Caught between Murdjadjo, a 400 m high rocky massif, and the sea, the agglomeration of Oran, Algeria's second largest city after Algiers, now has two million inhabitants. What strikes the visitor upon arrival is the superb seafront of Oran and this preserved cornice that contrasts with the intense blue sea, like a little sister of the Esterel gold cornice on the Côte d'Azur. It's a beautiful sight to see by car, and even more so if you're in traffic when you leave Oran to go to the beach in the summer! But the treasure of Oran is really for us the Fort of Santa Cruz which overlooks the bay of Oran and offers a magnificent view of the whole city with below this statue of Mary at the top of the Basilica of Our Lady of Salvation which dominates the city and immediately reminds us of the Corcovado of Rio, in a country that is nevertheless Muslim but where Christianity is accepted. The site of the basilica has just been superbly restored, after work led by the Bishop of Oran, Jean-Paul Vesco, a delicate but successful restoration for a total amount of 4 million euros. If you have never been to Oran, it is really the place to start because you will not only be amazed by the beauty of the city but, above all, you will have a breathtaking view of the city, thanks in particular to the new panoramic platform above the basilica, and can admire the cornice from the sky or almost.On the economic level, Oran, the capital of the wilaya, is a city that lives off industry with many factories in Arzew-Bethioua, Es Senia and Hasi Ameur. It is also a major shopping centre whose port has a high level of traffic with Europe.The quality of life of the people of Oran has improved in recent years. To address the housing shortage, large construction programmes have been implemented and slums have been destroyed to build new housing while populations have been relocated.But the work continues and the city is constantly improving with cranes signalling the worksites, especially since the announcement of the 2021 Mediterranean Games to be held in Oran. The city is currently improving its road infrastructure with the construction, still in progress, of the 2nd bypass, also known as the 5th ring road. This 21 km long new road will relieve congestion in the city centre, which is often saturated by traffic. This road must also link Belgaid to El Kerma via a junction with the East-West motorway, which will make traffic flow more smoothly throughout the wilaya of Oran. The other major project is the construction of a motorway link between the port of Oran and the East-West motorway, which will also facilitate traffic in the city centre as heavy goods vehicles will be able to travel directly from the port to the motorway without passing through the city.However, Oran the coquette, "El-Bahia", is a dynamic city whose motto could be "Oran is not described, it is lived". It is first experienced in the streets that climb the slopes, in the almost perpetual animation of its main arteries, in its raï evenings that animate the cornice and in this typically Oranese lightness where everything is a pretext for celebration and conviviality, where the inhabitants are more open to the consumption of alcohol for example, which sometimes makes the Algerians, often more conservative, say that the Oranais are "libertines".History. The bottom of the bay of Mers El Kebir was occupied since prehistoric times, about 100,000 years ago, by a Berber tribe. In the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods, we lived here in caves (Cuartel, de Kouchet, El Djir or Alain shelter) which gave their first name to the site (Ifri, "the caves") but which, for some, have been made inaccessible by recent anarchic urbanization.Subsequently, the city of Ouahran, whose name would mean "two lions", was officially founded at the very beginning of the 10th century, in 903, by Muslim sailors from Andalusia. Very well located between Morocco and Spain, Oran quickly became a flourishing city at the centre of maritime links between the two continents. After a conflict between the Umayyads of Córdoba and the Fatimids of Ifrikia, the city passed into the hands of Youssef Ibn Tachfine, founder of the Almoravid dynasty, in 1082. In 1145, it became Almohad until the Zianides, established in Tlemcen, seized it in 1228, which in turn was dislodged in 1345 by the Merinids. From this period date the fortifications of Mers El Kebir and the dungeons of Rozalcazar. As Al-Hassan al-Wazzan, Leon the African, described it in the 15th century, Oran was a maritime, commercial and literate city, illuminated by the presence and culture of men like Sidi El-Houari (1351-1439) and his disciple Ibrahim Tazi, who died in 1463.At the end of the 15th century, Spain turned against Muslims who took refuge en masse on the coasts near North Africa. When she died in 1504, the Queen of Spain, Isabella the Catholic, left a will in which she recommended the conquest of Africa. In 1501, the Portuguese launched an attack on the city but, in 1509, four years after the capture of Mers El Kebir and the establishment of a small Spanish colony on the site now called Les Andalouses, Cardinal Ximénes conquered the city whose first governor was Fernández de Cordova, Marquis de Comarès. Oran became a military stronghold, fortified with walls, forts and castles to protect it from raids by privateers in the pay of the Ottomans. After two centuries of battles, the Ottomans, who had been present in Algeria since the early 16th century, took the city in 1708. But the armada of the Duke of Montemar on the beaches of Ain El Turk avenged Spain in 1732. New fortifications with the names of saints (San Felipe, San André, Santa Barbara, San Gregorio, etc.) were quickly built but were seriously damaged during the terrible earthquake that shook the city in 1790, killing more than 2,000 people, almost a quarter of the population. The city was weakened, the bey Mohamed El-Kebir took advantage of it and seized Oran in February 1792. He built a palace, the Pasha mosque and new districts. But, under his successors, internal struggles hindered the development of Oran, which was picked in January 1831 by the French troops of General Damrémont. Oran can be considered as definitively taken after the fall of Emir Abdelkader in 1847, even if the urban transformations undertaken by the military have already changed the face of the city.The capital of the Oranie department, an agricultural region that produces fruit and vegetables as well as wine, is seeing the creation of new streets, including Ibn-Badis Drive or neighbourhoods like M'Dina El-Djedida, also known as the Negro village. A unit of "military planters" was charged around 1855 with afforestation of 670 ha on the slopes, giving rise to the jardin des Planteurs and the green spaces of Murdjadjo, planted with holm oaks, Aleppo pines and carob trees. The city soon extended beyond its Ottoman limits towards the Karguentah plateaus and its centre was redesigned by the Places d'Armes, des Victoires and Hoche, the grand boulevards Joffre and Clemenceau, the streets of General-Leclerc and Alsace-Lorraine, the avenue Loubet and, above all, the waterfront. At the beginning of the 20th century, Oran was even one of the top 10 cities in France for a time..After Independence, the cosmopolitan city, which until then had more Europeans than Muslims and where many Spaniards fleeing Francoism had taken refuge, had difficulty recovering from the departure of more than 200,000 Europeans who were no longer considered as Oranese. It took the city several years to regain its place and a certain dynamism.

