Full of surprises, epic Algeria is an adventurous traveler’s dream.

Africa’s largest country by area has a 1600km (994-mile) coastline fringed with long sandy beaches and dotted with history-rich cities which include some of the best Roman ruins in the world. Inland, a fantastic desert hinterland promises authentic oasis towns, vast sand seas and ancient volcanic mountains covered in rare prehistoric petroglyphs and paintings.

Until recently, Algeria was one of the hardest countries in the world to visit. But this is changing, with tourist visas getting easier to obtain (still, budget two months for the process), and an increasing number of flights from Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Curiosity piqued? Read on for 10 places you’ll want to visit in this country, a travel destination that will soon get the attention it deserves.

1. Timgad

Best for fans of epic Roman ruins

The UNESCO-listed Roman ruins at Timgad were built by the emperor Trajan in 100 CE. The site sits at a crucial pass through the Aurès Mountains, a strategic point that gave Rome control of access to the Sahara. Often called North Africa’s Pompeii, Timgad an exemplar of Roman urban planning, the city laid out like a chessboard over 50 hectares (123 acres). You’ll need a full day to explore all the forums, temples, markets, bath houses, theaters, law courts and villas here, as well as a rare public library. Look out for the inscription in the forum which reads “venari lavari ludere ridere occ est vivere” (“to hunt, to go to the bath, to play, to laugh: this is to live”). The on-site museum has 200 stunningly well-preserved floor mosaics.

Planning tip: Timgad is a very exposed site. You’ll need a hat and plenty of water in summer, and a jacket in winter or spring as it can be cold and windy.

2. Constantine 

Best for admiring one of the world’s most improbably sited cities

Since the 4th century BCE, Constantine has occupied a rocky pinnacle above the river Rhumel, encircled by 200m(656ft)-deep ravines. It’s a pleasure to admire the ingenuity behind this improbably located city – and to snap pictures from the Sidi M’Cid Bridge and the Monument aux Morts, a WWI memorial that offers a bird’s-eye view. Once you hit the streets, you can visit the finely decorated Ottoman Palace of Ahmed Bey, the National Museum and the beautifully contemporary Emir Abdelkader Mosque, one of the largest on the continent. 

Planning tip: Non-Muslims are allowed to enter mosques in Algeria outside of prayer times, so plan your touring accordingly. 

3. Annaba

Best for following in the footsteps of North African Christian pioneer 

Charming Annaba is where Amazigh theologian St Augustine – a figure crucial to and “Father” of the Catholic Church – taught and wrote works that remain cornerstones of modern Christian theology. Augustine was bishop of Roman Hippo Regius, now a flower-filled ruin in the town suburbs. On a hill above is the Basilica de Saint Augustine, built by the French in the late 19th century and overlooking the Basilica of Peace, where Augustine taught and beneath which he was buried. It is still tended by Annaba’s Augustinian community and a site of Catholic pilgrimage.

Planning tip: Underrated Annaba has a beautiful seaside setting, an atmospheric old town and some lovely sandy beaches. 

4. Tassili n’Ajjer National Park 

Best for taking in the world’s oldest gallery of art  

Tassili N’Ajjer National Park encompasses 72,000 sq km (27,800 sq miles) of extraordinary desertscape, characterized by a surreal sandstone rock forest covered with 15,000 prehistoric petroglyphs and carmine-colored rock paintings depicting herds of elephant, giraffe and buffalo. These images provide a reminder of the Saharan steppeland, where Neolithic pastoralists roamed alongside wild megafauna some 10–15,000 years ago. To see all of Tassili’s treasures, you’ll need a full 10 days, though tours of 5 or 6 days are also possible.

Planning tip: Remote Djanet (served by Air Algérie) is the gateway to the Tassili n’Ajjer National Park. Officially, travelers touring the desert require an agency escort/guide for security. 

5. Algiers

Best for discovering a capital with character 

Overlooking a beautiful crescent bay, Algeria’s capital city brims with atmosphere, interesting Ottoman and art deco architecture and cafes playing haabi – the Muslim-Jewish fusion style forged in the city’s ancient alleys. Algiers’ historic heart, the Casbah is a snakes-and-ladders labyrinth of staircases, antique palaces and mosques. After occupying the city in 1830, French colonists encircled Algiers with Parisian-style boulevards; added a botanical garden, the Jardin d’Essai; inaugurated the Bardo National Museum; and built the basilica of Notre-Dame d’Afrique. The Martyrs Monument, Maqam Echahid, bookends the south end of the city, commemorating those who died during the long fight for independence, finally achieved in 1962.

