After spending a few days in Tunis, we headed towards Kelibia, more specifically to Dar Allouche, a quiet agricultural region on the Cap Bon peninsula. As we drove from Tunis to Dar Allouche, the scenery gradually began to change. Rolling hills, scattered mountains, and endless rows of trees accompanied us along the road. What caught my attention the most were the olive groves. Seeing the olive trees lined up across the landscape immediately reminded me of Jaén in Spain. Of course, the scale was not the same, but the sight of those neatly arranged olive trees brought back memories of Andalusia and its vast sea of olive groves.Even before reaching our destination, the journey itself had already become part of the experience.
Where we stayed?
We stayed in a beautiful beachfront rental house in Dar Allouche. The property was located just steps from the sea, allowing us to enjoy the beach whenever we wanted. My friend already knew the place well, having spent part of the previous summer there, so choosing our accommodation was easy.
The building was divided into several well-designed apartments, each offering comfort and a relaxation. We selected one of the apartments and quickly felt at home.
Throughout our stay, we were fortunate to have local friends who helped us with everything we needed.
These roses were a gift from a new friend I met in Dar Allouche. I was sitting on the balcony, enjoying the view, when I noticed him picking flowers nearby. A little later, I was surprised to hear a knock at the door. When I opened it, he was standing there with a bouquet of freshly picked roses for me. The roses quickly became part of the apartment's charm. Placed on the table overlooking the sea, they added even more beauty to the already stunning view.
What to Do in Dar Allouche
If you are looking for a destination packed with attractions and activities, Dar Allouche may not be the place for you. Its appeal lies elsewhere. Life here moves slowly, and that is precisely what makes it special. These are some of the activities you can do while in Dar Allouche:
Swim in the Mediterranean
The long sandy beach is one of Dar Allouche's greatest assets. During the warmer months, the clear waters of the Mediterranean are perfect for swimming and spending a relaxing day by the sea. We had planned to swim during our stay, but the water was surprisingly cold, so we settled for enjoying the beach from the shore instead.
Go Fishing
Fishing is deeply connected to life in Dar Allouche. If you enjoy fishing, bring your gear and spend a few hours by the sea. You can fish from the beach or find a quiet rock overlooking the water and simply relax while waiting for a catch. Even if you are not fishing yourself, watching local fishermen at work is an experience in itself.
Walk Along the Shore
Even without swimming, the beach offered plenty of enjoyment. Long walks along the shoreline, accompanied by the sound of the waves and the fresh sea breeze, became part of our daily routine. The beach was peaceful and uncrowded, making it easy to disconnect and enjoy the moment.
Buy Fresh Fish from the Fishermen
One morning, while walking along the beach, we watched the fishing boats return with their catch of the day. Local residents were already waiting on the shore to buy fresh fish directly from the fishermen. We joined them and ended up buying fish straight from the boats. Later, we grilled it for lunch and enjoyed some of the freshest fish we had ever tasted. It was a simple thing but unforgettable.
Watch the Sunrise
For sunrise lovers, Dar Allouche is a wonderful place to wake up early. From our beachfront apartment, we watched the sky transform into shades of pink, orange, and gold before the sun slowly rose above the Mediterranean. Sitting on the balcony with a coffee and watching the day begin was one of the best things I did in our stay.
Observe Local Life
Dar Allouche offers a glimpse into everyday life in rural Cap Bon. Beside fishing, agriculture plays a major role in the region, and throughout the day you can see people working in the fields. One thing that caught my attention was the number of women involved in agricultural work. As we walked through the countryside, we saw farmers tending crops and carrying out their daily tasks, giving us a better understanding of the local way of life.
Meet the Locals
One of the greatest pleasures of visiting Dar Allouche is meeting its people. During our stay, we were welcomed by friends who introduced us to their family and shared a traditional home-cooked meal with us. Their generosity and hospitality were among the most memorable parts of the trip.After lunch, coffee was served with kaak, a traditional date-filled biscuit. I was fascinated by its enormous size and couldn't resist joking that if someone ate one for breakfast, they probably wouldn't need another meal until dinner, or even the next morning. Moments like these, filled with laughter and cultural exchange, are what make travel so rewarding.
Enjoy Fresh Seafood
Being a fishing village, Dar Allouche is an excellent place to enjoy fresh seafood. Whether you buy fresh fish to cook at home or visit one of the seafood restaurants in town, freshness is guaranteed. We grilled our fish later that day and enjoyed one of the freshest meals of the trip. We were also invited to enjoy a delicious grilled fish lunch at our friend's house. It was a simple experience, but one that perfectly reflected the close connection between Dar Allouche and the sea.
