Tourism in Béjaïa

Béjaïa, ville algérienne de premier plan sur le plan touristique, est l’une des destinations les plus importantes du tourisme en Algérie. Elle donne sur la mer Méditerranée et offre aux visiteurs des ambiances culturelles et récréatives agréables grâce à ses sites historiques et religieux reflétant différentes époques de l’histoire longue de la ville, ainsi que ses plages et ses sites naturels magnifiques, sans oublier ses vastes parcs naturels.

Lors de cette courte visite introductive, nous mettons en lumière certains des principaux sites touristiques de Béjaïa qui attirent chaque année des milliers de visiteurs arabes, et qui pourraient bien être votre prochaine destination.

Top Tourist Attractions in Béjaïa

Béjaïa, the pearl of Algeria, includes some of the country’s most beautiful tourist sites, especially its historical landmarks. Among them:

The Walls of BéjaïaThese walls are among Béjaïa’s tourist attractions and have retained their original condition since they were built during the reign of the first Hammadi state in the second half of the 11th century. At that time, Béjaïa was the capital of Algeria, and it was necessary to build strong defensive walls to support the ancient Roman fortifications in protecting the city from enemy attacks.

The Gates of Béjaïa

The gates of Béjaïa are among the city’s most beautiful tourist attractions. During the Hammadi state era, especially under Sultan An-Nasser ibn ‘Alnas, Béjaïa had seven gates, of which only two remain today: Bab El Fouka and Bab El Bahr. They are now among the main tourist spots in Béjaïa, where visitors can walk through and take stunning photos.

As for Bab El Fouka, also known as “Bab El Benoud,” it was established by the sultan as the main entrance to the city, which bore his name in 1067.

Yemma Gouraya Fortress

One of the most important tourist attractions in Béjaïa, Yemma Gouraya Fortress draws both local residents from Béjaïa and other Algerian provinces as well as foreign tourists.

The fortress, located at an altitude of 672 meters on the famous Gouraya mountain, dates back to the French colonial period. Many legends surround its origin, all revolving around the fact that it is named after a woman who played a significant role in the religious and militant history of Béjaïa.

Sidi Abdelkader Fort

One of the most important tourist sites in Béjaïa, Sidi Abdelkader Fort dates back to the Hammadi and Hafsid states. The fort originally served as a watchtower to monitor the area leading to the Casbah of Béjaïa.

When the Spanish occupied Béjaïa in 1510, they rebuilt and developed the fort in a triangular shape with underground tunnels revealing all parts of the city.

The fort is located in the southeastern area of the tourist city of Béjaïa and is also known as the “Sea Fort” due to its connection to Sidi Yahia Beach.

Ras Carbon

One of the most beautiful tourist spots in Béjaïa, Algeria, Ras Carbon is a small mountain peak of 220 meters overlooking the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Its arched base helps reduce the high water level.

At Ras Carbon, you can relax and enjoy the view of the clear waters from the summit, climb the mountain, or swim in the calm waters.

Monkey Peak

One of the most beautiful tourist spots in Béjaïa, Monkey Peak rises 430 meters on the famous Gouraya Mountain. It is a ceramic terrace built by the French during their occupation, offering a spectacular view of Ras Carbon and the sea to the north, as well as the city of Béjaïa and the gulf to the east.

During your visit, you can enjoy the breathtaking nature of the peak and play with the friendly macaque monkeys that inhabit the area and gave the peak its name.

The Casbah of Béjaïa

One of the most important historical landmarks in the tourist province of Béjaïa, the Casbah occupies one of the city’s prime tourist areas. Its history dates back to the Almohad state, specifically in 1152.

A notable feature of the historic Casbah is the statue of the historian Ibn Khaldoun, who held several important political and religious positions in the city’s history.

Gouraya National Park

One of Béjaïa’s tourist attractions, Gouraya National Park draws millions of local and international visitors each year, especially in summer, for relaxation, recreation, and to enjoy its breathtaking beauty. The park overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and Mazaya freshwater lake, which covers 2.8 hectares of its total area of 2080 hectares.

It is worth noting that the park is classified as a natural reserve in Algeria and worldwide according to UNESCO classifications in 2004.

Sidi Mohoub Mosque

One of Béjaïa’s tourist landmarks, the mosque has undergone major transformations throughout its history. It was originally a Roman ruin, later used by the Turks to build a mosque, converted into a church during the French occupation of Algeria, and then restored to a mosque after the country’s independence.

The mosque, one of Béjaïa’s key tourist spots, is located near Patrice Lumumba Square. It features modern architecture, two large polygonal minarets, and a prominent location near the statue of former Portuguese president Manuel Teixeira Gomes, who died in Béjaïa during his ten years of exile.