For my part it’s the proper vacation spot for vacationers who get pleasure from historical past and tradition, because it’s a well-preserved instance of a city courting again to the early centuries of Islam.
Positioned proper on the coast, we found attractive sandy seashores, colourful souks full of haggling locals, the spectacular Eighth-century Ribat (fortified monastery) which nonetheless has its authentic ramparts, and the very spectacular Nice Mosque which dates again to 851. I particularly beloved the atmospheric outdated city and medina – it’s additionally listed a UNESCO World Heritage Website!
I additionally found that it supplied an amazing vary of lodging choices, from all-inclusive and family-friendly resorts to non-public leases and distinctive heritage boutique inns!
Location: east-central
Location Map
Greatest occasions to go to: both spring (April/Could) or autumn (October/early November)
My private highlights…
Staying for per week on the gorgeous Jaz Tour Khalef, I beloved the personal seaside, the Insta-worthy pool with fashionable white cabanas, and the trendy Thalassotherapy spa—particularly their underwater hydrotherapy circuit with a saltwater floatation pool!
5. Port El Kantaoui
This place is slightly totally different because it’s a purpose-built vacationer resort! Sure it does lacks historical past and genuine native tradition however its the place to go if you happen to’re occupied with a contemporary resort full with a set of chic-looking luxurious inns.
I discovered that this place has the whole lot you wanted for a soothing vacation – enormous sprawling upscale resorts, a restaurant-lined marina spas, golf programs, parasol-dotted nice sandy seashores, and a wide range of water sports activities from jet-skiing to scuba diving. Boats excursions have been additionally actually well-liked right here and included glass-bottom boat rides and sundown day cruises.
There was a medina (however sadly, not historical!) to discover which was full of retailers, souvenirs and crafts however we acquired my historical past and tradition repair in close by Sousse which is just a 15 minute drive away!
Location: central a part of the nation
Location Map
Greatest occasions to go to: between June and September for the most effective seaside climate.
My highlights..
Staying on the 4-star Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa Port El Kantaoui, I beloved the wellness focus, the spacious visitor rooms, and the unbelievable spa with every kind of seawater therapies—my favourite was the detoxifying, iodine-rich Algotherapy wrap!
6. Nabeul
I beloved how this was a extra laid again and regionally genuine various to close by Hammamet. I additionally extra extra budget-friendly than its extra well-liked rival.
I stayed on the charming CALIMERA Delfino Seaside Resort & Spa which had a much less shiny however extra genuine really feel about place (which I beloved)!
I discovered this place to be extra low-key and fewer about commercialization and extra about artisan tradition and a extra conventional Tunisian lifestyle with souks bustling with native folks, craftspeople working of their studios, quieter and fewer developed (however nonetheless lovely) seashores and pottery and ceramics galore!
Location: north east
Location Map
Greatest occasions to go to: between June and September for the most effective seaside climate.
My favourite highlights…
Enjoyable on the peaceable Nabeul Seaside on a rented solar mattress and gazing on the calm turquoise waters!
Looking for handicrafts and pottery Nabeul Souk which was held each Friday. I beloved the colourful environment, the way it was divided into sections and the regionally made rugs (kilims). I simply discovered the livestock part to be a bit upsetting so I swerved that bit rapidly!
7. Bizerte
I personally thought this was one other nice possibility as I discovered it to be much less touristy! It was a captivating and genuine coastal metropolis in northern Tunisia the place I acquired to reside extra like an area, away from the crowds and mass worldwide tourism you discover at different resorts.
I stayed on the fantastic Al Madina, conventional Riad and located that there are some vacationer facilities like beachfront cafes, eating places, water sports activities and (largely) mid-range inns however the entire place is simply much less glossy and commercialized.
Apart from a lovely lengthy sandy seaside, different causes to go to right here embrace the picturesque outdated port with gently bobbing boats, a reasonably shoreline, and an unbelievable street lower into the coast.
Location: north
Location Map
Greatest occasions to go to: between June and September for the most effective seaside climate.
Who would get pleasure from: vacationers in search of a extra off-the-beaten-path expertise, budget-conscious vacationers.