Slow Down and Enjoy the Moment
Perhaps the best thing to do in Dar Allouche is simply to slow down. Sit by the sea, watch the fishermen return to shore, enjoy the scent of olive trees carried by the breeze, and appreciate a way of life that feels refreshingly unhurried. Dar Allouche may not have famous landmarks, but it offers something many travelers are searching for: authenticity, tranquility, and genuine human connections.
Take a Day Trip to Kelibia
One of the advantages of staying in Dar Allouche is its proximity to Kelibia, one of Tunisia's most beautiful coastal towns. Just a short drive away, Kelibia is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere.I first visited Kelibia many years ago with my family. Back then, it wasn't nearly as popular as it is today. Most tourists visiting Tunisia tended to concentrate on destinations such as Hammamet, Sousse, and Djerba, while Kelibia remained largely a destination for Tunisians. Over the years, however, word has spread about the area's exceptional beaches and turquoise waters. As a result, Kelibia has become increasingly popular with both domestic and international visitors, while still managing to retain much of its authentic charm.
Another highlight of Kelibia is the historic Kelibia Fort, perched on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean. The fortress offers panoramic views of the coastline and a glimpse into the region's history for those interested in historical sites. To be honest, the history wasn't what drew me there. With that incredible blue sea stretching out below, I found it difficult to focus on the fortress itself. I'm not particularly interested in forts or military architecture, and I probably wouldn't have visited if I hadn't been with the group. Still, I have no regrets. The views alone made the visit worthwhile.
Sunset in El Haouaria
If you noticed, I talked about the sunrise in Dar Allouche but not about the sunset. That's because, in my opinion, the best sunsets in Cap Bon belong to El Haouaria, on the opposite side of the peninsula.I have seen many beautiful sunsets during my travels, but the one in El Haouaria ranks among the most memorable. In fact, I would go as far as saying that it is the most spectacular sunset I have seen in Tunisia. Of course, I haven't witnessed sunsets everywhere in the country, but there is something unique about this location that is difficult to match. As the sun slowly descends towards the horizon, it appears to disappear directly behind the Zembra Islands. Watching the golden light reflect on the sea while the silhouette of the islands stands against the sky creates a scene that feels almost unreal. It is one of those moments when everyone stops talking and simply watches.
Just offshore lie the islands of Zembra Island and Zembretta Island. Today, these uninhabited islands form part of a protected natural reserve and are known for their rich biodiversity and pristine landscapes. Their dramatic presence on the horizon is what makes the sunset views from El Haouaria so distinctive.
The western coast of Cap Bon is also famous for its rugged beauty. Here, the landscape is very different from the sandy beaches of Dar Allouche. Spectacular cliffs plunge into the Mediterranean, creating some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Tunisia. The coastline feels wild and untouched, with a raw beauty that leaves a lasting impression.The area is also known for its caves, although they were closed during our visit. Several restaurants and cafés are perched along the coast, offering stunning views of the sea and the islands. Even if you do nothing more than sit on a terrace, enjoy a drink, and watch the changing colors of the sky, the experience alone is worth the trip.
While Dar Allouche charmed me with its sunrise, peaceful beaches, local life, and slow rhythm, El Haouaria captivated me with its cliffs, its untamed coastline, and a sunset I will never forget.
Where to Eat in Dar Allouche and El Haouaria
I can't recommend many restaurants from this trip because, to be honest, we spent most of our time enjoying fresh fish at home. Between buying fish directly from the fishermen and being invited to meals by local friends, we rarely felt the need to eat out.
One place that stood out was Dibeur Pizzeria in El Haouaria. Despite its name, it offers much more than pizza, including a variety of local and fast-food dishes. Everything we ordered was delicious. The visit also led to one of the funniest moments of the trip. We ordered several citronnades (lemonade). then, I noticed there was only one bottle left and decided that I wanted it. As I reached for it, the owner immediately protested."I need it!" he said. I replied: "But you're selling it!" "No, no, I need it for work. More customers will come." I looked at him, completely confused. "But we are customers," I said. "And we're buying it. What followed was a surprisingly intense negotiation over a single bottle of lemonade. In the end, I won. The bottle came home with me, and later I enjoyed it on my balcony overlooking the sea.
