Annaba, Algeria

Cruises to Annaba

Annaba — the "Pearl of the East" of Algeria and one of the most captivating cruise discoveries in the Mediterranean. This city in the far northeastern corner of Algeria is where 3,000 years of civilisations have woven together: Phoenician merchants, Numidian kings, Roman legions, Vandals, Byzantines, Ottomans and French colonists — all of them left their mark here. Sitting on the shore of the bay that bears its name, with the forested slopes of the Edough Massif rising behind it, Annaba enchants visitors with its turquoise sea, the ruins of ancient Hippo Regius, and the Basilica of Saint Augustine standing proudly on a hilltop above the city. For the cruise traveller, Annaba is a rare chance to touch authentic, unspoiled Africa at the heart of the Mediterranean — a destination the tourist crowds have not yet reached.

📋 Before setting off on a cruise from Annaba or going ashore for a few hours, here is what you need to know:
🇩🇿 Country: People's Democratic Republic of Algeria
📍 Region: Annaba Province (Wilaya of Annaba)
👥 Population: approx. 465,000 residents (greater metropolitan area — over 1 million)
📐 Area: 49 km²
🗣️ Languages: Arabic (official), Tamazight (Berber); French is widely used in business and tourist settings
💵 Currency: Algerian dinar (DZD)
🕐 Time zone: CET (UTC+1) — 2 hours behind Kyiv
☀️ Climate: Mediterranean, with mild winters (+10…+15 °C / 50…59 °F) and hot, dry summers (+27…+32 °C / 81…90 °F)
✈️ Nearest airport: Rabah Bitat Airport (AAE) — 12 km from the city centre
⚓ Official port name: Port d'Annaba (Entreprise Portuaire de Annaba)
🗺️ Port area: approximately 130 hectares

🏛️ History of Annaba — from a Phoenician trading post to the city of Saint Augustine
⏳ 3,000 years of maritime and spiritual heritage
The history of Annaba begins not with stone or parchment, but with the sea. As far back as the 12th century BC, Phoenician seafarers from the shores of modern-day Lebanon discovered a sheltered natural harbour between Cape Garde and Cape Rosa and founded a trading post here. The location proved ideal — a bay protected from storms, a fertile coastline, forested hills behind — and the settlement quickly became a vital hub of Mediterranean trade. The city later became one of the capitals of the Numidian Kingdom and was honoured with the name Hippo Regius ("Royal Hippo"). After the Second Punic War, when Rome gained control of North Africa, Hippo Regius flourished into a major Roman metropolis with a forum, theatre, baths, market, cisterns and mosaics. The remains of that city are today one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Africa.
✝️ Hippo Regius and Saint Augustine
The most brilliant chapter in Annaba's history belongs to Aurelius Augustine (354–430 AD) — theologian, philosopher and bishop, whom the Catholic Church venerates as one of its Fathers and Doctors. From 396 AD until his death, he served as Bishop of Hippo Regius — and it was here that he wrote the "Confessions" and "The City of God," works that laid the foundations of medieval and early modern thought. Augustine died in 430 AD during the Vandal siege of the city. His legacy lives on in every corner of Annaba today: from the ruins of the Basilica of Peace where he ministered, to the grand neo-Byzantine basilica of the 19th century on the hill above the city.
🕌 From the Ottomans to France and independence
After the Vandals, the city passed to Byzantine rule, then to the Arabs, who named it Belad el-Annab ("City of the jujube tree," after the fruit that grows abundantly in this region). Throughout the Ottoman period and until the arrival of the French in 1832, the city maintained moderate commercial importance. France, upon occupying Algeria, renamed it Bône and rebuilt it in the spirit of 19th-century French urbanism — with wide boulevards, Haussmann-style facades and cafés along the "Cours de la Révolution." After independence in 1962, Algeria restored the city's ancient name: Annaba.

⚓ Port of Annaba — gateway to eastern Algeria
📊 Scale and structure of the port
The Port of Annaba is the third-largest commercial port in Algeria and one of the country's ten principal ports. Its total area covers approximately 130 hectares; the water basin is protected by two breakwaters. The port has 22 commercial berths, a channel depth of 12.5–13.7 m, a maximum vessel length of 250 m, and a maximum draught of 13 m — sufficient to accommodate large ocean-going ships. The port operates 6 specialised terminals: a container terminal (vessels up to 8,000 DWT), a grain terminal (silo capacity of 16,000 tons), a general cargo terminal, an ore terminal, a passenger terminal, and a liquid bulk terminal. Each year the port handles over 5 million tons of cargo and approximately 32,600 passengers. The port is directly connected to the rest of Algeria by both rail and road.

🚢 How many cruise ships does the port accommodate
The Port of Annaba can simultaneously berth several vessels at its passenger quay, with a depth of up to 13 m — sufficient for mid-size cruise ships. Annaba is a port of call (not a homeport) on Mediterranean cruise itineraries. The city welcomes cruise calls and regularly appears on itineraries of operators focusing on North Africa. Annual passenger traffic through the port stands at approximately 32,000–33,000 people. 🚢

🏢 Which cruise lines call at Annaba
Annaba features on itineraries covering Algeria and North Africa. Cruise lines whose ships have called at Annaba or include it in Mediterranean season routes include MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises, as well as smaller specialist operators offering "off-the-beaten-track" voyages through Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco. Algeria in general, and Annaba in particular, remain a niche but increasingly sought-after destination for travellers looking for an authentic Mediterranean experience beyond the usual tourist trail. 🌍

