Kelibia-Tunisia | Sandy Beaches Dominated by an Iconic, Byzantine Fort.

Kelibia is a very attractive seaside resort of Tunisia, famous for its striking, sandy beaches dominated by an iconic, Byzantine fort part of the long history of that coastal centre, a place which deserves to be visited if you are planning holidays with a stay in that splendid country of North Africa discovering how that site played an important role during all its chronological historic stages under several rulers.

Situated at 105, 0 kilometres from the Capital Tunis that town has a long history to narrate delighting many people in a geographic area of the Maghreb corresponding to the current Nabeul Governorate in the former, ancient, Roman province of Byzacene with the brilliant chance to admire stunning monuments and great sunny places along a coastline absolutely spectacular.

That Tunisian municipality lies on a scenic, rocky promontory which from far if you are sailing in the Mediterranean appears at first sight as an almost inaccessible point facing Sicily, that wonderful, Italian island sharing the same Mediterranean space situated at 142,0 kilometres away crossing that wide sea canal called Canale di Sicilia also named Quanat Al Qalibya in Arab language.

Situated some kilometres south  of the harbour town of Mazzara del Vallo at just 70,0 kilometres from the island of Pantelleria, the Maltese coastline lies at 235, 0 kilometres of distance from that North African settlement which was historically one of the oldest cradles of the Arab-Berber culture and an important cross point of several trades since ancient times.

Those geographic distances despite are just numbers explain the important, strategic position which made Kelibia with its headland many centuries ago a more than desired land of conquest by the most relevant powers of the past.

Closely related to that it is enough to mention the iconic Carthage or the legendary Rome which duelled for a long time to have the domain of that  promontory during infinite, challenging wars.

You will notice that the tip on one side is pretty rounded while on another is very sharp as a sort of protective buckler defending the local coast as it is waiting for an attack. 

That site was formerly called by the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans Clupea or Clypea meaning shield later renamed in Arab language Al Qililiybiyah which translated corresponds to that word. 

All  that is in its kind very suggestive considering that the history of that site is extremely linked to heroic defences with elevations of fortified bastions along that coast  managed by different civilisations who settled that place protagonist of clashes, battles, wars which highlighted a tumultuous past rich of events.

That  Maghreb point corresponding to a section of Cap Bon, a scenic peninsula also called by locals Watan el-kibli or  Rass Eddar dominated by the hilly plateau of Taphitis represents with its special image as a guard standing on that sea passage with large views towards southern European islands reflecting in all its aspect that appropriate denomination.

The magnificent coastline shows a very special conformation, some sections are highlighted by small coves with some inlets along a coastal stretch extending from the harbour of Kelibia leading to the picturesque Plage du Petit Paris beach until the other fascinating Plage de la Mansourah both characterised by their spectacular bright sand among the most charming, local attractions.

From that point behind a small rocky headland the littoral changes shape transformed in a long straight flanked by another stunning golden, sandy section consisting in the striking Plage de Sidi Mansour.

South of the port immediately after Rue Clupea, an avenue running along the Mediterranean  continuing alongside Avenue de l' environnement, a long coastal boulevard leading  towards the southern municipal outskirts  you will notice a large, straight line with some little, rounded tips along to the C27 highway road leading to Nabeul.

Apart those wonderful, diverse images which are in their kinds great attractions all that explains why since ancient times the major trade routes were mainly traced on the southern littoral for the presence of natural, orographic barriers while along the northern coastal side the communications never had a relevant development because that area was just considered a gateway for navigation and not highly considered for transits by land.

The scenery is simply wonderful with crystalline turquoise waters inspiring dreams of exotic holidays with outstanding, varied colours as an ochre soil burnt by the sun next to the green tonality of a scattered Mediterranean vegetation on the nearest low hills, features playing all together a scenic presence as highlights of a beautiful painting with images able to bewitch the visitor in a while.

That resort is a great place very recommended for all those who love an uncontaminated sea, a warm sun, peace, serenity, ideal for who is also looking for a honey moon delighted by a Paradise, perfect for water sports lovers in a place in which activities as diving or sailing could be practised in total tranquillity.

