Tourist Guide To Bizerte

Tourist Guide To Bizerte

Published on 2022-10-25
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Uncrowded beaches, vast forests, mysterious caves, and a rich cultural heritage—all this awaits you in Bizerte. Here, you can fish in crystal-clear waters, dive among vibrant marine life, camp under starry skies, savor delicious seafood, and explore over 3,000 years of history.

Here are 10 unforgettable experiences in Bizerte.

 

1. Northermost point of Africa

Ever dreamed of standing at the northernmost tip of a continent? At Ras ben Sakka in Cape Angela, you can! Just 15 km from Bizerte, this stunning spot features dramatic cliffs, a symbolic monument, and breathtaking coastal views—perfect for photos.

Visite Du Cap Angela, Le Point Le Plus Septentrional De L'afrique (wiki Indaba 2018) 15

Northernmost point of Africa in Bizerte, Tunisia © By Hichen Bekhti

 

2. The old town and port

Bizerte's old town remains refreshingly authentic, untouched by mass tourism. The Medina unfolds as a labyrinth of narrow alleyways winding between traditional houses. Unlike more commercial medinas, this is primarily a residential neighborhood where locals go about their daily lives - women returning from bakeries with fresh bread, children playing in quiet squares, and elderly men sipping tea in shaded doorways.

Near the port, fishermen still mend their nets using techniques passed down through generations, creating a living postcard of Mediterranean coastal life. Choose the day’s freshest catch at the fish market, then take it to one of the nearby harbor-side restaurants where they’ll grill it to perfection for you.

Complete your immersion by staying at Dar El Kasba, a lovingly restored guesthouse where traditional Tunisian architecture meets warm hospitality, with its whitewashed arches, handcrafted zellige tiles, and a peaceful courtyard. The welcoming family owners will greet you with mint tea and share stories of Bizerte's rich history, making you feel at home in this authentic haven in the heart of the Medina.

 

3. Ichkeul Park

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980 for its outstanding universal value, Ichkeul Park lies 25 km southwest of Bizerte. This ecological treasure safeguards North Africa’s last remaining large freshwater lake system—a vestige of wetland chains that once spanned the region.

The park encompasses three interconnected ecosystems:

  • Jebel Ichkeul Mountain (12,600 hectares of rocky slopes)

  • The vast lake

  • And surrounding marshes (8,500 hectares of seasonal wetlands)

This unique mosaic of habitats makes Ichkeul a critical stopover for over 300,000 migratory birds annually, including:
• Pink flamingos (iconic winter residents)
• Ducks, geese, and coots (seasonal visitors)
• Rare bird species like the marbled teal

Adventurers can explore Djebel Ichkeul Cave, where a narrow passage opens into a cathedral-like chamber with dramatic fissures. This well-ventilated cave shelters bats, reptiles, and nesting birds—a hidden world beneath the mountain.

Ichkeul

Ichkeul National Park in Bizerte, Tunisia © By Walid Kharrat

 

4. Religious Temples

Bizerte's rich spiritual heritage is reflected in its diverse places of worship, representing centuries of cultural exchange:

  1. The Great Mosque (Old Port) - The city's largest mosque, featuring distinctive Ottoman-era architecture

  2. Al Kasba Mosque (Old Medina) - 17th-century mosque with a striking octagonal minaret

  3. Rebaa Mosque (Street of the Regency)

  4. Al Ksiba Mosque (Old Port) - Historic mosque near the fishing harbor

  5. Andalusian Mosque (City Center) - Built by Moorish refugees from Spain

  6. Church of Saint Anne (Massida - "The Fisheries") - Charming 19th-century Catholic chapel serving the local community

  7. Russian Orthodox Church (Anastasia Manstein-Chirinsky Square) - Unique golden-domed church built by White Russian émigrés in the 1930s

Russian Ultra Orthodox Church of Bizerte

Russian Ultra Orthodox Church of Bizerte © By Nour Echi

 

5. Beaches

Bizerte boasts some of Tunisia's most breathtaking beaches, where crystal-clear turquoise waters meet golden and white sandy shores. Surreal sunsets paint the sky, framed by lush forests or dramatic rocky cliffs. Well-maintained and naturally beautiful, these coastal gems make Bizerte a top destination for sea lovers.

Our recommended beaches:

  1. Dar ELJanna Beach
    A peaceful retreat where a guesthouse nestles between fragrant pine forests and the sparkling Mediterranean - perfect for escaping city life.

  2. Kef Abad Beach
    Ideal for aquatic adventures, offering diving opportunities, fishing boat rentals, and charming seaside cottages.

  3. Ras Angela Beach
    Enjoy this picturesque beach while visiting Africa's northernmost point, just 20km from Bizerte.

  4. Ein Mestir Beach
    Widely considered among Tunisia's finest beaches with its soft sand and clear waters.

  5. Remel Beach
    Another top-rated beach known for its natural beauty and excellent swimming conditions.

 

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Tunisia's crystal-clear waters and pristine coastline © By Unkown

 

6. Hiking & Camping

Bizerte offers exceptional hiking and camping in unspoiled nature. At Ain Damous, camp beside a hidden beach and fish in peaceful solitude. The fragrant Remel Forest provides shaded trails through eucalyptus groves, while Marsa Dhib's dramatic cliffs offer breathtaking coastal walks. These pristine locations remain refreshingly untouched – perfect for escaping the crowds and connecting with nature.

 

Bizerte

Picturesque landscape from Bizerte © By Marwen Shili

 

7. Meseums

For cultural explorers, Bizerte offers two exceptional museums: the Oceanographic Museum, showcasing Mediterranean marine life in a historic fortress, and the Utica Museum, housing fascinating Phoenician and Roman artifacts from one of Tunisia's oldest archaeological sites.

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Sculpture of Hercules, Utica Museum, Bizerte, Tunisia © By Unknown

 

8. Forts

Bizerte’s coastline is dotted with centuries-old forts built by successive Mediterranean powers. Don’t miss these two well-preserved examples: the Spanish Fort (Borj Alj Ali) near Bizerte’s city center, with its distinctive 16th-century ramparts, and Borj Lazaret in Ghar El Melh, an Ottoman-era fortress offering panoramic sea views.

الحصن الأثري غار الملح 3

Borj LAZARIT Fort, Ghar el Melh, Bizerte, Tunisia © By El Ghannai Med Habib

 

9. The archaeological site of UTICA

Founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 BCE, Utica predates Carthage as one of North Africa's first ancient cities. Located near Bizerte, its remarkably preserved ruins—including Roman villas with intricate mosaics—make it essential for archaeology enthusiasts.

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Archaeological site of Utica in Tunisia © By Unknown

 

10. Galta Island

Though small in size, Galta Island packs big charm. Accessible by organized boat tours or private rental, this tiny Mediterranean escape offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and a stunning coastal views of Bizerte.

Jalta

View of Galite islands © By GIRAUD Patrick