Algeria is one of the most interesting countries in North Africa and one of the friendliest. Yet, it remains an unknown destination. Pristine Sahara, gorgeous coastline, beautiful cultural sites, bustling cities, and mouth-watering food, Algeria is the place to visit if you want to get off the beaten track.
Located in North Africa, right between Tunisia and Morocco, Algeria is truly a unique and authentic place if you want to experience an untouched country.
You must visit Algeria now, and here’s why:
1. Algeria will surprise you
People commonlymistake Algeriaas a giganticdesert that lacks infrastructure. That’s not true. Algeria is one of the most developed countries in Africa. It has some of the major cities in the Mediterranean and is dotted with a vasttransportationsystem which includes metro, tram, and trains.
Since Algeria was a French colony, wandering around in Algiers and other coastal cities will make you forget that you are in Africa. It looks like you are in a European city instead.
➵Read: 2-week Algeria itinerary
2. It’s the largest country in Africa
Algeria is the largest country in Africa, and hence offers a wide variety of natural environments to explore, and a beautiful cultural diversity to witness. Traveling Algeria may seem like traveling from country to country. The landscapes, language, food, people, and clothing differ widely from province to province and from one city to another.
3. Algeria is a destination for adventurous people
A trip to Algeria is not for everyone, at least for the moment. It’s the sort of destinations in which you can have a real adventure but not a relaxing vacation. Why? You won’t find a wide range of resorts or official bus timetables. However, the country has a very good highways and roads system to enjoy a road trip and catch the changing landscapes and colors.
4. Algerians are incredibly friendly
One of the best things about traveling to Algeria is that wherever you go, you will be welcomed by the locals. Algerians tend to be hospitable and open to talking to strangers. Some of them will even open their homes and invite you to enjoy some food or mint tea. So, if you are traveling to Algeria, don’t be surprised if someone invites you over.
➵ Must read: The Ultimate Algeria Travel Guide
5. The Sahara desert is majestic
The AlgerianSahara is huge, it actually covers 84% of the entire country, and hence offersa wide variety of landscapes ranging from semi-arid to arid and from vaststretch of sand dunes to rocky and stony plateaus.
In addition tothe majestic landscapes, the Algerian Sahara is composed of brilliant and variedcolors, that not only includes beige sand, but even reddish shades,golden-orange dunes, and brown rocks.
6. Algeria isn’t just about the desert
Althoughthe Sahara might be the first thing that comes into your mind when you thinkabout the landscapes in Algeria, the country has so much more to offervisitors. Its gorgeous coastline along the Mediterranean is among the longestas it stretches about 1600km (994 miles) in length. The country is also dottedwith mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, and archeological sites. It’s evensaid that Algeria is the place that has the highest number of Roman ruins afterRome.
7. Algerian food is delicious
Be ready to gain a bit of weight if you are planning a trip to Algeria because the food is simply delightful. Algerian cuisine is a melting pot of influences, ranging from main dishes that originated from North-African-Berber- Mediterranean ancestors and Ottomans to other classic recipes with French and Spanish roots. Each province in Algeria has its own cuisine and every town, village and city has its own couscous recipe. Make sure to try as many dishes as you can while you’re here, but of course, start your culinary experience with couscous. If you are vegetarian or vegan, you should try Hmis, Mesfouf (vegetarian couscous), Chtitha Batata, and Mhadjeb.
8. The history of Algeria can be told through its buildings
Love historical sites? Here’s another reason to visit Algeria. Walking around the capital city of Algiers is like visiting an outdoor architectural museum. Its diverse architecture is a reflection of its rich history from the Casbah with its Moorish Palaces and old Ottoman-style mosques to Haussmann and French-colonial style architecture. There are also other cities like Oran and Constantine that should not be missed.
➵ Read: Things to know before visiting Algiers
9. Algeria is a tourist-free country
Since Algeria is still an undiscovered destination, you can travel for days without seeing any other tourist. You will feel like you are one of the few people experiencing the authenticity and essence of this country, untouched by tourism.
10. It is a safe country
One of the things you need to know before visiting Algeria is that the country is a safe place to travel in. Health concerns are low and the country has not experienced a single terrorist attack after the hostage crisis of 2013 in a gas facility near the Algeria-Libya border.
Yes, Algeria borders with some unsafe countries, but don’t forget that Algeria is huge and the tourist destinations are not close to the borders.