💡 Interesting facts about Annaba and its port
A few lesser-known details will make your visit to the city even more rewarding:
📚 Annaba is the city where medieval theology was born. It was here that Saint Augustine wrote the "Confessions" and "The City of God" — books that shaped the development of the entire Western intellectual tradition for 1,600 years. Annaba is the premier Catholic pilgrimage site in North Africa.
🏛️ The largest Roman forum in Africa. The ruins of Hippo Regius near Annaba contain one of the largest Roman forums on the African continent, complete with columns, baths, a theatre and early Christian basilicas.
🌲 Africa's northernmost cork oak forest. The Edough Massif rising above Annaba is blanketed with cork oak and chestnut trees — a unique forest ecosystem where summer temperatures are 10–15 °C (18–27 °F) cooler than on the coast.
🕌 A mosque built from Roman columns. The 11th-century Sidi Bou Marouane Mosque in the old town was constructed using columns taken from the ruins of Hippo Regius — a vivid illustration of how one civilisation rises from the material of another.
⚗️ Algeria's second industrial city. Annaba is the country's steelmaking hub: the giant El-Hadjar steelworks (built with Soviet assistance in the 1960s–70s) was once the largest metallurgical plant in Africa.
🌊 Rizzi Amor Beach (Saint-Cloud) is one of Algeria's most beautiful urban beaches. Golden sand, crystal-clear Mediterranean water and a seafront promenade — all within 10 minutes of the city centre.
🗺️ Annaba is Algeria's closest city to Tunisia. The border is just 100 kilometres away, making this port a crossroads of two cultural worlds.
🍋 "Créponné" — the iconic local lemon sorbet. This traditional Algerian dessert, prepared and served right on the Cours de la Révolution, is a mandatory culinary stop for every visitor to the city.
⛪ The Basilica of Saint Augustine, inaugurated in 1900, houses relics — part of the bishop's forearm bone. The rest of his remains are kept at the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro in Pavia, Italy. In April 2026, Pope Leo XIV visited the city.

📍 Top sights of Annaba — must-sees for the cruise traveller
A cruise ship call at Annaba typically lasts between 6 and 10 hours, so it is worth deciding on your priorities in advance. A detailed list with descriptions, addresses and opening hours can be found in the "Sights and Attractions" section; below is a quick overview of the city's defining landmarks.
⛪ Basilica of Saint Augustine — a neo-Byzantine structure built between 1881 and 1900 on the hill above the ruins of Hippo Regius. The foundation stone was laid in 1881; architecturally it recalls the Sacré-Cœur in Paris. The basilica houses part of Augustine's relics. Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed for lunch 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.). Free admission.
🏛️ Ruins of Hippo Regius — a major ancient archaeological complex featuring the remains of a Roman forum, baths, theatre, market, cisterns and mosaics. The site also preserves the Basilica of Peace (Basilica Pacis) where Saint Augustine ministered. Open site, free admission. The Annaba Museum with artefacts from the excavations is located right next door.
🕌 Sidi Bou Marouane Mosque — one of Algeria's oldest mosques (11th century), erected using columns salvaged from ancient Roman Hippo. Its architectural singularity is a vivid testament to the continuity of civilisations on this land.
🌿 Cours de la Révolution — the city's main French-style boulevard with shady trees, cafés and shops. The living heart of Annaba, where residents gather every evening and where you can taste the famous "créponné."
🏖️ Rizzi Amor Beach (Saint-Cloud) — the most popular urban beach, with golden sand and clear Mediterranean water. A convenient seafront promenade and easy access from the city centre.
⛰️ Seraïdi and the Edough Massif — a mountain village perched at around 900 metres above sea level amid cork oak forest. Stunning views over Annaba Bay and the Mediterranean Sea. In summer it is 10–15 °C (18–27 °F) cooler here than in the city — an excellent option for travellers with a longer port call.
🏺 Annaba Museum — housed in a former prison on the hill above the Hippo Regius site. The collection includes mosaics, sculptures, ceramics and everyday objects from the Phoenician, Numidian and Roman periods. Admission is nominal.
🌊 Annaba Bay and a boat trip — a blue bay framed by two capes, offering a panoramic view of the city and the green hills behind it. Local fishermen often offer short boat excursions around the bay.

✨ Why choose a cruise with a call at Annaba
Annaba is the kind of place the modern traveller rarely encounters: an authentic Mediterranean city, uncluttered by tourist infrastructure yet steeped in millennia of genuine history.
First, the heritage is unmatched: Hippo Regius and the Basilica of Saint Augustine are not merely ruins — they are a living link to the very roots of Western spiritual and philosophical thought. ✝️
Second, the nature is unspoiled: the Edough Massif with its cork forests, the clean sea and quiet beaches — the natural beauty of Annaba is every bit the equal of the celebrated Riviera resorts. 🌿
Third, this is real Africa: Annaba has not become a mass tourism destination, which means you can experience authentic Algerian culture — markets, mosques, street life, the scent of cumin and fresh fish at the harbour. 🐠

The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you find the ideal cruise with a call at Annaba, assist with an Algerian visa, arrange airport transfers and shore excursions, and offer exclusive fares from MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and other leading brands, with whom we work as a priority partner in Ukraine. 🤝

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, itineraries and visiting conditions are subject to change without notice. For the latest details, please consult a cruise specialist at Four Gates Group or visit the official websites of the relevant venues.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Annaba

Annaba — Algeria's third most important port city, situated on the far eastern stretch of the country's Mediterranean coast, close to the Tunisian border. The port sits almost at the very heart of the city, making it relatively straightforward to reach from any starting point — whether the airport, the city center, or your hotel. That said, the local transport infrastructure differs significantly from established European port cities: taxis are the primary and most reliable mode of transport, and cash in Algerian dinars is essential for the vast majority of transactions. Below is a complete, verified guide covering all transfer options, current prices, and practical tips from the cruise specialists at Four Gates Group. 🎯

📍 Where Exactly Is Annaba's Cruise Port
The Port of Annaba is one of Algeria's ten principal commercial ports. The total area of the port complex is approximately 130 hectares; it is protected by two breakwaters and has 22 commercial berths. The port serves cargo, container, and passenger segments.

