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Mers El Hadjadj

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City
—°1
Mers El Hadjadj (Algeria)
ℹ️

Practical info — Mers El Hadjadj

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the beaches early in the morning during summer to avoid the midday heat and crowds from Oran.
  • The town is easily accessible by road from Oran; taking a shared taxi (louage) is a practical way to arrive.
  • Modest swimwear is recommended on public beaches to respect local customs.
  • Bring sufficient cash, as small seaside vendors and eateries might not accept credit cards.

🍽 Food

🍽
Poisson Grillé (Grilled Fish)

Freshly caught fish, including sardines, served with lemon and local spices at seaside stalls.

🍽
Couscous au Poisson

A regional specialty combining traditional couscous with fresh seafood.

🍽
Mint Tea & Makroud

Sweet local pastries filled with date paste, well-suited with traditional sweet mint tea at cafes in the center.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Local Souks (Markets)

Browse for fresh local produce, aromatic spices, and traditional Algerian sweets.

🛍
Beachfront stalls

During summer, vendors along the promenade sell beachwear, inflatables, and small souvenirs.

🧘
Eastern end of the beach

Farther from the town center, offering a quieter spot for a peaceful walk along the sand.

🧘
Surrounding agricultural fields

The outskirts of the town offer pleasant, quiet views of rural coastal Algeria.

Mers El Hadjadj, formerly known as Port-aux-Poules, is a welcoming coastal municipality located in the Oran Province of northwestern Algeria. Overlooking the Gulf of Arzew, this peaceful town has grown into a favored destination for domestic tourists and locals seeking a refreshing escape by the Mediterranean Sea. Its laid-back atmosphere makes it a great spot for weekend getaways. The town's coastline features expansive and inviting sandy shores, most notably the Grande plage, Plage La macta, and Plage Sidi mansour. These beaches are renowned for their wide sandy stretches and generally calm, shallow waters, providing an excellent environment for swimming, beach volleyball, and long seaside walks. The animated beach life here is especially lively during the summer months. In addition to its beautiful beaches, Mers El Hadjadj has an authentic taste of Algerian coastal living. Visitors can explore the nearby La Macta wetlands, a crucial ecological zone for birdwatching, or savor fresh, locally caught seafood at various modest seaside restaurants. The town provides an excellent mix of natural beauty and traditional hospitality.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C131315171923262624211714
Rain mm554343503093923397148

Geography

Coordinates
35.79489, -0.16521

Facts

  • Located in Oran Province
  • Formerly known as Port-aux-Poules
  • Overlooks the Gulf of Arzew
  • Famous for Plage La Macta
  • Close to the La Macta wetlands
  • Popular for summer beach tourism
  • Offers calm and shallow waters
  • Features local seafood dining

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Mers El Hadjadj (1)

Grande plage

Wide sandy beach in Mers El Hadjadj, popular for swimming and sunbathing.

Frequently asked questions

How far is it from Oran?
Mers El Hadjadj is about 40 kilometers east of Oran, accessible via the N11.
When should you come for a beach holiday?
July and August offer the classic summer beach weather.
Are the beaches wheelchair accessible?
Infrastructure is limited, wheelchair access onto the sandy beaches can be difficult.
Is it an expensive place?
No, it is very affordable and budget-friendly compared to major resorts.
What is there to eat?
There is delicious street food, kebabs, and fresh local seafood.
Mers El Hadjadj: where is it located?
Mers El Hadjadj is located in Algeria.
Mers El Hadjadj: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Mers El Hadjadj: why is it worth visiting?
Mers El Hadjadj, formerly known as Port-aux-Poules, is a welcoming coastal municipality located in the Oran Province of northwestern Algeria.
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