Ghar El Melh

Ghar El Melh, known to Europeans as Porto Farina, sits at the foot of Jebel Nadour between a lagoon and the sea, about 60 km north of Tunis. In the 17th century it was developed as a naval base, and three Ottoman forts still stand in the small town, along with the old enclosed harbour. Today it is a fishing and farming community with a relaxed pace. Beyond the lagoon, the beaches of Sidi Ali El Mekki and the Remel spit have fine sand and clear water and are busiest on summer weekends.