Home › Destinations › Nabeul
Nabeul, تونس - Things to Do in Nabeul

Things to Do in Nabeul

Nabeul, تونس - Complete Travel Guide

Nabeul, the charming capital of Tunisia's Cap Bon peninsula, is renowned as the country's pottery capital and a gateway to some of the Mediterranean's most beautiful beaches. This coastal city seamlessly blends traditional Tunisian craftsmanship with seaside resort amenities, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking both cultural immersion and relaxation. The city's medina buzzes with artisan workshops where skilled potters create the distinctive blue and white ceramics that have made Nabeul famous throughout North Africa and beyond. Beyond its artistic heritage, Nabeul offers pristine sandy beaches, vibrant weekly markets, and easy access to the archaeological wonders of nearby Hammamet and the ancient ruins of Kerkouane. The city maintains an authentic Tunisian atmosphere while providing modern tourist facilities, making it an ideal base for exploring the Cap Bon region's diverse attractions, from vineyards and citrus groves to Roman ruins and traditional fishing villages.

Top Things to Do in Nabeul

Explore the Pottery Quarter and Artisan Workshops

Wander through Nabeul's famous pottery district where generations of artisans create stunning ceramics using traditional techniques. Watch master potters at work and browse countless shops selling everything from decorative tiles to intricate vases. The area comes alive with the sounds of spinning wheels and the vibrant colors of freshly glazed pottery.

Booking Tip: Visit workshops in the morning when artisans are most active. Many workshops offer pottery classes for 20-30 TND per person. Look for authentic pieces with the distinctive Nabeul blue and white patterns.

Relax on Nabeul Beach

Spend time on Nabeul's expansive sandy beach, which stretches for kilometers along the Mediterranean coast. The beach offers excellent swimming conditions, water sports facilities, and beachside cafes serving fresh seafood. The relatively calm waters make it perfect for families and those seeking a peaceful seaside experience.

Booking Tip: Beach clubs charge 5-15 TND for lounger and umbrella rental. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Water sports equipment rental typically costs 15-40 TND per hour.

Visit the Friday Market

Experience one of Tunisia's most authentic markets, held every Friday in Nabeul's town center. The souk overflows with local produce, spices, textiles, pottery, and traditional crafts. This is where locals shop, making it an excellent opportunity to observe daily Tunisian life and practice your bargaining skills.

Booking Tip: Arrive early (8-10 AM) for the best selection and cooler temperatures. Bring small denomination dinars for purchases. Bargaining is expected - start at about 30% of the asking price.

Discover Kerkouane Archaeological Site

Explore the remarkably preserved ruins of Kerkouane, a UNESCO World Heritage Punic city dating back to the 6th century BC. This unique archaeological site offers insight into ancient Carthaginian civilization with well-preserved houses, streets, and even ancient bathtubs. The site museum displays artifacts found during excavations, including jewelry, pottery, and coins.

Booking Tip: Entry costs 8 TND for adults, 4 TND for students. Open daily 9 AM-4 PM (winter) or 9 AM-7 PM (summer). Combine with a visit to nearby El Haouaria for a full day trip.

Take a Day Trip to El Haouaria and the Falcon Cliffs

Journey to the northernmost tip of Cap Bon to visit El Haouaria, famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs and ancient Roman quarries. The area is renowned for falcon hunting traditions and offers spectacular views across the Mediterranean toward Sicily. Explore the mysterious underground Roman stone quarries, now home to bats and an otherworldly atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Roman caves entry is 3 TND. Best visited as part of a guided tour costing 40-60 TND per person including transport. Falcon hunting demonstrations available during migration season (March-May).

Getting There

Nabeul is easily accessible from Tunis, located about 65 kilometers southeast of the capital. The most convenient option is taking a shared taxi (louage) from Tunis, which costs around 8-10 TND and takes about 1.5 hours. Regular buses also connect Nabeul to Tunis and other major cities for 5-7 TND. If flying internationally, Tunis-Carthage Airport is the closest, followed by Enfidha-Hammamet Airport, which is about 45 minutes away. Rental cars are available at both airports and provide the most flexibility for exploring the Cap Bon peninsula.

Getting Around

Nabeul is a compact city that's easily walkable, with most attractions, beaches, and the pottery quarter within walking distance of the town center. Local taxis are readily available for short trips and typically charge 3-8 TND for rides within the city. For exploring the wider Cap Bon region, shared taxis (louages) connect Nabeul to nearby towns like Hammamet, Kelibia, and El Haouaria for 2-5 TND. Bicycle rentals are available from some hotels and shops for around 15-20 TND per day, offering a pleasant way to explore the coastal areas and nearby villages.

Where to Stay

Nabeul City Center
Nabeul Beach Area
Dar Chaabane District
Avenue Habib Bourguiba
Near the Pottery Quarter
Coastal Road Zone

Food & Dining

Nabeul's dining scene celebrates fresh Mediterranean ingredients and traditional Tunisian flavors. The city's coastal location ensures excellent seafood, with grilled fish, octopus salad, and seafood couscous being local specialties. Traditional restaurants around the medina serve authentic dishes like brik, tajine, and harissa-spiced stews at very reasonable prices (8-15 TND per meal). For a more upscale experience, beachfront restaurants offer international cuisine alongside Tunisian classics, with meals ranging from 20-40 TND. Don't miss trying the local citrus fruits and visiting the traditional coffee houses where locals gather to play backgammon and discuss daily life over mint tea and Arabic coffee.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Tunis

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

DaPietro - L'Antica Pizzeria

4.9 /5
(5005 reviews)

Kayu Sushi Jardins de Carthage

4.6 /5
(1404 reviews)

Go! Sushi

4.5 /5
(984 reviews)

DaPietro Sidi Bou Saïd

4.8 /5
(660 reviews)

FEDERICO

4.5 /5
(656 reviews)

Bab Tounès

4.8 /5
(320 reviews)
all dining options →

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Nabeul is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are pleasant (20-26°C) and perfect for both sightseeing and beach activities. Summer (June-August) brings hot temperatures (28-35°C) and crowds, but offers the warmest sea temperatures and longest days. Winter (December-February) is mild but can be rainy, with temperatures around 15-20°C - still pleasant for exploring cultural sites but less ideal for beach activities. The Friday market operates year-round, but spring and autumn provide the most comfortable conditions for wandering through the pottery workshops and exploring archaeological sites.

Insider Tips

Visit pottery workshops on weekdays rather than weekends to see artisans at work and avoid tourist crowds
Try the local specialty of 'harissa Nabeulienne' - a unique version of Tunisia's famous hot sauce that's less spicy and more aromatic than other regional varieties
Combine your visit with nearby Hammamet by taking the coastal road - it's only 20 minutes away and offers beautiful Mediterranean views along the drive

Explore Activities in Nabeul