A place as Kelibia is also highly suggested for all those who are simply looking for an oasis of relaxation enjoying long walks facing an unforgettable Mediterranean horizon which transmits special feelings and very pleasant sensations at first sight.

Once there, it is also great to discover the old Berber routes used by the first Numidian merchants who from the interior crossing Grombalia reached the coastal centre of Korba just some kilometres south of the old Clypea continuing until the extreme point of the cape as last stage selling their goods in Al Huwariyah.

From there they re-took their itinerary towards a spectacular place called Qurbus located on a marvellous bay facing the fabulous resort of La Marsa not far from La Goulette, the stupendous, charming port of Tunis and also that is very suggestive entering in deep contact with a secular history which characterised that territory.

A relevant highlight is definitely the local climate with enjoyable Mediterranean breezes which reaches the hilly plateau of Cap Bon with mild temperatures all year next to very ventilated evenings with an absence of humidity for the joy of many tourists.

The temperatures in spring are already over 20°C, in summer season it is never too hot, the media is often constant between 28- 30 °C not extremely warm considering that La Marsa which is not far generally has about 5ºC more,  autumn is a pleasant, tepid season while during winter in rare cases they descend under 10°C.

Excellent accommodations, many excursions in all the immediate surroundings including in the interior are a further superb incentive to plan a trip there without hesitations.

If you will have the opportunity to have a good number of days during your stay all that will be a magic experience discovering a mine of treasures very difficult to forget with many interesting aspects to discover regarding lifestyle, traditions, folklore,cuisine costumes and much more.

Kelibia is absolutely a very recommended destination for all the visitors who love a complete cultural tourism loving, history, art, architecture, very appropriate furthermore for those who want during their holidays to enjoy a tastefully, exquisite gastronomy highlighted by fresh, genuine products.

In that North African corner is highly interesting to know flavours, ingredients, spices, dressings, sauces with diverse marks left by different civilisations as the local Berber, Roman Arab, Ottoman, Greek-Byzantine which generated a culinary mosaic with varied ethnic, gastronomic compositions leaving an indelible imprint in the local cuisine.

That municipality of approximately 44,000 inhabitants was since ancient times a relevant cross point of those mentioned several cultures which established on that sharp peninsula their strongholds.

Desired place to settle, land of conquest for centuries and centuries it is enough to remember that it was one of the most famous, focal points of disputes with endless clashes during the famous Punic wars between the powerful Carthage and the Roman Empire.

Epic naval battles took place immediately offshore of that headland, enlarged later on the inland at its door in correspondence of Kerkouane and much more close to Ezzarha considered in those times the natural gate to enter into the territory of Kelibia.

Another place was the nearest Dar Chichou, a forest further north of the town which was a sort of hallway leading to the beating heart of that former Carthaginian centre.

The long history of that site started as an important Phoenician settlement when that ancient population occupied that area detecting a very rich presence of fish deciding to establish a harbour calling it Aspys Clypea. 

That civilisation used it as a relevant stage for the notorious trade of purple by sea starting the navigation from the ports of the Middle East in  Syria and Lebanon crossing the entire Mediterranean until reaching the Moroccan and southern Spanish Coasts.

One of the main destinations along that route was the old Gadir, the current Cadiz in Andalusia which was since those ancient times a very active harbour town well known to be one of the oldest cities in the European Continent.

Despite the presence of those emblematic colonists a more developed centre was established by the Greeks who took as inherited that place activating new trades with the motherland mainly focused to the transport of spices. 

An official Hellenic settlement despite according to  historic documentation  took place in the 3rd Century BC when Agathocles of Syracuse landed on that cape of the Maghreb.

That character born in Himera, a disappeared Sicilian town in proximity of Palermo corresponding to the boundaries of the present municipality of Termini Imerese where you can see some rests of that former settlement founded during the times of the Magna Graecia enlarged his expansions in North Africa after several military operations along all the Ionian and Thyrrenian coasts of the Italic peninsula.

That controversial figure was always opened to the development of activities to elevate his power but also well known to be extremely warring and belligerent. 

