Kelibia, El Haouaria, Kerkouane & Korbous Private Day Trip
From $82, a private day trip around the Cap Bon. See the fort of Kelibia, the caves of El Haouaria, Punic Kerkouane and the hot springs of Korbous.
Private Day Trip from Your Hotel Around the Cap Bon Coast
This private day trip loops around the tip of the Cap Bon peninsula. You climb to the fort of Kelibia and see the old quarries of El Haouaria. Then you walk in Kerkouane, a town left by the Carthaginians. On the way back, you stop at the hot springs of Korbous. Your driver picks you up at your hotel, and one fixed price covers the vehicle.
The Cap Bon, from Punic Towns to Roman Baths
The Cap Bon points toward Sicily, so ships and armies have passed here since ancient times. Each stop of this trip shows a different chapter of that story.
Aspis, the Shield
The Carthaginians founded Kelibia in the 5th century BC as Aspis, the Greek word for shield. The name is said to describe the round hill above the port. In 255 BC, its siege was the first battle of the First Punic War fought in Africa. The Romans kept the idea and called the town Clypea.
The Fort and the Muscat
The fort above the town stands on ancient foundations and was restored in recent years. From its walls, the view runs over the fishing port, home of the national fishing school. Kelibia also lends its name to the Muscat de Kélibia, a fruity white wine. Since 1964, the town has hosted the oldest amateur film festival in Tunisia.
The Quarries of Ghar El Kebir
West of El Haouaria, the caves of Ghar El Kebir were cut by hand, not by the sea. Prisoners or slaves working for Carthage, then for Rome, probably dug them. Boats carried the blocks across the water to build Carthage. Some of the stone later went into the forts of the Medina of Tunis.
The Falconers of El Haouaria
El Haouaria is the falconry town of Tunisia. Each spring, birds of prey cross the Cap Bon on their way to Europe. Local falconers train sparrowhawks and peregrine falcons to hunt. Since 1967, the town has held a falconry festival every June, and its 57th edition took place in 2026. The region hopes to see this tradition listed by UNESCO.
A Punic Town Left Untouched
Kerkouane lived for almost four centuries before its people left it, probably around 250 BC. The Romans never rebuilt it, so it is the only Punic town that survives as it was. Its streets follow a grid, with wide squares and houses built to a standard plan. It came to light by chance in 1952. UNESCO listed it in 1985, together with its necropolis.
A Bath in Every House
Each house in Kerkouane had its own bathroom, close to the entrance. The tubs have small seats and a red waterproof coating made from crushed pottery. Many murex shells found here show that the town made purple dye, along with salt and garum. On some floors, look for the sign of Tanit, the great goddess of Carthage.
Aquae Calidae Carpitanae
Romans from Carthage came to Korbous for its hot springs, which they called Aquae Calidae Carpitanae. The hottest springs rise from the rock at more than 50 °C. The main one, Aïn Echfa, or the healer, reaches 57.5 °C. In the 19th century, Ahmed I Bey built a pavilion that is now the town hammam.
Where the Spring Meets the Sea
The village sits in a deep ravine that opens onto the sea. Near the shore, hot water runs over the rocks and falls straight into the waves. Bathers sit where the warm stream meets the cold sea. The spa also uses mud from the springs to treat rheumatism and skin problems. Bring a towel if you want to try it.
Your Loop Around the Cap Bon
The loop runs in one direction or the other, depending on your hotel. Here is the usual order from Hammamet and Nabeul.
- Pickup at your hotel at the time set when you book.
- Kelibia: the climb to the fort and the view over the port.
- Kerkouane: the Punic houses, the streets and the small museum.
- El Haouaria: the quarries of Ghar El Kebir by the sea.
- Lunch break by the sea, paid on the spot.
- Korbous: the hot spring that runs into the sea, then the drive back to your hotel.
Price from Your Departure City
Nabeul and Hammamet are the closest departure points, so the price is lowest from there. Every price is for the whole private vehicle, with the driver, fuel and tolls included. Nothing changes on the day. Add a certified guide for $50, and the guide stays with you all day.
Price per private vehicle, in US dollars
| Departure city | Price |
|---|---|
| Departure from Tunis or Gammarth | $110 |
| Departure from Hammamet | $90 |
| Departure from Nabeul | $82 |
| Departure from Sousse | $135 |
| Departure city | Price |
|---|---|
| Departure from Monastir | $145 |
| Departure from Mahdia | $160 |
| Departure from Bizerte | $140 |
| Departure from Djerba | $240 |
What the Price Covers
Your price pays for the vehicle and the driver over the whole loop. Site tickets and the hammam in Korbous are paid on the spot, if you want them.
Included
The whole loop around the tip of the Cap Bon is driven for you, at one price for the car.
- Private air-conditioned car, driver, fuel and tolls
- Hotel pickup and return
Not Included
Kerkouane and the fort each have a small entry fee, and the hammam is your own choice.
- Tickets for Kerkouane and the Kelibia fort
- Hammam, lunch and drinks
- On request: a certified guide, $50 for the whole day
Tell us your hotel, your date and how many people are coming. Our team confirms the loop and the fixed price. We answer 24/7 on WhatsApp and by phone.
Questions About the Cap Bon Trip
Can we bathe in the hot spring at Korbous?
Yes, if you bring a swimsuit. The hot water meets the sea below the village, and the town also has a hammam.
Is Kerkouane worth the stop?
Yes. It is the only Punic town that survives as it was, and some houses still have their own bathtubs.
Which hotels are closest for this trip?
Hotels in Nabeul and Hammamet are the closest. From Tunis or Sousse, the day starts earlier and costs a little more.
Is the trip long in the car?
The loop has several short drives between stops. The longest part is the road back from Korbous to your hotel.
Can we change the order of the stops?
Yes. The trip is private, so the driver follows the order you prefer.
Other Trips from Nabeul and Hammamet
Closer to your hotel, Nabeul and Hammamet make a slower day of crafts and old walls. Tunis, Carthage and Sidi Bou Saïd are also within reach for a day.
