Biskra
Algeria · 120 m
Description
Biskra is the gateway between the Aurès mountains and the Algerian Sahara, an oasis city of date palms known as the queen of the Ziban. Its groves produce deglet nour dates that are sold across the country, and the surrounding oases of Tolga and Sidi Okba spread green across the gravel plain. The mosque of Sidi Okba holds the tomb of the commander who led the Arab conquest of the Maghreb and is one of the oldest Islamic buildings in Africa. To the north the Aurès canyons at Ghoufi and the hot springs of Hammam Salihine draw visitors from the coast.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: October – March
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Sidi Okba Mosque & tomb
- Biskra date palm groves
- Ghoufi Balconies canyon(Day trip)
- Hammam Salihine hot springs
- Timgad Roman city(Day trip)
- Tolga oasis & deglet nour dates
- Fort Saint-Germain
- Biskra date market
- El Kantara gorge(Day trip)
- Old Biskra & Vieux Biskra quarter
- Zaatcha oasis
- Biskra Museum
- Aurès Berber villages(Day trip)
Getting there
- Airports:
- BSK
- Train stations:
- Biskra