A trip to Algeria is an unforgettable experience. UNESCO heritage, heavenly beaches, Saharan landscapes: the country has many cultural and natural attractions – and remains untouched by mass tourism! From its most beautiful historical sites to its artistic scene, here’s why you should choose Algeria for your next vacation…

For its world heritage (or THE reason to choose Algeria)

Rock art on the Tassili n’Ajjer plateau    

Registered by UNESCO in 1982, the Tassili n’Ajjer plateau is home to one of the largest collections of rock art in the world! With more than 15,000 drawings (dating from 6000 BC to the first centuries AD), this site in the south-east of the country is also renowned for its geological formations and its lunar landscape…

The M’Zab Valley    

Located in the north of the Algerian Sahara, the M’Zab Valley covers nearly 8,000 km2 and includes five fortified villages (the ksours). Dating from the 10th century, this group bears witness, according to UNESCO, to a civilization that has managed “through its own genius to preserve its cohesion throughout the centuries”. These cities are today a real source of inspiration for contemporary architecture and urban planning!

The ancient city of Djémila

Formerly called Cuicul, the city of Djémila preserves the remains of the ancient Roman city. Its architecture is known to be one of the most representative of the Roman era in North Africa! You can admire richly decorated buildings (friezes, bas-reliefs, columns, mosaics, etc.), as well as beautiful archaeological pieces exhibited in the city museum.

The Kalaa of the Beni Hammad

36 km northeast of the city of M’Sila, you will find the ruins of a fortified castle built in the 11th century. Standing at an altitude of 1,000 m, this fortified city has monumental remains as well as a superb minaret – still standing. The whole bears witness to the refinement of the Hammadi civilization (1014 to 1152).

The Casbah of Algiers and its architectural treasures

Listed by UNESCO in 1992, the Casbah of Algiers is the historic center of the city. Established in the 4th century BC, the “citadel” features traditional Islamic architecture and is dotted with numerous buildings – palaces, mosques, souks, hammams, etc. You can also admire superb medersas (Koranic schools) and mausoleums…

The Roman city of Timgad

Founded around 100 AD, the Roman city of Timgad stands in the Aurès massif (in northeastern Algeria). The city, built entirely of stone, is home to cobbled streets, buildings decorated with mosaics and a superb theater – which could once accommodate up to 4,000 spectators.

The site of Tipasa and the Royal Mausoleums    

Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1982, Tipasa brings together a group of three sites, including two archaeological parks and the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania. Recognized as one of the most important archaeological complexes in the Maghreb, Tipasa is a superb testimony to the Roman and Punic civilizations – one of the greatest powers in the country during Antiquity.

The Royal Mausoleums form a group of six funerary monuments, from different periods and different regions of the country. The latter display traditional architecture and know-how.

For its exceptional landscapes

The Great Western Erg

The Great Western Erg is one of the largest expanses of sand in the world! With an area of ​​100,000 km2, this region is made up of dunes, oases, ridges and valleys with changing colors, depending on the movements of the sun…

The site also has ancient villages and archaeological sites. Vast and arid, this part of Algeria is not very touristy. Nevertheless, it can be explored via dedicated circuits.

The Amadror salt flats    

The tassilis of the Sahara

Located northeast of Tamanrasset, the Amadror salt flats cover an area of ​​180,000 km2! In the past, the salt produced in these basins was exported to Niger on camelback. The salt flats offer exceptional landscapes, made up of small salt dunes and sparkling crystals…

The tassilis are sandstone plateaus with rugged landscapes, located to the north and south of the Hoggar – a mountain range. These Saharan areas are home to rock paintings, engravings and oases. Among the must-sees? The tassilis of Ahnet and Immidir!

To discover these natural treasures and the Saharan fauna, opt for a 4×4 raid, a trek or a méharée – an organized excursion in the desert on the back of a méhari dromedary! An anecdote? A group of dromedaries is commonly called a “méhari caravan”…

Algerian beaches and coastline    

Algeria is renowned for its stunning coastline, which stretches nearly 1,600 km from east to west! Boasting pretty coastal towns and hundreds of heavenly beaches, the country is also an ideal destination for a holiday on the Mediterranean Sea.

For his hospitality

Algerians are known for their warmth and hospitality. During your trip, they will be happy to share their culture with you – and will make you forget your status as a tourist, by welcoming you with open arms…

To mingle with the local population? Head to the markets! Lively and colorful, these places of life promise you an authentic experience in the daily life of Algerians. You will also notice its multiculturalism, through the many languages ​​spoken within the country.

For its gastronomy

Algerian cuisine is also generous and colorful! During your trip, you will have the opportunity to taste many specialties. Among the must-try? The emblematic méchoui (a unifying dish, renowned for its conviviality), but also tagines, chorba, chakchouka… and its famous pastries!

For its artistic scene

Algeria has a vibrant and inspiring arts scene. Music, in particular, plays an important role in Algerian culture. To get moving to the country’s rhythms? Attend a raï or chaâbi concert – a genre established since the 1940s. Finally, literature also plays an important role. Festivals are frequently held, including the highly regarded Algiers International Book Fair.