What to visit Oran?

When to go to Oran?

The city ofOran, nicknamed la Radieuse, is perched on the shores of the Mediterranean. Its history, culture and, of course, its climate are awe-inspiring. When to go to Oran? Follow the guide to choose the ideal time for your getaway:

January to March in Oran is Mediterranean winter. Temperatures are mild and days are sunny, although a few showers are possible. This is the low season, when prices are attractive;

April and May are springtime, a good time to mingle with the locals at the cultural events that bring the city to life;

From June to August in Oran, the thermometer climbs, often reaching 30°C. Oran's beaches are very busy. This is the high season, with higher prices and an unrivalled festive atmosphere;

Temperatures in September and October remain warm and, above all, more bearable. If you go to Oran in September, you can attend the famous Rai Festival, which celebrates this emblematic music;

In November and December, the air in Oran cools down. This is the ideal time to discover Oran without the summer crowds, while enjoying a pleasant climate.

When is the best time tovisit Or an? The best time to visit Oran is undoubtedly spring or autumn. Not only is the climate ideal, but you'll also have the opportunity to experience the city to the rhythm of its cultural events.

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Weather all year round

Oran enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate almost all year round. During the high season, particularly between June and August, the city basks in radiant sunshine, inviting you to swim on its golden beaches. On the other hand, during Oran's low season,from November to February, temperatures are milder, offering a different charm with cooler evenings. If you're the type to avoid the crowds, consider visiting Oran between March and May, or September and October. These in-between months offer the perfect balance between pleasant temperatures and fewer tourist crowds. Don't forget your hat and sunscreen in the summer- Oran's sun is no joke! For the cooler months, a little jacket in the evening will be your best ally.

Budget

Oran, with its picturesque alleyways and Mediterranean charm, is a budget-friendly getaway. The local currency is the Algerian dinar. If you're looking to exchange your money, exchange offices in Oran offer competitive rates. However, a word of advice: prefer to pay in cash, especially at local markets. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, but cash is still king in most establishments.

As for tipping in Oran, it's not compulsory, but it's always appreciated for quality service. Whether you choose the budget experience of sipping a local tea in a small café, the comfort of dining in a trendy restaurant or the luxury of a seaside spa, you'll find each of these options in Oran.