Planning tip: Explore the Casbah with a guide from Fancyellow. If you have time, take a day trip to the extraordinary Roman ruins of Tipasa and Cherchell.

6. Tlemcen 

Best for rich medieval architecture  

Tlemcen is an architectural jewel of medieval mosques and palaces set in a green pine forest. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the city was a hub of learning and trade that rivaled Fez, Tunis and Granada, trading gold from Timbuktu and salt from Taghaza with Europe. This explains the hybrid Hispano-Moorish architecture of the Great Mosque (1082), an Almoravid masterpiece, and the El Mechouar citadel, which echoes Spain’s Alhambra. On the western edge of town you’ll find the ruins of the military camp El Mansourah (1299), with a 40m(131ft)-high minaret that is near-twin to the Giralda in Seville.

Detour: Tlemcen remains spiritually significant due to the tomb of Sidi Boumediene, located 1.6km (1 mile) southeast of the city. From here, it’s a 10-minute drive to the El Ourit waterfalls and a half-hour drive to the stalactite-encrusted Grottes des Beni Add.

7. Ahaggar National Park

Best for feeling like you’re at the edge of the world  

Older than Tassili, the Hoggar Mountains of Ahaggar National Park are volcanic basalt buttes that rise vertiginously from the desert floor. Ancient river valleys sweeping through them on their way to Lake Chad are lined with more petroglyphs and paintings of wild animals and charioteers, thought to be the Garamantian ancestors of the Tuareg tribespeople. Week-long camel treks and 4×4 tours depart from Tamanrasset to the high plateau of Assekrem (2728m / 8950ft) – which translates to “the end of the world.” Stay at the hostel to see a truly spectacular dawn over the Atakor massif.

Planning tip: Expect to tip guides and drivers the equivalent of an extra day’s payment for each week worked.

8. Ghardaïa and the M’Zab Valley

Best for seeing secretive desert citadels

A collection of five ksours (citadels) built between 1012 and 1350 ( collectively referred to today as Ghardaïa after the principal one), the Pentapolis in the M’Zab Valley is one of the most fascinating places in Algeria. The fortified cities are today inhabited by Mozabites, members of an Amazigh tribe who adhere to the conservative Ibadite sect, observing distinct social codes and clothing, and permitting entry to outsiders only with a chaperone. Engage a guide to explore these closed communities to see, for example, the Sidi Brahim mosque in El-Atteuf, which inspired Le Corbusier. Don’t forget to check out the carpets in Ghardaïa’s market: weaving is a traditional craft here.

Planning tip: To visit Ghardaïa, the government requires tourists be on a group tour with required permits; try Algeria Tours. Within the ksours, you’ll also need to respect community rules, which include modest dress, no smoking and no pictures of people.

9. Sétif & Djemila

Best for gorgeous ancient mosaics

Sétif’s archaeological museum houses some of the best Roman mosaics in the world, including the unrivaled Triumph of Dionysus. Most artifacts come from Djemila (previously Cuicul), a UNESCO-heritage Roman city which sits on an scenic hillside in the Petit Kabyle mountains – and which is an essential excursion. You can tour the lovely ruins in half a day, but you’ll probably want to linger longer to enjoy the picturesque views. An excellent on-site museum exhibits incredible mosaics that cover almost the entire wall space.  

Planning tip: Djemila is most easily visited from Sétif (1 hour) or Constantine (1 hours). Stay at Hotel Tadj el Mouada in Setif or Novotel Constantine.

10. Timimoun

Best for oasis life and dune-bashing

Timimoun in Central Algeria is a spectacular desert oasis set at the edge of an escarpment overlooking a sebkha (salt pan) and the undulating dunefields of the Grand Erg Occidental. Since this stunning landscape is miles from anywhere, you’ll feel like you’ve landed on the moon, with the red town rising from the earth like a wind sculpture. From here, you can (and should!) head into the desert. Most hotels can arrange quad biking and sandboarding close to town. Or you can tour the Sebkha Circuit, which takes you to abandoned villages crumbling in the heat on a roller-coaster ride over towering dunes.

Planning tip: Timimoun’s S’Boue Festival lasts seven days and draws thousands who come to celebrate at the mausoleum of Sidi El Hadj Belkacem and enjoy sacred music, poetry and traditional dances.

You don’t have to stop traveling just because the year is ending. October is one of the best times for many epic adventures. Whether you want to get active in Montenegro or wander a medina in Morocco, here are the best places to travel in October.

Where are the best places to travel to in October for relaxation?

Menorca, Spain

Why now? Swim, cycle and stroll in “winter’s spring.”

