ntains, close to the Mediterranean Sea, the main sources of livelihood for the inhabitants of Tabarka are fishing, farming, cork growing and tourism. Tabarka is a very charming town beautified with white houses having slanted roofs with red tiles. The city also has some beautiful colonial houses and also small Roman remains giving an account of the events. The city has many rich treasures to unfold which has been preserved since the civilization of Romans, Turkish, Phoenician and Arabic. Close to the Bulla Regia and Chemtou, there are many Roman remains which have been preserved all through the ages. Nature has also blessed the city with its Pine and mimosa covered mountain sloping towards the sea which has bays with fine sand. The mountain is believed to have wildlife in abundance from red deer to the solitary deer.
Tabarka was established in the 5th century by the Phoenicians as a trading post. Later it was occupied by the Romans who used the harbor for shipping the building materials. In the year 1881, Tabarka became an important French military base. Though they had once tried to buy Tabarka from the Genoese in 1741, but had to face opposition from the Turkish Bey Ali Pacha who sent military troops to the town to occupy it. In between 1942-43, it became a major battlefield.
 Genoese castle
Genoese castle is an attractive 16th century castle, which stands on the top of the wild island. The castle has a fascinating history. From 1541 till the middle of the 18th century, it was the only Christian bastion in the middle of the Ottoman Empire. Around the castle, there existed a small town of around 1,200 inhabitants. At present only a small section of the castle is open to general public. The small museum displays different stunning mosaics.
Tabarka Island
Tabarka Island claims to be one of the most astonishing islands of Tunisia. It is connected to the main land via a strip of sand which was built by the French after the Second World War.
City and the Bay
Tabarka is surrounded by the beaches and the Old Port beaches are clean and not very much crowded. They are smooth and also safe for children. In the beaches of Tabarka you can enjoy sun-bathe as well as enjoy facing the sea.
Needles
The Needles of Tabarka are the most marvelous creation forged by nature. The highest rise of the Needles is 20 metres and when standing in between them they really seem to be gigantic. The needles are present in a very small area with the pointed rocks slanting over each other before proceeding in to the sea.
Roman Ruins
There are many Roman remains in Tabarka that points towards the long history of the city. There are proofs which indicate Tabarka as an important shipping centre. Yellow marbles as well as lions for the amphitheatres in Europe were shipped out from here.
Festival
The important festival celebrated in Tabarka apart from the national festivals is Coral Festival which held in between July and August.
Getting around
When the question arises how to get around in Tabarka, it is best to explore it on foot. Taxis can be taken from the hotel or the noddy train can also be taken. The other good option to travel in Tunisia is the bus or louage which is also known as shared taxi.
Tabarka has regular rail connections with Mateur and Tunis and also has excellent bus connections with Tunis, Le Kef, Ain Draham and Bizerte. |