Biskra

Biskra is a huge oasis southeast of Algeria at the base of the Aures Mountains.  The ancient Carthaginian then Roman city is built in a grid pattern. The arrival of the railway in the early twentieth century enabled it to become an industrial city. Spend two days seeing the city.

Go for a hike to Sidi Okba, an oasis of dazzling gardens, and enjoy the beautiful countryside around the village southeast of Biskra. To complement your journey on the way back, stop for a moment at the old Oqba Ibn Nafaa mosque, a work that is deeply rooted in history, dating back to the eighth century, considered and appreciated as one of the oldest in Algeria. The mosque pays tribute to the man behind the Arab conquests in the Maghreb that began in 663, serving as a shelter for his mausoleum. 

To brighten your stay, there is nothing better than the Palm Grove Gardens, located in the suburbs of Biskra, which is the famous home of the most prestigious dates, namely the Deglet Noor, which are sold on site. Climb up to the Turkish Fort and see the panoramic view of the entire palm grove and oasis.

"The hot springs"in El-Kantara and Aures, formerly named Ad Piscinam (hot springs of the saints) by the Romans for their hot, sulphurous, 50°C water, is a spa centre located at the base of Djebel Bou-Ghazel (8 kilometres from Biskra). These hot springs attract many patients who come for treatment.

Discover the flavours of Biskra and sample the cherchouka and succulent local dates. 

If you have time, a refreshing, relaxing stop at LandonPark in the city centre will do you a world of good when the blazing sun becomes unbearable. The park was once frequented by Oscar Wilde, a pillar of English literature.

Don't miss: the Spring Festival (March-April), the Date Festival (December).