Hammam Sokhna (Sétif): the thermal spa town, getting there, complexes and where to stay

Hammam Sokhna (also spelt Hammam Soukhna) is a thermal spa town in the wilaya of Sétif, like Hammam Guergour. Searches such as "hammam sokhna complexe", "bungalow" or "téléphone" show what families want to know: how to get there, where to sleep and how to plan the trip. Here are the essentials, separating what we have checked from what you should ask on the spot.

Where is Hammam Sokhna?

Hammam Sokhna is a municipality in the wilaya of Sétif, about forty kilometres south-east of Sétif, on the High Plateaus. The RN75 road runs through it, and several of the thermal establishments line that road.

Do not confuse it with Hammam Guergour, the other well-known spa of the wilaya, north-west of Sétif. We cover it in a full guide.

Getting there

• From Sétif: head south-east. In your navigation app, try both spellings, "Hammam Sokhna" and "Hammam Soukhna".
• From Algiers, Constantine or Béjaïa: drive to Sétif first, then carry on to Hammam Sokhna. A night in Sétif breaks up the journey.
• Without a car: the day before, ask in Sétif about buses and shared taxis to Hammam Sokhna, and about the last departure back.

The water

The town owes its reputation to its spring: the water comes out of the ground hot, and the baths have been used for a long time. Studies of the area's water describe it as rich in mineral salts, notably chlorides, sulphates and sodium.

We give no medical advice. Before a course of treatment, and especially if you have a chronic illness, high blood pressure or a heart condition, or if you are pregnant, ask your doctor. On site, get into the hot water gradually, drink water and do not stay in the bath too long.

Thermal complexes and accommodation

Several establishments share the spring water: baths open by the day, and complexes with rooms on site. The one people search for most is the Azzem thermal complex, which has rooms. There are also other complexes, hotels and bungalows.

Before you set off, call the place you have chosen to check:

• the hammam's opening hours, and whether there are sessions for women or families;
• whether bath access is included in the room rate or charged separately;
• what is provided in the bungalows (bed linen, crockery);
• availability at weekends and during school holidays.

Prices and phone numbers

We publish neither prices nor phone numbers: rates for baths, rooms and bungalows change often, and we did not find two recent sources that agree. Contact the establishment directly. Nreservi does not yet sell stays in the Hammam Sokhna complexes, but we can book you a hotel in Sétif.

Where to stay in Sétif

You can also make a day trip and sleep in Sétif, where the choice of hotels is wider:

• [Rénéa Hotel Sétif](/en/hotel/renea-ex-novotel-setif), the former Novotel, with a pool;
• [Noxi Hôtel Sétif](/en/hotel/noxi-ex-ibis-setif), the former ibis, on avenue de l'ALN;
• [Plus Hotel Sétif](/en/hotel/hotel-best-western-plus-setif), the former Best Western Plus, near the railway station;
• [Park Mall Hotel](/en/hotel/park-mall-hotel-and-conference-center-ex-four-points), the former Four Points;
• [Hôtel Ferdi](/en/hotel/ferdi-setif), in Bab Biskra.

All our places are on the hotels in Sétif page.

Nearby

• Sétif: the Aïn El Fouara fountain in the city centre, for an evening stroll.
• Djemila: the Roman site of Djemila, in the wilaya of Sétif, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See our guide to Algeria's UNESCO sites.
• Hammam Guergour, if you want to compare two spas in the same wilaya.

When to go and what to pack

Winter is cold on the High Plateaus: that is when a hot bath feels best, but check the weather before driving. At weekends and in the holidays, book your accommodation ahead.

Pack non-slip sandals, a towel, a bathrobe and swimwear, a warm jacket, drinking water, your doctor's written opinion for a course of treatment, and cash for small expenses.

Book your hotel and pay

On Nreservi you book your hotel in Sétif online. In Algeria you pay in dinars without a bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly office. Living abroad? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you after payment. Couples should read our article on the family record book at hotels. For more ideas, see our guide to Algeria's thermal spas.

See hotels in Sétif

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