⚓ Passenger/Ferry Terminal (Gare Maritime) — a new passenger maritime station, opened in 2023. This is where cruise ships, ferries, and passenger liners berth when calling at Annaba.
• GPS address: Mole Cigogne, Quai Nord, Annaba 23000, Algérie
• Distance to city center: approximately 1.5–2 km from Le Cours square — Annaba's main central boulevard
• Port authority: Entreprise Portuaire d'Annaba (EPAn)

❗ Important: the exact berth for your ship is always stated in your cruise voucher. Check it 48–72 hours before boarding — berth assignments can change due to the port's operational schedule.

✈️ From Rabah Bitat Airport (AAE) to the Cruise Terminal
The international Rabah Bitat Airport (IATA: AAE; formerly known as Les Salines or El Mellah) is located approximately 9–12 km east of the city center. The distance from the airport to the cruise terminal is around 12–14 km; the journey takes from 20 minutes (by taxi) to 40–50 minutes (with a transfer). The airport receives international flights from Paris, Marseille, Istanbul, and Tunis, as well as domestic flights from Algiers.

🚕 Taxi — the fastest and most reliable option
Official Annaba taxis are easy to recognize by their yellow bodywork. They wait directly outside the airport exit.
• Journey time: 20–30 minutes (depending on traffic)
• Approximate fare: 1,500–2,000 DZD (Algerian dinar) per vehicle
• Payment: cash in DZD is preferred; bank cards are rarely accepted
• Tips: agree on a price before getting in, or ask the driver to use the meter; the standard rate is 150 DZD flag-fall + 150 DZD per km
💡 Four Gates tip: tell your driver “Port de voyageurs” or “Gare Maritime” — these are the terms locals use for the passenger terminal. Have your cash ready with a small buffer amount.

🚐 Private transfer — the comfortable option for groups and families
If you are traveling with family or with a lot of luggage, this is the best choice. Your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall, assist with luggage, and take you directly to the terminal.
• Approximate fare: from 3,000 DZD for a sedan (1–3 persons), from 5,000 DZD for a minivan (4–7 persons)
• Journey time: 20–25 minutes
• Advantages: fixed price, luggage assistance, no queuing
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for its clients — simply provide your flight number when booking your cruise.

🚌 Shared taxi (taxi collectif) — the budget option
Algerian shared taxis (taxi collectif or louage) depart from the airport to the city once they have a full load of passengers. This is cheaper, but less convenient if you have a lot of luggage.
• Route: airport → city center (Le Cours square or bus station) → walk or local taxi to the port (~1.5–2 km)
• Fare: approximately 200–300 DZD per person to the center
• Journey time: 40–60 minutes in total
⚠️ Important: shared taxis have no fixed schedule and depart only when full. Not recommended if you need to arrive at the terminal at a specific time.

🚂 From Annaba Railway Station to the Cruise Terminal
If you are arriving in Annaba by SNTF train — from Algiers (approximately 8–9 hours), Constantine (approximately 2 hours), or potentially from Tunisia (recently restored international line) — you will arrive at the city's central railway station. It is located approximately 2–3 km from the port.

🚕 Taxi from the station: 5–10 minutes, approximately 400–600 DZD
🚶 On foot: ~25–35 minutes along the waterfront; feasible in good weather and without heavy luggage
💡 Tip: the station is close to the port — if your luggage is light and the weather is pleasant, a short stroll along the promenade before boarding is a lovely way to start your cruise.

🏙️ From Annaba City Center to the Cruise Terminal
If you have spent the night or a few days at a hotel in the city center, reaching the passenger terminal is very easy — the port is situated almost on the edge of the downtown area:

🚕 Taxi from your hotel — 400–700 DZD depending on the hotel and neighborhood. Journey time: 5–15 minutes. The most practical option with luggage. Important: always agree on a fare before the ride or ask the driver to use the meter.

🚶 On foot from Le Cours central square:
• Distance: approximately 1.5–2 km to the passenger terminal gates
• Time: 20–25 minutes
• The route runs along Annaba's seafront promenade — a pleasant and scenic walk
• Not recommended in intense heat or with heavy suitcases

🚌 City bus: Annaba's public transport covers the city, but routes can be difficult to navigate for visitors without knowledge of the local network and Arabic. The fare is around 20–30 DZD, but convenience for passengers with luggage is very low. A taxi is the more practical choice in every respect.

🚗 By Private or Rental Car — Parking near the Port
If you are arriving at the port by private or rented vehicle, bear in mind that Annaba is a compact city with a straightforward road network. The port is well signposted.

