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 Nabeul is a coastal town in northeastern Tunisia, on the south coast near to the Cap Bon peninsula. A former Roman colony, its name is an Arabised form of the Greek Neapolis 'new city' (an etymology it shares with Naples, Nafplion, and Nablus). It is a popular tourist destination and the main centre of the Tunisian pottery industry. It is located at around and is the capital of the Nabeul Governorate. The city has a population of 56,387 (2004 census).
When much goes wrong
Nabeul is not really the attractive tourist destination it is claimed
to be. For tourists going for fun and comfort, neighbouring Hammamet is a better option.
With
the exception of a few streets in the middle, the place where tourist
stalls are located, Nabeul centre looks just like any dull medium-sized
Tunisian town. The beach zone is hit and miss. Much of the public beach
is crowded and often dirty.
Nabeul
might entice some, being the capital of pottery, but the quality of
today's Tunisian handicraft is highly debatable. It is no secret that
production is industrialized, and you will have to look hard to find
items which are nicely finished. The decorative quality is another
matter, and the sparkling colours and the variation of patterns appeals
to many.
The
history of the town goes deep back into history. In Roman times, when
it was known as Neapolis, it was a centre for the production of garum,
a seasoning for all sorts of food. It was created by leaving fish and
intestines in an open tank with salt for a few months. The process was
so smelly that it was illegal to produce in private homes.
Old quarters

The old quarters are centered around Avenue Farhet Hached for about 300
metres. The best parts are since long occupied by shops or cafes.
But off the avenue, you will quickly come into streets of nothing but white walls and decorated doors.
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