IF YOU'RE a sun-seeker, beach-goer and desert explorer, then consider a trip to Algeria.
While it might not be considered a tourist destination yet, the country in North has sunny climates, beaches, Saharan dunes and it's just hours away from the UK.
Algeria is at the very top of and neighbours the popular holiday destinations of and .
The capital, Algiers, is the most well-known spot and is three hours away from the UK.
It’s known for the whitewashed buildings of the Kasbah, a winding medina, Ottoman palaces and a ruined citadel.
There's plenty to do and see across the country from riding camels in the Saharan desert to swimming in the Mediterranean Sea and taking a look at the Ghoufi Canyon.
There are over 300 in the Algerian capital of Algiers, including beach resorts and the best weather is in July with average temperatures of 26C.
Despite all this, there's a lack of tourists heading to Algeria, in 2023, they welcomed just 3.3 million visitors.
And an estimated 1.2 millionof those were Algerians from the diaspora. Meanwhile, welcomed 14.5 million tourists.
Algeria is trying to boost tourism to rival its neighbour as they share lots of similarities when it comes to their surroundings.
The Algerian government has even settargets to increase holidaymakers – they want to attract 12 million tourists by 2030.
And the process is already underway thanks to new flights from to Algiers.
The route operated by Algerian airline, Air Algérie, flies four times per week on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Gareth Powell, managing director of , said: “We’re delighted to welcome Air Algérie to London Stansted, marking an exciting milestone as we add both a new airline and a new country to our growing network.
He continued: “This new route provides more choice and value for passengers while strengthening ties between London and Algiers.”;
Algeria hasn't been considered a tourist destination in recent years because of visa rules and safety.
To holiday in , you'll need a visa obtained in advance from the Algerian Consulate.
Travel advice reads that you ‘may' be able to get a tourist visa on arrival at some airports in Algeria if the majority of your travel is in the south of the country.
So take a close look at the rules at least a few months before you go.
Also be mindful about which part of Algeria you travel to, as the FCO warns against going to some parts of the country.
FCDOadvises against all travel to within 30km of Algeria’s borders with Libya, Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Tunisia (in the provinces of Illizi and Ouargla and in the Chaambi mountains area).
There is a risk of pickpocketing, robbery and petty theft in the larger cities in Algeria so be vigilant when out and about.
It's important to check what time you go as during , you cannot eat, drink, smoke or chew gum during the day in Algeria.
According to the government website, ‘driving can be erratic’ so pedestrians should ‘take particular care when crossing roads on foot, even where there is a signal allowing you to do so.’
Here's the safest .
And .
