Portal North. ISSUE 2 - Magazine - Page 13
ALGERIA
If time is too tight for you to book a trip for this year’s eclipse
(with costs running high in some key destinations), then rest
assured this isn’t your only chance to catch this spectacular
occurrence with almost-naked eyes.
Vast swathes of Africa, Europe and the Middle East will also
see the sun temporarily blacked out but not for another year.
Those looking to get a head start should reserve a room at
one of the many hotels, guesthouses and apartments on
offer in Oran.
On Monday 2 August 2027, Algeria’s second city will
experience totality for more than 昀椀ve minutes – double the
length Europeans can hope for this summer.
Hiking out to Cap de l’Aiguille, a peninsula that can only
be reached by foot or boat, should be a sure-昀椀re way of
guaranteeing a truly unspoilt and uncrowded location to
watch the magic happen.
The town itself has been shaped by Berbers, Romans,
Ottomans and – most visible today – Spanish and then
French colonialists.
Renowned for its culinary scene, you can also expect
imposing monuments and iconic landmark buildings like the
incredible Great Mosque.
Don’t miss Little Paris, where Rai music was 昀椀rst born, a
genre marrying authentic Algerian sounds with Western
electronica.
Oran
Getting there: Fly to Algiers, then drive or take a transfer to
Oran in around four hours.
Need to know
The National Solar Observatory advises that during totality,
you may view the Sun without proper eye protection, such
as solar glasses. But throughout all other phases of the
eclipse, you should only look at the Sun when your eyes are
protected.
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