Nabeul, Tunisia

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Tunisia, but still contrives to retain something of its original character. It is surrounded by an intensively cultivated agricultural region, producing fruit and vegetables whicb are sold in the town's important Friday market. Nabeul is also famed as the principal center of Tunisian craft production, particularly for its traditional pottery trade (which has been given a considerable boost by tourism) and for the perfumes manufactured here. Much sought after, too, are Nabeul's plaited mats, stone-carving, embroidery and woven fabrics.

Most of the hotels are situated to the south of the town, in the direction of Hammamet, with one or two more exclusive establishments on the Kelibia road to the north. Altogether the town has some twelve hotel complexes with some 6,000 beds.

History

Ancient Neapolis (Greek, the "new town"), situated directly on the coast, was originally a Carthaginian foundation of the fifth century B.C. During the Third Punic War it was occupied by the Romans. In the second century A.D. it was given the status of a colonia, and in 256 it became the see of a bishop. In the 16th and 17th centuries it provided a home for refugees from Andalusia, whose influence on the local crafts, particularly on the pottery, is still evident.

Access

Nabeul, 70km/43mi southeast of Tunis and the international airport of Tunis-Carthage, can be reached on either the motorway or GP 1 to Hammamet and MC 28 from there.

From the station in Avenue Habib Bourguiba there are rail services to Tunis and Hammamet/Bir Bou Rekba, with connections to Sousse and Sfax. From the bus station (Gare Routière) on the Hammamet road there are services to Tunis, Hammamet, Korbous, El Haouaria, Soliman, Kairouan, Zaghouan, Sousse and the international airport of Tunis-Carthage.