Most sunbathers go home when summer’s high heat ends. But there’s still plenty of sun in Menorca. Early fall is sometimes called primavera l’hivern, or “winter’s spring,” thanks to the bright, warm days. Tourist spots are still open, but you’ll have many locations to yourself. And the Mediterranean sea lapping Menorca’s wild beaches feels quite warm. There might be a few showers, but you’ll have fun exploring the Anglo-Spanish heritage in Ciutadella and in the capital city Maó (Mahón). Marvel at 4000 year old megalithic monuments and hike or bike the coast on 185km (115=mile) Camí de Cavalls. The wetlands in Parc Natural S’Albufera des Grau are a haven for birds and Menorca is a Unesco Biosphere Reserve. Pack binoculars, indulge in Menorcan pastries and explore this corner of Europe in peace.

Seychelles

Why now? Calm seas in paradise.

Seychelles is probably how Pixar would draw paradise: swaying palms, supernaturally blue seas, white sand, artfully scattered with boulders, plus a few cute turtles crawling ashore. Fantasy made real. There’s no bad time to visit this island nation for swimming, snorkeling and diving thanks to the balmy 25–30°C (77–86°F) average temperatures year round. But October is cheaper than the peak summer months. Go to Mahé, the largest island, for beaches like Beau Vallon and Anse Royale, plus rainforests and rare birds in Morne Seychellois National Park. The capital city Victoria is full of markets, Creole buildings and unique sights. The Indian Ocean water can be 29°C (84°F), visibility is around 30m (100ft) and it’s an ideal time for spotting migrating whale sharks.

Where are the best places to travel to in October for outdoor festivals?

New Mexico, USA

Why now? For cooler weather, indigenous culture and hot air balloons.

New Mexico is very enchanting in sunny, mild October. High temperatures are over and the 20°C (68°F) days are ideal for discovering the historical riches and outdoor celebrations. Explore the region’s Native American origins at the 1000 year old Taos Pueblo. Spanish missionaries founded Santa Fe in 1610, and the capital city has its own style. It’s a mix of old adobes, Spanish Pueblo Revival design, and modern-art galleries. Go to the Institute of American Indian Arts’ Fall Powwow for authentic crafts and dance performances. The lively Indigenous People’s Day Weekend Celebration unites dancers, musicians and artisans from many tribes and nations. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta may take your breath away as hundreds of hot air balloons in a rainbow of colors gently ascend over the Rio Grande Valley.

New South Wales, Australia

Why now? Talk to the animals and enjoy quirky festivals.

Sun, sand, surf and scuba schooners – standard-issue beach fun awaits along the Pacific Highway, the justifiably well-trodden trail between Sydney and Brisbane. But veer a little inland to discover unique natural experiences and cultural festivals. Get up close with koalas, dingoes and raptors at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Buddy around with a binturong, a rare mammal that smells like popcorn, at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park.  Or trek through a rainforest and feed the neon colored wild parrots at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. October festivals lineup includes the Griffith Spring Fest where sculptures made from thousands of locally grown oranges and grapefruits are a big draw. Stop and smell the lilacs and other blooms at the Goulburn Lilac City Festival. Head to the Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival two hours from Sydney for live music, dance and poetry.

Where are the best affordable places to travel to in October for culture?

Fez, Morocco

Why now? October is the area’s weather sweet spot.

Stepping through blue-tiled Bab Bou Jeloud is as close as most of us will get to time travel. It feels like going back 1200 years to a city without motorized traffic. Welcome to Fez, the largest and most mesmerizing and extensive medieval city in the Islamic world. Visit in October, the best month for  Mediterranean climate and mild weather. It’s normal to get lost as you explore the 9400 alleys in Fes el-Bali, the oldest section of the walled medina. Admire glorious Moorish zellij tile, ornately carved wood and alabaster on medersas (Islamic colleges). Feast on pastilla (spiced chicken pie), tagine stews and a traditional glass of mint tea. The plethora of tasty, inexpensive street food available is perfect when traveling on a budget. At night, bed down in an Arabian Nights–worthy palace, riad or dar (courtyard mansion). But be ready for the intense noise from the souks (bazaars) and strong aromas from the colorful tanneries.

Oaxaca, Mexico

Why now? Día de Muertos is unforgettable in this diverse wonderland 

For an unforgettable cultural experience, go to Oaxaca City for Día de Muertos. Yes, there are lots of visitors this time of year. But it’s a mostly dignified and joyous observance welcoming departed loved ones. Marvel at family and community displays made of marigolds, corn, candles, personal artifacts and decorative skulls. Oaxaca is also the home of mezcal and mole; you’ll find both at Mercado Benito Juárez, plus handmade products from nearby villages. Shop for affordable crafts including glazed green kitchen pottery, fanciful carved creatures called alebrijes, embroidered clothing and handwoven rugs from Teotitlán del Valle. See the region’s most important plants at the Jardín Etnobotaníco de Oaxaca at Santo Domingo, and discover woven treasures at the Museo Textil de Oaxaca. 