My favourite highlights…
Having fun with mint tea with pine nuts and conventional baklava (aTunisian pastry) at Café Maure whereas folks watching on the Outdated Port (Vieux Port).
Taking a ship journey tour to the fascinating space of Bizerte Lagoon which was full of unspoilt pure surroundings and fascinating chook life – I noticed better flamingos and egrets which was an unbelievable expertise!
8. Tunis Medina
Positioned in northeastern a part of the nation, Tunis is the county’s bustling capital and it’s intriguing place which mixes outdated and new in each buildings and tradition.
By far my most favourite spot within the metropolis was the traditional walled medina which lies on the middle of the town and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Website. The ornate historic structure right here of is really gorgeous and I spent two days exploring in being in awe of it!
It’s winding slim streets are full of a heady combine colourful souks (markets), monuments, delicate trying fountains, eating places, mosques and extraordinary palaces. All of them dated from the Almohad, Hafsid and Ottoman durations.
I stayed on the fantastic and conventional riad-style 4-star Dar el médina and spent two day wandering round photographing the putting structure, haggling with the stall house owners and absorbing the intoxicating environment.
I beloved that it gave me a glimpse into how opulent Arabian life was within the twelfth to the sixteenth centuries.
Location: northeastern coast
Location Map
Greatest occasions to go to: spring (March to Could) or the autumn (September to November) when the temperatures are extra comfy.
My favourite highlights…
Visiting the spectacular Zitouna Mosque – I beloved how peaceable it was and the attractive courtyard which was surrounded by marble columns.
Sipping on tea on the rooftop Café des Nattes and gazing on the unbelievable medina views – I may see the Zitouna Mosque and even the extra trendy a part of the capital from there!
9. Monastir Ribat
This can be a putting historic gem! It’s historical fortress and among the best examples within the nation and for my part it makes a refreshing change to the tourist-focused points of interest.
It’s positioned on the Mediterranean coast within the metropolis of Monastir, and it’s an imposing and really photogenic sight, inbuilt 796, as a army construction to assist push back invaders. It’s really recognized to be essentially the most well-preserved Islamic fortresses in the entire of North Africa!
We actually having fun with strolling round and seeing the extremely thick stone partitions, giant towers, prayer corridor, battlements and Nador watchtower which had unbelievable views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Location: northeastern coast
Location Map
Greatest occasions to go to: April to November for essentially the most nice temperatures.
My private highlights…
Gazing on the central courtyard which has an virtually zen-like vibe is surrounded by cells that have been as soon as occupied by the warrior monks that lived right here, wow!
Seeing the unique historical stone carvings and inscriptions – what an unbelievable piece of (very outdated!) historical past!
10. Plage de Chaffar, Sfax
This can be a lovely seaside however one which attracted the locals! I needed to point out this place because it’s lengthy vast seaside stretch of golden sand but it surely has a a lot rawer and fewer developed really feel.
Positioned on the Mediterranean coast, 12 miles southeast of Sfax, there’s a lot much less facilities than the seaside resorts these courting the worldwide guests (you gained’t discover jet-skis and banana boats right here!).
As a substitute we stayed on the splendidly distinctive Borj Dhiafa and loved swimming, sunbathing, picnicking and testing the native surrounding cafes and had a very laid again and really authentically Tunisian expertise!
Location: east
Location Map
Greatest occasions to go to: spring (March to Could) or the autumn (September to November) when the temperatures are nice.
My favourite highlights…
Stopping for a robust Turkish espresso on the laid again beachside Café Plage – I beloved simply kicking again and people-watching!
Having a picnic within the gorgeous pure sand dunes positioned in the back of the seaside.
11. Chebika
That is a kind of locations that needs to be seen to be believed! It’s a stunning and distinctive magnificence spot within the type of a dreamy mountain oasis, though it’s positioned distant from many of the well-liked vacationer resorts so you must make an additional effort to get there!
