Raf Raf: Coast and Djebel Nadhour

Raf Raf combines a coastal setting with the striking backdrop of Djebel Nadhour. Rafrāf lies on a hill on the northern slope of the coastal mountain. Djebel Nadhour is 299 metres high; Ghar El Melh lies on its southern slope, and the mountain ends at Cap Sidi Ali El Mekki. The coast, hillside location and mountain are therefore among the town’s distinct geographical features. When choosing a holiday rental, you can first consider whether you want to think of Raf Raf mainly in terms of its coast or its mountain scenery.

Coast, beaches and island views

Raf Raf is one of the beaches along the coast of Bizerte. Raf Raf Plage, also known as El Hmari, is the coastal part of Rafrāf and stretches along the coast. Rafraf Lahmeri beach is particularly lively every summer. These beach names provide a specific point of reference for the town’s coastal side.

An island lies off the coast of Rafrāf, about three kilometres from the beach. Locally, it is called “القمة النارية” or “قمناريا”; the Romans called it “Camelera”, and on modern maps it is also named “Pilau”. Raf Raf Plage offers a particularly good view of the rocky islet of Pilaow. The approximate distance to the island and the view from Raf Raf Plage are two distinct geographical reference points for finding your bearings along the coast.

Muscat grapes and the costume-making tradition

The vineyards are also part of the town’s character: they produce Muscat grapes known as “مسكي رفراف”. This means that, alongside the coast and the mountain, a specific local grape variety is also associated with Rafrāf. It provides an agricultural point of reference for understanding the town, distinct from its geographical features.

Another cultural feature is the making of traditional costumes by women. Rafrāf is counted among the few places in Tunisia cited as an exception to the decline of this craft. The town’s character thus encompasses both landscape and cultural features; the Muscat grapes and costume-making tradition represent different aspects of its local character.

Location and getting there

Rafrāf is in northeastern Tunisia, approximately 60 kilometres from Tunis, 40 kilometres from Bizerte and seven kilometres from Ras Jebel. Of these three reference points, Ras Jebel is the closest and Tunis the farthest. These distances help place Raf Raf in its regional context and compare its location in relation to nearer and more distant places.

A 2025 travel report mentions shared taxis from Bizerte to Ghar Elmelh, Rafrāf or Sounine as one travel option. If you plan to travel this way, check the current service before setting off.

When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to decide which part of the town you want to be near. Raf Raf Plage, also known as El Hmari, refers to the coastal part, while Rafrāf is also situated on a hill on the northern slope of Djebel Nadhour. When choosing where to stay, you can therefore decide whether the coast or the hillside location is the main part of Raf Raf you have in mind.

For the wider travel overview: Bizerte.