Béjaïa is a city of 242,000 people (2017) in Central Algeria.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Béjaïa is the largest principally Kabyle-speaking city (a Berber language) in the Kabylia region of Algeria. The Soummam river runs past the city. The city centre of Béjaïa is made up of the colonial district and the old town, the medina, itself largely redesigned by the urban layouts of the time of the Spanish Empire, then of French Algeria. The old town is backed by the Gouraya massif. This sector retains some vestiges of the ancient (notably on the archaeological level) or medieval buildings. The districts of Acherchour, Karamane and Bab El Louz still have Moorish houses.
There are frequent buses within the city, costing 20 dinar. There are no buses within the national park.
The town is overlooked by the mountain Yemma Gouraya, whose profile is said to resemble a sleeping woman. Other nearby scenic spots include the Aiguades beach and the Pic des Singes (Peak of the Monkeys); the latter site is a habitat for the endangered Barbary macaque. All three of these geographic features are located in the Gouraya National Park. Borj Moussa museum, housed in an old Spanish fort from the 16th century and where prehistoric Roman and Hafsid era remains are presented.
Climb the mountain next to town. Most locals will drive to the highest parking lot and only do the last part on foot. There are also some shared taxis that go there. 1 Yemma Gouraya castle (يما قورايا). More a collection of stones than anything else. However the views are good. (updated Mar 2022) 2 Pic des singes (Monkey peak). Quite spectacular views in all directions. And there are monkeys around too. (updated Mar 2022) 3 Cap Carbon. A beautiful cape with a light house on top. Walking towards it offers a beautiful sight. The cape itself is a military zone, so one can not enter. Halfway, one can however walk around the cliffs toward Point Noir. (updated Mar 2024)
Northeast Algeria is known for its delicious sea food. They are tons and tons of options. Seafood is usually served in restaurants or small food trucks as either a main dish, snack, appetizer, or soup. They’re a lot of restaurants that sell pizzas or grills. They’re also a lot of meat and vegan restaurants all around the city.
As in all Algeria, Algerian tea “Atay” are sold everywhere. From grocery stores to cafeterias to high end restaurants. It is really worth trying and it’s usually cheap.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Jul, Bejaia typically sees ~30°C daytime highs and 4 rainy days.
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