
- One of the world's great wilderness experiences
Things to Do
- Trek between rock art sites with a local Tuareg guide
- Camp under the Saharan stars
- Photograph the extraordinary rock formations at sunrise
- Learn about the prehistoric Green Sahara from your guide
- Visit the town of Djanet as a base
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
October–March (avoid summer heat)
Recommended Duration
4–7 days (trekking expedition)
Typical Cost
Organised tours from £800 per person including guide, transport, and camping
Travel Tips
- ·A guided tour is mandatory — independent access is not permitted
- ·Fly to Djanet from Algiers
- ·October to March only — summer temperatures are life-threatening
- ·Carry all water — the plateau has no facilities
Nearby Attractions
Algiers Casbah
A UNESCO-listed Ottoman medina above the Mediterranean
The Casbah of Algiers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a dense, labyrinthine Ottoman medina tumbling down a hillside to the Mediterranean. Founded in the 10th century and reaching its peak under Ottoman rule, the Casbah contains mosques, palaces, and traditional houses with ornate interiors. The narrow alleys, the scent of jasmine, and the views over the Bay of Algiers make it one of North Africa's most atmospheric urban experiences.
Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The Ketchaoua Mosque — a stunning Ottoman-French hybrid
- Dar Aziza — a beautifully restored Ottoman palace
- Panoramic views over the Bay of Algiers
- Traditional Algerian architecture and street life
Things to Do
- Hire a local guide to navigate the alleys
- Visit the Ketchaoua Mosque
- Explore Dar Aziza palace
- Photograph the view over the bay from the upper Casbah
- Try Algerian pastries at a traditional café
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
October–April
Recommended Duration
3–4 hours
Typical Cost
Free to explore; guided tours from £15
Travel Tips
- ·A guide is strongly recommended — the Casbah is a maze
- ·Visit in the morning when the light is best
- ·Dress modestly out of respect
- ·The Casbah is undergoing restoration — some areas may be restricted
Nearby Attractions
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