Tipaza: Roman ruins and beaches on Algeria's coast

Why visit Tipaza

Tipaza is the easiest and most rewarding day out from Algiers. In a few hours you see a UNESCO listed Roman town, a mysterious royal tomb and a fishing harbour where lunch is the catch of the day. Stay a night and you can enjoy the ruins in the soft evening light and swim on the nearby beaches.

The Roman ruins

Ancient Tipasa was a Punic trading post that became a Roman colony. The archaeological park, split into an eastern and western site, holds the forum, an amphitheatre, the remains of a great Christian basilica, villas with mosaics, baths and tombs, all scattered on headlands above the water. A stone memorial to Camus stands on the western site with a line from his essay on Tipasa. Bring water and sun protection: there is little shade at midday.

The Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania

On a hill between Tipaza and Algiers stands the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, a huge circular stone tomb often linked to the Berber king Juba II and Cleopatra Selene, daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Locals call it Kbor Er Roumia, the tomb of the Christian woman. Access arrangements change, so check on the day, but the view alone is worth the stop.

Cherchell

Thirty minutes west, Cherchell was the ancient capital Caesarea under Juba II. Its museum holds some of the finest Roman statues and mosaics in Africa, and parts of the old city, the Roman baths and the harbour can be explored.

Beaches and Mount Chenoua

Chenoua beach, Matares and the coves below the mountain are popular in summer with Algerian families. Out of high season the coast is quiet and lovely for walking. Mount Chenoua itself has trails with sea views, best tackled with a local guide.

Food

The little harbour of Tipaza is lined with simple restaurants grilling sardines, sea bream and shrimp. Order the fish of the day, salad and chips, and finish with mint tea.

Getting there

Tipaza is around ninety minutes from central Algiers by road, depending on traffic. Buses leave from Algiers, but many visitors find a taxi hired for the day or an organised tour easier. Leave early in summer to beat both the heat and the traffic on the coast road.

Practical tips

Entry tickets for the archaeological sites are inexpensive and paid in dinars, so bring cash. Opening hours can vary, so check on arrival and avoid late afternoon on Fridays. Dress modestly in town, and keep beachwear for the beach.

Combine Tipaza with Algiers, then head east to Constantine or south to Ghardaia. Use the free trip planner to shape your days.

Who Tipaza suits

Tipaza suits almost everyone: history lovers for the ruins and the museum at Cherchell, families for the beaches and the harbour, and couples for the sunsets over Mount Chenoua. It is also the gentlest possible introduction to Algeria for nervous first-timers, a calm and easy day out from the capital.

A sample day

Leave Algiers early, stop at the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania for the view, then spend the late morning in the archaeological park before the heat builds. Have a long fish lunch at the harbour, drive to Cherchell for the museum in the afternoon, and return along the coast road at sunset.