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Tunisia🇹🇳 | national parksZembra and Zembretta National ParkIsland cliffs, shearwater colonies, boat crossing, Posidonia seabed | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Zembra and Zembretta
🏆 Top picknational park ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Getting there at all is the real decision: Zembra and Zembretta National Park is a protected island reserve, so you either arrange permission and a boat ahead of time or you admire it from the mainland shore. Plan the permit first and the rest follows. The park sits in the Gulf of Tunis, off the tip of the Cap Bon peninsula in the north of Tunisia. On the ground, that means a boat ride across open water, then a steep landing on a rocky coast with no cafe, no ticket kiosk and no crowd. You climb through scrub and past cliff edges, and the reward is seabirds wheeling below you and an empty horizon. Wildlife is the draw, while trail variety is thin and comforts are nonexistent. Compared with Ichkeul National Park near Bizerte, which you can reach by road and wander on your own, Zembra is a wilder, more controlled place.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 national park in TunisiaWhy Zembra and Zembretta should be on your travel list

Zembra and Zembretta National Park suits backpackers who value remoteness over convenience. Nobody here sells you a package with a gift shop at the end. The island is a UNESCO biosphere reserve with cliffs rising to roughly 430 meters on Jebel Zembra, and walking there feels like exploring a small, private mountain that happens to sit in the sea. That scale is the first reason to come. The second is the wildlife. The island holds one of the Mediterranean’s notable Scopoli’s shearwater colonies, plus other cliff-nesting seabirds, and because visitor numbers are tiny, the birds behave as if you are the unusual one. The third is the water. The surrounding protected seabed of Posidonia meadows and coral draws divers and snorkelers from the Cap Bon coast, so a trip can mix a hike with time in clear … read more 👉
Zembra and Zembretta National Park suits backpackers who value remoteness over convenience. Nobody here sells you a package with a gift shop at the end. The island is a UNESCO biosphere reserve with cliffs rising to roughly 430 meters on Jebel Zembra, and walking there feels like exploring a small, private mountain that happens to sit in the sea. That scale is the first reason to come. The second is the wildlife. The island holds one of the Mediterranean’s notable Scopoli’s shearwater colonies, plus other cliff-nesting seabirds, and because visitor numbers are tiny, the birds behave as if you are the unusual one. The third is the water. The surrounding protected seabed of Posidonia meadows and coral draws divers and snorkelers from the Cap Bon coast, so a trip can mix a hike with time in clear water. It rewards people comfortable with arranging their own logistics and carrying everything they need, and it frustrates anyone expecting signposts or a guided circuit.

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Zembra and Zembretta

  1. Jebel Zembra Cliffs and Summit Plateau: The island’s signature view. Sheer rock faces drop to the sea from about 430 meters, and the high ground gives a long look across the gulf toward the Cap Bon coast.
  2. Scopoli’s Shearwater Colonies: These seabirds nest in burrows and crevices across the island. Their calls carry at dusk, and watching them wheel along the cliff faces is the main wildlife event.
  3. Zembretta Islet: The smaller sister island lies a short distance northeast of Zembra. You see it from the boat and from the heights, a bare rocky outcrop crowded with nesting seabirds.
  4. The Boat Crossing from Cap Bon: The trip over open water is part of the experience. The island grows from a gray smudge into a wall of cliffs, and the coast behind you shrinks into a line of hills.
  5. Posidonia Meadows and
… read more 👉
  1. Jebel Zembra Cliffs and Summit Plateau: The island’s signature view. Sheer rock faces drop to the sea from about 430 meters, and the high ground gives a long look across the gulf toward the Cap Bon coast.
  2. Scopoli’s Shearwater Colonies: These seabirds nest in burrows and crevices across the island. Their calls carry at dusk, and watching them wheel along the cliff faces is the main wildlife event.
  3. Zembretta Islet: The smaller sister island lies a short distance northeast of Zembra. You see it from the boat and from the heights, a bare rocky outcrop crowded with nesting seabirds.
  4. The Boat Crossing from Cap Bon: The trip over open water is part of the experience. The island grows from a gray smudge into a wall of cliffs, and the coast behind you shrinks into a line of hills.
  5. Posidonia Meadows and Coral Waters: The seabed around the islands is protected, with seagrass beds and coral formations. Snorkelers and divers get unusually clear water and healthy marine life.
  6. Island Maquis Vegetation: The slopes are covered with low Mediterranean scrub, wild herbs and hardy shrubs. In spring the hillsides smell of crushed herbs, and the plants shelter lizards and small animals.
  7. The Landing Cove and Lower Slopes: The first stretch up from the rocky shore is steep and loose underfoot. It gives the closest look at the island’s geology and the first seabird sightings.
Zembra and Zembretta National Park takes a full day when you combine the crossing, the climb and time on the water.
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Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