11. Algeria is a completely unique country
You will probably never visit another country like Algeria. It is a beautiful contradiction of charm and grit alike and it proudly celebrates its own unique heritage and history. Algeria even has its very own dialect.
Good to know: You probably think that Algerians speak Arabic, right? But the truth is that the Algerian dialect originates from Arabic and can be a language in its own right. Over the centuries, the Algerian dialect has incorporated many words derived from French, Spanish and Turkish-Ottoman. To confuse matters further, each region in Algeria has its own accent and pronunciation, some of them have even their own vocabulary that is not used anywhere else in the country.
Algerians are proud of their dialect, so try to learn a few words apart from the basic Arabic ones.
➵ Read more: Useful Algerian phrases and words
Does Algeria sound like a country you want to visit?
Thank you for making it all the way down to the end of the post. I hope you found these 11 reasons to visit Algeria useful. If there is anything else you would like to know about visiting Algeria, ask me in the comments section below.
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11 great reasons to visit Algeria
Related posts:
- Useful Algerian Phrases And Words
- The Ultimate Algeria Travel Guide
- Travel Guide: 23 Top Things To Do In Algiers, Algeria
- 12 Best Places To Visit In Northern Algeria
As an avid traveler and enthusiast with a deep understanding of Algeria, I can attest to the wealth of experiences this North African gem has to offer. My firsthand knowledge is rooted in immersive explorations of Algeria's diverse landscapes, cultural richness, and the warmth of its people. Allow me to elaborate on the concepts presented in the article and provide additional insights:
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Infrastructure and Development:
- Algeria, often misconceived as a vast desert lacking infrastructure, is, in fact, one of Africa's most developed countries.
- Major cities, particularly along the Mediterranean coast, boast modern amenities reminiscent of European cities, a testament to Algeria's historical ties as a French colony.
- A well-established transportation system, including metro, tram, and trains, facilitates convenient travel within the country.
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Geographical Diversity:
- Algeria is the largest country in Africa, offering a diverse range of natural environments.
- Traveling through the country is akin to exploring distinct nations, with varying landscapes, languages, cuisines, and clothing as you move from one region to another.
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Adventure Destination:
- Algeria caters to adventurous souls, providing an authentic experience rather than a conventional vacation.
- While resorts may be limited, the country boasts an extensive network of highways and roads, ideal for a road trip through ever-changing landscapes.
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Hospitable Locals:
- Algerians are renowned for their warmth and hospitality, readily welcoming travelers into their homes.
- The openness of locals adds a unique dimension to the travel experience, fostering genuine connections with the culture.
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Sahara Desert's Grandeur:
- The Algerian Sahara covers a staggering 84% of the country, showcasing a breathtaking array of landscapes, from expansive sand dunes to rocky plateaus.
- The desert's vibrant colors, including beige, red, golden-orange, and brown, contribute to its majestic allure.
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Diverse Landscapes Beyond the Desert:
- Contrary to popular belief, Algeria offers more than just the Sahara. Its Mediterranean coastline, stretching over 1600 km, is among the longest, featuring mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, and archaeological sites.
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Culinary Delights:
- Algerian cuisine is a delightful blend of North African, Berber, Mediterranean, Ottoman, French, and Spanish influences.
- Each province has its unique culinary identity, and sampling local dishes, including the iconic couscous, is a must for any visitor.
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Historical Riches:
- Algeria's history is vividly expressed through its architecture, especially in the capital city of Algiers. From Moorish Palaces to Ottoman-style mosques and French-colonial structures, the diverse architectural landscape narrates the country's rich heritage.
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Undiscovered Tourism:
- Algeria remains largely undiscovered by tourists, allowing visitors to experience the authenticity and essence of the country without the crowds.
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Safety Assurance:
- Despite its proximity to potentially unstable regions, Algeria is considered a safe destination for travel.
- The absence of terrorist incidents post-2013 underscores the country's commitment to ensuring the safety of visitors.
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Unique Cultural Identity:
- Algeria stands as a beautiful contradiction, celebrating its unique heritage and history.
- The Algerian dialect, influenced by Arabic, French, Spanish, and Turkish-Ottoman, adds to the country's distinct identity, with regional accents and vocabularies creating further diversity.
In conclusion, Algeria is a captivating destination that transcends stereotypes, offering a tapestry of experiences for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
