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Nabeul, Tunisia : Travel Guide

Nabeul is not really the attractive tourist destination it is claimed to be. For tourists going for fun and comfort, neighbouring Hammamet is a better option.

With the exception of a few streets in the middle, the place where tourist stalls are located, Nabeul centre looks just like any dull medium-sized Tunisian town. The beach zone is hit and miss. Much of the public beach is crowded and often dirty.

Nabeul might entice some, being the capital of pottery, but the quality of today' Tunisian handicraft is highly debatable. It is no secret that production is industrialized, and you will have to look hard to find items which are nicely finished. The decorative quality is another matter, and the sparkling colours and the variation of patterns appeals to many.

The history of the town goes deep back into history. In Roman times, when it was known as Neapolis, it was a centre for the production of garum, a seasoning for all sorts of food. It was created by leaving fish and intestines in an open tank with salt for a few months. The process was so smelly that it was illegal to produce in private homes.

Old quarters

The old quarters are centered around Avenue Farhet Hached for about 300 metres. The best parts are since long occupied by shops or cafes.

But off the avenue, you will quickly come into streets of nothing but white walls and decorated doors.

Ceramics

If you like colourful ceramics, with crude patterns, Nabeul may be heaven for you. Start by looking at the lower left photo, this is the real thing. Well, almost, there is a distinct difference between modern ceramics and older. Newer are usually more colourful.

The checkered fantasy animals below is new artistic expression.

Nabeul is Tunisia' main centre of ceramics, and plates and other decorative items sold all over the country, is most likely produced here. Normally this would make Nabeul a cheap place to buy ceramics, but I am not sure it is like that after all.

A normal good price for a plate of 30 cm diametre, would be something like $5. The asking price may be a lot higher!

Doors

Door spotting is an underrated activity for visitors going to Tunisia. Doors are often the outer part of a house that gets most artistic attention, and often you may find doors that a really beautiful. Wealth and social position is expressed by the door.

The Beach

The beach of Nabeul is long and with good quality sand. But it lacks the nice backdrop of houses and trees that Hammamet offers. Unfortunately, also, the public parts are usually very littered.

Practicalities

Hotels and Alternatives

All price levels, but many places overcharge. Along the beach you'll find hotels that aim at Western taste, while up town you'll find the small and cosy hotels. The beach hotels are of course more expensive.

Restaurants and Alternatives

There are less restaurants up town than one could expect from a town with as many tourists as Nabeul. The reason is that many prefer to eat in their hotels, instead of walking the distance of 1-2 km to get to town.In town, restaurants are found in 2 categories: cheap and moderate. Value for money is OK.

Nightlife

What there is, is limited to the beach hotels, and include Western style discos and bars.

Change Money

No problems. Banks, ATMs and exchange service in the receptions in the better hotels. Many shopkeepers will accept to be paid by VISA or MasterCard, provided that you buy above 10-15 dinars.

Transport

Very good connections with buses, taxis and trains. Nabeul is the central city on the Cap Bon, and when travelling here, you're likely to pass through Nabeul. Cars can also be rented in Nabeul (at a price).