He declared war to Carthage leading a massive expedition of about 13,000 soldiers landed on that Tunisian coastline with a victorious operation after a siege endured a long time establishing there one of his domains with a strong influence occupying other small settlements as Lebna ,Manzil Hurr and including reaching the outskirts of  Nabeul.

The difficulties of Agathocles who for a period also occupied the city of Carthage to keep those territories were particularly due to several attacks by the enemy from different cardinal points needing a long time to move new fresh troops to compete with the powerful Carthaginian army.

Another strategic mistake of that Hellenic leader was certainly his continuous desire of conquest all around the Mediterranean basin occupying with several divisions other lands in a sort of mania of greatness generating a military weakening in diverse places with frequent movements of thousands of soldiers from one place to another.

Including in different occasions he used many mercenaries who despite to be payed very well did not feel  patriotic sentiments or a fervent sense of affiliation with the rest of the Greek troops.

The disputes between those two contenders ended with an agreement of mutual no aggression with that figure returning to Megale Hellas continuing to live in his motherland Sicily.

Carthage  once established its influence founded in Kelibia an important, naval base hosting a big fleet using the local hill as a natural check point to control the operations by sea of Rome, the eternal rival which conquered that centre in the first Punic war in that notorious event called the siege of Aspis other name of Clupea or Clypea which took place between 255 and 256 BC.

That successful operation was led by Consul Marcus Atilius Regulus who  thanks to his military exploits in Apulia and Basilicata was the selected leader of the Roman Republic for that victorious campaign including with the success at Adys and the occupation of the old Thuni, the present capital of the country.  

The first cycle of occupation by that Empire did not endure a long and Clypea despite an attempt by Consul Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus  returned in the hands of the Carthaginians once again.

The third Punic War which took place between 146 and 149 BC was the capitulation of Carthage destroyed by the legions of Publius Cornelius Scipius well known as Scipius the African who conquered the entire land declared later an official Roman colony by Julius Caesar who incorporated that area in a large province named Byzacene.

The reconstruction of that settlement by the Romans started with a fortress erected on the local hill at over 150,0 metres of altitude overlooking the Mediterranean but today of that iconic stronghold only some rests are visible. 

From that height, the Imperial guards could check without problems all the naval traffics with an ample view along the current centres of Korba and Nabeul.

The development of the present Kelibia was also highlighted by the creation of a very busy port which was later enlarged year by year becoming a considerable base for the navigation towards the Betica the current Andalusia, the Tripolitania in Libya with also an easy access to the the coasts of Sicily. 
 

During that colonisation those Italic rulers continued to call the town with its ancient name giving it a very prosperous life and according to historic documentations left by Pliny the Elder, a notorious, Roman philosopher, that centre obtained different priviliges among them it was awarded in 45 BC as a free city boasting a determined autonomy.

Continuous raids by the Vandals led by Gaiseric which constantly ravaged the coasts of the Maghreb determined the fall of Rome in 439.

All that generated a sad, cultural decline of that flourishing settlement which re-gained importance during the times of the Byzantine Empire, the emergent Greek-Roman Empire with capital Constantinople.

The control of that North African headland took place in 534 thanks to General Belisarius during the times of Emperor Justinian with the elevation of the emblematic fortress you can admire nowadays despite it was restored in different occasions later.

Under Constantinople rule took place a rebirth with a very intense period of renaissance, the Byzantines fortified many kilometres of the local coastline, they partially retraced the trade routes by sea from Turkey to the southwestern Iberian peninsula as a revival of the ancient Phoenician activities.

They also managed the development of a very lively, productive life thanks to colonies of active artisans and ceramists who also transformed Kelibia in a considerable market place. 

Despite all those very positive improvements that period was also characterised by numerous clashes with the Arabs who conquered the entire Tunisia in 698 with the Umayyad Caliphate led by Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan son of Marwan ibn Al-Hakam the the fourth Caliph of that dinasty born in 661 with first capital Damascus.

Kelibia resisted for a long time but fell under enemy domain after six Moorish military expeditions. 

