Ain Sefra

If you are looking for an exciting yet unique vacation that will truly widen your historic horizons then it’s time you visit the Gateway to the Desert: Ain Sefra, Algeria. Situated where the Atlas Mountains begin their descent into the midst and depth of the Sahara Desert, it’s no wonder why Ain Sefra is the place to be. Nature lovers will enjoy the awe-inspiring view of red sand dunes, and mountainous terrain especially because Ain Sefra itself is roughly 1000 meters above sea level.

Annaba

Among Algeria’s cities, this is the one that’s often visited by French and Italian tourists. Annaba, Algeria is the fourth largest city of the country, located on the northeastern area of the state and is well known for its fine beaches and great family nightlife. Annaba, formerly known as Hippo Regius, is easy to visit as it has its own international airport, the Rabah Bitat Airport, and also rail links towards Algiers, the country’s capital. Lodging is great here no matter how much you can afford.

Annaba offers a European atmosphere, as it was a favourite among the French colonialist. And that explains the erection of the basilica of St. Augustine, one of the finest attractions to travellers in this city. The very picturesque church is in honour of Augustine who was a bishop in the region from 396 to 430 A.D. Annaba’s sizeable educational institution which is also a must see is the Annaba University, with about 50,000 students enrolled. Annaba is also a center for industry and commerce as it main port for mineral export in Algeria and it also exports iron, zinc and steel.

You cannot leave Annaba without walking on the Green Main Street, also known as Cours de la Revolution, as it represents French influence on Annaba city. The Green Main Street has a vibrant afternoon as well as an active nightlife. If you’re here for the food too, Annaba city offers delectable cuisine with a combination of both Arabian and European taste to tease you palate and satisfy your hunger. In Annaba, Algeria, you’ll surely enjoy a multi-cultured tour.

Bordj Bou Arréridj

Most people take vacations to get away from their busy life. The city, the urban lifestyle, and the noise are a bit of what tourists try to run away from. Then Bordj Bou Arreridj, Algeria is where you could make that sweet escape. Just148 miles far from the capital city Algiers, Bordj Bou Arreridj is situated near Hondar Massif in the southern Kabylia Mountains, at an elevation of 916 meters from sea level. A trip to this city would be like a hike to a natural yet wondrous mountain resort.

Bou Saada

Bou Saada is another desert haven for tourists in all of Algeria. Somewhere between the Atlas Mountains and the Honda depression and a salt lake lays this city together with a stunning oasis. As the city stands northeast of the Sahara desert, many tourists consider this as another pilgrimage town. It stands out contrary to its neighbouring areas, which are barren mountains and dry salt marsh. Traditionally, the city was a popular trade post and market area where people would thrive in to get jewellery, metal, carpets, and Bousandi knives. The same goes today, but only better because Bou Saada also has a large textile mill.

In getting to the city, you no longer have to travel by camel as they have great railroads and main roads going there. Bou Saada is divided into two main areas: Medina and the French Town. As a tourist you will enjoy the bustling markets and the Bou Saada Park. As you may not expect, the 100-acre park is also a vineyard where grapes are planted for viniculture, as in produced and bottled as wine. And they produce only the top kinds of wine in the world: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and the Riesling wine, which originated from Germany. Currently they are in the process of producing Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Tempranillo. Bou Saada or the place of happiness welcomes tourists very well and these tourists come even during the winter. You will not forget the thriving date palms and the active city of Bou Saada, as it is a different kind of wonder in Algeria, beautiful, cultured, and only waiting to be discovered.

Ghardaïa

Ghardaïa is another beautiful Algerian city located at the heart of the M’zab Valley. It’s the home of the Ibadi sect and is known for preserving its medieval architecture from mosques to mausoleums and even markets. The valley from where it stands is also one of the attractions listed in the World Heritage Site. Many come to Ghardaïa to purchase coarse goat hair carpets. Ghardaïa has an enticing panoramic view that beautifully represents Arab states. A fine day tour will include a visit to the Mausoleum of Sheik Siddi Assa, erected in 1971, and to the market on the main square of Ghardaïa. The very royal looking mosques in the city are also another fine attraction that while call for timeless picture taking.

To make your visit memorable you’d have to trek the whole M’zab valley and meet the very religious, conservative and kind Moabites. A view of the underground mosques of Ghardaïa, the biggest town in the valley, and of the water dam and palmerie of Beni Isguen are only a few of what you will enjoy. Just because the people are conservative it does not mean they don’t know how to party at night. There are locals who are willing to organize a concert or a musical performance for you or your group. They play local music and they have a great sense of rhythm. You will enjoy dancing with them until the wee hours of the morning. And when it comes to food, expect something healthy and delicious like salad, couscous, lentils, rice, chicken and mutton. They also love spicy food so you would have to try the harissa, a spicy red paste that goes well with the couscous.

At the end of your tour it would be great to do some shopping and haggling in the palmerie once again. In Algeria, Ghardaïa will give you a complete and memorable visit.

Oran

If there’s a city that’s beautiful day and night because of the splendour of both natural and man made structures, it’s Oran Algeria. Oran is known as the place to escape it all. It’s ideal for a family vacation or for friends and romantics. Today it continues to be a place that remains undiscovered. If you’re looking for fine beaches rich in aquatic life and perfect for diving, or historical attractions and great restaurants that boast of fine crepes, and pizzerias, it’s all here in Oran, Algeria. Algeria’s second largest city is located 450km from the capital city Algiers.

Skikda

Located on the northeastern fringes of the country, Skikda Algeria is one place you should really put on your travel list. One of the country’s ancient cities is actually its most popular tourist destination as well. It is situated on the scenic Gulf of Stora and is formerly known as Philipville before it gained independence from European settlers. Although an ancient city, it boasts of a stable economy thanks to its main industries such as oil refineries, natural gas and petrochemical industries. Well, it’s not a surprise as this city used to be a trading post and was referred to as Sinus Numidicus.

Timimoun

For a clear view of wide salt lakes and massive sand dunes, a visit to Timimoun Algeria is all that you need. Whether you live in a luxurious hotel, a shower-less bungalow or a small hut, you’ll have a wondrous sight of an oasis, and much more. Located on the Midwest of Algeria, Timimoun is known for its infrastructures inspired by Sudanese architecture, where houses are built out of red mud. These houses are built in such a way that they are placed one over the other to get as high in altitude as possible. Even with a climate comparable to the hardest summer, it is fun to visit the palmerie of Timimoun for shade and to catch a glimpse of properties which are marked by man high mud walls. The people of Timimoun, although of different backgrounds, are very friendly. They are made up of Black Africans, Cha’amba Arabs, Zenete Berbers and the Haratines.

Al Qal’a of Beni Hammad

You will be astonished to know that the largest country on the Mediterranean Sea has amazing sights to offer to civilization. Algeria, the country which is located on the northern part of Africa and the second largest of the African continent, has fossil fuel as the foundation of their economy. However, we will not be talking about the fuels here nor its economy but the ancient ruins that will truly surprise you as we unfold its history and splendor bit by bit.

Casbah of Algiers

Despite frequent use of the term “Casbah” in movies and media, Casbah actually is in reference to a castle or “citadel”, a stronghold of sorts.

M’zab Valley

Did you know that there is something more in the M‘zab Valley than itself? Apart from the edifices, there are innumerable reasons why they built such an astounding city. And the reasons will be unfolded as you go through this expose.