Gouraya National Park

Gouraya rises directly behind Bejaia, a limestone headland whose summit at around six hundred and sixty metres carries the tomb of Yemma Gouraya, a local saint, and a French-era fort, reached by a road and a walking path from the city. The park runs along the coast from there past cliffs, coves and the Cap Carbon headland, protecting Aleppo pine, wild olive and a population of Barbary macaques that has become used to visitors on the summit road. Views take in the bay of Bejaia, the Soummam valley and the Kabylie mountains behind. It is one of the few places in the country where mountain, forest and Mediterranean coast are all within a short walk of a city centre.

The landscape

• The Yemma Gouraya shrine - the saint's tomb on the summit.
• Barbary macaques on the road - the habituated troops of the park.
• Cliffs falling to the sea - the coast between the headlands.
• Views over the bay of Bejaia - the city and the Soummam valley below.

When to go

April to October; summer is hot and busy with local visitors. Half a day. Mornings are best for the climb and for macaque activity.

Practical notes

Macaques are fed by visitors and have become bold, snatching bags and food; feeding them is the cause. Litter along the summit road is a real problem. The walk up is steep and unshaded. Facilities are minimal.

Nearby

Cap Carbon is west along the coast; Bejaia city lies below.

Key facts