Tabarka - the ancient Thabraca of the Phoenicians, protected by an island and surrounded by the mimosa, cork oak and pinecoverred mountains of Khourmirie, is a town which has been famous since time immemorial for coral fishing.

The splendid setting of Tabarka, a true paradise for diving, fishing, sailing and

rambling is also a holiday resort and meeting place. The holiday atmosphere which it enjos in the summer months due to its festivals, its towering forests, its rocky coastline, fine sand beaches, make Tabarka the place chosen by holiday makers who want to get away from it all and enjoy a change of scenery.

Getting There

There are occasional charter flights from the UK direct to Tabarka. Alternatively there are direct scheduled services from Brussels, Milan, Paris and Zurich. Flying time from the UK is about 2½ hours or the resort is less than 3 hours by road from Tunis. Car hire is the easiest way to travel; although slightly more expensive than other Mediterranean countries, the low cost of living and cheap petrol offset this. For more independent travellers, louages (the white and red cars) are shared taxis with fixed destinations which leave when full.

Where to Stay

Most tourist hotels in Tabarka can be found along the sandy Montazah beach, about four kilometres east of the resort, while there is budget accommodation in the town cetnre. During peak season and particularly during hte jazz festival, advanced booking is strongly recommended.

Don't Miss

• A boat trip to La Galite Islands, 35 miles from the coast. For divers, the island shelters a well preserved shipwreck and its nature reserve is home to a colony of monk seals.
• The views of the 17th century Genoese Castle at dusk.
• Tabarka market - every Friday - a great place to test your haggling skills.
• Hiking or bird watching in the Khroumirie Mountains.
• The surrounding cork oak forests, ideal for walking and bird watching.
• Freshing caught seafood in one of Port Corallo's restaurants.
• Climbing Jebel Bir mountain for rewarding views over the surrounding hills.
• Relaxing on Tabarka's eight mile strip of golden beach.

Exploring

Hire a car or book an excurions from your hotel to some of fascinating sites within easy reach of Tabarka:

• Bulla Regia, with underground villas and priceless Roman mosaics.
• Dougga, Tunisia's largest and most spectacular archaeological site including a Roman ampitheatre still used for open air performances.
• Hammam Bourguiba spa.
• Tunis, boasting the world's largest museum of mosaics, a 13th century medina, the ruins of Carthage - one of the largest Roman cities.

Cultural Events & Festivities

Activities

• Horse riding, sailing and fishing.
• Four wheel drive in the mountains
• Scuba diving