Kristel, Mediterranean coastal village in Oran Province, Algeria.
Kristel is a coastal village in Oran Province with a rocky shoreline and mountains rising between 490 and 630 meters. The settlement sits on hilly terrain and is linked to nearby beaches such as Aïn Franine and Aïn Defla via the CW75 road.
French administration annexed the village in 1856 and incorporated it into Saint Cloud commune, transforming it into a summer destination for colonists. This period marked major changes in how the settlement developed and was organized.
The place takes its name from the Krichtel tribe, a Berber Zenata group that settled in this area. Local families have maintained their connection to the rocky coastline, shaping how the village blends with its natural surroundings.
The area has several beaches nearby that are accessible to visitors. The hilly terrain requires sturdy footwear and caution, especially when exploring the higher areas around the village.
Local people developed a specialized irrigation system similar to foggaras to distribute water in this water-scarce region. This traditional technique shows how inhabitants adapted to the challenging conditions.
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