Algiers coastline © damouns
Algeria is not generally considered to be a tourist destination.
Despite a gradual decline in violence between the 1990s and now,
there has been an increase over the last four years in attacks
directed specifically at foreigners. A copycat Al-Qaeda
organisation has orchestrated violent attacks on UN workers and
Americans in particular. That being said, for those who can't avoid
travel to the region, Algeria is not short on sightseeing
opportunities.
The capital city of Algiers, sitting on the northern coastline,
is a growing metropolis. Once a strategic point of entry for would
be conquerors from Europe and the Middle East, it now welcomes the
presence of multi-nationals such as Carrefour and Quick.
Historically the most popular remnant of battles waged on the
city's coast is the Cashbah, the labyrinth citadel (now a world
heritage site) which was first built in 1660. Also along the coast
is Tipasa, a pleasant seaside village which holds some spectacular
Roman ruins. Timgad, which is further south, holds North Africa's
most extensive and best preserved Roman Ruins.
Typically Mediterranean in climate, Algeria has warm sandy
beaches, particularly around Oran, a popular tourist destination in
the summer months. The infamous Sahara Desert begins right where
the coast ends, rocky at first, elevating over the vast Haut
Plateaux (High Plateaus) before becoming untold miles of sand and
sun. In the far south of Algeria is the Hoggar mountain region
which holds the nation's highest peak, the Tahat Mountian, and
caverns of rock paintings dating back to the time of the Berbers,
over 10,000 years ago.
