Algeria is the largest country on the African continent and has a brilliantly varied physical and cultural landscape for travellers to explore.  The north of Algeria is mountainous and then the Meditteranean coastline is characterized by charming, historic cities such as Algiers and Constantine.  

Algeria is great for travellers who aren’t afraid to get off the beaten track and there are plenty of ruins and ancient archaeological sites to visit that are free of other tourists. Djemila and Timgad feature some of the best Roman sites in existence and they include fascinating, vast and perfectly preserved Roman towns. You can stroll around in complete peace and take some stunning sunset photographs of these magnificent ruins, that don't feature hundreds of other people!

The port city of Mostagnenem

Mostagnenem is just across from Spain and is the port city that most ferries come into. It is a bustling port city and has a good luxury hotel called AZ Hôtels Zephyr. It features an outdoor pool and indoor spa. Once you've spent the night in Mostaganem, then head out into the country for somewhere more interesting. 

Getting around

It is not a good idea to travel with your own vehicle as non-residents are supposed to travel with an escort.  SNTF run trains from Algiers heading east to Bejaia, Constantine and Annaba and these trains take seven to 10 hours. Heading west, trains head for Oran and take anything between four and six hours. From Oran you can catch another train to Tlemcen, taking around 2½ hours. Additional lines run south from Oran to Béchar and between Constantine to Touggourt. The trains are fairly modern and are generally punctual and at least as fast as road travel. Long-distance buses are run by various regional companies and are usually reasonably comfortable.

Bejaia’s stunning coastline 

We recommend heading east to the coastal town of Bejaia, it has fantastic cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. There are some stunning hikes up to Cap Carbon, a peninsular.  The next day, head towards Constantine but stop off at the archaeological site in Djemila. There should be buses available from travel agencies that take you there. 

Djemila, a UNESCO site 

Djemila is one of the best-preserved Roman Ruins in all of North Africa and the world; Djemila, means Beautiful in Arabic. It has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and there are seven in Algeria. 

Constantine, Algeria’s cultural capital

The next day head to Constantine, probably the most historic and interesting Algerian city. Located along the Rhumel River, which carved out a deep, and almost circular, gorge around an outcrop of rock, creating a natural fortress. It has been occupied since Neolithic times! 

UNESCO Roman ruins in Timgad

The next day, take a bus to the south towards Timgad, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Timgad, is a mountain location, north of the beautiful Aurès massif, lying 480 km south-east of Algiers and 110 km to the south of Constantine. It is one of the best-preserved examples of a Roman military colony, this one was called The Colonia Marciana Traiana Thamugadi, founded in 100 A.D. by Trajan, probably as an encampment for the 3rd Augustan Legion. 

Desert excursions from Djanet

The next must-see landscape in Algeria, is, of course, the Sahara desert. Some of the best desert tours leave from Djanet, which is much further south of Timgad, so will require a flight from Constantine. There are frequent, low-cost flights between Constantine and Djanet, so book ahead of time. The flight will head south over the stunning Tassili N'Ajjer National Park into Djanet, which is an oasis city, and capital of Djanet District. The surrounding landscapes are simply breathtaking and there are many tours available for anything up to 10 day stays in the Sahara aboard a camel, on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle. 

Ferries to Algeria 

Check out the ferries to Algeria on the Netferry website. Let Netferry help you find out more information about getting to Mostagnenem by boat. Our website is full of information on departure times, onboard accommodation and which ferry companies cover your route, along with any other useful information in just a few clicks.

Netferry: find your ferry!