Algiers - Day trips to Roman ruins, mountain air and the coast

Algiers rewards a few days of wandering, but the land around the capital is just as interesting. Within a short drive you can stand among Roman columns above the sea, walk under cedar trees in the Atlas foothills or look out over the plain of the Mitidja from a hilltop.

This guide collects day trips that work well from the capital. They suit travellers who like to see more than one side of a country, and they all make a pleasant change from the city's busy streets.

Tipasa and the Roman coast

Tipasa, a little way west of Algiers along the coast, is the classic excursion. The ancient Roman town spreads across a green headland with the sea on three sides, and its ruins have a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. You can walk between the remains of villas, a basilica, a theatre and old streets, with the water glittering beyond every wall.

• Wear comfortable shoes, since the paths are uneven and often sun-baked.
• Bring a hat and water, because shade is scarce among the stones.
• Allow time for the small harbour, where fishermen's boats rest in the afternoon light.

A royal mausoleum on a hill

On the way towards Tipasa you pass the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, a large round stone tomb that rises from a hilltop and is often called the Tomb of the Christian Woman. It dates from antiquity and is visible from far across the countryside. Even a short stop gives you a sense of how old the layers of history around Algiers are.

Cherchell and its museum

Further along the same coast lies Cherchell, which was once the Roman city of Caesarea and a regional capital. Today it is a quiet town with a museum known for its ancient sculptures and mosaics. It pairs well with Tipasa for travellers who enjoy archaeology and have a full day to spare.

Blida and the mountains of Chréa

South of the capital, the plain gives way to the Blidean Atlas. The town of Blida is known for its orange groves and old gardens, and above it the road climbs into the Chréa National Park. Here the air is cooler, the forests include cedar trees, and in winter the higher ground can even see snow. It is an easy way to escape the heat of summer or to enjoy a walk with a view.

Practical advice for day trips

• Transport: A private driver, a hired car or an organised tour are the most comfortable ways to cover these distances. Ask your accommodation to help arrange one.
• Timing: Leave early, because traffic around the capital builds up during the day.
• Respect: Ask before photographing people, and dress modestly in small towns and villages.
• Planning: Distances are short on the map, but roads can be slow. Choose one or two destinations per day rather than rushing through all of them.

A day beyond the city walls adds depth to any visit to Algiers. Start your trip calmly by sorting out your parking at the departure airport in advance, and the coast and the mountains will be waiting for you when you land.