Oran

Day Trips

Arrive in Oran and check into your accommodation near the city center. Then head uphill to the Santa Cruz Fortress for panoramic views of the Bay of Oran and the city skyline. Spend time exploring the old ramparts, chapels, and tunnels that date back to the Spanish colonial era.

Descend into the Le Bastion Museum at the base of the fortress to learn about Oran's layered history. Savor a traditional Algerian lunch at a nearby terrace restaurant with Mediterranean views. Wander through the nearby winemaking region of Val Beni Snous to taste local vintages.

Return to the city for dinner at a ramshackle eatery in the old port, sampling fresh seafood and morels. Take an evening stroll along Boulevard de la République, admiring the colonial architecture bathed in golden lights. End the night with mint tea at a cozy café overlooking the water.

Explore the winding alleys of Oran's Old Medina, discovering hidden mosques and boutiques selling traditional textiles. Visit the Great Mosque, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture built in the 18th century. Stop at a street stall for fresh dates and almonds as you mingle with friendly locals.

Head to the Sidi El Houari neighborhood, the oldest district in Oran, and admire its whitewashed houses and ornate doorways. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a family-run restaurant, tasting specialties like mashrout and mechoui. Spend time visiting the Sidi El Houari Mosque and its tranquil courtyard.

As the sun sets, relax in a rooftop café overlooking Place du 1er Novembre, enjoying coffee and baklava. Listen to the call to prayer and watch the city lights flicker on across the bay. Conclude the evening with a gentle walk along the seafront boulevard.

Drive out to Mers El Kebir, the historic naval base just west of Oran, and wander among the colossal warships docked in the harbor. Visit the Naval History Museum to learn about Algeria's maritime past, admiring maps, models, and naval artifacts. Enjoy the salty sea breeze as you stroll along the quays.

Dine at a waterfront café serving grilled fish caught earlier that day. Then board a short boat tour to explore nearby hidden coves and sea caves. Snap photos of the craggy coastline and turquoise water before returning to shore.

Return to Oran and relax at La Madrague beach club with a refreshing drink in hand. Watch the sunset paint the sky in pink and orange hues over the Mediterranean. Cap off the night with live music at a local bar near Place du 1er Novembre.

Make an early start to reach Madagh Beach, known for its powdery sand and clear waters. Settle under a straw parasol and take in the tranquil ambiance as fishermen cast their nets. Swim in the refreshing sea or simply lounge with a good book.

Enjoy a seaside picnic of freshly baked baguettes, brik pastries, and cool lemonade. Hike along the shoreline towards Cap Falcon, where dramatic cliffs drop into the ocean. Discover limestone formations and secluded coves away from the usual crowds.

Return to Oran just in time for dinner at a beachfront restaurant, sampling fresh seabream and saffron rice. Relax under the stars, accompanied by the gentle rhythm of the waves. Head to a seaside lounge for Moroccan mint tea and light conversation.

Travel south to the Val Beni Snous region, famed for its vineyards and picturesque harbor. Tour a boutique winery, learning about traditional Algerian winemaking techniques. Sample crisp white and light red wines paired with artisanal cheeses.

Have lunch at a rustic vineyard estate, enjoying farm-to-table dishes like grilled lamb and fresh salads. Stroll through the grapevines, admiring the rolling hills and distant mountains. Chat with local growers about their sustainable farming practices and seasonal harvest.

Head back to Oran and freshen up for dinner in the Saha neighborhood. Savor a fusion menu of Mediterranean and North African flavors at an intimate bistro. End the evening with a glass of local rosé on a moonlit terrace.

Drive to the peninsula of Les Andalouses, stopping at the Grotte de Beni Boussaid, a dramatic sea cave carved into the limestone cliffs. Explore the echoing chambers and marvel at the shafts of light filtering through hidden openings. Capture photos of the jagged rock formations and crystalline water below.

Enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch in the fishing village of Les Andalouses by the water's edge. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to glide along the rugged coastline, discovering secret beaches accessible only by boat. Bask in the warm sun and the solitude of this unspoiled stretch of Mediterranean coast.

Return to the city, dropping by the bustling Place des Victoires for a sweet almond pastry. Have dinner at a rooftop restaurant near the cathedral, sampling tagine and couscous enriched with local spices. Afterward, join a group for live Sufi music in a tucked-away courtyard.

Travel west to Aïn El Turk, a lively beachfront suburb known for its palm-lined promenade. Enjoy a sunrise yoga session on the sand or a refreshing swim in the calm bay. Walk along the jetty, greeting early-morning fishermen unloading their catch.

Feast on a seafood platter at a boardwalk restaurant, featuring calamari, prawns, and oysters. Lounge under a cabana or rent a sunbed, taking in the laid-back atmosphere and gentle sea breezes. Explore the local market selling woven baskets and colorful textiles.

Return to Oran for sunset cocktails at a chic seaside lounge. Dine at a modern brasserie in the port area, sipping signature cocktails and sampling tapas-like mezze. End the evening with a late-night stroll along the water, enjoying the cool night air.

Embark on a day trip to Tlemcen, an hour and a half drive from Oran, passing olive groves and rolling hills. First stop at the ancient Mansourah ruins, climbing the tower for sweeping views of the city below. Wander among the crumbling walls and imagine the sultanate's former glory.

Enjoy a traditional lunch of chakhchoukha and local rice dishes in a family-run home. Visit the Great Mosque of Tlemcen and the nearby madrasa, admiring intricate zellij tilework and carved wood ceilings. Browse artisans' stalls selling Berber rugs and leather goods in the historic bazaar.

Return to Oran and refresh before dinner at a trendy gastro pub. Savor French-Algerian fusion dishes accompanied by local craft beers. Close out the night with a late screening at Cinéma Le Botanique or live jazz at a speakeasy bar.

Depart early for Mascara, famous for its olive oil and elegant Ottoman-era architecture. Explore the winding streets lined with colonial-era buildings and visit the elegant Djamaa el-Kebir mosque. Stop at a roadside stand for fresh olives and sweet pastries.

Dine on couscous aux sept légumes at a local eatery known for its family recipes. Pay a visit to the Musée Ferhat Abbas, dedicated to Algeria’s independence leader, and learn about the region's role in history. Wander through the olive groves to meet producers pressing fresh oil on traditional stone mills.

Return to Oran and have dinner at a Mediterranean fusion restaurant on Avenue Pasteur. Sip mint tea and nibble on makroud, a semolina date pastry, while watching live darbuka drumming. End the evening with a stroll along Place du 1er Novembre, enjoying the cool night air.

Spend your final morning strolling through the bustling Central Market, sampling olives, cheeses, and fresh spices. Chat with vendors and pick up souvenirs like rosewater, jasmine soap, and handmade ceramics. Savor a steaming cup of thick Algerian coffee as you watch the morning rush.

Board a traditional wooden dhow for a relaxed harbor cruise around Oran Bay. Sail past the downtown skyline, the Santa Cruz Fortress, and the coastal hills beyond. Enjoy a light lunch of grilled sardines and crisp salad on deck.

Disembark for one last dinner at a rooftop terrace overlooking the sea. Indulge in fine Algerian cuisine—slow-cooked mechoui and honeyed pastries—and reflect on your Oran adventure. Toast with local boukha brandy to new friendships and unforgettable memories.