Breakfast at Bakery My Way
One place I looked forward to visiting every morning was Bakery My Way in Dar Allouche. Stopping there for breakfast quickly became part of my daily routine. Tunisia shares many breakfast habits with neighboring Algeria, both influenced by French culinary traditions. A typical breakfast often includes brioche( croissants, pain au chocolat), bread with butter and jam, coffee, or milk ( cafe au lait). For that reason, heading to a bakery in the morning felt completely natural to us. Of course, Tunisia also has its own traditional breakfast treats. You can find various fried pastries and sweets ( Ftayer), including bambalouni, a popular Tunisian doughnut. While delicious, we usually preferred to avoid fried food and opted for a lighter breakfast instead. What I liked most about Bakery My Way was its philosophy. The selection was never large, which made me think the baker preferred quality over quantity. There were only a few pastries and cakes on display, but everything we tried was fresh and delicious. Their brioche became my favorite morning treat. By the end of our stay, the owner had become familiar with our daily visits. On our last morning, which happened to be a Saturday, he told me, "Come back later today. It's Saturday, and I'm making some really delicious cakes. Unfortunately, we were leaving that day and couldn't return. I remember feeling genuinely disappointed. Sometimes the places you remember most are the small businesses that become part of your daily routine while traveling. For me, Bakery My Way was one of those places.
Simple Pleasures
When I think back on my time in Cap Bon, I don't immediately remember a monument, a museum, or a famous landmark. Instead, I remember watching the sunrise from my balcony in Dar Allouche, buying fish directly from fishermen returning from the sea, sharing meals with generous locals, enjoying my time in my balcony, and ending the day with an unforgettable sunset in El Haouaria. This corner of Tunisia may not appear on every travel itinerary, but perhaps that is part of its charm. Life moves slowly here. The days are shaped by the sea, the fields, and the rhythms of everyday life rather than tourist schedules.
And yes, I took my roses home with me. I simply couldn't leave them behind. They had become more than flowers; they were a reminder of a spontaneous act of kindness, of new friendships, and of the warmth and generosity we experienced in Dar Allouche.
More Discoveries on the Way Back
Our journey wasn't quite over after leaving Cap Bon. Rather than heading straight back, we decided to make a few stops along the way and turn the return trip into an adventure of its own.
One of those stops was Domaine El Htouba, a place we had discovered on Instagram and were curious to see for ourselves. From the photos alone, the property looked impressive, but seeing it in person was even better. The estate resembles a small palace, with elegant architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds that immediately makes you want to stay longer. Whether it operates as a hotel, guesthouse, or event venue, one thing is certain: it is a beautiful place. The outdoor spaces are ideal for weddings and special celebrations, while the indoor reception hall provides another elegant setting for memorable occasions. Of course, our curiosity got the better of us. Walking around the property, it was easy to imagine how magical a wedding or family celebration would be in such a setting. For those looking for a peaceful escape or a unique venue for a special event, Domaine El Htouba is definitely worth considering. Visit here.
Lunch at Le Moulin Vert (Beja)
After spending another night in Tunis, it was finally time to begin our journey back to Algeria. But before crossing the border, we made one more stop at Le Moulin Vert, a place that had already left a wonderful impression on us earlier in the trip. The first time we visited, we stopped only for coffee and were immediately won over by the warm welcome and genuine hospitality. This time, we came for lunch, and it did not disappoint. The meal was a celebration of local flavors from the Béja region. One of the dishes we tried was Berzguen, a traditional sweet couscous prepared with dates and nuts, served with a generous portion of lamb on the side. It was unlike any couscous I had tasted before and perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavors. We also enjoyed ftet with beef, merguez, and fresh salads, each dish prepared with care and packed with flavor. As always, we were treated to complimentary citronnade and tea, a gesture that reflected the generosity we had experienced throughout our journey in Tunisia. Everything we tasted was delicious. If I had to rate the meal, it would easily be a 10/10. Between the quality of the food, the welcoming atmosphere, and the beautiful sunny weather, we ended up lingering much longer than planned. For a while, we almost forgot that a long drive back to Algeria was still ahead of us. That's the sign of a great place: it makes you want to stay just a little longer.
A Relaxing Night in Tabarka
After reaching Tabarka, we started worrying about the long journey ahead and the possibility of arriving at the Algerian border too late. Rather than rushing, we decided to spend the night in Tabarka, get some rest, enjoy a good breakfast in the morning, and continue our journey refreshed. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions we made. We checked into Itropika Hotel, dropped our bags, and immediately switched into relaxation mode. The weather was pleasant, the atmosphere was peaceful, and after several days on the road, it felt wonderful to slow down and enjoy a carefree evening. We spent time by the pool, went for a swim, and simply enjoyed ourselves without thinking about schedules or driving. And I had the chance to witness another beautiful sunrise from my terrace. Sometimes, an extra night in a comfortable hotel can make all the difference between a stressful trip and an enjoyable one. The next morning, after a good breakfast, we set off early towards the Algerian border. The crossing went smoothly, and before long we were back home, carrying with us memories of beautiful beaches, unforgettable sunsets, delicious food, and the incredible hospitality we encountered throughout Tunisia.
