What is Algeria famous for?

Algeria is the largest country in Africa and one of the least travelled in the Mediterranean world — which is itself part of what it is known for among people who follow travel closely.

The Sahara. Four-fifths of Algeria is desert, and it is not one landscape but many: the sandstone forests and rock art of the Tassili n’Ajjer, the red dunes and arches of the Tadrart, the volcanic peaks of the Hoggar with the hermitage at Assekrem, and the ochre oases of the Gourara around Timimoun.

Roman Africa. Because Algeria never developed mass tourism, its Roman cities survived in a state that has largely vanished elsewhere. Timgad is a complete grid-planned colony founded by Trajan, Djémila sits spectacularly in the hills, and Tipaza runs along the Mediterranean shore.

Seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Casbah of Algiers, Timgad, Djémila, Tipasa, the M’Zab Valley, Al Qal’a of Beni Hammad and Tassili n’Ajjer.

Amazigh (Berber) culture, indigenous and still living — in Kabylie, the Aurès, the M’Zab and among the Tuareg of the deep south, with its own languages, music and craft.

Music and food. Raï came out of Oran and went global; chaabi, malouf and gnawa are equally alive. Couscous is UNESCO-recognised heritage shared across the Maghreb.

And historically: the war of independence, and writers from Augustine of Hippo to Camus and Assia Djebar.

Start with our destinations and culture guide.