Things To Do
in Bekkaria
Bekkaria is a small, rural town in northern Algeria set among rolling hills and agricultural fields, within reach of the Mediterranean coast and the Tell Atlas foothills. The town has a slow, community-oriented rhythm where olive groves, small farms and traditional markets shape daily life. Visitors will notice a mix of modern concrete buildings and older stone houses, with local mosques and cafés as social hubs.
Bekkaria is best experienced by exploring nearby nature, sampling home-style Algerian cuisine, and using a nearby regional city as a base for larger services and transport connections.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey with a visit to the ancient ruins of Timgad, where you can admire the well-preserved Roman architecture and learn about the history of the region. Take your time wandering through the picturesque streets, absorbing the grandeur of the ancient columns and theaters. Don't forget to capture some stunning photos amidst the spectacular historic backdrop.
Enjoy a traditional Algerian lunch at a local café, sampling dishes such as couscous and tagine that reflect Bekkaria's culinary heritage. Post-lunch, explore the nearby Berber villages, interacting with friendly locals and appreciating the unique craftsmanship of their handmade goods. As you travel, soak in the beautiful landscapes of the surrounding mountains.
Wrap up the day by attending a vibrant local festival, if available, where the rhythms of traditional music and dance fill the air. Experience the warmth of Bekkaria's community as you engage in lively interactions with the locals. End your evening with dessert at a local bakery, indulging in delicious pastries and mint tea.
Rise early for a guided hike in the picturesque Atlas Mountains surrounding Bekkaria. Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you traverse trails offering panoramic views of lush valleys and rugged peaks. Keep your eyes peeled for the unique flora and fauna that inhabit this breathtaking ecosystem.
Stop for a picnic lunch amidst nature, enjoying local delicacies while surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Post-lunch, embark on an adventurous activity such as rock climbing or mountain biking, tailored to suit all skill levels. Experience the thrill of exploring hidden gems often missed by typical tourists.
Return to Bekkaria in the evening, where you can unwind at a local cafe with views of the sunset over the mountains. Share your day's adventure with fellow travelers over a hearty meal. Relish in the charm of the town as night falls, with starlit skies providing a perfect end to your outdoor experience.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a café | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🚕Local taxi/fare (short ride) | $1-3 |
| 🏨Basic guesthouse / budget hotel (per night) | $20-40 |
| 🛒Groceries for a day (local produce) | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Algerian experience with welcoming local communities
- Close access to nature—olive groves, hills and nearby coastline for day trips
- Affordable prices for food, transport and accommodation
- Great for slow travel, photography and learning about local agriculture
- Limited tourist infrastructure—few formal hotels, guided tours or English speakers
- Card payments and ATMs may be scarce; cash is required for many transactions
- Quiet nightlife and limited entertainment options within the town
- Some services (healthcare, specialized shops) require travel to a regional center
- "As-salamu alaykum" - Peace be upon you (common greeting)
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Bessahtek / Bessahtek (بسحتك)" - Good appetite / Enjoy your meal
- "B'kam hada? (بكم هذا؟)" - How much is this?
- "La shukran, ana nabni (لا شكراً، أنا نباتي)" - No thank you, I am vegetarian
- "Parlez-vous français ?" - Do you speak French?
Places to Visit in Bekkaria
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful stalls, fresh produce, local vendors and candid street scenes—great for documentary-style shots and portraits with permission.
Patterns of trees and terraces on the hillsides provide atmospheric landscape photos, especially at golden hour.
Narrow lanes, old stonework and painted doors offer intimate architectural and cultural details.
Panoramic views over the countryside and, where visible, glimpses of the Mediterranean coastline—excellent for wide-angle landscapes at sunrise or sunset.
Food in Bekkaria
Bekkaria Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The flagship North African dish: steamed semolina served with a stew of vegetables and meat (often lamb or chicken). Many small restaurants and family kitchens serve it on special days.
Must-Try!
A comforting tomato-based soup with meat and vegetables, commonly eaten at lunch or to break fast during Ramadan; available at local eateries.
