Even with the extensive Sahara, Algeria will surprise you with the lush green meadows, great cities, stunning harbors and a general appeal that is quite rare on this side of the Sahara. Located in North Africa, Algeria is the largest country of the Mediterranean Sea, the second largest in Africa and bordering Tunisia, Libya, Niger and Mali among others. With a large Berber and French influence, Algeria has a population of slightly over 33 million Arabic speaking people.



Getting to Algeria is facilitated by swift air transport. The country's major airports include Algiers (ALG) (Houari Boumedi'ne), Oran (ORN) (Es Senia) and Constantine (CZL) (Ain El Bey). There is also the option of water transport to Algeria with the main ports being Algiers, Anaba, Bejan, Oran and Skida. Getting around Algeria is also facilitated by rail road and air as well. Taxis, coaches and trams are the main transport means around Algeria's cities and towns.

Besides being a port, the capital of Algeria Algiers has much more attractive sights for its visitors. Algiers is full of ancient monuments that include mosques, Turkish houses and palaces. Generally, all areas, cities and towns of Algeria have specific attractions that define them. Algeria's second largest city Oran has numerous historic remains and mosques too. To the south of the country, you will find Hoggar Mountains, a beautiful display of a plateau made of volcanic rock.

There are tonnes of things to do in Algeria. Sight seeing has to be top on your list on your trip to Algeria. Besides the ancient ruins across the country, there are other interesting attractions with numerous national parks around the country. You will have an opportunity to explore Algeria's biodiversity first hand, breathtaking landscapes and a rich natural heritage. National parks in Algeria are diverse, consisting of different ecosystems that include coastal, desert and mountain. El Kala and Taza National Parks are two famous coastal parks while there are numerous mountain parks, about two Parks of Sahara that include Tassili National Park and I'Ahaggar National Park as well as a number of nature reserves.

If art is your preference, Algeria has it in plenty for you. You can visit some of the country's art galleries. Here you will view art in different forms including sculptures, graphics, paintings and craftwork. Museums are also a major attraction and you will find great art there too. The National Gallery of Fine Arts is famous for exquisite art displays from around the world. The National Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions has great artworks too while the Cirta National Museum of Constantine will definitely quench your thirst for fine art.

Algeria's nightlife will offer you great entertainment too. Nightclubs, hotels and restaurants as well as cinemas have plenty to offer. Sample folk dancing performances and Algerian traditional music for an experience of a lifetime. The sumptuous Algerian cuisine also awaits you. You will have an opportunity to sample traditional food that is largely influenced by Berber, Arab, Turkish and French tastes. Brochettes (kebabs) in French bread and coated with spicy sauce, chickpea cakes, sheep and goat meat are some of the popular national dishes while tea, sweet coffee and a variety of red wines are popular national drinks.

You don't have to worry about accommodation in Algeria as there are hotels, apartments, hostels, resorts at the country's coast and camping options. Hotels range from five-star to one ?star, comfortable enough to fit all kinds of budgets.