🅿️ Parking at the Passenger Terminal (Gare Maritime):
• Address: Mole Cigogne, Annaba — directly adjacent to the passenger terminal
• Type: open guarded car park
• Approximate rate: 200–500 DZD per day
• Operating hours: 24/7 on days when ships are in port

🅿️ Alternative parking in the city center:
• Seafront (Boulevard du 1er Novembre): on-street parking near the port; suitable for a quick passenger drop-off
• Le Cours square (Place de la Gare): a 10–15-minute walk to the port; free or minimal charge
💡 Tip: for extended parking in the port area, it is best to check conditions with Annaba Port Authority (EPAn) in advance — rates and availability may change during peak calling season.

🛣️ GPS route: from any direction (west — highways N3 or N44; east — from the Tunisian border via N16), simply follow signs for “Port d'Annaba” or “Gare Maritime.”

♿ Accessibility for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
The new Annaba passenger maritime station, opened in 2023, has been built in line with modern accessibility standards:
✅ The passenger terminal is fitted with ramps and lifts for passengers with reduced mobility
✅ Official yellow taxis in Annaba can, upon request, provide a larger vehicle with easier boarding
✅ Port staff are available to assist passengers with limited mobility — notify your cruise company of any special requirements in advance at the time of check-in
✅ Rabah Bitat Airport also has relevant assistance services — contact your airline when booking your ticket

⏰ When to Arrive at the Cruise Terminal
The right time to arrive at the Port of Annaba depends considerably on the role it plays in your cruise. Below are two separate scenarios.

🚢 If Annaba Is a Port of Call During Your Cruise
In this case the ship has already arrived and is berthed in port, and you are going ashore for a tour or independent exploration.
• Shore leave time: check onboard the evening before (information delivered to your cabin or announced on board) — typically between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
• All Aboard time: generally 30–60 minutes before the ship's scheduled departure — the exact time is stated in the daily program on board
• ❗ Critically important: missing the ship is your responsibility. The vessel departs on schedule regardless of how many passengers are still ashore. Always keep local time in mind and allow for potential traffic on the way back to the port.
• Distance from city center to the terminal: 1.5–2 km; a taxi takes just 5–10 minutes, making a last-minute return entirely manageable

🛳️ If Annaba Is Your Embarkation Port (Start of Cruise)
In this case you are beginning your cruise in Annaba: completing check-in, passport and customs control, and boarding.
• Online check-in: complete in advance — 7–14 days before departure via your cruise line's website or app; this significantly reduces waiting time at the check-in desk
• Recommended arrival time at the terminal: 3–3.5 hours before departure for MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises; for other lines, follow the check-in window assigned in your voucher
• Large luggage drop-off: bulky luggage is handed to baggage handlers immediately upon entering the port area — it will be delivered directly to your cabin
• Boarding deadline: 60–90 minutes before the ship's departure — after this point the gangway closes permanently. All Four Gates Group vouchers include the exact boarding deadline for your specific cruise

💡 Expert Tips from Four Gates Group
Drawing on hands-on experience working with Algerian ports, our cruise specialists have put together a set of tips to help you avoid unnecessary stress:

🌅 Arrive the day before your cruise. Even a two-hour flight delay can cost you your entire cruise — the ship will not wait. Annaba offers excellent hotels and a beautiful Mediterranean waterfront for a relaxed overnight stay before embarkation.

💵 Always carry cash in dinars (DZD). International bank cards in Algeria are accepted only in large hotels and some restaurants. Taxis, ports, and markets operate exclusively on cash. Exchange money at official banks or licensed exchange offices; street exchange is illegal.

💼 Book your transfer in advance. Taxis at Annaba Airport are available, but queues can be substantial on busy arrival days. A pre-arranged transfer guarantees a meet-and-greet with a name board and a precise arrival time at the port.

🗣️ Prepare a few phrases in French or Arabic. English is rarely spoken in Annaba — even in the port area. The most useful phrases: “Gare Maritime” (passenger terminal), “Port de voyageurs” (passenger port), “Combien?” (how much?). Google Translate with offline French and Arabic language packs is an essential app for this trip.

🎒 Leave extra luggage at your hotel until boarding. If you arrive in the morning but your boarding time is after lunch, most hotels in Annaba will store your suitcases free of charge after check-out.

☀️ Factor in the heat. Annaba has a Mediterranean climate and summers can be very hot. If your boarding is in the middle of the day, plan your transfer to the port with the temperature in mind — especially if you are travelling with children or passengers with limited mobility.

🏨 Choose a hotel in the city center (Le Cours or Seybouse district). From there, the port is just 5–15 minutes by taxi — convenient both before and after your cruise.

📞 Useful Contacts for Annaba
Entreprise Portuaire d'Annaba (EPAn): +213 38 86 31 43
Rabah Bitat Airport (Annaba AAE — EGSA Constantine): +213 38 83 20 20
Algeria emergency services (police): 17
Algeria emergency services (fire brigade and ambulance): 14 / 15
Single emergency number: 112
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients): +38 097 653 05 53

Annaba is a compact and manageable port city where reaching the terminal from anywhere takes no more than 30 minutes. The key is to have cash in dinars, agree a fare with your driver in advance, and know your check-in time from your voucher. The cruise experts at Four Gates Group are here to help at every step — from selecting the most convenient flight to Annaba to arranging a private transfer with a name board in the arrivals hall. Reach out to one of our managers, and your Algerian cruise will get off to a perfectly stress-free start. 🛳️✨

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for reference purposes and is accurate as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions are subject to change without notice. For up-to-date details, please consult a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or the official websites of the relevant service providers.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