Procedures

Travelling to Oran requires a few administrative preparations to ensure a hassle-free stay:

Visa: for a stay in Oran, a visa is generally required for nationals of many countries. The procedure differs, but the application is often made at the Algerian embassy or consulate in your home country. Plan ahead: it can take a long time to be issued. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry;

Travel insurance: not compulsory, but recommended, this covers medical care, repatriation and loss or theft of personal effects;

Driving in Oran: if you plan to rent a car, be aware that your national driving license may not be sufficient. Find out if you need an international driver's license;

No vaccinations are required to enter Oran. However, it's always a good idea to check your regular vaccinations;

The currency used in Oran is the Algerian Dinar(DZD). It's best to have some cash on hand, as not all shops accept credit cards.

Arabic is the official language, but French is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

Health

Here's our health advice for your stay in Oran:

There are no compulsory vaccinations for Oran, so keep your routine vaccinations such as tetanus, polio and diphtheria up to date. For long stays or in rural areas, remember to get vaccinated against typhoid fever and hepatitis A;

Tap water in Oran is not fit for consumption. To avoid any risk, opt for sealed bottled water. Always check that the cap is intact before drinking;

Avoid eating raw or undercooked food, especially at street stalls. Fruits and vegetables should be carefully washed with purified water or peeled;

Use high factor sun cream, sunglasses and a hat, especially between 10am and 4pm;

The risk of mosquito-borne diseases is low in Oran, but it's best to use repellents and sleep under a mosquito net if you're staying in open areas;

Take a first-aid kit with you, including painkillers, anti-diarrhoea medication, bandages, antiseptic and personal prescriptions;

Remember to take out medical insurance to cover any medical expenses or repatriation. Medical facilities in Oran are competent, but it's always a good idea to plan ahead.

Before you leave, consult a tropical medicine or travel center for personalized advice.

How to go to Oran? Our advice & tips

Oran on a package tour means taking advantage of a perfectly orchestrated itinerary, often including visits to emblematic sites such as Santa Cruz or the Place du1er Novembre. The advantage? No logistical stress! Agencies take care of hotel reservations, transportation and excursions. Tip: choose a package that includes free time to explore at your own pace. Don't forget to sample Oran's rich gastronomy in the restaurants recommended by your local guide!

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

Oran is an experience to be lived to the rhythm of the waves and the lively streets. If you choose to go it alone, freedom is your best ally. Start your day with a stroll along the seafront, and let the scent of grilled fresh fish guide you. Tip: download an offline mapping application and use it as your best friend in the maze of the medina. Learn a few Arabic words to facilitate contact. And don't forget to carry some spare change to enjoy a delicious coffee on a terrace. Oran has so many hidden treasures! Take your time to discover them!

The city has a fairly efficient public bus network . However, for an authentic experience, hop aboard a shared taxi shared cab, the shared cabs that criss-cross the city. They're very economical. Tip: before getting in, confirm the destination and fare to avoid any surprises. If you're looking for freedom, rent a bike or go for a walk. Oran is a hilly city, offering magnificent panoramic views, especially from the Santa Cruz district. For longer distances, take a classic cab, but always negotiate the price beforehand. And don't forget: always have a map or navigation app at hand to find your way around Oran's winding streets!

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Pictures and images Oran

Place du 1er-novembre. Sébastien CAILLEUX
Quartier de la rue de la Bastille. Sébastien CAILLEUX
Vue de la baie d'Oran depuis le fort Santa Cruz. Sébastien CAILLEUX

Discover Oran

When to travel?

The city ofOran, nicknamed la Radieuse, is perched on the shores of the Mediterranean. Its history, cul...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

Oran enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate almost all year round. During the high season, particularl...
Read more about it

Budget

Oran, with its picturesque alleyways and Mediterranean charm, is a budget-friendly getaway. The local currency...
Read more about it

Formalities

Travelling to Oran requires a few administrative preparations to ensure a hassle-free stay:

Visa:...
Read more about it

Health

Here's our health advice for your stay in Oran:

There are no compulsory vaccinations for Oran, so...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

Oran is an experience to be lived to the rhythm of the waves and the lively streets. If you choose to go it...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

Oran on a package tour means taking advantage of a perfectly orchestrated itinerary, often including visits to...
Read more about it

Getting around

The city has a fairly efficient public bus network . However, for an authentic experience, hop aboard a shared...
Read more about it

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