The difficulties of that hard conquest were several, the Byzantines had forced all around Cap Bon including on the headland of Kelibia numerous check points, the harbour was well defended and the fleet of the former Byzantium was well organised. 

The Moors after that victorious operation against a brave contender had not at the beginning of their rule a pleasant start-up because immediately after a success which was greatly celebrated as the final fall of a powerful, secular rival they  had to face at home even the resistance of the local Berber population who opposed a strong resistance to that domination.

All that was due to a reject to embrace a new religious faith which endured for some years during the 8th century when at the end the locals accepted to be converted to the Islam.

The famous Aghlabit Dynasty as successor with the foundation of the powerful city of Kairouan part of the influential Kingdom of Ifriqya restored the former fortress, the Ribat which was largely reinforced in its exterior layout but also enlarged in its interior.

Under Ibrahim I ibn-Al Aghlab rule the first Emir of that Caliphate which occupied a vast territory including Tunisia, Tripolitania corresponding to western Lybia and Eastern Algeria called in that time Constantinois, Kelibia lived pretty prosperous years before to enter in a decline due to many internal rivalries with conflicts mainly generated by a lack of unity.

The Fatimids exponents of an Ismaili Shia Islamic Emirate arose in 909 in the Red Sea ruling Egypt and a local Berber Dynasty coming from the territory of Kabylia replaced those governors but losing the war against the Normans commanded by Roger II of Sicily  who conquered that town in 1138 leaving it in 1160.
 

The new Moorish successors the Almohads, descendants of noble Moroccan-Berber tribe which had created in the Reign of Al Andalus, the Muslim Iberia, one of their most important strongholds tried to give a new impulse to a new artistic, cultural life thanks to the Caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf who ruled Kelibia for over two decades.

In the course of its history that group lost power after a considerable debacle in the Iberian Peninsula with the loss of many domains including those Caliphs were replaced in Granada one of their most important centres in 1238 by the Nasrids.

The emergent Hafsids  which reigned until the 16th century with strong influences also in a large part of Algeria and Libya did not bring Kelibia notable improvements.

Including that change was pretty peculiar, for some eminent historians of the Maghreb history, that replacement with that Berber tribe from Masmuda, Morocco was planned as a sort of plot to reach the throne because those new leaders until 1574 were for a long time loyal vassals of the Almohads. 

After the foundation of the Sultanate of Tunis, the Hafsids were protagonists of numerous clashes against the Spaniards focused to conquer a large area of North Africa, a conflict with an old enemy taking in consideration that the Moors dominated Spain from the early 8th century until the late 15th century with the fall Granada as last bastion on Iberian soil in that time.

In the 16th century Kelibia as the rest of Tunisia fell under the Ottoman Empire domination after a long war in the Mediterranean against the Spanish Kingdom, an event which determined the advent of the Husainit Emirate led by a famous Turkish-Cretan dynasty.

The Turks changed many political aspects with the establishments in many centres, also pretty small of eclectic figures called Bey, influential governors who gave that land a new organised system.

Those times were also highlighted by different, superb architectural works all around the country which left strong influences in the future local, artistic movements characterised by determined, specific canons in architecture very visible nowadays.

The French occupation in the 1881 after the fall of the Ottomans generated in the town a notable mutation of its urban profile in the Medina but also in its total urbanisation which mutated also in terms of communications with the development of new boulevards.

There was since that time a marked, territorial subdivision with European settlers living in a side in proximity of the harbour and the coast while the Berber population mainly moved to the interior.

On 1942 that Tunisian town was epicentre of the famous Operation Pedestal, an event linked to the Second World War with a battle also known as Battaglia di Mezzo Agosto which took place between 11th and 13th August with protagonists the Allied against the Axis with the victory of the latter.

After the epilogue of the last stage of the French protectorate in 1956, year corresponding to the Independence of the country the local port started with the efforts of the new Tunisian President Habib Bourguiba to be transformed in a very active fishing harbour.

Next to that operation took place an innovative organisation of the agricultural activity before the advent of the Tourism Industry in the last decades as predominant resource.

Worth a mention that Kelibia despite all those changes of rulers was historically one the most important towns of Tunisia until the 11th century.

