TRAVEL TIPS
ALGERIA
OVERVIEW VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES WHERE COMPRAS TO STAY ONDE WHERE FICAR TO EAT ONDE SHOPPING COMER
OVERVIEW What comes to your mind when you think about
population, are engaged to the agriculture and
Algeria? Certainly you think about petroleum,
the cattle creation, while the Berbers work
natural gas and archaeological sites. Located
with the trade of wooden handicrafts and
in the north region of Africa, the country has
woven blankets.
boundaries with Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. Its desert is one of the
The Algerian population is really young: 40%
biggest attractions and it is visited by tourists
are younger than 15 and 30% are between
the whole year. The paradisiacal beaches in the
15 and 25 years old. Recent studies ensure
Mediterranean, the plateaus and the oasis are
that the number of habitants will double in 30
an invitation a adventure time.
years from now, reaching 60 million people. In Algeria the women have an active role when
The country is the second largest in extension
considered the Islamic world Standards. The
in Africa and most part of its area is occupied
Algerian women do not wear veils but men
by the Sahara Desert. Algeria is divided into
usually wear a blue or white turban wrapped
four parts: the High Plateaus, the Saharan
in the head. In general, the population is very
Atlas, the coastal chains from the Tell Atlas and
welcoming and enjoys a lot when the tourists
the desertic region.
try their recipes.
Most part of its population lives in the north of
Most of the Algerian Muslims follow the
the country and is comprised by Arabs, Berbers
Sunni Islam and Christian witnesses are not
and Arabized Berbers. The Arabs, proceeded
allowed. The Government, however, is trying
from historical invasions, live in the cities. The
to keep Algeria as a moderate Islamic country
Arabized Berbers, the oldest group from the
while Fundamentalists want the complete
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS ALGERIA
structuration of na more severe Islamic state.
The Islamic calendar is eleven days shorter than
Historians believe that in a near future the
the occidental one, so that the holidays are
country will be able to establish a peace
celebrated eleven days before. If you want to
agreement with the rebels and even if they do
have a fantastic experience in Algeria the tip is to
not eliminate all the conflicts, most part of it will be ended. The best time to visit Algeria is during the spring. On the Mediterranean coast the temperatures during the day are around 17 degrees in March and 23 degrees in May. In June it does not rain so often. During the summer the temperatures are high in the role country, especially in the south where the climate is
visit the country during the Ramadan. During this time of the year the population has to abstain from food and drink during the day and from sex during 30 days. At night some dishes are liberated and each one of them has a symbolic meaning. But do not worry! The tourists do not need to follow this ritual. In the last abstinence day, around 8pm, the Government announces with prays through television and radio the first meal of the day and from then on the Algerians can eat normally.
dryer and warmer. The cities close to the sea are refreshed by the wind. In the desert the
The celebrations start shortly after the
temperature falls considerably at night.
announcements and extends until dawn. The streets are full of people watching to artistic
TRANSPORT AIRPLANE Airline companies from all over the world offer flights to the airport from Algiers, located 20km away from downtown. The airplane tickets for domestic flights are really accessible, that is why many Algerians use the airplane so often.
TRAIN A nice way to discover Algeria is by travelling by train. The main cities from the North are linked by a railway line and the most important train stations are in Algiers and in Constantine.
CAR To rent a car it is necessary to make a compulsory insurance in Algiers. There are different insurance options and most of them have na affordable price. performances, walking through the trade and buying ice cream. Bars and alcoholic beverages
BUS
are not so common over there. During the
The most important bus line in Algeria is the
Ramadan the women celebrate it inside of
SNTV. All the cities have at least an agency
their own houses among themselves. They
where people can buy the tickets. The service
enjoy wearing colorful and shiny clothes
is really fast and comfortable. During the
with lots of jewelry. During the Ramadan
summer it is recommended to buy the tickets
the marriages are suspended and the couple
at least with 24 hours of advantage because
needs to sleep in separate rooms. What may
the bus service is very popular.
seem for the Westerns a really strict regime is actually something that the Algerian look for. Other Festivities: The Spring Festivals in the country during March and April are really popular and attract many visitants. In May the its time to enjoy the Tomato Festival and the Cherry Festival. Other important dates are the Carpet Festival and the International Fair in Algiers.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS ALGERIA
ATTRACTIONS
In the northeastern Algerias you will find the old Numidian Kings residence, located at the Canyons of Rhumel. Visiting the November 1st
The best way to enjoy all the tourism options
Square, the Martyrs Square and the Souk Ghezal
from Algeria is by spliting your trip in steps.