It’s positioned in foothills of the Djebel el Negueb mountains within the Tunisian a part of the Sahara Desert, and to succeed in it we took a guided jeep tour from the town of Nefta (it’s additionally doable to depart from Tozeur) which took an hour and as soon as there we have been explored for 2 hours and hiked the primary Oasis Loop Path.
The tail took us spherical the most effective elements together with the palm timber sprouting out of the rocky terrain, the small however breathtaking waterfall, fascinating caverns and the pure swimming pools – to me it seemed like how I imagined Eden would look! It was nice to be taught that the oasis had been used for scenes in each Star Wars Episode IV and The English Affected person as effectively.
Location: west-central
Location Map
Greatest occasions to go to: spring (March to Could) or the autumn (September to November) when the temperatures are extra comfy.
My favourite highlights…
Studying about the way it was a Roman outpost often called “Advert Speculum” on the guided tour!
Exploring the close by village of ruins of the outdated Berber village – I beloved discovering exploring the stays of the previous stone homes and studying all concerning the historical past of the individuals who as soon as lived there, it was a really fascinating spot!
12. Chott el Djerid
This unbelievable spot is positioned in northern fringe of the Sahara Desert! Chott el Djerid is a saltwater lake, and throughout the winter months it’s dwelling to a shallow lake which – due to the minerals – has all types of colours – purple, pink, reds and even greens. Mirages can generally be seen as effectively throughout this time of 12 months.
Throughout the hotter months it turns into dry salt lake lined in layer of white salt crust which dazzles within the daylight! On our journey I walked across the edge and was in awe of the surreal magnificence spot!
It make a novel day journey and you’ll simply be a part of an tour from close by cities resembling Tozeur, Nefta, Matmata and Tunis. We took a day journey to right here from the city of Douz and it took 45 minutes.
Location: south of the nation
Location Map
Greatest occasions to go to: October to April (the cooler months)
My favourite highlights…
I beloved studying that it was one other Star Wars location spot as effectively on our guided tour (George Lucas certain beloved Tunisia!) and plenty of scenes of the fictional desert planet Tatooine scenes have been shot on this location.
13. The Sahara
Yep the Sahara Desert is admittedly as gorgeous as I imagined it might be! In Tunisia it really covers a big space within the southern a part of the nation and I beloved my journey exploring it.
Sure there’s quite a lot of sand dunes (so far as the attention can see!) however there’s additionally rocky plateaus, attractive oases (there’s three well-liked ones positioned close to the Algerian border – Chebika, Tamerza, and Mides), and oasis cities resembling Nefta and Tozeur surreally lovely locations locations just like the salt flats, Chott el Jerid which was even used as Star Wars movie website location.
Most resort cities provide excursions to the desert and I can extremely advocate taking a visit there. I personally don’t like animals getting used for tourism and noticed some dangerous movies on Instagram so we swerved the camel excursions and I opted for a jeep one as an alternative after which staying in a single day keep in a standard Bedouin-tent, which was a really romantic expertise!
Location: southern area
Location Map
Greatest occasions to go to: October to April (the cooler months)
My favourite highlights…
Exploring the fascinating oasis Ksar Ghilane on a guided 4×4 journey – though it’s fairly touristy I beloved taking a dip on in pure sizzling springs right here and staying in a single day in Bedouin-style tents. Though we did get caught in a sandstorm although!
14. Matmata and the fortified granaries of the Ksour
These intriguing locations make for glorious day journey excursions! Matmata is a small Berber village within the south, well-known for its distinctive troglodyte (cave-like) properties, whereas the Ksour granaries are conventional Berber grain storage complexes that includes ghorfas (particular person vaulted storage rooms) stacked on high of one another, giving the buildings an uncommon honeycomb look. To me, it seemed virtually other-worldly!
They’re each comparatively shut to one another (round a two-hour drive), so I organized a visit from Douz to see each in someday. You can even simply organize excursions from different cities like Tozeur, Gabes, and Tataouine with native tour operators.
Location: south of the nation
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: October to April (the cooler months)
My private highlights…
Immediately recognizing the areas, as each have been used as filming websites for the Star Wars films. Our information talked about that when director George Lucas visited Matmata, he was so captivated by the world that he determined to function it in his now-legendary films!
