Algeria does not yet benefit from the same tourist craze as Morocco or Tunisia, although a significant number of tourism projects have seen the light of day in recent years. After a decade during which trips to Algeria were impossible, let's go discover the hidden treasures of the sleeping beauty of the Maghreb: striking landscapes, sun-kissed cuisine, thousand-year-old historical heritage, all promoted by a population with easy and warm contact.
Treasures buried at the gates of the desert ... Algeria is a land of diversity and contrast : a splendid coastline, an immense desert of sand punctuated by oases, massifs culminating at 3000 meters, white towns with winding streets, ancient ruins, extraordinary gardens ... The traveler in search of a change of scenery and adventure will not find a better destination to satisfy his passion. We understand why this land has always fascinated poets and writers: Camus wrote some of his finest pages on Oran, while Rimbaud devoted one of his very first poems to the country.
Sahara Desert Algeria In terms of activities for travelers, Algeria offers many options including the sahara desert: trekking, 4 × 4, initiation into archeology, camel treks, idleness … less mass tourism. On the history side, Algeria is making many efforts to enhance and preserve its heritage, from ancient ruins to some of the most beautiful mosques in the Arab world. Finally, it is also there that we find the strongest expression of the Arab-Muslim tradition. Those who are interested in traditions and religions and who wish to go beyond received ideas, will be delighted.
To close the issue of security right away: violence has declined in recent years, but there is still a terrorist risk in Algeria. The foreign ministry does not formally advise against travel within the country, however it recommends avoiding the regions of Kabylia and the North-East (except Constantine). If you plan to travel to the south of the country and to the Sahara, the recommendation of the Quai d'Orsay is to join an agency approved by the Algerian authorities. The general rule, recommended for foreign visitors, is not to stray from marked paths. Women should also follow local dress practices, especially outside large cities: do not wear provocative attire especially if you are experiences the yacht.
But, and we say it, despite all these warnings: Algeria can be visited and is open to tourism!
Have to do ! The geography of Algeria can be divided into 2 large regions: the North coast , where cities are concentrated, fertile regions and the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara . A trip to Algeria should ideally be balanced between the two regions: city visits, discovery of the coast and mountainous regions, excursions in the desert. However, given the distances, you will need at least 2 weeks to sweep all the points of interest in the country. Over a week, focus either on the desert South or on the North coast.
Visit Algeria in two weeks ALGIERS - 2 days The white city, whose Casbah is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by an azure coast made up of small abandoned coves. To do: drive along the coast starting from Bab-el-Oued. Not far from Algiers is the Tipaza archaeological park.
ORAN AND TLEMCEN - 3 days Oran, which we prefer to Algiers, is a welcoming city where we will gladly spend a few days. Dance, gastronomy, music, Algerian culture is expressed in all its splendor . About a hundred kilometers from Oran is Tlemcen, one of the most pleasant towns in Algeria. Once in Tlemcen, you will wonder why you hesitated for so long before visiting Algeria & Dubai. The city shelters the tomb of Sidi Boumediene and a splendid mosque. Also in the Oran region, you will find very beautiful beaches in the east, near the Moroccan border.
CONSTANTINE AND SURROUNDINGS - 5 days Constantine is a very pleasant city which enjoys a remarkable location. In the surrounding area, do not miss Djemila , an ancient Roman city classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Annaba , one of the oldest cities in the Maghreb whose historical richness is incomparable in Algeria.
Constantine GRAND SUD (HOGGAR) - 3/4 days For an epic worthy of the greatest adventure films, join an excursion in the Algerian desert . Led by a guide, you will discover the nomadic way of life, fauna, flora and breathtaking landscapes. A unique experience in a country where the spirit of travel has not yet been disrupted by mass tourism.
Hoggar Desert Algeria HOW TO GET THERE ? There are currently 8 companies offering flights from France to Algeria . The average price of a Paris - Algiers ticket is around 240 €. Some low cost companies offer flights between France and Algeria, this is the case for Vueling and Transavia . Note that it is often cheaper to fly from Marseille than from Paris.
ACCOMMODATION QUESTION? If you are not one of those who like to be hosted by an Algerian family - that said, we strongly recommend that you give it a try - bet on medium or higher category hotels without relying too much on the star system that does not has nothing to do with European standards. In general, go to the big chains as soon as possible.
HOW TO GET AROUND ON SITE? Your best option is to take public transport ! However, these are aging and we do not recommend them for long journeys. If you want to take the train, the only one we recommend is the one that connects Algiers to Oran. And to freely visit the North Coast, it is best to rent a car in Algiers . Finally, do not venture south with your own vehicle, rather join an excursion via an agency.
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