Mosque are more relaxed tours. After visiting
Beggining at the central region you can visit the
the cultural centers, the tip is to go to Kabylie,
Alcazaba, a fort located in the historic center of
a part of the Tell Atlas located at the edge of
the country. If you go to the top of the fort you
the Mediterranean Sea. This area is stands out
will admire a horizon with beautiful beaches
for its wonderful landscapes and ruins. Kabylie
and lots of green areas. Many travel agencies
is located close to the Sahara, so if you enjoy
offer this tour with specialized guides and with
challenging and adventurous tours you should
a fair price. Another interesting place to visit
visit a travel agency and book yours.
there is the Martys Square in Algiers. Also the Mosque of the Fishery and the Chaat Market are
On the way to the Sahara, take a look at
nice touristic points to visit. From there you can
the Saharan Atlas and its petroglyphs.
go walking to the Museum of Popular Arts &
After that visit the Taghit, one of the most
Traditions.
beautiful oasis ever seen. A little further,
in Benni Abbes, you will see a 300 meters
the mountains, to walk by the dry bed of the
high dune. Following the route that starts in
rivers and get to the palm plantations. Heading
Timinum and goes until El Golea visitors can
to the south the heat increases and is very
appreciate the roses in the desert, the Ksar
strong even in the winter.
El Menia castle and even get some gifts to bring home like carpets, blankets and robes
Fans of the “Star Wars� movie should visit
in the Priest Foucauld Market. After a pause
the Touring Club bar in Tunisie Marhala,
for shopping, it is time to the stunning ride
located close to the coast. One more episode
through the desert. In the cities of In Salah
was filmed in Chenini, a village built in rocks
and Tamanrasset you will take a ride through
around a mountain and in the top of it there is
the Hoggar muntains and return home
a white mosque.
feeling renewed. It is always good to remember that Algeria is What about a ride on a dromedary? These
conservative when comparing to the western
fascinating animals can be found almost
Standards and tours must be surrounded by extra
everywhere and you will pay only US$50 a
care. Discreet clothing, tied hair, long pants for
day. A tent and food to spend some nights
men and long skirts for women are necessary.
in the desert are also included in the price. However, only one day is enough to discover
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS ALGERIA
WHERE TO STAY
DINING OUT
From luxury hotels to more accessible ones,
The Algerian cuisine is so rich, varied and
all kinds of accommodation are available in
traditional just like its culture. It was enriched
Algeria. The prices are between US$55 and
during the years by other countries around the
US$370, depending on where you want to stay.
Mediterranean.
In Algiers, the capital, is it possible to find all
In the Arab world the main dish is the Couscous,
the large luxury hotel chains located close to
a recipe made with polenta, meat and
the center of the city. The Sheraton Club Des
vegetables. One of the Algerian specialties is
Pins Resorts not only offers casino, spa, sauna
the Burek, a fried filled pastry that can be filled
and conference rooms, but also has a private
with meat, onions and fried eggs. Beyond some
beach. The Sofitel Algiers Hamma Garden is
spices, almost all ingredients used in the recipes
a 5 Stars hotel that counts with three great
are from Algeria. All of this, plus a warm sun,
restaurants: the El Mordjane with typical
results in fruits and vegetables with texture,
Algerian food, the Le Continental specialized in
flavour and quality unmatched. The olive oil
French cuisine and the Le Coffee-Shop with its
is omnipresent in the Algerian cuisine and the
simple and spicy food.
mint green tea is the most traditional beverage.
Close to the center of the city tourists can find
In the capital visitors can find many typical
cheaper accommodation options. In the Hydra
restaurants like the Le Taj Mahal, where the
Hotel you will have a nice environment with
great food and excellent service justify the
Italian and Algerian restaurants.
high price. Another option is the Auberge Du Molin, a nice environment with great decoration and a lovely terrace with flowers for you to enjoy a nice night and delicious food.
SHOPPING As in most Arab countries, the spirit of commerce is everywhere and the bargain is something usual. Every time you go shopping you can try to get a better price. It is also possible to exchange products for personal
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS ALGERIA
objects like cameras, jeans and shoes. In Algier you will find a great variety on stores. The main center of carpets manufacturing and stores is Ghardaia, south of Algier. If you prefer Tuareg objects you van visit Tamanrasset, in the south of the country, where you will find a great variety on items and stores. The stores usually open from 9am to 12pm and from 2:30pm to 7pm. And Thursdays the commerce opens from 8:30am to 12pm because the afternoon is not considered business day anymore.
STREET MARKETS The Algerian handicrafts characterize the national soul and are easily found in the streets. Handcrafted carpets, precious copperware, delicate jewelry, clay pieces, luxurious traditional dresses made with embroideries and leather goods. The local handicrafts are beautiful and enchant all the visitors.
Not everywhere it is possible to pay with credit cards. Just some stores, restaurants and airports have this option available. The authorities also do not allow tourists to leave
In the big cities you will find a lot of
the country with the national currency and
embroidery and jewels to buy. Many of those
they confiscate any sum in Algerian Dinars
handicrafts are arranged in small tents in the
that the travelers may have when leaving the
streets of the capital, Algiers. The streets of
country. So it is important that you spend all
Oued, in the southeast of the capital, are rich
the cash you have while in Algeria or that you
with carpets and handicrafts and during March
exchange it before leaving the country.
and April it takes place the Carpet Festival.
CURRENCY The Dinar is the currency in Algeria. The coins in circulation are: 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dinars. The banknotes are: 100, 200, 500 and 1000 dinars.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
213 014 019
TELEPHONE CODE FIREMEN INFORMATION
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES IN ALGIERS(SAMU)
(0)21 23 50 50 / 23 30 36 ALGIERS LOCAL POLICE
(0)21 74 59 00 / 74 58 00