Cape Sidi Ali El Mekki
Cape Sidi Ali El Mekki is a cape pointing east and constituting the northern entrance to the Gulf of Tunis. It is close to the city of Ghar El Melh, located in northern Tunisia, about fifty kilometers from Tunis and Bizerte.
Sidi Ali El Mekki is also the name given to the fine sandy beach next to the zaouïa of the same name. The cape was known in antiquity as the Promontory of Apollo of the Ancients1.
The place takes its name from a marabout whose retreat, which became the tomb, is still present and used for various ceremonies such as circumcisions. Devotions are practiced there, people asking for the intercession of the saint by lighting candles. The place is small — about 150 m2 — and a cave where a fine trickle of water flows is located at the bottom. Several other caves of saints are nearby.
The place served during the Second World War, from October 1942, as a refuge for several dozen families from Ghar El Melh who fled the village during the retreat of German troops in front of the Allied troops.
It is also an interesting site for its flora2.
Cape Sidi Ali El Mekki located in the north of Tunisia, it is close to the city of Ghar El Melh. It is a cape pointing east about fifty kilometers from Tunis and Bizerte. Sidi Ali El Mekki is also the name given to the fine sandy beach next to the zaouïa of the same name (Mausoleum of Sidi Ali El Mekki). The cape was known in antiquity as the Promontory of Apollo of the Ancients.
The area forms a unique small ecosystem: the southern orientation of Ghar El Melh and the mountain favor and protect the vegetation. The land is generous and conducive to market gardening, you can shop for seasonal vegetables on the road: do not hesitate to go to the farmers who work in the fields, they will be happy to proudly hand you the most beautiful of their vegetables, picked before your eyes.
In summer the beach is full of people on weekends, the atmosphere is family and friendly. The further you go, the more you will have the chance to enjoy swimming in these privileged places: the waters are crystal clear and the smell of the maquis is omnipresent. Out of season or very early in the morning to avoid sunburn, discover the mausoleum of Sidi Ali El Mekki 20 minutes from the beach.
If you want to walk, the place is exceptional: follow the path of the goats, at the tip of Cap Farina: a breath of fresh air will welcome you to enjoy an exceptional panorama. If you feel like it, start the climb to the crest of the hills, the view from above is breathtaking, you can rest in the shade of the pines while contemplating the Plane and Pilau islands, you will have a bird’s eye view of the northern flank of Jbel with Raf Raf and its green forest.
Sidi Ali El Mekki in pictures

