Visiting Tipasa: Roman ruins and where to stay

About 70 kilometres west of Algiers, Tipasa (Tipaza) packs ancient ruins on the water's edge, a spectacular royal mausoleum and the Chenoua massif into a few kilometres of coastline. It is one of the easiest trips from the capital, and one of the most beautiful. Here is what to see, how to plan the day and where to stay if you want to linger.

A Punic, Roman and then Christian town

Before it was Roman, Tipasa was a Carthaginian trading post, a stop on the Mediterranean sea route. Its Punic necropolis is among the oldest and largest in the Punic world. Rome later made it an important base, and the town became an active Christian centre before declining after the Byzantine period.

The UNESCO World Heritage property covers three sites: two archaeological parks around the modern town and the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, about ten kilometres to the east.

The archaeological parks by the sea

What strikes you at Tipasa is the setting: the ancient remains look straight out over the Mediterranean. Highlights include:

• The Punic necropolis, a reminder of the Carthaginian town;
• The Basilica of Saint Salsa, in the large necropolis outside the walls;
• The theatre and the residential quarters of the Roman town;
• Mosaics, on site and in the town's small museum.

Allow half a day for both parks. The ground is uneven, so wear good shoes and bring water and a hat in summer. Opening days and hours can change; check locally.

Albert Camus celebrated the town in "Nuptials at Tipasa", and many readers come looking for the landscapes he describes.

The Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania (Tomb of the Christian Woman)

On a ridge of the Sahel between Algiers and Tipasa stands the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, also known as the "Tomb of the Christian Woman". This great stone tumulus is about 32 metres high and some 60 metres in diameter. Its popular name is said to come from a translation mix-up: in Arabic, "roumi" means Romans as well as Christians.

It is an easy stop on the road between Algiers and Tipasa; an hour is usually enough.

Mount Chenoua and the beaches

Mount Chenoua towers over the town and the sea and offers fine hikes. At its foot, the coast has several beaches. For swimming, read our article on Chenoua beach, and for the rest of the country our page on Algeria's beaches.

Day trip or overnight stay?

From Algiers, one day is enough for the ruins and the mausoleum. But Tipasa deserves at least one night: enjoy the site in the cool of the morning, then the sea in the afternoon. It is also a good stop on the way to Cherchell and the west. To plan the rest of your stay, see what to visit in Algiers and our 7 to 10-day Algeria itinerary.

Where to stay in Tipasa

• [Chenoua Hotel](/en/hotel/chenoua-hotel), on the seafront at Chenoua Plage, close to the archaeological site;
• [Hotel Ben Aouda & Spa](/en/hotel/ben-aouda-hotel-spa), at the entrance to Chenoua, with a summer pool and spa;
• [CET tourist complex (Tipasa Village)](/en/hotel/complexe-touristique-cet), bungalows by the water, east of town;
• [La Corne d'Or](/en/hotel/la-corne-d-or), a seaside complex designed by Fernand Pouillon;
• [Hotel Namymas](/en/hotel/hotel-namymas), in Aïn Tagourait, handy for the Royal Mausoleum.

All options are on our hotels in Tipasa page.

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 before you go, and see our Algeria visa page.

Safety. Before you go, read your own government's travel advice (FCDO in the UK, the State Department in the US, Global Affairs Canada, France Diplomatie). Our article Is Algeria safe for travellers? explains where to find it.

Season. Spring and autumn are ideal for the ruins; summer is perfect for the sea but hot for walking. See the best time to visit Algeria.

Booking your hotel in Tipasa

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.

See hotels in Tipasa

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