Tigzirt: beaches, the islet, the Roman ruins of Iomnium and where to stay
Published on 13 November 2026 · Nreservi teamTigzirt is a small seaside town in Kabylie, in Tizi Ouzou province, about 40 km north of Tizi Ouzou and roughly 120 to 130 km east of Algiers. A long-established seaside resort, it packs a bay, a fishing port, beaches and the remains of an ancient town into a few kilometres. Its name means "islet" in Kabyle, after the small island facing the town.
The islet and the port
The islet has become the town's emblem, best photographed from the shore in the late afternoon. Next to it, the working fishing port is a pleasant place for a stroll and a coffee by the sea.
Tigzirt's beaches
The main beach lies a few hundred metres from the port and is the busiest in July and August. Around town, other beaches such as Tassalast feel more natural and a little less crowded.
For the 2026 season, the authorities announced 470 beaches authorised for swimming along the Algerian coast. Check that your beach is on the list, swim during supervised hours and respect the flags. Under the 2026 rules, an operator may use at most 30% of an authorised beach for paid services; the rest is free to access.
The Roman ruins of Iomnium
Tigzirt is also an archaeological site. The ancient town of Iomnium, founded around 145 BC, has left remains, including columns, that you can visit. Allow an hour or two, ideally early or late in the day, and check opening times locally. Fond of seaside ruins? See our guide to visiting Tipaza.
Getting there
By car, allow about 40 km from Tizi Ouzou and 120 to 130 km from Algiers. Summer weekends bring heavy traffic to the coast, so leave early.
Where to stay
We do not yet offer hotels in Tigzirt itself. You can stay in Tizi Ouzou and visit for the day: Hôtel Ittourar, in the New Town near the Bouhinoune bus station, or Hôtel Lalla Khedidja, the historic city-centre hotel, reopened in late 2024 with a pool and garden. Or combine Tigzirt with the coast of Boumerdès to the west, or Béjaïa's beaches to the east. Set on Tigzirt? Contact us with your dates.
When to go
July and August for swimming; spring and early autumn are quieter for the ruins and the port.
Booking and payment
You book your hotel online. From Algeria, you pay in dinars without a bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly office. Live abroad? You can also pay online by card, and your voucher is sent to you after payment.