15. Tamerza
That is an intriguing spot! Positioned close to the Algerian border close to the west-central a part of the nation it’s a big mountain oasis city.
The city has lengthy been deserted however I discovered it fascinating to stroll across the ruins of the village which I felt had virtually spooky environment!
In addition to conventional Berber structure, it’s dwelling thus far palm timber, two waterfalls and deep gorges and it’s a surreal however spectacular sight positioned within the harsh desert surroundings.
The city was deserted after the 1962 river floods, however there’s a brand new working village constructed just some kilometres away which additionally has eating places and a visitor home for in a single day keep. Though we opted for a 4×4 guided day journey from Tozeur which additionally included the close by oases of Chebika and Mides.
Location: west central a part of the nation
Location Map
Greatest occasions to go to: October to April (the cooler months)
My highlights…
Exploring the native markets which bought conventional handcrafted items within the new working village.
Studying about how the Berber folks have tailored and are in a position to reside within the harsh desert environments on our guided tour!
16. Kairouan
I counsel if you happen to’re historical past fan then don’t miss this unbelievable metropolis! Positioned within the centre of the nation, it’s really one of the necessary cities for its non secular and historic significance and I discovered it to be an actual gem!
It was based in 670 AD and it’s stated to be the fourth holiest metropolis in Islam, after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem, after it took an enormous half in spreading the phrase of Islam in North Africa.
This holy metropolis has additionally been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Website and on our journey right here we was in awe of the very spectacular and effectively preserved structure right here!
We explored the non secular structure, the traditional medina with its slim alleyways and whitewashed buildings, full of life souks full of conventional crafts resembling handwoven rugs and carpets.
Location: central Tunisia
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: spring (March to Could) or autumn (September to November), when the temperatures as summer time may be very popular!
My highlights…
Exploring the breathtaking and really photogenic Nice Mosque of Okba (one of many nation’s largest and oldest mosques) and the historic Mosque of the Three Gates which dates again to 866 AD – I beloved the tranquil vibe of each!
Making an attempt the signature candy pastry, Makroud within the souks of the medina! The tasty treats are comprised of semolina, dates or almonds, and honey and have been scrumptious!
17. Ichkeul Nationwide Park
This nation isn’t at all times recognized for its lakes however this protected space is a magnificence! It’s positioned within the north and in addition to being one of the necessary pure reserves its additionally listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
The lake boasts intricate wetlands that entice 1000’s of migrant birds annually, together with the flamingo (which was my favourite chook to identify there) in addition to geese, storks, flamingos and geese. Different wildlife reside on this distinctive place together with together with wild boars, otters and jackals.
We took a day journey with a tour operator when in Tunis and we beloved the gorgeous surroundings right here together with the olive timber and the attractive sundown and in addition mountain climbing the paths throughout the day!
Location: north of the nation
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: November to February to see chook migration season
My private highlights…
Mountain climbing the Djebel Ichkeul Trails – we beloved mountain climbing up Mount Ichkeul and seeing attractive panoramic views of the tranquil lake and surrounding wetlands.
18. Bou-Hedma Nationwide Park
This place is one for the character lovers! This distinctive space was first established as a nationwide park in 1980 and it was shaped to guard its uncommon landscapes of each desert and semi-arid in addition to its fascinating wildlife.
Now it’s additionally been listed as an UNESCO heritage website – there are numerous on this nation!
We took a guided 4×4 journey from Gafsa (it took 2 hours) and explored. The wildlife that reside right here contains endangered species such because the Addax antelope, Oryx, eagles and Dorcas gazelle and there was additionally Roman ruins within the park. In the event you love historical past, nature and wildlife then I extremely advocate it!
Location: central a part of the nation
Location Map
Greatest occasions to go to: March to Could – when wildlife is extra lively
My private highlights…
Visiting the parks fascinating onsite museum – it was nice to be taught concerning the concerning the historical past of the park and its ongoing wildlife conservation efforts right here!
Please at all times examine the most recent authorities recommendation earlier than deciding on any journey vacation spot.