Gouraya National Park

Gouraya National Park is a coastal protected area on the Mediterranean coast adjacent to the city of Béjaïa in northern Algeria, centred on a prominent coastal mountain and its surrounding cliffs and forests. It preserves a mix of marine-facing cliffs, wooded slopes and Mediterranean shrubland.

The park offers steep trails, cliff-top viewpoints and short coastal walks that give views over the Bay of Béjaïa and the open sea. Habitats in the park support a range of coastal and woodland species, and the mixture of cliffs and forested slopes is a focal point for local nature visits and birdwatching.

The area has been managed to protect its natural habitats and scenic coastal landscape, with trails and viewpoints developed for public access while restricting activities that would damage sensitive zones. Local authorities maintain access routes from Béjaïa and surrounding communities.

Located on Algeria’s northern Mediterranean coast in Béjaïa Province, the park sits immediately beside the city of Béjaïa and faces the Bay of Béjaïa. The terrain falls steeply from the coastal mountain down to the sea, and the site is readily accessed from Béjaïa town and the regional road network.

• Coastal biodiversity: The park combines coastal cliffs, Mediterranean maquis and forested slopes, making it important for coastal bird species and local biodiversity.

What to See#

• Mount Gouraya: A dominant limestone mountain rising above the park, providing steep trails, coastal cliffs and panoramic views of the Bay of Béjaïa; the summit reaches several hundred metres above sea level.

• Start hikes early in the morning to avoid midday heat and to catch clearer views from the summit of Mount Gouraya; morning visits also reduce interaction with beach crowds.
• Base yourself in Béjaïa and ask locally about recommended trailheads-the park is directly accessible from the city and local direction will point you to the best routes and viewpoints.
• Include a short walk to the coastal viewpoints and the Fort/Gouraya summit area rather than staying on the shoreline; many visitors only see the beaches and miss the panoramic vistas and forested interior.