Spicy lamb or beef sausages and grilled skewers sold at markets and small grills; great for a quick, flavorful bite.
Sweet pastries and semolina-based desserts sold at patisseries and cafés—ideal with mint tea or coffee.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A weekly market where farmers sell produce, olives, cheese and bread. Try fresh olives, regional cheeses and street snacks like grilled skewers or flatbreads.
Small vendors near the center sell sandwiches, fried pastries and tea — good for quick, inexpensive bites and people-watching.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings are important: a handshake and 'Salam' or 'As-salamu alaykum' are common. Use titles and ask about family as a friendly opening.
Dress modestly—both men and women should avoid revealing clothing, particularly in conservative rural areas and near religious sites.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women. Some locals may decline—respect their wishes.
If invited into a home, bring a small gift (sweets or fruit), remove shoes if asked, and accept hospitality. It’s polite to use your right hand when offering or receiving items.
During Ramadan, be discreet about eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect for those fasting.
Safety
Tipping in Bekkaria
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected in small towns. Leave small change (10–50 DZD) for cafe service or round up bills in restaurants; a slightly larger tip is common in guided tours or for exceptional service.
Cash (Algerian dinar, DZD) is king in Bekkaria—small vendors and markets rarely accept cards. ATMs exist in larger nearby towns; bring enough cash for rural days. Major credit cards may be accepted in bigger hotels or restaurants in regional centers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March–May) is one of the best times to visit: wildflowers, mild temperatures and green hills. Ideal for hiking, photography and market visits as produce comes into season.
Summers are warm to hot and dry—perfect for coastal visits if you plan a day trip to the sea. Inland temperatures can be high; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon and stay hydrated.
Autumn brings cooler temperatures and harvest season for olives and figs; comfortable for outdoor exploration and fewer tourists. Occasional rain starts later in the season.
Winters are mild but wetter, with rainfall concentrated in this period; higher elevations can be chilly. Some rural services may run reduced hours during the off-season.
Bekkaria at Night
Hiking in Bekkaria
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Network of unmarked trails through olive groves and low hills—ideal for half-day hikes and landscape photography. Use a local guide or GPS and wear proper footwear.
If visiting the nearby coast, follow paths along cliffs and coves for dramatic sea views and birdwatching; combine with a visit to a fishing village for lunch.
Easy loop walks around working olive groves and farm lanes—great for gentle walks, local interaction and learning about traditional agriculture.
Airports
How to reach Bekkaria by plane.
The nearest regional airport for the Jijel coastal area—useful for access to the eastern Mediterranean coast. From the airport, reach Bekkaria by taxi or regional bus routes via a nearby town; travel time depends on the exact location and road connections.
A larger regional airport with more frequent domestic connections and some international flights. It is a longer road trip but offers more transport options and services; connect onward by bus, grand taxi or rental car.
Algeria's main international gateway; from Algiers you can take domestic flights, long-distance buses or trains and then local transport to reach the region. Useful if flying internationally or seeking greater flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-established families engaged in farming, olive cultivation and small trades—community-oriented and often multi-generational households.
Young people who may travel to nearby towns for education or work; many speak French in addition to Arabic, and some have ties with urban centers.
Family members who maintain connections with emigrant relatives in Europe or elsewhere; remittances and visits are part of local dynamics.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport regionally and nationally—locals follow local and national teams passionately and informal pickup games are common in open fields.
Popular indoor sports, especially among youth in schools and community centers.
Along the nearby coast, small-scale fishing is both a livelihood and a pastime; visitors can observe or join local fishermen on organized trips from coastal villages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bekkaria.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but may be limited in small towns; request vegetable stews, salads, eggs, cheese and bread. Explain preferences simply (in French or Arabic) and you can often get a satisfying meal.
Vegan choices are more limited; rely on salads, cooked vegetables, olive oil, legumes and bread. Bringing some snacks or speciality items can be helpful.
Most meat in Algeria is halal; alcohol is uncommon in small towns and typically available only in larger hotels or shops in bigger cities.
Labeling is rare—communicate allergies clearly in French or Arabic and confirm ingredients, especially for nuts, dairy and gluten.