Thalassotherapy in Algeria: the Sidi Fredj centre, thalasso in Oran and where to stay

Thalassotherapy means treatments that use the sea: seawater, the marine climate and often seaweed and marine mud, under medical supervision. In Algeria, searches for "thalassothérapie" lead first to one name, Sidi Fredj, then to Algiers and Oran. Here is where to do a thalasso in the country, how it differs from a thermal spa, how to prepare and where to stay nearby.

Thalasso or thermal spa?

The two are often confused. Thalasso takes place by the sea, with seawater. Thermal spas such as Hammam Righa, Hammam Guergour or Hammam Sokhna use hot spring water, often far from the coast. For those, read our guide to Algeria's thermal spas.

The Sidi Fredj thalassotherapy centre, Algiers

This is Algeria's best-known address. The centre stands on the Sidi Fredj peninsula, in the municipality of Staouéli, west of Algiers, close to the marina and the beaches. It combines treatment areas (massages, water jets), swimming pools, a restaurant and on-site accommodation. After lengthy renovation works, it is welcoming guests again, including people who are convalescing.

What people search for most:

• Prices: we do not publish rates, because prices and packages (day treatments, stays with accommodation) change. Ask the centre for its current price list.
• Phone number: use the centre's official contact details and get what your package includes confirmed in writing.
• Medical check: as at any thalasso, expect to see a doctor before your first treatments. Bring your prescriptions and recent test results.

Where to stay nearby? If the centre is full, or if you are accompanying a relative, stay in one of the Sidi Fredj hotels: [El Riadh](/en/hotel/riadh-sidi-fredj), [El Marsa](/en/hotel/el-marsa-sidi-fredj) or [L'Éventail](/en/hotel/l-eventail). All our places: hotels in Algiers.

Oran: the Les Andalouses thalasso

On the western corniche of Oran, at El Ançor, the [Les Andalouses tourist complex](/en/hotel/les-andalouses-oran) has its own thalassotherapy centre, offering hydromassage baths and massages among other treatments. Opening hours and access conditions change with the season: call before you go, and ask whether treatments are open to people not staying at the complex.

Mers El Hadjadj: Azure Thalasso & Resort

East of Oran, in the municipality of Mers El Hadjadj, the [Azure Thalasso & Resort](/en/hotel/azure-rottana-thalasso-resort) (also listed as Azure Rottana) is a seaside resort combining accommodation and a thalasso area. Before booking, ask for the list of treatments and whether they are included in your stay.

All our places: hotels in Oran.

What about Tunisia?

Many Algerians travel to Tunisia for a thalasso. If you are weighing it up, compare with our thalasso in Tunisia page, which lists the hotels with a thalasso centre we offer across the border.

Preparing for a thalasso

• Talk to your doctor, especially if you have a chronic illness or a heart condition, or if you are pregnant. We give no medical advice.
• Choose your package: a few day treatments, or a stay of several days with accommodation. Ask how many treatments per day are included.
• Pack swimwear, non-slip sandals, a bathrobe, a swim cap if required, and your medical documents.
• Mind the calendar: summer and school holidays are the busiest periods, so book early. Our guide to the best time to visit Algeria can help.
• Couples: read our article on the family record book at hotels before you go.

Book your hotel and pay

On Nreservi you book your hotel in Sidi Fredj, Algiers or Oran 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. Prices change with the season: for a rough idea, see our hotel price barometer for Algeria.

See hotels in Algiers

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