The old port
The most photographed harbour in Tunisia — fishing boats, ochre houses, the Spanish fort on the headland. Café Petit Mousse is the classic terrace for a coffee with this view.
North · Tunisia
Bizerte
Tunisia's northernmost coast — old port, Cap Angela, Ichkeul lake.
Bizerte is the northernmost city in Africa and one of Tunisia's most photogenic ports. Its old harbour — flanked by a Spanish fort and ochre-painted houses — is the postcard.
Inland sits Lake Ichkeul, a UNESCO biosphere reserve and one of the Mediterranean's most important wetlands for migratory birds.
Westwards, the coast becomes wild: Cap Serrat, Sidi Mechreg and the wind-swept beaches of Cap Angela — the actual northern tip of the African continent — are some of Tunisia's most pristine.
What to see in Bizerte
Lake Ichkeul National Park
A UNESCO biosphere reserve and one of the Mediterranean's most important wetlands. Tens of thousands of migratory birds in winter; a small museum explains the lake's complex hydrology.
Cap Angela
The actual northernmost point of Africa. Wild, windswept, no infrastructure beyond a small plaque. Worth the drive for the symbolism.
Coraline reefs and Cap Serrat
Diving on the red-coral reefs off Cap Serrat and Sidi Mechreg — among the best in Tunisia, and far less developed than the south. The wild coastline here has empty white-sand beaches.
Getting there
65 km from Tunis — 1 hour by car on the A4 motorway. SNCFT runs daily trains; louages depart every 30 minutes from Tunis Bab Saadoun. No commercial airport in Bizerte itself.
Where to stay
Small but improving selection. The Maison Stella in the old town for design lovers. The Sangho Privilege at Remel beach for all-inclusive. New eco-camps are appearing along the Cap Serrat coast for active travellers.
Food & culture
Bizerte's seafood culture is legendary. Try raw oysters from Bizerte lake, grilled rouget at Le Petit Mousse, and the local couscous with octopus (couscous bel karnit). Wash down with a chilled Vieux Magon white wine — made nearby in Mateur.
Practical tips
The wind picks up by mid-afternoon — plan beach time and boat trips for the morning. Don't drive the Cap Serrat coast road after dark; it's unlit and winding. Lake Ichkeul's water level is highly seasonal — winter is when birds arrive.
Frequently asked questions about Bizerte
Is Bizerte good for a beach holiday?+
Yes, but it's cooler than the Sahel and the season is shorter (June–September). The strength is wild coast and seafood rather than resort beaches.
How far is Bizerte from Tunis?+
65 km — comfortably a day trip, or better as a 1–2 night extension after Tunis and Carthage.
Can I dive in Bizerte?+
Yes. The Coraline coast and Cap Serrat have several operators. Visibility is best May–October. PADI certification is widely available.