While the other town of the Kerkennahs, Remla,
has little charm to offer, things are somewhat better in fishing
village of El Attaia. Most of the streets here are simple, and much the
same way as they have been for a long time now.
Development
is still far away from El Attaia, and there is most certainly here a
feeling of overwhelming relaxation. Even if most of the houses are
inhabited, you'll have no problems discovering that the Kerkennahs have
lost a large part of its inhabitants in recent decades.
The
main attraction is of course the port, situated at the strait between
the island of Gremdi and the northern parts of the village. At days of
drizzly weather, the 20-30 blue and red fishing boats in wood is a
spectacular sight. There is little doubt that the fisher men put a lot
of pride into owning a fishing boat, as all are very, very well-kept.
How couldn't this place have been if the same pride had been poured
over their houses, too?
Travellers
with good knowledge of modern Tunisian history will probably visit the
"museum" 3 km to the west, containing no more than the fishing boat in
which Habib Bourguiba escaped from the French during the fight for
independence in the 1950s.
Sweet ferry ride
The ride out to the islands was as a matter of fact my favourite part
of the whole visit. The freshness of the water, the nice ferry and not
the least, the intriguing fish traps (below) which you pass before
embarking on Kerkennahs.
Practicalities
HOTELS AND ALTERNATIVES
There are a handful of hotels in the tourist trap of Sidi Fredj, and some more in Remla, the main city on the islands. The best places are the ones in Sidi Fredj, while the budget options are the ones in Remla.
RESTAURANTS AND ALTERNATIVES
Quite good. You can eat well in either Sidi Fredj's hotels, in Remla or even in Al Attaia. The last restaurant is recommended, as it has fresh fish served by the most friendly clientele.
NIGHTLIFE
Some night life in Sidi Fredj, in the hotels. These places have licensed night clubs.
CHANGE MONEY
Do this in hotels as well. In Remla, there is one bank that will change foreign currencies into Tunisian dinars.
TRANSPORT
Good connections between El Attaia, Remla, Sidi Fredj and the ferry harbour. Choose between shared small taxis and buses.
IMPORTANT
Don't go here. Kerkennah Islands is the biggest lie in North Africa.
Why there is charter tourism out here is a gigantic mystery. Why not go
tekking in the Danish mountains instead????
The islands are boring, and with the exception of strand zones, ugly. And people are not terribly friendly either.
About Tunisia 