Its historic decline was mainly generated by periods full of wars, a large sequence of different rulers, times which undermined a hypothetical better ascent to major peaks of flourishing life but all that happened because that site was always in first line during all those clashes.

That very tumultuous past made that it lost relevance in different times but despite all that it is currently the third centre of the region behind Nabeul and Hammamet, the latter one of the most important holidays destinations of the entire country. (If you are interested I wrote a post about that famed seaside resort)

An official municipality born in 1957 with an intense restoration of the banks of the harbour an operation which elevated that town as the first Tunisian base regarding the catch of sardines, anchovies, seafood and in addition in its boundaries was established the seat of the National Fishing School.

That centre is today the 4th Tunisian port for capacity and commercial traffic, a notable result considering that Kelibia is not too extremely big.

 A re-arrangement of the Medina was an operation which gave it a new image with in addition a notable detail regarding the local economy which increased very much thanks to to the production of olives, vegetables, and tobacco, all products exported with success in different markets also European especially to France.

Since 1964 that centre hosts the Festival international du film de Kelibia, the most important event in its kind in the country which elevated that site also as cultural destination for that appointment linked to the Film Industry.

The town is arranged behind its lively harbour, from there starts a long boulevard called Avenue de Martyrs leading to the municipal core continuing to the northern suburbs.

That relevant artery crosses two important avenues, one is Rue Clupea  running towards north beneath the hill on which is situated the fortress while the second is Avenue de l´environnement, a very long coastal road starting from the cross of those important arteries continuing its course towards the southern extra radius.

From the easternmost point of the port starts Avenue de la Mansoura, a boulevard which consists in the main coastal artery, a gate to reach the beautiful local beaches ending in proximity of the stunning Plage de la Mansoura.

You can start the visit from Le Port de Peche de Kelibia, the local fishing port, very bustling often packed by boats moored along its piers, in its proximity you can find some cafes to enjoy a cool drink, a coffee or an Atay, the traditional Maghreb mint tea but also great to enjoy a lovely panoramic view of the iconic Byzantine fort.

If you want to have a special panoramic view of that picturesque, coloured place, I suggest you to walk for approximately 10 minutes reaching Rue Ennasim, a street very close to Avenue de Martyrs, from that point you will enjoy a more than pleasant image of that site with in addition in the immediate vicinity the presence of two small lagoons. 

Kelibia Ribat, the emblematic fortress is definitely one of the main highlights of the town which was with the former port the most historical site of the ancient Aspys Clypea. 

Despite the construction of a Roman fortress after the conquest in the war against Carthage, the current you can see is dated the 6th century and it was erected by the Byzantines under tule of General Belisarius who the victorious campaign against the Vandalic Kingdom between 533 and 534.

You will notice taking a look to the traditional layout established by the architects of the Roman Oriental Empire with seat in Constantinople distinctive marks characterised by typical, high crenellated strong walls, passages linking different spaces with the presence of an arched doorway as main entrance.

That stronghold had mainly military defencive purposes but it was also used as a sort of multifunctional Citadel of Cap Bon. 

That fort hosted the house of the guards but furthermore it also worked as temporary  shelter hosting merchants coming from different towns of the Tunisian interior transporting goods, spices and textile products using that site as a stage before to continue their routes.

That imposing building was established on a large polygonal plan with majestic walls and it is accessible by a ramp on a side next to one of the bastions, once inside you can see a wide hall consisting in the headquarter of the troops.

Another section is occupied by a former Byzantine religious construction with three nave today used as exhibition displaying a splendid, chronological step by step of that historic local icon.

The visit is very interesting to discover how many changes has had that fortified stronghold modified under different rulers, occupied by civilisations who had different architectural concepts including in the construction of military structures and including later was  built an annexed structure consisting in a lighthouse.

Next to that impressive constructions descending towards the coast you can see the rests of the former fortress elevated by the Romans which was destroyed in 468 in the Battle of Cap Bon by Genseric King of the Vandals and Alans who defeated the troops of Emperor Basiliscus in a clash which saw protagonists over 110,000 soldiers and 1113 ships.

