The 7 essential things to do in Tipaza

Looking for a magical place to spend your holidays in Algeria? Discover the seven must-see in Tipaza.

That is no doubt. Tipaza's breathtaking beauty will dazzle you. Like Albert Camus who wrote u spring, Tipaza is inhabited by gods and gods speak in the sun and the smell of absinthes “You will fall under the charm of this coastal town located only seventy kilometers from Algiers.

Founded by the Phoenicians in the 5th century before Jesus Christ, the city is then a trading counter. It also derives its name from this function, since Tipaza means “the place of passage” or “stop”. Little by little, the port of the city becomes a major trading place for Carthage Phoenicians. It is indeed in Tipaza that the goods from Italy or Greece arrive. Pilated by the vandals, the Roman colony disappears and despite a last attempt by the Byzantines in the 6th century, the city will not find its tedious commercial.

Today Tipaza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts tourists from all over the world every year, seduced by its magnificent archaeological sites, beaches, port and pedestrian streets. Many artists, such as Jacques Simon or Eugène Corneau, have also been inspired by its calm waters and green hills. An ideal destination to find a bit of calm during your trip to Algeria.

Would you like to discover this enchanting seaside resort located on the shores of the Mediterranean? Follow the guide and discover the seven must-see in Tipaza.

1. Le Mausolée Royal de Maurétanie

The Mausolée Royal de Maurétanie , Kbour-er-Roumia in Arabic, wrongly nicknamed the Christian Tomb, is located only ten kilometers from Tipaza. This cylindrical monument of two hundred sixty-one meters high would have been erected at the Numide period. However, the precise date of its construction is not known by historians, who also ignore the exact functions.

For some historians, the Mausolée Royal was built by King Juba II and his wife, Queen Celeopatra Séléné, daughter of the famous Cleopatra and Marc Antoine. These uncertain origins also fuel many legends in the country. With its sixty columns and four seven-metre false doors depicting the four cardinal points, the Mausolée Royal de Maurétanie is undoubtedly one of the must-sees in Tipaza.

2. Roman ruins

Welcome to one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the Maghreb. Dating from the 6th century before Jesus Christ and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, Archaeological Park proposes to discover an ancient city in a breathtaking scenery, surrounded by the sea and Mount Chenoua. Don’t forget your camera!

Walk in the ruins of the imposing amphitheatre, the new temple, Cardo Maximus, the Judean Basilica, the forum, the Baths or the ramparts. Visit the Villa des Fresques and discover the vestiges of the prosperous Tipaza of the 2nd century. The park offers a unique set of Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine and Paleochrean remains. Finally, don’t miss the stele where Albert Camus’ famous words are engraved: “ I understand what is called glory: the right to love without measure ".

3. The Tipaza Museum

Want to prolong the magic of the archaeological park and find out more? Stop at the city museum. Inaugurated in 1955 and built on the plans of the architect Marcel Christofle, this small museum preserves the vestiges discovered on the archaeological sites of Tipaza. You can admire many ancient pottery and glasses, Roman coins and statues or sarcophagi.

4. The Port of Tipaza

Want a break? Visit the picturesque port of the city, a must-see in Tipaza. Lunch in one of the nearby small restaurants or buy a good fresh fish for the evening meal. Don’t hesitate to ask boat owners to take you out to sea. A good time to relax with family or friends.

5. The pedestrian street of the city

A little hollow? Direction the pedestrian street of Tipaza, located in the heart of the archaeological ruins of the city. Many tourists are rushing during the summer holidays, for lunch or simply for strolling. In fact, you will find a multitude of restaurants, including tasty toasts, tea lounges, and even some crêperies. And if you want to bring back some memories in your luggage, stop at the local artisans and brushmakers. You could find beautiful antiques.

6. The Tipaza Library

Take a tour to the Assia Djebar library from Tipaza to admire the magnificent building decorated with mosaic panels, discovered on the archaeological site. It is actually an old church dating from 1877.

7. The beaches of Tipaza

Tipaza and its region have many beaches and beautiful coastal landscapes. You can enjoy the clear waters of the Mediterranean on the Chenoua beach , which begins at the feet of ancient ruins and spreads over nearly two kilometers. It has many fine sandy coves.

Further north, the beach of pines or the blue beaches one and two await you, for relaxing afternoons with family or friends.

For nature lovers, go to the beach El Beldj . Relax on the sand, a must-see in Tipaza.

How do I get to Tipaza?

Algiers by air

Many airlines offer direct flights to Algiers from Paris. Take a little over two hours and about 2 150€ for a ticket on a regular company. In order to get the best prices according to your departure dates, we recommend that you book your flights in advance with a comparison on a typical flight comparator Ulysses .

Algiers by boat

Four shipping companies offer crossings for Algiers from Marseille. You will need between 8 and 22 hours to reach the Algerian capital, depending on the type of boat.

Prices vary depending on days, hours, but also selected options. For example, a return trip made in September 2019 for an adult, without option and without a car, will cost you about €200. To compare prices and get the best rates, go to DirectFerries .

From Algiers to Tipaza

• By car or taxi : From Algiers, take about an hour to get to Tipaza by car or by taxi.
• By bus : for tighter budgets, go to the Algiers bus station. You can take one of the many buses that connect Algiers to Tipaza.
• By train : you can also take the train leaving several times a day from Hussein Dey train station to El Affroun. From there you will have to take a taxi to Tipaza which is about 25 minutes away.

Where to stay in Tipaza?

If you want to enjoy the picturesque atmosphere of the city, the best places for staying in Tipaza are located on the small fishing port or in the streets around the archaeological park. To enjoy the seaside resort, opt for the Matares tourist resort that offers beautiful and spacious villas as well as two hotels with restaurants and swimming pool. Moreover, if you opt for the hotel, think about jaunting prices on a Compare hotels : always useful according to your search criteria. You will have understood, from the hotel to the villa, to the living room, Tipaza is not on the left side to the ground!

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