Annaba Landmarks and Attractions: A Complete Guide for Cruise Travellers

Annaba is the oldest city on the Algerian coast and one of the richest destinations in the Mediterranean in terms of historical heritage. On these shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the Phoenicians founded a settlement more than 3,000 years ago, the Romans built the flourishing city of Hippo Regius, and Bishop Augustine wrote theological treatises that shaped the development of Western Christianity for 16 centuries. For cruise passengers with 6–9 hours ashore, Annaba offers a unique journey through three millennia: from Phoenician beginnings through Roman forums and early Christianity to French colonial boulevards and vibrant Algerian modernity. Below is a tried-and-tested guide to the key landmarks with up-to-date information for 2026. 🎯

⛪ 1. Basilica of Saint Augustine (Basilique Saint-Augustin)
💡 Interesting Facts and Background:
The Basilica of Saint Augustine is the leading Catholic pilgrimage site in North Africa and the defining symbol of Annaba, built on a hilltop above the ruins of ancient Hippo. Construction lasted from 1881 to 1900, and the solemn consecration took place on 24 April 1914. The neo-Byzantine architecture, blending Romanesque and Moorish elements, evokes both the Parisé Sacré-Cœur and the Carthaginian cathedral simultaneously. ✨
🔹 Inside, the basilica houses a relic — a bone fragment of Augustine's arm: in 1842 it was brought from Pavia to Annaba as part of a solemn French–Church pilgrimage.
🔹 The interior is adorned with Carrara marble, stained glass from Grenoble, and local onyx — three materials from three corners of the Mediterranean gathered under one vault.
🔹 The basilica's library, maintained by local volunteers, holds rare manuscripts and early printed theological texts — one of Annaba's least-known treasures for visitors.
🔹 In April 2026, Pope Leo XIV visited the basilica — the first pontiff in history to set foot on Algerian soil. He celebrated Mass here, calling himself “a son of Augustine.” 📿
🔹 The viewing terrace around the basilica offers a panorama of the entire city and Annaba Bay — the finest photo spot in the area.

📜 History:
Augustine of Hippo (354–430) was born nearby — in Thagaste (modern Souk Ahras). After an eventful youth, his conversion in Milan (386), and his return to Africa, he was consecrated Bishop of Hippo in 395 and spent 35 years here. It was in this city that he wrote the Confessions and The City of God — works that laid the foundations of medieval philosophy. In 430, during the Vandal siege of the city, Augustine died at the age of 76. The remains of the ancient Basilica of Peace where he served have been preserved under the neighbouring hill — they were excavated by French archaeologists in the 19th century.
The present basilica was built by French colonial authorities as a symbol of the revival of Catholicism in North Africa. Following the 2004 earthquake it underwent thorough restoration.

🚢 How to Get There from Annaba Port:
🔹 Taxi: 10–15 minutes, 300–500 DZD. Address: Place Saint-Augustin, Annaba 23000
🔹 On foot: from the city centre (Cours de la Révolution) — a 20–25-minute uphill walk along Rue Larbi Ben M'hidi. The climb is manageable and the views are well worth it
🔹 Private transfer: the most convenient option — your driver waits at the gangway and takes you directly to the basilica entrance

💶 Admission and Opening Hours:
🔹 Entry to the basilica: free of charge
🔹 Opening hours: daily 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (tourist access is temporarily limited during Mass)
👕 Dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered. Women are advised to bring a scarf or shawl.

🏛️ 2. Ruins of Hippo Regius (Ruines d'Hippone)
💡 Interesting Facts and Background:
Hippo Regius is one of the most atmospheric Roman sites in the entire Mediterranean. Sprawling across a hilly landscape among wild rosemary, olive trees, and wildflowers, the ruins feel not like a museum exhibit but a living space where you can sense the breath of millennia. 🌿
🔹 The site contains one of the largest Roman forums in Africa — a monumental rectangular square surrounded by a colonnade. The surviving columns reach 6–8 metres in height.
🔹 The “Villa of the Labyrinth” and “Villa of the Procurateur” are the best-preserved private residences: mosaic floors in several rooms are still in place and clearly legible.
🔹 Excavated here is a 42-metre-long Early Christian basilica with an apse unusually oriented to the north, its floors still covered in mosaics — the very place where researchers believe Augustine presided over the Eucharist.
🔹 Excavations were begun by French naval officers in the 19th century, yet a significant portion of the site remains unexcavated — new discoveries still await beneath the soil.
🔹 Beside the ruins stands a small Hippo Museum with sculptures, coins, pottery, and inscriptions from the digs. Local guides are usually available at the entrance.

📜 History:
Settlement on this site dates back to the 12th century BC — the Phoenicians recognised the strategic value of the natural harbour of Annaba Bay. The city later passed to Numidian kings, and after the Punic Wars it became part of the Roman Empire under the name Hippo Regius. At the height of its prosperity in the 2nd–4th centuries AD, the city had up to 40,000 inhabitants, with baths, a theatre, a forum, a market, an aqueduct, and numerous private mansions. In 431, a year after Augustine's death, the city was seized and burned by the Vandals. Hippo gradually declined, and the sea receded several hundred metres from the former shoreline — which is why the ruins now stand far from the coast.

