Tunisia · Atlas & Coastline Grand Loop
3 days · Tunis ⇄ Atlas highlands ⇄ Tabarka coast ⇄ Bizerte ⇄ Tunis
Nearest Airport(s)
TUN · Tunis–Carthage International Airport — main gateway for this loop, with direct access to central Tunis and national roads heading west into the Medjerda valley and north towards Bizerte.
Route overview
This three-day loop explores the greener, less-known side of northern Tunisia, mixing Roman archaeology, cork-oak forests and rugged Mediterranean coastline. Starting and ending in Tunis, the route first follows the Medjerda valley towards Testour, a hill town with Andalusian roots and a distinctive clock tower whose hands run backwards — a small but striking symbol of the region’s layered history.
From here you climb gently to Dougga, one of North Africa’s most impressive Roman sites, where a theatre, forum and Capitol overlook olive groves and farmland. After taking the time to walk among the ruins, the loop continues to Béja, a provincial market town surrounded by rolling cereal fields that mark the transition from coastal plains to the lower Atlas ranges.
Day two threads deep into the cool highlands around Aïn Draham, where dense cork-oak and pine forests and twisty mountain tarmac can feel closer to southern Europe than to the stereotypical image of North Africa. The descent to Tabarka reveals a different Tunisia again: sea stacks, red cliffs and a Genoese fort on an offshore islet. Inland, Bulla Regia offers rare semi-underground Roman villas before the day ends in Jendouba.
The final stage takes you north-east to Bizerte, Tunisia’s northern coastal city, with optional detours to Cap Blanc, the northern tip of the African mainland, and the wetlands of Ichkeul National Park. A fast but scenic run down RN8 closes the loop back in Tunis.
Tech overview · loop & daily stats
- Day 1 · Tunis → Testour → Dougga → Béja · ≈160 km
- Day 2 · Béja → Aïn Draham → Tabarka → Bulla Regia → Jendouba · ≈160 km
- Day 3 · Jendouba → Bizerte → Cap Blanc → Tunis · ≈240 km
Distances are based on real routing via national and regional roads plus short access spurs to POIs and viewpoints. The loop closes only on the final day, in Tunis.
Map · Tunisia Atlas & Coastline Loop
Polyline shows the full three-day loop from Tunis. Red markers = main POIs · blue = suggested hotel clusters · green = food stops.
Day-by-day ride plan
Day 1 · Tunis → Testour → Dougga → Béja
≈160 km · river valley, Andalusian town & Roman ridge city
- Leave Tunis via RN5 towards the Medjerda valley and the hill town of Testour.
- Short stop to explore Testour’s mosque, clock tower and whitewashed streets.
- Continue to Dougga for a substantial visit: theatre, forum, Capitol and hillside views.
- Afternoon ride north-west across open farmland and low hills into Béja for the night.
Day 2 · Béja → Aïn Draham → Tabarka → Bulla Regia → Jendouba
≈160 km · forested highlands & coral coast
- Climb towards Aïn Draham, enjoying cooler air and tight bends through cork-oak forest.
- Descend to Tabarka’s marina for a coastal break and views of the Genoese fort and sea stacks.
- Head inland to Bulla Regia to walk among semi-underground Roman villas and mosaics.
- Short final transfer to Jendouba, your overnight base at the foot of the highlands.
Day 3 · Jendouba → Bizerte → Cap Blanc → Tunis
≈230 km · northernmost Africa & wetlands
- Follow national roads north-east towards the coast and the city of Bizerte.
- Optional detour to Cap Blanc and nearby headlands, the northern tip of mainland Africa.
- Cross the wetlands and lake system of Ichkeul National Park, watching for wildlife and birds.
- Return to Tunis via RN8, closing the loop with a smooth, fast final section.
Hotels · biker- & driver-friendly bases (Budget · Mid · Premium)
Ten properties along or adjacent to the loop, chosen for parking convenience, access to main routes and solid reviews. Always confirm current parking arrangements directly with the hotel.
Food stops · traditional cuisine along the loop
A mix of rural table d’hôtes, Roman-site restaurants and coastal seafood. Where online booking is not available, contact via phone or social channels and confirm opening hours.
Points of interest · highlights of the loop
Activities · bookable experiences from Tunis
Optional add-ons you can schedule before or after the loop, focusing on archaeology, coastal scenery and wetlands.
Full-day private tour from Tunis combining Andalusian Testour with the Roman cities of Dougga and Bulla Regia, including hotel pick-up and local guide.
Classic day circuit including Carthage’s ruins, the blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said and Tunis medina, with commentary on history and daily life.
Private day trip taking in Bizerte’s harbour, ancient Utica and the wetlands of Ichkeul National Park, balancing coastal scenery and wildlife.
Seasonality · when this loop works best
- Best months: March–May and late September–November, when temperatures are mild in the interior and the forests and valleys are greener.
- Summer (June–August): coastal sections around Tabarka and Bizerte can be pleasant with sea breezes, but inland archaeological sites get hot by midday. Start early and build in long, shaded lunch stops.
- Winter (December–February): rideable most days, but cooler and occasionally wet, especially around Aïn Draham. Some minor roads may be slippery after heavy rain.
- Weekends & holidays: local visitors can fill hotels and restaurants in Tabarka, Aïn Draham and Bizerte. Booking ahead is advisable in peak times.
Always check current travel advice, fuel availability and opening hours for archaeological sites before you set off.
Tunisia
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