From the lush, fertile mountains of the north to the sprawling sands of the Sahara in the south, Algeria attracts with signature Mediterranean magic. Wander through the streets of the venerable capital of Algiers, as you travel through time and immerse yourself in thousand-year history and influences, before heading to the coast for some R&R by the sand and sea. Whether you’ve come to visit family, see its historical sites, or just visit a new country, Algeria has something for everyone.
Mood: vacation favourites
Visit Algeria: get started
Start your Algeria vacation in the capital of Algiers, with a visit to the historic Casbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering a labyrinth of ancient palaces, narrow streets and opulent mosques. Afterwards, head to Tipasa or Madagh Beach for coastal fun, or visit the picturesque town of Timimoun, sat by a desert oasis. For a walk throughout history, check out Djemila’s well-preserved Roman ruins, Tlemcen’s medieval architecture and citadel, the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania and the five fortified cities of Ghardaïa and the M'Zab Valley. Explore it all with our Algeria resorts, hotels and travel deals.
Algeria travel guide
Destination facts
Language
The official languages are Arabic and Berber, although many speak French, especially in the cities.
When to visit
Spring and fall are great times to visit as crowds are smaller and the weather is mild and ideal for exploring the country.
What to bring back
Traditional Berber handicrafts like pottery, carpets, rugs and silver jewelry are great options filled with symbolic meaning and intricate designs. For culinary souvenirs, look for dried Deglet Nour dates, the Ras el Hanout spice blend, or specialty coffee blended with cardamom and cinnamon.
What to eat
Couscous is often considered the country’s national dish and is served with meat or vegetables like mechoui (grilled lamb) or mesfouf (sweetened with fruits and made with peas and beans). Algeria’s also famous for its desserts, like makroud (almond cookies with orange blossom water), baklava, and zlabia (deep-fried pastry soaked in syrup).
Fun fact
Although Algeria is the largest country in Africa, about 80% of the country is the Sahara Desert, so most of the population lives in the remaining 20%.
Important info
For more information on all necessary documents for travel to Algeria from Canada including visa, taxes and more, check Air Canada’s Travel Requirements page and the Government of Canada’s Travel and Tourism website.