El Kala: national park, Tonga and Mellah lakes, beaches, where to stay
Published on 13 November 2026 · Nreservi teamAt the far eastern end of Algeria's coast, El Kala (formerly La Calle) is a small port town surrounded by lakes, forests and beaches. People come in summer for the sea and the rest of the year for its national park, one of the country's great natural areas.
Where is El Kala?
El Kala is in El Tarf province, in the far north-east, about 80 to 90 km east of Annaba and less than 20 km from the Tunisian border. The nearest airport is Annaba; allow about an hour by road from there. A car is the easiest way to move between lakes and beaches.
El Kala National Park
Created in 1983 and recognised by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve in 1990, El Kala National Park covers more than 76,000 hectares of lakes, marshes, forests and coast. Cork oak dominates. You may spot the Barbary stag, a North African species, and many water birds, including flamingos; birdwatchers also come for the raptors nesting in the park. It is a protected area: stay on roads and trails, leave no rubbish and light no fires.
The lakes
All three famous lakes are listed under the Ramsar Convention. Lake Tonga, east of the town among wooded hills, is the most visited; visitors mention boat trips with local guides, so ask on site. Lake Oubeïra is the park's other large lake. Lake Mellah is a saltwater lagoon connected to the sea, overlooked by the forest road to Cap Rosa. Spring is the best season for the lakes.
Beaches
The municipality has about a dozen beaches, only some of which are authorised for swimming each summer. Cap Rosa, west of town, has fine golden sand with some pebbles and still feels wild. Messida, to the east near the Tunisian border, is a long sandy beach, busy in summer: go early. La Vieille Calle (Old Kala beach) is the original site of the Bastion de France, a 16th-century trading post for the coral trade, of which remains survive. Bring water, shade and food.
Coral
El Kala has lived from red coral fishing for centuries. The town has revived its coral festival, and local craftsmen still make coral jewellery.
Where to stay
We do not yet offer hotels in El Kala itself. Two options: the Golden Beach Aqua Park, a family seaside resort with apartments, an outdoor pool and a water park at Ben M'hidi (El Tarf), on the coast east of Annaba towards El Kala, less than half an hour from Annaba airport; or Annaba, with the widest choice, from the Sheraton Annaba and the Seybouse Hotel & Spa in the centre to the Sabri Hotel and Rym El Djamil on the corniche. El Kala works well as a day trip: Lake Tonga in the morning, Cap Rosa or Messida in the afternoon. For the park at a gentle pace, allow two or three days.
Booking and payment
You book your hotel online. From Algeria, you pay in dinars without a bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly office. Live abroad? You can also pay online by card, and your voucher is sent to you after payment. More coastline: our guide to beaches in Algeria.