Where are the best places to travel to in October for food and drink? 

Le Marche, Italy

Why now? Hunt truffles, wines and other tasty treats.

Foodies call Le Marche the next Tuscany because this “hidden” corner of Italy delivers great food and culture at good prices. The hillside vineyards and Renaissance buildings in walled cities Urbino and Ascoli Piceno may even remind you of Tuscany. But the people in Le Marche are not trying to be hip.. The region is pretty quiet and filled with low-key culinary gems. Seek out Verdicchio and Conero wines, mushrooms (fungi), local pasta, Prosciutto di Carpegna ham, and a creamy sheep and cow’s milk cheese called Casciotta d’Urbino. They are all amazing in harvest season. Autumn brings pleasant temperatures for hopping between medieval hilltop towns and hiking in Monti Sibillini National Park — maybe you’ll spot a chamois, wolf or bear. Tour beautiful wine villages such as Gradara and Offda. Eat your fill of white truffles at the fairs in Acqualagna and Apecchio, which also makes fine beers. Le Marche has many charms.

Tohoku, Japan

Why now? Make a food quest in the stunning harvest.

Most visitors to Japan head west from Tokyo towards Kyoto and Fuji, or go north to Hokkaidō. But you’ll be happy you took time to visit northern Honshū and Tohoku’s six prefectures. You’ll find steaming onsens (try Nyuto), gleaming castles (Hirosaki), and golden-halled temples (Chūson-ji in Hiraizumi). But our favorite locations may be the peaceful farming valleys and forest-clad mountains covered in red and gold. Harvest season is perfect for exploring the region’s edible riches: prized Iwata wagyu beef, fresh squid and mackerel, local takes on ramen, soba and udon noodles, apples and rice. Fukushima prefecture is called Sake Kingdom, so it’s the best place in the world to explore this drink. Fuel up for hikes among the cedars on Mt Haguro, through  8000 year old beech forests of mountainous Shirakami-Sanchi or along the 1000km-plus (621-mile) Michinoku Coastal Trail.

Where are the best places to travel to in October for fall foliage?

Rogue River Valley, Oregon

Why now? Pretty leaves, wine, cider and the Bard

The hills around Grants Pass have long been filled with dairies, vegetable farms, and orchards growing fruits like the giftable pears from Harry & David. The region is also known for wine, but that’s not the Rogue Valley’s only tipple. Blossom Barn Cidery turns heirloom pears into hard cider called perry. Perry is known as  the champagne of ciders thanks to its fine bubbles and delicate aromas. It pairs beautifully with food, including the zesty, award winning blue cheeses from Rogue Creamery. Go to the Rogue Gorge Trail for a great time hiking near the dramatic Rogue River Gorge Falls framed by autumn leaves. 

Trees aren’t the only plants that change colors in fall; grapevines do too.  So it’s the perfect time to enjoy vineyard views while sipping wine. You’ll find crisp sparkling wines at Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, plus delicious orange Gewurztraminer and views at Weisinger Family Winery. Plaisance Ranch is a working cattle ranch and winery. You’ll enjoy the owner’s warmth and his range of well-priced wines that pair with their organic beef.

Ashland’s world famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival is going strong in October, so grab tickets and enjoy a bit of the Bard. The theater is next to Lithia Park, a 93-acre area filled with ponds and hundreds of maple, ash, dogwood and cedar trees turning gold. You’ll find fall foliage bliss walking the trails and paths. After a long day, unwind with a dip in the mineral springs baths and pools at Lithia Springs Resort, a popular destination.

Montenegro

Why now? Mix hiking with leaf-peeping

Don’t pack away your hiking boots just yet. The southern mountains of Montenegro are awesome for hiking over the summer months and into October. Durmitor National Park has 48 peaks over 2000m (6065ft) including the country’s highest: Bobtov Kuk (2523m/8277ft). These mountains are scattered with pines, lush meadows and glittering glacial lakes. They’re also home to wildlife, from birds to bears. The nearby Piva River Canyon is even more striking in fall, as the azure water winds through hills covered in orange, red and gold trees. There’s also family-friendly hiking amid the peaks and primeval forests of Biogradska Gora National Park. Our editors suggest a week climbing Rumija on the south coast and hiking in the Kučka Krajina range near capital Podgorica. Hike mountains Orjen and Lovćen for prime views of the Adriatic, and then cool off with a swim.