🚢 How to Get There from Annaba Port:
🔹 Taxi: 10–12 minutes, 200–400 DZD. Address: Route de l'Université, El Hadjar — look for the sign “Hippone / Hippo Regius”
🔹 The ruins pair perfectly with a visit to the basilica, which stands directly above the site — visit the basilica first, then descend to the ruins (or vice versa)
🔹 Tip: arrive before 10:00 a.m. to avoid the heat and crowds

💶 Admission and Opening Hours:
🔹 Site entrance: 100–200 DZD (approximately 0.70–1.40 EUR)
🔹 Hippo Museum: 100 DZD
🔹 Opening hours: daily 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (until 7:00 p.m. in summer)
⚠️ Note: sturdy footwear is essential — the ground is uneven with rocks and grass. Sunscreen and water are a must too.

🕌 3. Salah Bey Mosque (Mosquée Salah Bey)
💡 Interesting Facts and Background:
The Salah Bey Mosque (1787) is the only mosque in Algeria whose minaret is authentically dated to the Ottoman period and has survived in its original form. Its 16-metre minaret is a living witness to the rule of the Turkish beys in North Africa. 🌙
🔹 The building is considered Algeria's first mosque in the Turkish–Anatolian architectural style: a dome, arcades, turquoise carved doors, and walls covered with calligraphic inscriptions.
🔹 In its architecture the mosque resembles the ancient mosques of Andalusia — this style reached Algeria together with Arab–Muslim refugees following the Reconquista of the 15th–17th centuries.
🔹 The 11th-century Mosque of Sidi Bou Merwan — an even older neighbour — is said to have been built with columns taken from Roman Hippo: medieval builders eagerly “recycled” ancient materials. Both mosques stand side by side in the Old Town.

📜 History:
The mosque was built in 1787 on the orders of Salah Bey, the Turkish governor (bey) of Constantine — one of the most powerful rulers in the region at the end of the 18th century. He invested heavily in developing the cities under his rule, including Annaba. The mosque survived the French conquest (1832) and the many transformations of the colonial era, during which numerous Muslim shrines across Algeria were altered or demolished.

🚢 How to Get There from Annaba Port:
🔹 Taxi: 5–8 minutes, 150–250 DZD. Old Town — Place du 19-Août district
🔹 On foot from Cours de la Révolution: 10 minutes through the narrow streets of the Old Town

💶 Admission and Opening Hours:
🔹 Entry: free of charge (the mosque is active; tourist visits are welcome outside prayer times)
🔹 Visiting hours: morning before Dhuhr prayer (~12:30 p.m.) and after Asr prayer (~4:00 p.m.). Check local times on the day
👕 Dress code: modest clothing is required. Shoes must be removed before entering.

🌿 4. Cours de la Révolution and the Old Town (Cours de la Révolution & Médina)
💡 Interesting Facts and Background:
Cours de la Révolution is Annaba's main boulevard and the beating heart of city life. A broad avenue lined with palms and plane trees, bordered by cafes, shops, and colonial-era buildings, it comes alive in the evenings with a spontaneous “passeggiata” — the family stroll practised here just as naturally as in Spain or Italy. ☕
🔹 Along the boulevard stand buildings in the Haussmann Art Nouveau style of Paris — the architectural legacy of French colonial town planning from 1870 to 1914.
🔹 The Regional Theatre Azzedine Medjoubi is an elegant architectural landmark of the district and one of Algeria's leading cultural centres, hosting an international film festival every year.
🔹 At the end of the boulevard stands the Hippo Museum (Musée d'Hippone) with its collection of Roman and early medieval heritage from the region.
🔹 In the Old Town (Médina) around Place du 19-Août, narrow streets lined with late 19th-century French houses conceal traditional shops selling spices, olives, local pottery, and embroidered fabrics. 🛍️

📜 History:
The city with Arab roots — the medieval town of Bona — underwent radical transformation following the French conquest of 1832. By the 1870s the French had laid out the New Town with straight boulevards and representative buildings in the style of the Second French Empire. The Old Town, however, retained its organic structure: narrow lanes, mosques, and traditional market rows. It is precisely this combination — colonial grandeur alongside Arab authenticity — that makes Annaba's city centre so atmospheric for a stroll.

🚢 How to Get There from Annaba Port:
🔹 Taxi: 5–7 minutes, 100–200 DZD
🔹 On foot from the port: 15–20 minutes along the waterfront

💶 Admission:
🔹 Strolling the boulevard and Old Town: free of charge
🔹 Market: free entry, Mon–Sat
🔹 Hippo Museum: 100 DZD

🏖️ 5. Corniche Promenade and Annaba's Beaches
💡 Interesting Facts and Background:
La Corniche is Annaba's longest coastal promenade, stretching along the rocky shoreline past comfortable beaches and fishing coves. In the evenings it hosts the most pleasant social life in the city. 🌊
🔹 Chapuis Beach (Plage Chapuis) is the main city beach next to the Corniche: well-equipped, with restaurants and cafes right on the sand.
🔹 Aïn Achir Beach (Plage Aïn Achir) is a quieter family beach south of the centre, very popular with locals at weekends.
🔹 Cap de Garde is a picturesque headland 30 minutes from the centre: a 1904 lighthouse on limestone cliffs with a panoramic view of the entire coastline stretching to the Tunisian border. One of the finest vantage points for watching the sea. 🏔️
🔹 The water here is clean and crystal clear — Annaba Bay is well sheltered from the open sea, keeping the water relatively calm. In summer, sea temperatures reach 77–79 °F (25–26 °C).
🔹 Along the Corniche you will find restaurants serving fresh fish and Mediterranean seafood; a portion of grilled fish with salad costs 400–700 DZD.

