Algeria is a land misunderstood by most of the people on Earth and a visit in Algeria is a highly recommended holiday. From the Mediterranean Sea to the Sahara Desert, travel in Algeria offers a kaleidoscope of landscapes and cultures. While some areas are starkly beautiful, such as the Saharan oasis town of Dakhla, others are dauntingly desolate – such as Mount Toubkal, one of North Africa’s most spectacular peaks.
And everywhere you turn there is something unique to see: snow-capped mountains; villages perched on cliff faces overlooking rushing rivers; lush palm groves in the heart of dusty desert towns. This country boasts more than its share of natural wonders: from deep gorges and thundering waterfalls to towering, isolated peaks.
But Algeria is much more than just a natural wonderland. With its rich history and vibrant culture, Algerian cities are home to some of the world’s most interesting landmarks, neighbourhoods and streets. From the bustling souks of Constantine in the north to the medina of Algiers in the south, there’s hardly a location that isn’t steeped in centuries-old tradition. And whether it be ideal for business or leisure pursuits – from fine dining to shopping – Algerian city centres offer something for everyone.
But this mystique destination is rather hard to visit. Though it’s no longer known as a dangerous place to travel to by most governmental travel advisors, the country is plagued by poverty, terrorism-rumors and strict security measures. And accessing some of the more isolated areas can be nightmare – as seen with the disastrous 2013 Algerian earthquake that killed hundreds of people and left millions homeless.
Visas are not easy to come by. And while Algeria is slowly opening up to foreigners, it’s government is not particularly welcoming. With the surplus of its oil exports, the government cares very little about tourism development. Only 0.01% GDP comes from the travel sector.
However, the hospitality its government lacks is made up for by the people of the country – known as some of the most hospitable you’ll find. Every town you visit, you’re likely to be invited into someone’s home for dinner or breakfast, and offered a warm cup of tea as a welcome.
Nevertheless, if you’re willing to put in a few extra miles (or fly), Algeria is well worth exploring. So if you’re looking for an exotic travel destination with stunning scenery and fascinating culture, then Algeria is definitely worth considering.
Visit in Algeria: What to see in Algeria
There’s plenty to see and experience when you visit Algeria. From the ancient ruins of Djelfa to the stunning desert landscapes, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
This is also a great destination for road trips – with stunning off-the-beaten path destinations like the Rif Mountains and Tiaret Province just waiting to be discovered.
Below, we’ve outlined a few of the necessary things to see in Algeria on a holiday of any length.
1. Djelfa
Djelfa is an ancient desert town with stunning ruined dwellings and palm-fringed bazaars. The ruins date back over 2,000 years, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The town’s unique atmosphere can only be experienced on a visit – so don’t miss out if you’re in the area!
2. Ksar Ghilane National Park
Ksar Ghilane National Park is Algeria’s largest national park and one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Named after the magnificent ksar (fortified palace) at its centre, the park is home to a range of wildlife – from sand tigers to desert lions.
3. Tiaret Province
Tiaret Province is one of Algeria’s most scenic provinces, with striking sand dunes and palm-covered villages. The province’s capital – Tiaret – is a bustling town full of shops and restaurants, as well as plenty of cultural attractions like museums and ancient ruins. Tiaret Province is one of the best places to visit in Algeria.
4. Rif Mountains
The Rif Mountains are Algeria’s highest mountain ranges, rising up to 2,000 meters above sea level in some places . The ranges are a popular destination for athletes and nature lovers, with stunning views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
5. Tamadot National Park
Tamadot National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the province of Ain Defla. The park is home to rare animals such as the Barbary sheep and gnu, as well as spectacular landscapes including gorges and waterfalls.
6. Constantine City
Constantine is the capital of Algeria’s Constantine Province, and is a popular tourist destination for its rich history and impressive architecture. The city boasts several medieval churches, mosques and palaces, as well as some of the best restaurants in Algeria.
7. Tizi Ouzou Province
Tizi Ouzou is Algeria’s most northerly province, and is home to a range of impressive mountain ranges and stunning gorges. The province also has a number of natural attractions, including the Siwa oasis and the Setif Crater.
8. Bejaia Province
Bejaia is Algeria’s most populous province, and is home to a range of impressive archaeological sites, including the ancient city of Volubilis. The province also has an array of attractions for tourists, including traditional medersas (schools) and beaches.
9. Kabylie Province
Kabylie is Algeria’s most densely populated province, and is home to a range of interesting cultural attractions, including the Mudéjar villages of Tipaza and Ain el-Hana. The province also has a variety of natural landscapes, including forested hills and terraced valleys.
10. Mascara Province
Mascara is Algeria’s smallest province, and is home to a range of interesting historical sites, including the ancient Roman city of Cirta. The province also has a variety of natural attractions, including volcanic Mount Chaambi and the Algerian coast.
11. Bordj Bou Arreridj Province
Bordj Bou Arreridj is Algeria’s southernmost province, and is home to a range of beautiful natural landscapes, including the Sefrou oasis and the Saharan desert. The province also has a number of interesting historical sites, including the Roman city of Hippo Regius.
12. Ain Defla Province
Ain Defla is Algeria’s biggest province, and is home to a range of impressive geological features, including the Taza Crater and the Atlas Mountains. The province also has a number of interesting historical sites, including the ancient city of Volubilis, which is a top place to visit in Algeria.