Along that trail you will also see some traces of ancient Patrician Roman Villas probably built after the conquest of Carthage by Scipius the African and worth a special mention that along those slopes of that cape according to archaeological excavations were found some beautiful mosaics.

The local Medina is mainly developed in the interior of the municipal boundaries at approximately 3, 5 kilometres from the coastline. 

The former, old town was once located halfway between the Ribat and the coast while the current agglomeration started to be that you can see nowadays after the Spanish attacks in 1535 led by the naval commander Álvaro de Bazán supported by the troops of the Republic Maritime of Genoa commanded by the Admiral Andrea Doria, those of the Papal State, the Kingdom of Portugal and the Knights of Malta.

In that period the defence was organised by Hayreddin Pasha, also known as Hayrredin Barbarossa the population was totally evacued on that hilly plateau looking for a safe refuge considered a site less vulnerable.

It was furthermore modified during the times of the French Protectorate and confirming all that along a path descending towards the harbour you will see scattered rests of older constructions  which were built there before all those radical changes.

The image of the local coast from that point is simply beautiful, very suggestive along a path on which was the seat of the former town but also because from there you can start to admire its spectacular conformation. 

It is from that height of the promontory where you can enjoy a great view showing one of the most charming highlights of Tunisia consisting in its beautiful beaches absolute protagonists of a marvellous scenery.

Although that seaside resort is less famed than Sousse, Hammamet or Djerba, the striking local white sandy beaches such as the superb Plage de la Mansourah, the captivating Plage du Petit Paris and the great Plage Sidi Mansour are absolutely wonderful with nothing to envy to those present in those popular destinations.

They are very appreciated by many tourists who found in their soft, bright sand an outstanding natural attraction delighting many many people for that shining contrast of tonalities consisting in that vivid golden or white colours lining magnificent Mediterranean turquoise waters.

Plage de la Mansourah is approximately 500, 0 metres long but also pretty wide, the sand is like cotton, it is since a long time ago the favourite by locals and tourists for those features apart the excellent quality the clean waters. 

With an excellent maintenance it boasts since a long time ago a deserved blue flag, it is easily accessible for an absence of natural barriers, in addition it is also extremely loved because it lies in the middle of the others two.

Plage du Petit Paris is not very long, it is just 300, 0 metres in length, not very wide but it boasts magnificent white sands.

 It is generally pretty busy also for the proximity of the harbour and many tourists after walks along the banks or a drink immediately want to enjoy that fabulous, tempting, sandy stretch. 

In addition its strategic position is simply superb because it is immediately located after the hill and for that it is the first a visitor can admire. 

Historically it started to be very famed since the times of thee French Protectorate with notable flows in the early 50's playing in its kind a very important role for its prestige in terms of incoming tourism.

Plage Sidi Mansour is very long reflecting all the features of a traditional Tunisian beach with light sand lining stunning transparent waters. 

Very loved by many tourists it is situated in a magnificent position just behind a scenic round tip, esasily connected to Plage de la Mansourah for that it is very appreciated offering furthermore many chances to practise different kinds of water sports.

Also of excellent reputation is the beach of Hammam Ghezaz situated in a little coastal village close to Kelibia, very clean, pretty long with spectacular crystalline waters.

That place is especially loved by many visitors for its peaceful atmosphere especially in early spring, autumn or winter ad its popularity increased very much in contemporary times when in its immediate vicinity were discovered some beautiful mosaics of Cretan origin today displayed in the famous Bardo Museum of Tunis.(If you are interested I wrote a post about that city)

Another one was found not a long time ago, concretely in 2007 just at the foot of the Byzantine fort. 

That superb artifact is probably dated the 5th century BC depicting 12 Menorah, those traditional Hebrew lamp stamps and next to that marvel were found some Latin scriptures confirming the active artistic life in ancient times in the current resort.

That sunny coastline highlighted by a great climate is very favourable for the cultivation of vineyards. 

Despite Tunisia is a Muslim country there is an excellent production of excellent grapes producing a very appreciated, sweet, tastefully Muscat not different for taste to an European Moscatel, a white wine with a good reputation in some foreign markets too.

