Bejaia
Béjaïa is a city of 242,000 people (2017) in Central Algeria.
Understand
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. The lack of maintenance, public awareness and classification, the introduction of non-authentic materials (concrete, brick, etc.) threatens this heritage.
The defensive structures of the city are still present in the sector of the old city in various places (Bab el Bounoud, Hammadid wall near the port, Casbah). The colonial part of the city is illustrated in particular by the waterfront district, amputating part of the old town, and the port. Inspired by Haussmannian architecture, it also includes the famous Place du 1 er Novembre, also known as Place Geydon.
Béjaïa's rich heritage extends well beyond the city: the ruins of Tiklat and the aqueduct of Tikdja, the Zianid citadel at El Kseur and the scholarly heritage displaced during periods of crisis such as the Spanish invasion of 1510, are as much heritage elements of the hinterland directly related to the history of the city.
Climate
It is generally humid with a slight seasonal temperature change. Average temperatures are generally mild and range from 11.1 °C in winter to 24.5 °C in summer.
Get in
The city of Béjaïa is connected to Algiers, Tizi Ouzou, Bouira, Sétif, Jijel and several Kabyle localities by an important road network.
- 1 Bus station (Gare Routière). Buses from Algiers frequently depart from Gare Routière Caroubier/Kharouba and take almost 4 hours. The bus station is about 2 km (1.2 mi) south of downtown. Bus lines connect it to cities in the great south of Algeria, including Hassi Messaoud, Ouargla, Ghardaïa, Laghouat, Djelfa and Bou Saada.
- 2 Soummam – Abane Ramdane Airport (French: Aéroport de Bejaia / Soummam – Abane Ramdane, BJA IATA) (5 km south of the city). The airport receives flights from Paris, France and some others to Lyon, France, and Marseille, France. There are daily domestic flights mainly from Algiers.
- Train station (Gare Ferroviaire de Béjaia), 16 Av. Mustapha Ben Boulaïd, Béjaïa 06000. The train to Algiers leaves at 6:30 and arrives at 10:39. It leaves Algiers at 14:33, arriving in Bejaia at 18:38. Delays happen often. There are also trains to Akbou and Beni Mansour.
Get around
There are frequent buses within the city, costing 20 dinar. There are no buses within the national park.
See
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. The museum also houses a collection of birds and insects from all over Africa, as well as paintings by Maurice Boitel, on loan from the museum of Algiers.
The nearby town of Toudja has a museum dedicated to water transport techniques, particularly in Roman times. The surroundings include the ruins of the aqueduct used to transport water from Toudja to the city during Antiquity. The site contains mosaics, baths and cisterns from the Roman period
Do
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.
- 2 Pic des singes (Monkey peak). Quite spectacular views in all directions. And there are monkeys around too.
- 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.
Buy
The town serves as an outlet for Kabylian crafts (pottery, basketry, and products derived from local agriculture).
Eat
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.
Drink
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.
Sleep
- 1 Hotel Brahmi (براهمي). Centrally located hotel. Spacious rooms, some with balcony. Breakfast included. single DA5500.