  • Late Spring (May to June): Seas usually calm enough for boat landings, 20 to 27°C (68 to 81°F), 14 hours of daylight, and seabirds are nesting on the cliffs. Wildflowers still cover the slopes. The falcon festival in nearby El Haouaria in June fills local guesthouses.
  • Summer (July to August): Air reaches 30 to 34°C (86 to 93°F) with almost no shade on the island, but the water is clear and warm for snorkeling and diving. Beach-town prices on Cap Bon climb 30 to 50 percent.
  • Autumn (September to October): Sea stays near 24°C (75°F), air 22 to 29°C (72 to 84°F), crowds thin out and migrating birds pass through. Daylight drops to about 11 hours by late October.
  • Winter (November to March): Cool at 8 to 16°C (46 to 61°F), with strong northwest winds that often cancel crossings. Guesthouses are cheapest,
… read more 👉
  • Late Spring (May to June): Seas usually calm enough for boat landings, 20 to 27°C (68 to 81°F), 14 hours of daylight, and seabirds are nesting on the cliffs. Wildflowers still cover the slopes. The falcon festival in nearby El Haouaria in June fills local guesthouses.
  • Summer (July to August): Air reaches 30 to 34°C (86 to 93°F) with almost no shade on the island, but the water is clear and warm for snorkeling and diving. Beach-town prices on Cap Bon climb 30 to 50 percent.
  • Autumn (September to October): Sea stays near 24°C (75°F), air 22 to 29°C (72 to 84°F), crowds thin out and migrating birds pass through. Daylight drops to about 11 hours by late October.
  • Winter (November to March): Cool at 8 to 16°C (46 to 61°F), with strong northwest winds that often cancel crossings. Guesthouses are cheapest, but boat trips are unreliable.
Book your crossing for a weekday in May, June or September, and keep a spare day free in case the wind cancels the boat.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: below average for travelingAUGAugust: below average for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

Nobody can sleep on Zembra and Zembretta National Park itself, since camping and lodging are not permitted on the protected islands, so you stay on the Cap Bon coast and cross by boat.
El Haouaria is the closest and best base. It is the village facing the islands, with a handful of simple guesthouses and small hotels at roughly US$20 to 45 a night, plus cafes serving grilled fish. The dramatic Roman quarry caves and the falconry tradition are a short walk or ride away. From here, local fishermen and licensed operators run the crossings, and you can sort out boat details in person.
Kelibia is the … read more 👉
Nobody can sleep on Zembra and Zembretta National Park itself, since camping and lodging are not permitted on the protected islands, so you stay on the Cap Bon coast and cross by boat.
El Haouaria is the closest and best base. It is the village facing the islands, with a handful of simple guesthouses and small hotels at roughly US$20 to 45 a night, plus cafes serving grilled fish. The dramatic Roman quarry caves and the falconry tradition are a short walk or ride away. From here, local fishermen and licensed operators run the crossings, and you can sort out boat details in person.
Kelibia is the next choice, about 30 to 40 minutes by road, with a wider range of budget hotels and rooms from US$20 to 40, a hilltop fortress, and a pale sand beach. Its larger market makes it easier for self-catering.
Hammamet and Nabeul, about an hour to 90 minutes away, have the most hostels and mid-range hotels, with beds from US$12 to 25 in dorms or basic rooms. They suit divers booking organized trips to the islands and anyone wanting more nightlife.
In summer, book El Haouaria ahead for weekends.
Best hostels in Tunisia


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👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)How expensive it really is

Zembra and Zembretta National Park costs roughly US$75 to 143 a day for a backpacker, with the boat crossing being the biggest expense.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance and permitUS$5 to 10Access needs prior authorization from the park authorities. Any fee is modest, and operators often help with paperwork.
Boat crossingUS$30 to 60Per person when splitting a charter of about US$150 to 300 from El Haouaria. Solo travelers pay more, so find a group.
Accommodation (low season)US$15 to 25Simple rooms in El Haouaria, Kelibia or Nabeul in winter and spring.
Accommodation (high season)US$25 to 45July and August, plus the June falcon festival, push room rates up. No lodging exists on the island.
Local transportUS$5 to 10Louages (shared vans) from Tunis to El Haouaria or Kelibia run US$4 to 7,
… read more 👉
Zembra and Zembretta National Park costs roughly US$75 to 143 a day for a backpacker, with the boat crossing being the biggest expense.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance and permitUS$5 to 10Access needs prior authorization from the park authorities. Any fee is modest, and operators often help with paperwork.
Boat crossingUS$30 to 60Per person when splitting a charter of about US$150 to 300 from El Haouaria. Solo travelers pay more, so find a group.
Accommodation (low season)US$15 to 25Simple rooms in El Haouaria, Kelibia or Nabeul in winter and spring.
Accommodation (high season)US$25 to 45July and August, plus the June falcon festival, push room rates up. No lodging exists on the island.
Local transportUS$5 to 10Louages (shared vans) from Tunis to El Haouaria or Kelibia run US$4 to 7, with short local rides about US$1 to 3. Payment is in Tunisian dinar.
Food and waterUS$10 to 18Sandwiches and grilled fish in El Haouaria are inexpensive. Bring packed lunch and water, as nothing is sold on the island.
Total Daily BudgetUS$75 to 143Based on one day with a boat crossing and a high-season bed.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsDiscover Zembra and Zembretta's top trails and natural wonders

