Overview
Constantine is one of Algeria's most dramatic cities, an ancient stronghold perched on a rocky plateau and split in two by the plunging Rhummel Gorge. A series of vertiginous bridges stitches the halves together and earns it the nickname "the City of Bridges". Once the Numidian capital of Cirta, it is a place of Ottoman palaces, busy souks and cliff-top views that stays refreshingly free of crowds, and it makes a rewarding, offbeat choice for UK travellers.
Best time to fly to Constantine
Constantine sits at altitude, so its seasons are sharper than on the Mediterranean coast. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) bring warm, settled days that are ideal for walking the gorge and exploring on foot. Summers are hot and dry, often above 35C, while winters are cold and wet with the occasional snowfall. Fares tend to rise around the summer holidays and Algerian public holidays, so check the When to book chart above for the current picture.
Airlines and routes
There are currently no direct flights from the UK to Constantine, so you will travel with one connection. The most common routing is London to Algiers, served by British Airways and Air Algerie from Heathrow, followed by a short Air Algerie domestic flight of about an hour on to Constantine. Air Algerie, Transavia and ASL Airlines also link Constantine directly with Paris, Marseille and Lyon, and Turkish Airlines connects it through Istanbul, so a one-stop trip via Paris or Istanbul works from many UK airports too. London to Algiers takes roughly 2 hours 45 minutes; allow around 6 to 10 hours in total depending on your layover.
Things to do in Constantine
Constantine rewards travellers who enjoy history, architecture and a head for heights.
- Sidi M'Cid Bridge: The city's emblem, a 1912 suspension bridge slung high above the 175-metre-deep gorge.
- Palace of Ahmed Bey: A well-preserved 19th-century Ottoman residence with painted galleries and courtyard gardens.
- Emir Abdelkader Mosque: One of Africa's largest mosques, its twin minarets rising more than 100 metres.
- Cirta Museum: Numidian and Roman finds from the ancient city, plus a fine-art collection.
- Monument aux Morts: A cliff-edge memorial modelled on a Roman triumphal arch, with the finest panorama in the city.
At Mohamed Boudiaf International Airport (CZL)
The airport lies about 9 km south-west of the centre, a 20 to 30-minute drive. Taxis are the simplest way in: agree the fare before setting off, or ask your hotel to arrange a pickup. Car hire desks operate in the terminal and some hotels offer transfers, but public transport links are limited.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Constantine
- Book roughly two to four months ahead for the best choice on the Algiers connection.
- Fly midweek and avoid July, August and major Algerian holidays, when seats fill quickly.
- Keep your dates flexible and use the price charts on this page to spot cheaper departures.
- Compare the routing via Algiers against one-stop options through Paris or Istanbul.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa to visit Algeria, arranged in advance through the Algerian Consulate, so apply in good time and check the latest requirements before you book. The currency is the Algerian dinar, a closed currency you cannot buy in advance; take pounds or euros to exchange on arrival and carry cash, as cards are rarely accepted. Check the FCDO's Algeria travel advice before travelling and see TravelHealthPro for routine vaccination guidance, and drink bottled water.
