Nature, adventure and the great outdoors in the heart of the Maghreb
Algeria, vast and full of contrasts, is more than just its historical heritage and age-old culture. It’s also a land of adventure and outdoor sports. From the Mediterranean Sea to the peaks of the Djurdjura, from the high plateaux to the dunes of the Sahara, the country offers immense potential for outdoor enthusiasts, still little explored by traditional tourism.
Hiking and trekking: discover Algeria’s landscapes
Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the country’s natural and cultural riches.
- Djurdjura (Kabylia): iconic peaks such as Lalla Khedidja, cedar forests, hilltop villages, endemic fauna.
- Chréa National Park (Blida): accessible all year round, ideal for gentle hikes or cross-country skiing in winter.
- Aurès and Ghoufi Balcony: impressive gorges, troglodyte paths, steep landscapes.
These tours can be done on your own or accompanied by local guides. Kabylia and the Aurès offer a rare combination of wild nature and living culture.
Cycling and mountain biking: trails between mountains and desert
Cycling, in all its forms, is attracting more and more enthusiasts:
- Aurès: technical terrain for experienced cyclists.
- Kabylia: varied routes through forests, villages and passes.
- Hauts Plateaux: wide-open spaces ideal for bikepacking or cycle tourism over several days.
Local clubs offer mountain bike hire, accompaniment and even themed tours combining sport and heritage.
Water sports and surfing: wind and waves
Algeria has more than 1,200 km of coastline, ideal for water sports:
- Surfing: the beaches of Boumerdès, Ténès and Aïn Taya are perfect for beginners.
- Oran and Mostaganem: better wave conditions, with emerging schools.
- Kitesurfing: a number of windy areas are beginning to take shape.
The best season is from May to October. Clubs are starting to offer sessions for different levels.
Diving and snorkelling: exploring the Algerian seabed
Diving is still a relatively unknown activity, but it does reveal some hidden treasures:
- Tipaza: ancient submerged ruins and sea caves.
- Île Paloma (Oran): clear waters, rich flora and fauna, perfect for beginners.
- Cap Carbon (Béjaïa): gorgonians, turtles and colourful fish.
- La Calle: reefs, wrecks and more technical diving.
A number of clubs in Tipaza, Béjaïa and Annaba offer introductory or accompanied diving courses.
Climbing and adventure: between cliffs and red sand
- Ghoufi (Aurès): natural walls offering beginners’ routes.
- Djurdjura: accessible cliffs, breathtaking panoramas.
- Tadrart Rouge (Sahara): bouldering and rock climbing in a desert setting, for experienced climbers only.
Algeria offers a diversity of climbing environments, with a potential that remains largely untapped.
Running and urban trails: running in historic cities
Even in urban areas, sport has a place of honour:
- Algiers: courses between the Kasbah, the Corniche and the Jardin d’Essai.
- Oran, Constantine: coastal routes, staircases, lively alleyways.
Local clubs regularly organise running outings, Saharan trails and half-marathons.
Yoga, well-being and spiritual retreats
The quest for serenity also has its place:
- Algiers and Oran: sunrise yoga sessions on the beach.
- Sahara (Timimoun, Tamanrasset): immersive retreats in the dunes, combining silence, meditation and Tuareg rituals.
- Sidi Fredj, Hammam Melouane: the beginnings of thermalism and thalassotherapy.
Wellness in Algeria began to take shape, particularly around gentle practices and a return to nature.
Events and sports meetings
- Half-marathons in Algiers, Béjaïa and Annaba
- Raids in the Deep South (Ghardaïa, Illizi)
- Mountain trails (Aurès, Djurdjura)
- Emerging nautical competitions on the west coast
These events give you the chance to discover the country in a different way and meet the local sporting communities.
Practical advice before you leave
- Prepare your equipment or hire it from local clubs
- Check the weather conditions according to altitude and season
- Find out about the condition of paths and tracks, particularly in the mountains
- Respect the environment: take your rubbish with you, avoid wild off-piste activities
- Take out insurance, first aid kit and GPS application
Conclusion
Sporting Algeria is emerging as a destination of the future for lovers of outdoor activities. Little-visited, authentic and varied, it promises unforgettable experiences between sea, mountains, desert and living culture. Whether you’re a hiker, yogi, cyclist or diver, now is the time to get off the beaten track and discover the active face of Algeria.