📜 History:
The promenade in its modern form developed from the late 19th to early 20th century: the French colonial administration landscaped the coastal land, laid roads, and created recreational areas. After Algerian independence (1962) the Corniche remained the favourite leisure spot for residents, and during the 2010s–2020s it underwent renovation and infrastructure upgrades.

🚢 How to Get There from Annaba Port:
🔹 Taxi: 8–10 minutes, 150–300 DZD to the Corniche
🔹 Cap de Garde: taxi 25–35 minutes from the centre, 500–800 DZD one way
🔹 On foot from Cours de la Révolution: 10–15 minutes to the main beach

💶 Admission and Opening Hours:
🔹 Corniche walk and beach: free of charge
🔹 Lunch at a Corniche restaurant: 500–1,200 DZD per person
🔹 Cap de Garde lighthouse: free access to the viewing area

⛰️ 6. Seraïdi and the Edough Massif (Seraïdi & Massif de l'Edough)
💡 Interesting Facts and Background:
Seraïdi is a mountain village on the foothills of the Edough Massif, situated at roughly 2,950 feet (900 m) above sea level. In just 20 minutes by car from the hot coastal shore you find yourself in a cool green oasis with a sweeping view over the entire Annaba coastline. 🌲
🔹 The Edough Massif is a natural forest area of cork oaks, eucalyptus, and strawberry trees — one of Algeria's richest woodland ecosystems. Perfect for hiking and picnics in nature.
🔹 From the viewpoints of Seraïdi you get a panorama of the city, the bay, and the open Mediterranean — one of the most spectacular vantage points on the entire Algerian coast.
🔹 Seraïdi itself is a genuine colonial mountain resort town: villas from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, narrow streets, and terrace cafes overlooking the sea.
🔹 In summer Seraïdi is the most popular day-trip destination for Annaba residents escaping the coastal heat. Temperatures here are 9–14 °F (5–8 °C) cooler than at sea level. 🌡️

🚢 How to Get There from Annaba Port:
🔹 Taxi: 25–35 minutes, 700–1,200 DZD one way
🔹 Tip for cruise passengers: Seraïdi is best visited as part of a private tour — your driver knows the road and can wait in the village for several hours

💶 Admission and Opening Hours:
🔹 Entry to Seraïdi: free of charge
🔹 Walks in the Edough Massif: free of charge
🔹 Coffee or lunch at a local cafe: 300–800 DZD

🎨 7. Other Attractions Worth Visiting
🔹 🏺 Hippo Museum (Musée d'Hippone) — a compact but rewarding collection of sculptures, coins, mosaics, and inscriptions from the Hippo Regius excavations. Located next to the ruins. 100 DZD, daily 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
🔹 ⛪ Annaba Cathedral (Cathédrale d'Annaba, 1850) — a French neo-Romanesque cathedral in the city centre, built during the first years of the colonial era. Free entry.
🔹 🕌 Mosque of Sidi Bou Merwan (11th century) — one of Algeria's oldest mosques, constructed from columns and stones taken from Roman Hippo. Located next to the Salah Bey Mosque in the Old Town. Free entry.
🔹 🌸 Lallelick Forest (Forêt de Lallelick) — a woodland area on the outskirts of the city, popular for picnics and walks. Free entry.
🔹 🏖️ Aïn Achir Beach (Plage Aïn Achir) — the cleanest and most popular beach among locals: fine sand, clear water, cafes, and sunloungers. Free of charge.

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🗺️ Three Self-Guided Itineraries in Annaba for 8 Hours
A cruise ship call in Annaba usually lasts 6–9 hours. With a well-planned itinerary you can realistically cover 3–4 key sights. Below are three options to suit different budgets and interests.

🥉 Itinerary No. 1. Budget — up to 10 EUR per person
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 5–10 EUR + meals

🕘 8:30 a.m. — Leave the cruise terminal at Annaba Port
Take a taxi or walk to the city centre (Cours de la Révolution).

🕘 9:00–10:00 a.m. — Cours de la Révolution and Old Town
A free stroll along the main boulevard. Explore the narrow lanes of the medina, browse shops selling spices and olives, and photograph the colonial facades.

🕙 10:00–11:00 a.m. — Salah Bey Mosque
Visit the only Ottoman-era minaret in Algeria and the neighbouring Mosque of Sidi Bou Merwan. A 10-minute walk from the boulevard. Free entry.

🕚 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Ruins of Hippo Regius
Taxi 10–12 minutes, 200–400 DZD. Walk through the forum, mosaic-floored villas, and remains of Augustine's basilica. Visit the Hippo Museum (100 DZD).

🕐 12:30–1:30 p.m. — Lunch at a cafe on the Corniche or in the city centre
Grilled fish with bread and salad — 400–700 DZD.

🕝 1:30–2:30 p.m. — Chapuis Beach or the Corniche promenade
By foot or taxi (10 minutes). Free swim or a walk along the shore.

🕓 2:30–3:30 p.m. — Basilica of Saint Augustine (exterior)
Taxi 10 minutes. Admire the architecture from outside, enjoy the city panorama and Annaba Bay views. Interior entry is free.

🕟 3:30–4:30 p.m. — Return to the port
Taxi 10–15 minutes.

💰 Cost breakdown:
🔹 Taxis (total): 800–1,400 DZD (~5–10 EUR)
🔹 Hippo Museum: 100 DZD (~0.70 EUR)
🔹 Lunch: 400–700 DZD (~3–5 EUR)
💸 TOTAL: approximately 1,300–2,200 DZD (~9–16 EUR per person)

🥈 Itinerary No. 2. Balanced — 20–40 EUR per person
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 3,000–5,000 DZD + meals

🕘 8:30 a.m. — Leave the port, taxi to the basilica
Morning is the ideal time to climb — cooler temperatures and better light for photography.