Local cuisine is excellent, the long tradition as relevant fishing town made Kelibia one of the best places to eat the best fresh fish of the country.

Simply superb are the local sardines which are generally grilled and seasoned with a touch of olive oil and salt, do not miss to try the delicious anchovies baked and seasoned with the same ingredients with an addition of parsley, cumin and coriander.  

Also seafood is simply great with mussels, clams of a superb quality often protagonists as main ingredients of mixed salads or used in different casseroles.

The Couscous is a famed speciality as in the entire Maghreb, in that site apart the classical thanks to the excellent presence of incomparable fish is prepared a delicious one with that fresh sea product. 

Naturally you can also taste the most traditional prepared with an exquisite lamb adding carrots, celery, pumpkin, potatoes, tomato and semolina. 

Another famed plate is the famous Tajine so popular in Morocco but of excellent quality also in Tunisia and in Kelibia you can enjoy a special one prepared with chicken.

The Hlelem is another dish pretty notorious consisting in a soup made with meat, beans, chards, celery, tomato parsley adding to all that olive oil, pepper and salt. All that is cooked very slow, once ended the process of preparation it is served very hot for the joy of your palate.

The popular Brik is frequently present in the local gastronomy as snack, starter or appetiser or including accompanying other plates. 

That gastronomic icon is very similar to a roll or a warka pastry filled with different ingredients such as vegetables, tuna, hard eggs, with the addition of olives and also capers depending of the tradition family by family, it is possible to find it also along the streets in kiosks or in some stalls.

The Harissa is a very popular, traditional emblematic sauce 100% Tunisian made with a good quantity of chili pepper, olive oil, salt, coriander, cumin and tomato.

It is a symbol of the local culinary art, depending of the areas and traditions it can accompany fish, meat, spread on toasted bread, served with olives in a starter or added in a Brik too.

The Méchouia Salade is another delectable delight consisting in a salad prepared with fresh grilled peppers, tomatoes, onions, after the grill operation of the vegetables they are all mixed, seasoned with olive oil, salt, cumin, coriander, lemon, garlic, salt and served next to other dishes.

The Felfel Mssayer is a further typical salad well known all around the country made with lettuce or rocket mixed with hard eggs, lemon slices, tuna, parsley, garlic, capers, olives seasoned with black pepper, salt and olive oil,  a very simple plate ideal to combine to a Couscous or grilled fish, there is including a variant replacing the tuna with octopus.

About desserts very famed is the iconic Makroud, a cake made with dates, another national pride, regarding fruit there is a very a good productions of citrons in particular oranges and lemons.

Tunis Carthage International Airport is located at 110, 0 kilometres west of Kelibia and in a rent a car you can reach the resort in approximately one hour and half driving via Menzel Bou Zelfa and El Mida.

Another suggested option is Habib Bourguiba Monastir Airport at 177, 0 kilometres south of the resort reachable in two hours and half via Nabeul driving by Motorway A1 and taking later the National Road C27.

The latter is recommended if you want to visit that centre in a great Fly & Drive stopping there to enjoy the beaches in that area which are equally wonderful, apart numerous historic attractions that centre offers. (I wrote a post if you are interested)

If you are planning to visit Tunisia, that beautiful country of North Africa you can not miss that historic place highlighted by marvellous, sandy beaches dominated by an iconic Byzantine fort, an image to take with you for a long time in your pleasant memories.

The wonderful sunny atmosphere with the beautiful view of Cap Bon is much more a great incentive to visit Kelibia and maybe or better without maybe you will have a strong desire that  your holidays will be longer along that magic coast of the Maghreb which will enchant you.

Francesco Mari

Recommended Accommodations in Kelibia 

Kelibia Beach Hotel & Spa

Hotel Palmarina 

Recommended Restaurants in Kelibia

Restaurant Le Vieux Port

Useful links

www.tourisme.gov.tn

www.tunisie.fr/la-tunisie/villes/kelibia
kelibiabeach.com 
www.federal-hotel-tunisie.com
www.tourismtunisia.com