Nabeul

Overview

What to see

• Potters' workshops

  In the streets around the centre, many workshops shape and decorate jars, dishes and tiles. You can often watch craftsmen at the wheel or with a brush.

• The Friday market

  This large weekly market mixes farm produce, spices, pottery, mats and clothing. It is one of the liveliest in the region and a real immersion in local life.

• Neapolis archaeological site

  By the sea, the remains of ancient Neapolis reveal a Roman house decorated with mosaics and facilities for making garum, the fish sauce of antiquity.

• The archaeological museum

  It displays mosaics, statues and Punic and Roman objects from Neapolis, Kerkouane and other sites of Cap Bon.

• The medina and souks

  Smaller than other medinas, Nabeul's is lined with craft, spice and textile shops in a bustling, authentic atmosphere.

• Dar Chaabane El Fehri

  A few kilometres away, this small town is renowned for stone carving; its door frames and columns adorn many Tunisian houses.

Things to do

• Pottery workshopSome workshops welcome visitors keen to try the wheel or ceramic decoration.
• Orange blossom distillingIn spring, families distil orange and bitter orange blossoms to make flower water (zhar), a very lively Cap Bon tradition.
• Beach and swimmingThe sandy beaches of Nabeul and its surroundings are quieter and more family-oriented than those of Hammamet.
• Cap Bon road tripNabeul is the ideal starting point for a driving loop to Kelibia, Kerkouane and El Haouaria.
• Local produceHarissa, dried chillies, spices and citrus fruit can be discovered at the market and in traditional grocery shops.

Beaches & nature

Nabeul lies along a long, fine sandy beach that continues north towards Beni Khiar and Maamoura. The hinterland is a patchwork of citrus orchards, chilli fields and market gardens. Further north, the Korba lagoon attracts many waterbirds, including pink flamingos in winter.

Food & local specialities

Cap Bon is Tunisia's vegetable garden and Nabeul is its showcase: spicy cooking, garden-fresh vegetables and citrus aromas.

• Cap Bon harissaA paste of dried chillies, garlic and spices, Nabeul's harissa is considered one of the best in the country.
• Vegetable or fish couscousMade with the region's seasonal vegetables and a broth fragrant with caraway and chilli.
• MloukhiyaA dark, fragrant meat stew made with ground jute leaves, slow-cooked for celebrations.
• Flower water pastriesMakroudh, baklava and other sweets are scented with locally distilled orange blossom water.

Where to stay

Shopping & markets

Nabeul is Tunisia's ceramics capital: painted dishes, jars, tajines, tiles and tableware fill countless shops and workshops. You can also buy rush mats, embroidery, harissa, spices and orange blossom water. The Friday market is the best time for browsing. Remember to bargain and to have your ceramics well wrapped.

Getting there

• By plane

  Tunis-Carthage Airport is about an hour's drive away, and Enfidha-Hammamet Airport about 50 minutes.

• By car

  From Tunis, take the A1 motorway then the Hammamet-Nabeul road, about an hour's drive.

• By train

  Nabeul is the terminus of a railway line serving Hammamet from Tunis via Bir Bou Regba.

• By louage (shared taxi)

  Shared louage taxis leave frequently for Tunis, Hammamet, Kelibia and the towns of the Sahel.

• By bus

  Regional buses link Nabeul with Hammamet and the towns of Cap Bon.

Getting around

The centre, the souks and many workshops can be explored on foot. Yellow taxis will take you to the beach, Hammamet or Dar Chaabane. To explore the Cap Bon peninsula at your own pace, a rental car is the best option.

Day trips nearby

FAQ