Zembra and Zembretta National Park has no marked, named trails that visitors use, so the walking here is exploratory rather than a set circuit. Walks start at the landing point on the island’s rocky shore and climb through scrub toward the higher ground, where cliff edges open up to the sea.
  • Landing slope climb: A steep, rocky ascent from the shore through maquis, usually taking one to two hours depending on pace. Loose stones and thorny shrubs make sturdy shoes and long trousers sensible. Difficulty is moderate to hard.
  • Plateau and cliff-edge wandering: Once you are higher, the ground flattens
… read more 👉
Zembra and Zembretta National Park has no marked, named trails that visitors use, so the walking here is exploratory rather than a set circuit. Walks start at the landing point on the island’s rocky shore and climb through scrub toward the higher ground, where cliff edges open up to the sea.
  • Landing slope climb: A steep, rocky ascent from the shore through maquis, usually taking one to two hours depending on pace. Loose stones and thorny shrubs make sturdy shoes and long trousers sensible. Difficulty is moderate to hard.
  • Plateau and cliff-edge wandering: Once you are higher, the ground flattens in places and you can follow faint paths along the heights. Views reach across the gulf to the Cap Bon coast, and the drop-offs are real, so stay back from the edges.
  • Birdwatching stops: Seabirds, mainly Scopoli’s shearwaters, nest along the cliffs and slopes. Binoculars matter more than hiking poles, and dusk brings the most activity around the colonies.
  • Coastal and marine time: Between walks, snorkeling or diving in the protected waters rounds out the day. Zembretta is best seen from the water or the high ground, since the islet itself is for the birds.
Reaching the park takes planning. There is no public transport to the island itself. Boats leave from the Cap Bon coast, usually around El Haouaria or Kelibia, and the crossing depends on sea conditions, so rough weather cancels trips. As a protected reserve, access needs prior permission from the park authorities, and arranging it before you reach the coast saves frustration. Crowds are almost nonexistent, which is both the appeal and the limitation: no water, shade, food or facilities are waiting for you. Carry everything you need, including water, sun protection and a layer for the wind. Spring brings the most comfortable walking temperatures, while summer heat on exposed rock can be punishing. Entry arrangements and any fees are handled through the permit process.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Zembra and Zembretta

The main hazard at Zembra and Zembretta National Park is the sea, not the island. Crossings of about 13 kilometers can turn rough quickly when the northwest wind picks up, so go with a licensed operator and accept cancellations without argument.
Landing is on a small rocky point, and the climb inland is steep over loose stone and thorny scrub. Wear sturdy shoes with grip, not sandals. There is almost no shade or fresh water, so bring at least 3 liters per person in summer, a hat and sun protection.
The island is a strict nature reserve. Stay on marked paths where they exist, keep your distance from nesting seabirds on the cliffs, and never touch nests or chicks. Wild boar live here but are shy and rarely a problem. Carry out all your trash.
Phone signal is patchy and no one will be on hand for … read more 👉
The main hazard at Zembra and Zembretta National Park is the sea, not the island. Crossings of about 13 kilometers can turn rough quickly when the northwest wind picks up, so go with a licensed operator and accept cancellations without argument.
Landing is on a small rocky point, and the climb inland is steep over loose stone and thorny scrub. Wear sturdy shoes with grip, not sandals. There is almost no shade or fresh water, so bring at least 3 liters per person in summer, a hat and sun protection.
The island is a strict nature reserve. Stay on marked paths where they exist, keep your distance from nesting seabirds on the cliffs, and never touch nests or chicks. Wild boar live here but are shy and rarely a problem. Carry out all your trash.
Phone signal is patchy and no one will be on hand for help, so tell someone onshore your return time. Access needs official authorization, and rangers can turn away unannounced visitors.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

One full day is enough for Zembra and Zembretta National Park, since the boat crossing from El Haouaria takes roughly an hour each way and the island visit fills the rest. Add a second day if you want to see El Haouaria’s Roman quarry caves and the coastline of Cap Bon. Divers often book two days to fit in several dive sites around the islands.
Visiting Zembra and Zembretta National Park without a car is possible, but you need a boat. Take a louage from Tunis to El Haouaria (about 1.5 to 2 hours, roughly US$4 to 7) or a bus to Nabeul or Kelibia, then ask local fishermen or licensed operators in El Haouaria for the crossing. The island has no roads or public transport, so the car question only matters for the mainland.
Yes, Zembra and Zembretta National Park is a protected reserve, and landing requires prior authorization from the Tunisian authorities. Any official fee is small, typically under US$10, but the main cost is the boat charter, around US$150 to 300 per boat. Operators in El Haouaria or dive centers in Hammamet can often arrange the paperwork, so start the process a week or more before you travel.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

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We 💚 feedbackSumming up the experience

Zembra and Zembretta National Park is as much a marine reserve as an island, and first-timers tend to pack only hiking gear. I would bring a mask and snorkel, because the clear water around the landing cove is as good as the climb. Pack extra water and skip anything fragile in your bag, since the boat ride can be rough.

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The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Tunisia. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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