As your flight descends towards the coast, the sight of deep blue water meeting green hills signals your arrival in a city where history and the sea are inseparable. Stepping out into the warm air of Annaba, you will find a place that feels both ancient and alive, balancing its French-inspired boulevards with ruins that date back to the Roman Empire.
Basilique Saint Augustin
This cathedral sits atop a hill and looks out over the city with a mix of Moorish and Byzantine architecture. It is dedicated to the famous philosopher who lived here, and its quiet interior provides a calm space to reflect while taking in views of the Mediterranean.
Hippo Regius
The remains of this Roman city allow you to walk through history among ancient forums, villas, and detailed mosaics. It is an open-air museum where the stones tell stories of a time when the area was a central hub of the classical world.
Seraïdi
Located high in the Edough Mountains, this village feels like a different world with its cooler air and thick forests. It is the perfect spot to look down at the coastline and see how the mountains drop sharply into the sea.
Cours de la Révolution
This wide, leaf-shaded promenade is the social heart of the city and comes alive in the late afternoon. You can sit at a pavement cafe, enjoy a traditional pastry, and watch the daily rhythm of local life unfold under the colonial-era arches.
Ain Achir Beach
The shoreline here has clear water and golden sand, making it a favourite spot for a long walk by the waves. It captures the relaxed seaside energy that defines the city's character, especially during the long summer evenings.
The Old Town
Known as the Place d'Armes, the narrow winding streets of the historic quarter contain traditional houses and hidden workshops. Exploring this area reveals the older, Ottoman-influenced roots of the city through its smells, sounds, and textured walls.