MostaganemAlgeria · Ferry Destinations

All About Mostaganem

Mostaganem’s appeal is frequently lost on the casual tourist who travels around the world searching for famous sights. A muted port town situated between Algiers and Oran, Mostaganem is where the lull of the day is best enjoyed at one of its beaches, people watching and soaking up the sun. Somewhat industrial in nature, the town is definitely an alternative destination. A stay here is budget-friendly, presenting an occasion to observe authentic Algerian life. Travelers ready for an unorthodox tranquil escape should book ferry tickets to Mostaganem between June and September. That’s when temperatures average 27°C (80.6°F), making it ideal for enjoying quality family time, swimming in the waters of the Mediterranean.
 

Routes and Ferries to Mostaganem

Only one international passenger ferry arrives at Mostaganem. Operated by Balearia, the ship from Valencia, in Spain, takes 16 hours to reach the Algerian coast. Using Ferryscanner you can book ferry tickets to Mostaganem for any of the three sailings per week, with prices starting at €95. The journey across the Mediterranean Sea is a spectacular opportunity to relax in well-appointed cabins, dine in a-la-carte restaurants, and start your Algerian holiday on an entertaining note.

If wishing to reach by air, the closest airport is in Oran. Tourists can take the train or a taxi to cover the 85km distance from Oran Airport to Mostaganem. The other alternative is to land in Algiers. However, the capital city is decidedly further with a one-way trip taking roughly four hours by road. Mostaganem has a civilian airport although unfortunately, no commercial airlines land there at this time.
 

Port of Mostaganem

The Port of Mostaganem is small and primarily used by cargo ships. Its central location does make it an ideal arrival point for ferry passengers. The Emir ΑΕK Garden in the center of the city is only a 20-minute walk from the port. Those wary about sailing into a relatively less frequented harbor need not worry. To help encourage tourism, the customs and border control personnel at Mostaganem Port tend to be incredibly welcoming and pleasant. Book roundtrip ferry tickets to Mostaganem ahead of time with Feryscanner to avoid the hassle of waiting in line.
 

Best Beaches of Mostaganem

The Algerian shoreline is blessed with gorgeous beaches, plenty of which lie near Mostaganem. Family-friendly and easily accessible, these beaches see both locals and tourists spending hours splashing in the water or lounging about building sandcastles and sunbathing.

Split Beach

Mostaganem’s city beach rests just south of the harbor. Several hotels and cafes back this sandy stretch, making it a lively place to be at any time of day. The water here stays low until far out into the sea, allowing non-swimmers and children to have fun without any worries. Spend a moment chilling by Split Beach at least to admire the gorgeous views.

Sidi Mansour Beach

A vivacious beach, Sidi Mansour is 25 minutes by car from Mostaganem, in the direction of Oran. A favorite with families, the beach gets really crowded on weekends and holidays. Parking at this time can be an issue. The water here is clean, and on-site facilities include toilets, separate changing rooms for men and women, umbrellas and chairs on rent, and street vendors selling delicious comfort eats. To avoid the rush, visit on weekdays and preferably before noon.

Oureah Beach

A little further to the south of Split Beach, in Mazagran, is Oureah Beach. The sand here is fine, and a high-rising dune shelters the wide beach from strong winds. Packed with locals on hot summer days, it is best to arrive early if you want a sunbathing spot by the water. There aren’t many amenities here, but food stalls help you stay nourished after swimming.

Sonaktr Beach

Sonaktr has an arid and hilly backdrop, giving it a dramatic pastoral ambiance. To reach the beach, drive north for 15 minutes on the N11, taking a left at the roundabout towards Ru Nabi Lazreg. Paid parking is available, but you will have to walk a kilometer to reach the water. Instead of the usual umbrellas, this seaside is lined with prefixed open cabanas that one can rent along with plastic chairs and tables.

Kharouba Beach

Kharouba is a broad sandy strip alongside the road that doesn’t fit the template of a traditional beach. Nevertheless, the water is lovely here and stays shallow, resulting in the beach drawing families with little children. If you don’t mind its underdeveloped setting, the plus side is that Kharouba stays uncrowded even during peak summer months.
 

Places to Visit in Mostaganem

To truly relish the humble treasures of Mostaganem, one must unbox them slowly. The city’s location places it close to several tourist spots that surprise the unassuming traveler, often leaving them in a state of complete awe.

Salamandre

The city’s most happening sea-facing neighborhood is the place to be from late afternoon until long after the sun has set. A constant transformation of the area has seen its appeal among tourists grow over the past few years. Today, people come here to savor fresh seafood dishes and homemade delicacies at numerous beachside cafes and restaurants. Late evenings are for walks on the boulevard, having ice cream, and watching boats bob around in the fishing harbor nearby. As Mostaganem’s central shopping district, Salamandre is home to many clothing and gift shops.

Oran

Even if city life doesn’t interest you, plan a day trip to Oran, the second most important town in Algeria. Having Spanish, Ottoman, and French influence, Oran has a mix of architecturally noteworthy buildings. The drive up to the 16th-century Santa Cruz Fort guarantees inspiring city views and far-reaching vistas. For a more immersive experience, walk through Mdina Jdida bazaar and practice your bargaining skills. While there, don’t miss out on tasting regional cuisine, especially calentica – a much-loved street food made using chickpeas and cumin.

Mostaland Parc

It is possibly the last thing you’d expect to come across in Mostaganem, but the city does have a rather enjoyable theme-park. Mostaland Parc, featuring a variety of rides, promises a lovely day for the whole family. Adults can have a thrill riding Swing Tower and Space Gun, while tiny tots can sit on the Circus Train and drive battery-operated cars. Fortunately, the park stays open until late. Head up the Ferris wheel when it gets dark to see the lights of the city truly sparkle.

Bordj Ettork

While in Mostaganem, set aside an hour for a quick trip to Bordj Ettork. Built sometime in the 15th-century, this Turkish fort remained under military control for an extended period of time. The government finally started its restoration in 1999. The views from the fort are outstanding, and there is a small on-site museum as well.

Cap Ivi Lighthouse

Cap Ivi Lighthouse is situated close to Zina Beach, roughly 30 minutes from the Mostaganem city center. Constructed in 1870, the lighthouse is still functional and has a very simplistic design. The coastal drive to Cap Ivi Lighthouse is, in particular, quite stunning.
 

Transportation Around Mostaganem

Mostaganem is easy to navigate on foot. Walking around allows you to admire some of the city’s architecture and mingle with the locals. A 14km long tramway is under construction and will have 24 stations covering the city’s length and breadth. Already undergoing test runs, the tramways should be operational by the end of 2021.

Travelers can ask their hotels to call radio taxis, which are useful for trips to nearby towns and beaches. The bus service is limited, and although it’s cheap, it isn’t the most comfortable way to get around. Renting a car is only advisable if you are very confident about driving in a foreign country.