13. Ain Kef Province
Ain Kef is Algeria’s second biggest province, and is home to a range of impressive geological features, including the Anti-Atlas Mountains and the Dahra oasis. Take time to see the eerie salt mines at Zinder and the stunning Lake Habbous.The province also has a variety of interesting historical sites, including the city of Algiers.
14. Bouira Province
Bouira is Algeria’s third biggest province, and is home to a range of impressive geological features, including the Anti-Atlas Mountains and the Aïn Tarrad region. The province also has a variety of interesting historical sites, including Volubilis Napa Valley and Timgad Fort.
14. Boumerdès Province
Boumerdès is Algeria’s third biggest province, and is home to a range of impressive geological features, including the Tanezrouft Mountains. The province also has a variety of interesting historical sites, including the ancient city of Tamuda.
15. El Oued Province
El Oued is Algeria’s fourth biggest province, and is home to a range of impressive geological features, including the Gharb plain and the Tell Atlas Mountains. The province also has a variety of interesting historical sites, including the ancient city of Massila.
16. Ghardaïa Province
Ghardaïa is Algeria’s fifth biggest province, and is home to a range of impressive geological features, including the Anemir valley and the Saharan desert. The province also has a variety of interesting historical sites, including the city of Tiaret.
17. Illizi Province
Illizi is Algeria’s sixth biggest province, and is home to a range of impressive geological features, including the Tafilalet Mountains. Make it a point to visit the ancient city of Djelfa, as well as the nearby oasis towns of Tamanrasset and Aïn Defla. If you have time, you can also explore the Nafusa National Park, or hit the slopes at one of the many ski resorts in the province. The province also has a variety of interesting historical sites, including the ancient city of Susa.
18. Kabylie Province
Kabylie is Algeria’s seventh biggest province, and is home to a range of impressive geological features, including the Anti-Atlas Mountains and the Tell Atlas National Park. The province also has a variety of interesting historical sites, including the cities of Sétif and Algiers.
19. Tripoli Province
Tripoli is Algeria’s second biggest province, and it is home to a range of impressive historical sites, including the ancient city of Carthage. The province also has a variety of interesting geological features, including the coastal plain and the Jebel Akhdar mountain range.
20. Tindouf Province
Tindouf is Algeria’s largest province, and it is home to a range of impressive historical sites, including the city of Tindouf. While in Tindouf, you should visit the Kourou Space Centre, which is one of Africa’s leading spaceports. The province also has a variety of interesting geological features, including the Tafilalet Mountains and the Oukacha desert.
21. Regueb Valley
The Regueb valley is Algeria’s largest and deepest valley, and it is home to a range of impressive geological features, including the Aouzou mountain range. The province also has a variety of interesting historical sites, including the city of Tlemcen.
22. Oued Naft
The Oued Naft is Algeria’s longest river, and it flows through the province of Constantine. The river has a range of impressive geological features, including the Riff mountains. The province also has a variety of interesting historical sites, including the city of Constantine.
23. Aures Province
Aures is Algeria’s largest province, and it is home to a range of impressive historical sites, including the city of Oran. You’ll be shocked to find that the province also has a range of interesting geological features, including the Tell Atlas mountain range. It’s definitely worth the time to visit!
24. Ouargla Province
Ouargla is Algeria’s largest and most populous province, and it is home to a range of impressive historical sites, including the city of Ouargla. If you only have one day in this province, you should spend time at the spectacular Djamaa Artoum ruins. The province also has a variety of interesting geological features, including the Ouargla plain and the M’Zab plateau.
25. Béchar Province
Béchar is Algeria’s largest province, and it is home to a range of impressive historical sites, including the city of Béchar. The province also has a variety of interesting geological features, including the Tell Atlas mountains and the Bou Chaâba mountain range province also has a variety of interesting geological features, including the El Bayadh mountains.
25. Khenifra Province
Khenifra is Algeria’s smallest province, and it is home to a range of impressive historical sites, including the city of Mateur. The province also has a variety of interesting geological features, including the Talassem mountains, one of the most impressive nature places to visit in Algeria.
26. Tlemcen Province
Tlemcen is on Algeria’s western edge. The province is home to a range of impressive historical sites, including the city of Tlemcen. The history of Tlemcen is interesting. It was originally part of the Roman province of Africa Proconsularis, and it later became a major city in North Africa. The province also has a variety of interesting geological features, including the Riff mountains. When road tripping here, you should definitely check out the Sioufi Gorge.
Visit in Algeria: Conclusion
This list of Algeria’s top 26 provinces is by no means exhaustive, but it provides a good overview of some of the most impressive and interesting areas in this North African country.
This country is often overlooked for other North African neighbors like Morocco or Tunisia, which started to build a tourism industry during the 90’s when Algeria was at war with itself. However, Algeria has always been an interesting place to visit and there are plenty of attractions waiting for visitors. If you’re looking for a country with diverse landscapes and culture, Algeria is definitely worth considering as your next travel destination.
If you’re planning to travel to Algeria, be sure to also check out our guide on the best places to stay in Algeria. And, as always, if you’re planning a trip through Algeria, do not hesitate to contact us!
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