Tabarka’s golden sandy beaches are framed by rocky headlands and forests of pine and cork oak. The coastal landscape makes a striking opening: sand, rock and forest are all part of the same scene here. History, harbour life and experiences on the water offer other ways to discover the destination. If you choose Tabarka, you can treat these interests as different focuses for your trip rather than limiting yourself to a single theme.

The Genoese Fort and the history of Tabarka

The Genoese Fort stands on a small island and is a landmark of Tabarka. Its history dates back to the 16th century, when Genoese merchants were granted a monopoly on the coral trade. To protect their activities, they built a fortified village in Tabarka. The Genoese Fort is what remains of that village. The landmark thus links the history of the coral trade with the historic character of the town.

A former Roman cistern was later used as a church and now houses a small archaeological museum. The fort and the cistern offer glimpses into different chapters of local history: Genoese trading history and the Roman past of the museum building. The archaeological sites of Chemtou and Bulla Regia are also located in the wider region. Chemtou is associated with marble quarrying and Numidian civilisation. Bulla Regia is known for its underground Roman houses; within the wider destination of Jundubah, these houses, with their underground storeys, are the site’s main attraction and are known worldwide.

Diving tradition, boat trips and other activities

Tabarka has a long tradition of scuba diving and offers dive sites. Boat trips to neighbouring coves and the island of La Galite are available from Tabarka. Diving and boat trips offer different kinds of experiences on the water: dive sites on the one hand, and destinations in coves and on an island on the other. Golf is also played in the Tabarka area, and there are hot springs near Aïn Draham.

Harbour life, jewellery and music

Restaurants at Tabarka’s harbour serve lobster, fish and seafood. Nearby, jewellers offer jewellery made from red coral and silver. Several jazz and world music events take place in Tabarka in summer. Food, jewellery and music show different sides of what the area has to offer; the summer events add a cultural touch to your discoveries.

Nature in the wider destination of Jundubah

El Feija National Park in the wider destination of Jundubah covers 2,632 hectares. Forest covers about 90 percent of the park, with Algerian oak (Quercus faginea) and cork oak (Quercus suber) shaping the landscape. The park includes a 417-hectare fully protected zone formed by the Barbary deer reserve. Several recreation areas are located by springs and water sources; one of them is on the summit of Statir.

Getting here from Tunis

Tabarka can be reached from Tunis by plane and by road. The road distance is 180 kilometres, of which 70 kilometres are on the motorway. If you plan to travel by plane, check current connections in advance.

Discover more destinations: Tabarka

Go to the wider travel overview: Jundubah.