Algeria

November 23, 2025

22/11/2025

We arrived in Algiers a little ahead of time at just before 7 am in the dark, after a very bumpy night at sea. Today looks like being a bit cool with a forecast maximum of 13 C.

Our berth is right in the city with great views of Algiers. Known as "Alger la Blanche" for its white buildings, when the sun rises it is an imposing sight.

Fishing fleet harbour

Algeria is the largest country in Africa, but 80% of the land area is the Sahara desert, with the bulk of the population living along the Northern coast bordering the Mediterranean Sea. The population is around 47 million, with 99% of the population Muslim. Like most of the neighbouring countries it has being occupied by Numidians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, many Arab dynasties, the Spaniards, and Ottoman Turks. during Ottoman rule, the Barbary Pirates operated here praying on shipping until the French captured Algiers in 1830. French rule was the subject of many atrocities, and Algeria gained independence in 1962 after a bloody 8 year war.

The economy is driven by substantial oil and gas resources, including piping natural gas to Europe. Tourism has not been a priority. Most tourism is local or from neighbouring countries, however, four years ago, the government set out on a strategy to pursue International tourism to diversify the economy.

It has only been partially successful, and the visa process is cumbersome. Tourism infrastructure is also in need of development.

Our tourism experience is a panoramic bus tour through the city, highlighting some of the few attractions. Security is still a big issue in Algeria, given its history of internal conflict. Some reports declare that Algeria is in a State of undeclared Martial Law, most travel advisories advise "Exercise increased caution in Algeria due to terrorism and kidnapping". So with some trepidation we set out on our bus tour, comforted by the fact that we have a police escort, and a number of plain clothes security personnel were always close to our group when we were walking in the streets.

Lined up with our Police escorts ready to explore Algiers

What we were not expecting, was the commentary from our young, highly educated female Muslim guide, whose vitriol against the French was surprising for a country trying to attract tourists. There is little doubt that the French have a lot to answer for in Algeria, but this was not the forum for this level of anger.

Our first stop is the Martyrs Memorial, commemorating those who gave their lives in the bloody war leading up to Algeria ousting the French and gaining independence.

It is an imposing structure, clearly visible from the sea .

Martyrs Memorial

The sculpture represents three palm fronds joining together at the top with a statute at the bottom of each frond representing different groups of Algerians engaged in the Independence battle. The monument was erected in 1982, 20 years after Independence.

Below the monument are two indoor levels. The first level is a museum, which covers the history of the fight for Independence.

Below the museum is a prayer room, where people can go and pray for the martyrs who fought for independence.

The location provides a wonderful vista out over the harbour of Algiers, but unfortunately the viewing platform is not yet complete, so you can get obstructed glimpses.

Back on our bus we are taken through the city streets to to see one of the famous buildings of Algiers, The Post Office, built by the French, in local architectural style, on a Grand scale.

Driving down from the monument to the old city we had great views

Below are a few photos from the bus as we passed through the city on the way to the post office.

Algiers Post Office

Our guide decided she would try to get us permission to have a short walk through the back streets on the way back to our bus, to see a bit of city life. She had to negotiate with the security guys and eventually they escorted us through.

The local vendors seemed pleased to see some international tourists.

It was a very short walk and carefully controlled by the security team, we did see a small group of beggars who broke into a sprint to get away as soon as they saw the police.

Next was a drive past the port and along the coast, past the Kasbah (old town), which was radically changed during French occupation.

Viking Saturn berthed in cruise port

It is a bit windy with light rain as we drive along the ocean front, past the Kasbah.

Whilst Christianity barely exists now in Algeria, this Catholic Church holds a prominent place on the landscape, overlooking the old city and the sea. It is now preserved as a cultural and historical landmark, with Government funding for maintenance.

Basilique Notre - Dame d'Afrique

We cast off at around 5.30 pm and were treated to some different views of the city as we reversed off our berth and turned toward the old city rotating 180 degrees to get our bow toward the harbour entrance. A tug was on standby, but not needed.