TUNISIA

The Republic of Tunisia is Africa’s northernmost country, sitting across the Mediterranean from Sardinia, Italy, and Sicily. The capital, Tunis, is located in a scenic Gulf of the same name, while the rest of the country is bordered by Libya to the East and Algeria to the West. While Tunisia is rightfully seen as one of Africa’s premier beach destinations, it offers much more than that. In fact, tourists can see almost all of what makes Northern Africa so enticing simply by traveling around this one culturally diverse country. These are the places for family vacations, where you can enjoy lots of outdoor activities, as well as great food and accommodation.

Though there are plenty of nightlife options year-round, it’s worth noting that during the month of Ramadan, alcohol sales will be restricted in many areas of Tunisia.

Here are just some of the amazing sites Tunisia has to offer…

Hammamet:

Hammamet is one of the most popular resort towns in all of Africa. Situated on the Cap Bon Peninsula, the city is chock full of resorts and Mediterranean charms. From strolling in the Medina to surfing and diving, there are endless activities to be enjoyed year-round.

Sfax:

The city of Sfax is one of the biggest shopping destinations on the continent. A giant castle complex surrounds the main city, which also houses the Sfax Archeological Museum and a truly breathtaking port.

Carthage:

History lovers will remember Carthage as one of Rome’s major rivals. Indeed, the city is very rich in history, including the ruins of the ancient city, the Roman Columns, and the Kobba Bend el Rey. All in all, the city is a must-visit destination for the sunrise alone.

Sidi Bou Said:

This tiny clifftop village is one of the most beautiful and photogenic destinations in Tunisia. From its whitewashed alleys to its cobbled streets, every inch of this Carthaginian neighborhood is the perfect spot for a photoshoot.

Kairouan:

Head directly south from the capital to reach the desert city of Kairouan. Packed with madrassas, tombs, and mosques, this religious site is one of the most important in the world for Muslims. The streets are a maze of stones, and the backdrop is something straight out of Arabian nights. Anyone visiting Tunisia would be amiss to skip this site.

Sousse Medina:

Surrounded by the ancient fortifications of the Ribat and Kasbah, the Medina in Sousse is truly a place worthy of exploration. The old town here is a bustling maze of alleys filled with workers producing ceramics, leatherwork, and more. Shop to your heart’s content or simply take in the sights (it’s up to you).

Monastir:

Monastir is easily one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tunisia, thanks to its monuments, ancient architecture, and lovely sandy beaches. The town itself is positioned on a peninsula, so the sea surrounds it on three of four sides.

Hount Souk:

Houmt Souk, which literally translates to “The Market Neighborhood,” is a town on the island of Djerba. Situated just a few hundred feet from the mainland, the entire area is extremely popular among tourists, particularly sites like Aghlabid fortress.

Matmata:

A small town located in the Tunisian desert, Matamata is famous for its underground structures, which were built by the local Berber population. Perhaps most famous of all is the Hotel Sidi Driss, which served as the home of Luke Skywalker and his family in the Star Wars movies. Blue milk, anyone?

Friguia animal park:

If you’re looking for a family-friendly experience, the Friguia Animal Park south of Tunis is a must-see. Located in the coastal city of Bouficha, you can view exotic animals of all kinds and even enjoy a camel ride or two. Perfect for kids of all ages.

El Djem Amphitheater

It’s not quite the Colosseum, but this Roman Amphitheater is incredibly well-preserved and a truly fascinating place to visit. History buffs, in particular, will love this reminder of just how much of Northern Africa once lived under the Roman flag.

Djerba:

If you’re looking for the picture-perfect beach escape, then the island of Djerba checks all the right boxes. The island town of Houmt Souk is the main point of interest off the beach, with an old town district that is a muddle of whitewashed houses. Houmt Souk’s shopping is an attraction in itself, with plenty of handicraft vendors for browsing and haggling opportunities off the beach.

National Bardo Museum:

One of the most well-stocked museums on the continent, the National Bardo Museum is home to beautiful mosaics from multiple empires. There are few places in the world where you can see so many well-preserved mosaic designs adorning every ceiling, floor, and wall.

Grand Erg Oriental:

Tunisia’s interior is almost completely covered by the Sahara Desert. One of the most tranquil and beautiful areas in this sand sea has to be Grand Erg Oriental. Waves of dunes dotted by the occasional oasis, this is an ideal place to go for a camel ride or watch the sunset.

Bulla Regia:

Bulla Regia, which is located near Tabarka, is the country’s most interesting Ancient Roman site. It consists of a number of villas built underground in an attempt to escape the harsh African sun. To this day, you can still tour the homes and see the original mosaics and other decorations.

Chott El Djerid:

This giant salt pan is located about one day from the town of Tozeur. A truly desolate place, it is equally brutal and beautiful. In the winter, the basin fills with water, creating a picturesque landscape that’s unlike anything you’ll see anywhere else in the world. In the summer, the land dries and cracks under your feet while the hot sun creates mirages all around you.

Dougga:

Another ancient Roman site, Dougga features some of the most well-preserved buildings and monuments in the country. While it is some distance from Tunis, seeing the Roman Theater, Forum, and multiple temples still towering above the countryside is well worth it. In fact, you could spend days in the area and still not see everything it has to offer.