Is Algeria your next travel destination? This article gives you an overview of the must-see neighborhoods for accommodation in Oran!
Oran isAlgeria‘s second-largest urban area, after Algiers. Situated between the Murdjadjo plateau and the Mediterranean Sea, the city, also known as « la radieuse », has many assets to offer its visitors. Spending the night in Oran will allow you to discover its beaches, historic monuments and surrounding islands, while enjoying the hospitality of the Oranese people.
Waterfront
Photo credit: Flickr – Tak Photographe
No visit to Oran is complete without a stroll along the seafront! The city’s most famous avenue, the seafront stretches for 2 kilometers from the Zabana traffic circle to the walls of the Bey Palace fortress. An ideal location for those who love panoramic views, the seafront is a veritable balcony overlooking the sea. You’ll love strolling along it in the evenings, when the summer temperatures are easing… And, perhaps, it’ll even be your favorite place to book vacation accommodation?
Place du 1er novembre 1954
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Boumlik Messaïli
The Place du 1er novembre is located in the heart of Oran’s historic center, a convenient place to book your accommodation. In the middle of the square, you can see the obelisk built in honor of Emir Abdelkader. All around, admire the town hall and the opera house, magnificent colonial buildings dating back over a century. In addition to its ideal location, Place du 1er novembre has a tramway station nearby , making it easy to get around the city. It’s a great place to stay in Oran!
The Habibas Islands
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Fureuretmystere
Looking for a more unusual way to spend the night in Oran? If you’re an adventurer at heart, then head for the Habibas islands to spend a night… under the stars! Located to the west of Oran and easily accessible from the city, they form an island group classified as a marine nature reserve. You can take advantage of the small coves scattered around and observe the local flora and fauna.
Around the Santa Cruz Fort
Photo credit: Flickr – K YA
The Santa Cruz Fort is THE tourist site to visit during your stay in Oran. A military fort built in the 16th century, it dominates the city thanks to its location on the heights of Mount Murdjadjo. Carved directly into the hills, it offers a breathtaking view of Oran and the sea.
It takes around twenty minutes to get there by car from the town center. Below, take the time to visit the Santa Cruz chapel, a listed national monument built by French colonists in 1850. Surprising as it may seem, the statue of the Virgin Mary inevitably evokes that of Christ the Redeemer on Rio de Janeiro’s Corcovado.
With Oran’s ferry terminal just around the corner, you’ll have no trouble finding your accommodation, hotel or youth hostel in the surrounding area.
Near Canastel forest
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – AliMehaoudi
Looking for « green » accommodation in Oran? Yes, that’s possible too! To do so, you’ll need to visit the Canastel forest, to the east of the city. A vast, magnificent expanse of greenery, it offers a number of signposted footpaths, often used by jogging enthusiasts. The forest offers beautiful sea views and boasts a total of 7 forest sites.
Here, you can enjoy the beauty of typical Mediterranean plants and trees such as eucalyptus, Aleppo pine and lavender, and listen to the chirping of crickets for hours on end. Whether on foot, jogging or cycling, with your family or as a romantic getaway, you’ll enjoy your walk best in the early morning. As you can see, accommodation next to the Canastel forest can be a very interesting « nature » alternative for sleeping in Oran.
So, are you up for the trip? In any case, we hope this article has given you some good ideas for accommodation in Oran. Enjoy your stay!