Norden & Tell

Coast between Bizerte and TabarkaBizerte, located on the canal between the Mediterranean Sea and Lac de Bizerte, is the northern port city, featuring an Old Port, Medina, and city beaches. Far to the west, just a few kilometers from the Algerian border, lies Tabarka with its Genoese Fort, the rock needles of Les Aiguilles, and diving spots rich in gorgonians and corals.Cap Angela: Approximately 15 km northwest of Bizerte, considered the northernmost point of mainland Africa.Diving: Off Tabarka, dive sites feature tunnels, grottoes, and drop-offs; dive schools also offer introductory dives.Ichkeul National ParkApproximately 25 km southwest of Bizerte lies Ichkeul National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Ramsar area since 1980. A lake of about 8,500 hectares, swamps, and the wooded mountain massif of Djebel Ichkeul serve annually as a resting place for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds.Birds: In winter, ducks, geese, flamingos, and storks; after dry years, the number of migratory birds reportedly fell from 250,000 to approximately 130,000 per year (as of 2025).Visiting: Ecomuseum and viewpoints, best reached by car or taxi from Bizerte; visits require a permit (as of September 2025).World Heritage in Danger: Due to increasing salinity, the park was on UNESCO's Red List from 1996 to 2006.Roman Hinterland and SafetyIn the Tell, the hilly region west of Tunis, lie two major Roman archaeological sites. Dougga, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, is considered the best-preserved Roman town in North Africa, while Bulla Regia near Jendouba is known for its underground villas.Border Region: Germany's Federal Foreign Office advises against travel to the immediate border area with Algeria and the mountain region around Ain Draham. Before your trip, check the current UK FCDO travel advice for Tunisia, or your own government's.