Ghazaouet: beaches, port, things to do, where to stay

Ghazaouet is one of the busiest seaside towns in western Algeria, especially in summer. Families come for the sea, Algerians living abroad for the port, and many simply want to know where to stay. Here is what you need to plan a stay in Ghazaouet and on the Tlemcen coast.

Ghazaouet, the seaside town of Tlemcen province

Ghazaouet is a town and commune on the coast of Tlemcen province, in north-western Algeria. In colonial times it was called Nemours, a name you will still find in old books, postcards and family stories. The town lies north-west of Tlemcen, on the sea, and is the gateway to the whole coastline of the province, from Honaine to Marsa Ben M'hidi.

The port and the Two Brothers rock

The port is the heart of Ghazaouet. It is first of all a fishing port: boats come back to the quay and the catch of the day is part of town life. At the harbour entrance, the split rock locals call the Deux Frères (Two Brothers) is the town's best-known landmark and the one you see in every photo. The town's lighthouse, built in 1868, watches over the bay.

The port also handles passenger sea links with Spain, including Almería. That is why "Ghazaouet Almería ferry" is such a common search among Algerians living in Europe. We do not sell crossings: schedules, conditions and formalities change with the season, so check them with the shipping companies and official sources before you travel.

Beaches in and around Ghazaouet

"Ghazaouet beach" usually means the town beach below the port, easy to reach. Around it, the coast alternates coves and wilder beaches:

• Oued Abdellah, in the commune of Ghazaouet, very close to town.
• Bou Khnaïs (Boukhnaies), a cove in the commune of Souahlia, popular for swimming.
• Sidna Youchaa, in the commune of Dar Yaghmouracene, one of the most searched beaches in the area.
• B'hira, in the commune of Souk Tlata, often named by people looking for "the best beach in Ghazaouet".
• Further east, the beaches of Honaine complete the Tlemcen coast.

In July and August these beaches are busy at weekends. Come early, swim on supervised beaches during lifeguard hours, and bring water and shade to the less equipped coves.

Things to do in and around Ghazaouet

• Walk along the port in the late afternoon, when the boats return, and watch the Two Brothers rock at sunset.
• Eat fish in one of the town's restaurants.
• Visit Nedroma, inland at the foot of the Trara mountains: its medina of narrow lanes and its Almoravid-era Great Mosque make it a must-see in the region. "Nedroma and the Traras" is on Algeria's tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage.
• Go up to Tlemcen, the "pearl of the Maghreb", for a day or two: the old centre, the Mechouar, the mosques and the Lalla Setti plateau. Our Tlemcen guide covers the districts and hotels.

Where to stay near Ghazaouet

We do not yet have a hotel page in Ghazaouet itself. For a coastal stay, there are two options.

1. Stay in Tlemcen and drive down to the sea. This is the easiest choice if you also want to see the city. Our hotels in Tlemcen:

• Hotel Les Zianides, in the centre, with an outdoor pool.
• Alcazar Tlemcen (formerly Renaissance), on the Lalla Setti plateau.
• Stambouli Hotel Tlemcen, in town.
• Ibis Tlemcen, on boulevard El Kiffane.
• Hotel Venisia and Hotel Grand Bassin, other central addresses.

2. Stay by the sea, further east. On the neighbouring Aïn Témouchent coast, TH Hotel in Béni Saf is in the Madrid area, near the beach.

Book early for summer: hotels in western Algeria fill up quickly in July and August, especially at weekends. Couples should read our article on the family booklet at Algerian hotels before travelling.

Frequently asked questions

Which province is Ghazaouet in? Ghazaouet is in Tlemcen province, on the coast, north-west of the city of Tlemcen.

What are the best beaches in Ghazaouet? The most searched are the town beach, Oued Abdellah, the Bou Khnaïs cove, Sidna Youchaa and B'hira. It depends on taste: a lively beach near the port or a wilder cove.

Is there a ferry between Ghazaouet and Almería? The port of Ghazaouet handles passenger links with Almería in Spain. Dates, schedules and formalities change, so check them with the shipping companies and official sources. We do not sell crossings.

How far is Ghazaouet from Tlemcen or Oran? Driving time depends on the route and summer traffic. Check it on a maps app before you set off; many travellers coming from Oran stop over in Tlemcen.

Where can I stay near Ghazaouet? We offer several hotels in Tlemcen and TH Hotel in Béni Saf, on the Aïn Témouchent coast. Contact us if you are looking for a specific address.

Booking and payment

You book your hotel online with Nreservi. In Algeria, you pay in dinars without a bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly agency. Living abroad? You can also pay online by card, and your voucher is sent to you after payment.

See our hotels in Tlemcen

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.