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La Marsa and Gammarth: what to see and which excursions to take?

North of Tunis, La Marsa and Gammarth combine beaches, cafés and large hotels, a stone's throw from Sidi Bou Saïd and Carthage. An ideal stay for combining the seaside with culture.

La Marsa and Gammarth: what to see and which excursions to take?

La Marsa and Gammarth at a glance

La Marsa is an elegant seaside suburb, once the summer retreat of the Beys of Tunis and now a weekend favourite with the people of Tunis. Gammarth, just to the north, is home to most of the coast's large hotels, on a hill overlooking the sea.

The TGM train links La Marsa with central Tunis via Sidi Bou Saïd and Carthage, but the road is still quicker for excursions.

What to see in town

La Marsa's seafront promenade is easy to explore on foot, with its long beach and cafés. Café Saf Saf, with its old well, is an institution. The markets and pastry shops in the centre are among the most famous in the Tunis area.

Sidi Bou Saïd is less than ten minutes away: the blue-and-white village, its café terraces and its views over the Gulf of Tunis are not to be missed. The sites of Carthage begin just beyond.

  • La Marsa's seafront and beach
  • Café Saf Saf
  • Sidi Bou Saïd, 10 minutes away
  • The sites of Carthage
  • The beaches of Gammarth and Raoued

The best day trips from La Marsa and Gammarth

Carthage and Sidi Bou Saïd are practically on your doorstep: our Line 1 combines them with the Tunis medina, so you don't have to juggle trains and taxis. Dougga and Bulla Regia (Line 3) are about two hours away, closer from here than from the Sahel coast.

The Cap Bon tour, Zaghouan and Zriba are about 1 h 15 away. Kairouan, El Jem or Friguia Park are possible, but involve a longer drive.

Practical information

Tunis-Carthage airport is about 20 minutes away. At weekends, the seafront and the road to Sidi Bou Saïd are very busy: allow extra time.

Pick-up is at your hotel in Gammarth or your address in La Marsa, at no extra cost.

Our excursions from La Marsa · Gammarth

Frequently asked questions

Is Sidi Bou Saïd far from La Marsa?

No, it's about three kilometres away, or less than ten minutes by car.

Which excursion should I take from Gammarth?

Dougga and Bulla Regia (Line 3) for the great Roman sites, or the Cap Bon tour for the coast.

Should I stay in Tunis or La Marsa?

La Marsa and Gammarth are quieter and close to the sea; Tunis is more convenient for the medina. Both work well for our excursions.

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