Algeria Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions
As the African continent's largest country, Algeria is thought of as the doorway between Europe and Africa. The country has a stunning geographical diversity, more than enough to occupy any tourist for months! From vast open deserts with sand dunes, Atlas Mountains soaring as high as 2,328 meters to the Mediterranean Sea dominating the narrow but fertile coastal plains.
Once visitors step into this country, there's an immediate sense of adventure floating in the air, and they can't help feeling aroused to explore very soon. Algeria is jam-packed with numerous pretty cities with zigzagging ancient streets and magnificent architecture dating back to Roman times, Mediterranean Coastal water sports, verdant landscapes, and several Roman ruins that speak volumes of history.
But one of the top-rated tourist attractions in Algeria is the breathtaking Saharan desert, where the ceaseless sand together with vibrant and enigmatic cities guarantee to impress even the most experienced tourist.
When visiting, don't be surprised to be warmly greeted by smiling Algerians, who are very friendly, eager to help tourists out, provide tips on how to save money by going to certain local hotels, restaurants, and cafes, and even share their manner of life with perfect strangers. You are advised to conduct thorough research to ensure you follow all the travel rules of this country.
To have an amazing time, plan your trip with my Algeria travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in Algeria.
1) Atakor. Despite being a challenge to arrive here in any other way, except with your own transportation, the Atakor Plateau, located in the Ahaggar National Park, will not disappoint.
The general geography is red-brown dry dotted with rough sheer peaks. The landscape resembles something directly out of a science fiction movie and is a site you'll remember always.
Be sure to visit the Assekrem Peak. In fact, Assekrem translates "the end of the world" in Tuareg, a suitable way for describing both the view from up there and the terrain's rugged severity.
2) Constantine. As a natural wonder, Constantine has undergone multiple subtle transformations over the ages, becoming recently a major and popular tourist attraction. Once Numidia capital, then Roman Numidia, and it's obvious that power and politics must have played an important role here.
Visitors can tour most of the city's buildings by first crossing the bridge that stretches across a huge canyon, which blesses the city with a type of magical feeling, retained since Roman times. The city has a particular unique appearance, architecture, and stunning history inscribed everywhere you turn your head.
A two- or three-days' stay should suffice to see everything in this city.
3) Setif. Settled by the Romans, Setif located in Algeria's Little Kabylie region, also sits more than 1,100 meters over sea level.
All the Roman ruins found here justifies a visit to this city. Besides the Roman ruins, there are also landmarks left behind by the French.
A highlight not to dare miss includes the main square along with a number of Roman sculptures. You'll be generously rewarded by going off the beaten path to discover amazing sights surrounding Setif.
4) Cathedral of Our Lady of Africa. Situated on the harsh coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the cathedral rises 124 meters high, and is Algeria's chief religious' landmark.
Today the popular belief still lives on those two Lyon residents were inspired to build the temple, and who once erected a little sculpture representing the Virgin Mary in an olive tree's hallow here.
Constructed in 1872, the cathedral's design uses an architectural style that combines finely both Byzantine and Roman motifs.
5) Monument of Glory & Martyrdom. The monument was built in Algiers to pay homage to all the courageous soldiers who died fighting for Algeria's independence during the middle of the 20th century.
The monument stands 92 meters tall and can be noticed from nearly anywhere while in the city. The monument's designer was a Polish sculptor. His work imitates 3 palm leaves that soar upwards, which, joining at the top, create a sort of dome, and below it the eternal flame always burns.
You'll find an observation deck at the very top, where you could catch a fantastic, all-encompassing sight of Algiers, including views of the beautiful sea.
