Beaches in Algiers: where to swim and where to stay

Algiers is a capital on the Mediterranean. In summer, locals and families visiting from the UK, the US, Canada or France happily end the day at the beach without leaving the province. Here is how the Algiers coast works, from Sidi Fredj and Zéralda in the west to Aïn Taya in the east, the swimming rules to know, and where to stay to have the sea on your doorstep.

When to swim in Algiers

The beach season runs from June to September. July and August are the hottest and busiest months; June and September are quieter, with the sea already or still pleasant. Our guide to the best time to visit Algeria compares the seasons.

Every summer the authorities test the water quality and set the list of beaches where swimming is allowed: around sixty in Algiers province (61 in summer 2024). Only swim on these beaches, which are watched by the Civil Protection lifeguards, and respect the flags. Secluded coves are tempting, but nobody watches them.

The weekend in Algeria is Friday and Saturday, when the beaches close to the city are very busy. For a quieter day, come on a weekday, early in the morning or in the late afternoon.

The west coast: Sidi Fredj, Staouéli and Zéralda

This is the best-equipped stretch of the Algiers coast, with most of the seaside hotels.

• Sidi Fredj. About 30 km west of the city centre, in the municipality of Staouéli, this small peninsula has a marina, beaches, restaurants and hotels. It is the capital's best-known seaside outing, ideal for a half day with the family.
• Palm Beach, Staouéli. A beach on the Staouéli coast, lined with hotels and seaside resorts.
• Club des Pins. Also in Staouéli, the Sheraton Club des Pins Resort, a 5-star hotel, opens directly onto its private beach.
• Zéralda. A little further west, the beaches of Zéralda and their holiday complexes continue the coast: beachfront bungalows, hotels with a private beach or a pool.

In town: the Les Sablettes promenade

Close to the centre, the Les Sablettes promenade and park, laid out along the sea, are one of the favourite evening outings for Algiers residents in summer, with extra transport during the season. It is more a place for a stroll, games and an evening out than a big swimming beach: to swim, head for the authorised beaches to the west or the east.

The east coast: Aïn Taya and towards Boumerdès

East of the city, the beaches of Aïn Taya, wide and easy to reach by road, are the simplest choice if you are staying in Bab Ezzouar, near the airport or in the eastern part of the capital. Beyond them, the coast continues into Boumerdès province and its sandy beaches. For hotels in this area, read our guide to hotels in Bab Ezzouar.

A day in Tipaza and Chenoua

Further west, Tipaza province adds its beaches at the foot of Mount Chenoua and its UNESCO-listed Roman ruins. A great day out from Algiers: the ruins in the morning, the beach in the afternoon. See our guides to Chenoua beach and visiting Tipaza.

Practical tips

• Bring cash. Parasols, sunloungers, car parks and snacks are usually paid in cash, and bank cards are rarely accepted on the beach. Our guide to Algeria's currency explains where to exchange money.
• Access is free. Most of each authorised beach is in principle free and open to everyone; only part of it can be run by operators (parasol hire, food).
• The heat. Water, a hat and sunscreen, especially from midday to mid-afternoon; keep an eye on children, even on a watched beach.
• Getting there. A taxi or a car is the easiest way to reach the west coast. Leave early at weekends to avoid traffic jams, both ways.

Where to stay near the beaches of Algiers

• In Sidi Fredj: Hôtel El Marsa Sidi Fredj, near the marina; Résidence Marina, at the harbour; Hôtel El Riadh, with a private beach.
• At Palm Beach (Staouéli): AZ Hotel Vague d'Or, with a private beach.
• At Club des Pins: Sheraton Club des Pins Resort, on the seafront.
• In Zéralda: Les Sables d'Or, with a private beach; AZ Hôtel Zéralda, with a spa; Hôtel Mazafran, near the beach; the Zéralda tourist centre and its beachfront bungalows.

To compare, see also our hotels in Algiers with a pool, our guide on where to stay in Algiers and our page on beaches in Algeria for the rest of the coast.

Book a seaside hotel

In summer, hotels on the west coast fill up fast: book early, especially for July and August. On Nreservi you book your hotel 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 before travelling.

Before you go

Visa. Most foreign travellers in principle need a visa to enter Algeria, and the rules depend on your passport. Check the current requirements with the Algerian consulate that covers your area, and see our Algeria visa page.

Safety. Before you go, read your own government's travel advice. Our article Is Algeria safe for travellers? explains where to find it.

See hotels in Algiers

Sources: Visit Algeria; Algérie Éco and Algérie 360 (authorised beaches, summer 2024); Horizons (20 May 2026); Radio Algérie (summer season 2026); TSA and Algérie 360 for Les Sablettes and Sidi Fredj; Nreservi hotel pages (accessed 13 November 2026).

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