🕘 9:00–10:00 a.m. — Basilica of Saint Augustine
Full visit: exterior, interior, mosaics, relic, panoramic terrace. City panorama photos. Free entry.

🕙 10:00–11:30 a.m. — Ruins of Hippo Regius + Museum
Descend from the basilica to the ruins (5–10-minute walk). Detailed visit with a local guide — negotiable at 500–1,000 DZD.

🕚 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Salah Bey Mosque and medina
Taxi to the Old Town — 15 minutes. Visit the mosque, stroll the narrow quarters, pick up souvenirs.

🕐 12:30–1:30 p.m. — Cours de la Révolution and lunch
The main boulevard, architecture, regional theatre. Lunch at a local restaurant — 800–1,500 DZD.

🕝 1:30–3:00 p.m. — Corniche and Chapuis Beach
Beach walk or swim. Coffee or tea at a waterfront cafe.

🕓 3:00–4:00 p.m. — Return to the port
Taxi 10–15 minutes.

💰 Cost breakdown:
🔹 Taxis (total): 1,500–2,500 DZD (~10–17 EUR)
🔹 Museum + guide: 600–1,200 DZD (~4–8 EUR)
🔹 Lunch: 800–1,500 DZD (~5–10 EUR)
💸 TOTAL: 2,900–5,200 DZD (~20–36 EUR per person)

🥇 Itinerary No. 3. Premium — Private Tour from 300 EUR per person
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 300–500 EUR + admissions

🏆 What's included:
🔹 ✅ A private driver with a name board waiting at the gangway
🔹 ✅ A comfortable air-conditioned vehicle for the full day
🔹 ✅ A licensed French- or English-speaking guide specialising in Algeria's classical and Islamic heritage
🔹 ✅ Priority access to the basilica and ruins without queuing
🔹 ✅ Reserved table at the finest Corniche restaurant
🔹 ✅ Flexible itinerary with an optional excursion to Seraïdi

Book through your cruise manager or contact us directly through any convenient channel:

Phone numbers:
🔹 Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
🔹 Mobile (LifeCell):    +380 93 653 05 53
🔹 Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
🔹 Mobile (Kyivstar):   +380 97 653 05 53

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🕘 8:30 a.m. — Meet your driver and guide at the terminal

🕘 9:00–10:30 a.m. — Basilica of Saint Augustine with a private guide
Private tour: architectural symbolism, the life of Augustine, the relic, and the panoramic terrace. Time for quiet reflection in an extraordinary sacred space.

🕚 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Ruins of Hippo Regius with a private guide
Detailed tour of the forum, villas, basilica, and theatre with expert commentary. Visit the Hippo Museum and its artefact collection.

🕧 12:15–1:30 p.m. — Lunch at a Corniche restaurant
The best waterfront venues: fresh Mediterranean fish, seafood, Algerian couscous with fruits de mer. 1,500–2,500 DZD (~10–17 EUR) per person.

🕝 1:30–2:30 p.m. — Salah Bey Mosque and medina with a private guide
Private walking tour: Ottoman architecture, the narrow quarters of the Old Town, traditional market.

🕓 2:45–4:00 p.m. — Drive to Seraïdi
Ascent to the mountain village (25 minutes). Panorama of Annaba Bay, a walk in the Edough forest, coffee on a terrace overlooking the sea.

🕟 4:15 p.m. — Return to the port in a comfortable vehicle

💰 Cost breakdown:
🔹 Private guide (8 hours): from 200 EUR
🔹 Driver with vehicle (8 hours): from 150 EUR
🔹 Restaurant lunch: from 20 EUR
💸 TOTAL: from 370–500 EUR per group (not per person)

🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private tours of Annaba with licensed guides, port transfers from the gangway, and a guaranteed return to the ship. Contact your cruise specialist — and your day in Annaba will be perfectly tailored to your interests. 🛳️✨

⚠️ Essential Tips Before Going Ashore
🕐 “All aboard” rule: you must be back on the ship at least 60 minutes before departure. If you miss the deadline the ship will not wait — and reaching the next port at your own expense can be costly.
🪪 Documents: bring a photocopy of your passport and your Ship Card.
💵 Cash: carry Algerian dinars (DZD) for small purchases. Bank cards are not accepted in taxis or most small shops. Exchange at a bank or hotel in the city centre. Approximate rate: 1 EUR ≈ 145–150 DZD (check the current rate before departure).
👟 Footwear: sturdy shoes are essential — the Hippo Regius ruins and the mountain paths of Seraïdi require a firm sole. For mosques and the basilica — dress to cover shoulders and knees.
☀️ Sun protection: in summer temperatures reach 91–95 °F (33–35 °C). A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are non-negotiable.
🗣️ Language: the main language is Arabic (the Algerian Darijaˉ dialect); French is widely spoken. English is understood at tourist sites and hotels, but is rarely spoken in taxis or small shops. A few words of French — or a friendly gesture — will resolve most situations. 😊
📱 Connectivity: roaming is unavailable in Algeria for most Ukrainian operators — download offline maps on Google Maps or Maps.me before departure.
🔐 Safety: Annaba is a relatively safe city by North African standards. Keep documents and valuables in an inner pocket and never leave belongings unattended on the beach.

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, itineraries, and admission conditions may change without notice. Please verify current details with your Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant attractions.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

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