In my view it’s the right vacation spot for vacationers who take pleasure in historical past and tradition, because it’s a well-preserved instance of a city courting again to the early centuries of Islam.
Situated proper on the coast, we found beautiful 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 previous city and medina – it’s additionally listed a UNESCO World Heritage Web site!
It additionally affords a fantastic vary of lodging choices, from all-inclusives and family-friendly resorts to personal leases and distinctive heritage accommodations!
Location: east-central
Location Map
Greatest occasions to go to: both spring (April/Could) or autumn (October/early November)
My private highlights…
Stress-free on Boujaffar Seashore which is the primary seaside in Sousse – we beloved watching the jet-skiers, parasailers, windsurfers!
Hanging out on the cosmopolitan space of Port El Kantaoui with had extra of an upscale vibe – I beloved the trendy eating places and the yacht-lined harbor.
4. Port El Kantaoui
This place is somewhat completely 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 all for a contemporary resort full with a set of chic-looking luxurious accommodations.
I discovered that this place has every part you want for a calming vacation – enormous sprawling upscale resorts, a restaurant-lined marina spas, golf programs, parasol-dotted tremendous sandy seashores, and a wide range of water sports activities from jet-skiing to scuba diving. Boats excursions are additionally actually in style right here and included glass-bottom boat rides and sundown day cruises.
There’s a medina (however sadly not historical!) to discover which is full of outlets, souvenirs and crafts however we acquired my historical past and tradition repair in close by Sousse which is barely 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 Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa Port El Kantaoui – I beloved the wellness focus of this resort, the spacious visitor rooms and its unbelievable onsite spa providing all types of seawater remedies! I’d suggest reserving a sea view room like I did if you happen to can!
Spending a day on the family-friendly Acqua Palace Water Park – I beloved the lazy river and the massive hair-raising waterslides!
5. Djerba
I’m an enormous fan of this island vacation spot because it affords every part the mainland resorts do however with a laid again island vibe! Situated off the southeastern coast, we additionally discovered it to be culturally and traditionally very fascinating and I captivated the combination of cultures which was evident in all places!
The island has an fascinating and colourful mixture of Jewish, Muslim, and Berber heritage with souks, well-preserved forts, historical mosques and synagogues and even conventional Berber villages the place I wandered down slim streets of whitewashed homes. The combination of cultures will also be seen in its fusion of scrumptious cuisines and eating places.
Artwork can be essential right here in addition to tourism – there are many beautiful resort resorts, sandy seashores with nice facilities, golf programs, thalassotherapy spas, enjoyable watersports and boat journeys to select from!
Location: an island off the southeast coast
Location Map
Greatest occasions to go to: between June and September for the most effective seaside climate.
My highlights…
Discovering Djerbahood, the road artwork village in Erriadh – we actually loved gazing on the vibrant murals which adorned the normal white-washed buildings. Look out for the intriguing previous woman mural!
Exploring Guellala Village often known as the ‘Pottery Village’ and shopping for a superbly hand-painted tajine!
6. Nabeul
I’d suggest this place as a extra laid again and domestically genuine different to close by Hammamet. It’s additionally extra extra budget-friendly than its extra in style rival.
I discovered this place to be much less about enormous upscale resorts and 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 stunning) 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…
Stress-free on the peaceable Nabeul Seashore on a rented solar mattress!
Attempting to find handicrafts and pottery Nabeul Souk which was held each Friday. I beloved the colourful ambiance, the way it was divided into sections and the domestically made rugs (kilims). I simply discovered the livestock part to be a bit upsetting so I swerved that bit shortly!
7. Bizerte
I personally assume that is one other nice possibility if you wish to keep someplace much less touristy! It’s a captivating and genuine coastal metropolis in northern Tunisia the place I acquired to stay extra like a neighborhood, away from the crowds and mass worldwide tourism you discover at different resorts.
There are some vacationer facilities like beachfront cafes, eating places, water sports activities and (largely) mid-range accommodations however the entire place is simply much less modern and commercialized.
Apart from a lovely lengthy sandy seaside, different causes to go to right here embody the picturesque previous port with gently bobbing boats, a fairly shoreline, and an unbelievable street reduce into the coast.
Location: north
Location Map
Greatest occasions to go to: between June and September for the most effective seaside climate.
Who would take pleasure in: 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 Previous Port (Vieux Port).
Taking a ship journey tour to the fascinating space of Bizerte lagoon which was full of unspoilt pure surroundings and chicken life.
8. Tunis Medina
Situated in northeastern a part of the nation, Tunis is the county’s bustling capital and it’s intriguing place which mixes previous 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 town and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. The ornate historic structure right here of is actually 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 wanting fountains, eating places, mosques and extraordinary palaces. All of them date from the Almohad, Hafsid and Ottoman intervals.
I actually loved wandering round photographing the placing structure, haggling with the stall house owners and absorbing the intoxicating ambiance.
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 snug.
My favourite highlights…
Visiting the spectacular Zitouna Mosque – I beloved how peaceable it was and the gorgeous courtyard which was surrounded by marble columns.
Sipping on tea on the rooftop Café des Nattes and gazing on the unbelievable medina views – I might see the Zitouna Mosque and even the extra fashionable a part of the capital.
9. Monastir Ribat
It is a placing historic gem! It’s historical fortress and among the best examples within the nation and in my view it makes a refreshing change to the tourist-focused sights.
It’s situated on the Mediterranean coast within the metropolis of Monastir, and it’s an imposing and really photogenic sight, in-built 796, as a army construction to assist keep at bay invaders. It’s truly identified to be probably 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 probably the most nice temperatures.
My private highlights…
Gazing on the central courtyard which has an nearly 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 previous!) historical past!
10. Plage de Chaffar, Sfax
It is a stunning seaside however one that draws the locals! I’ve to say this place because it’s lengthy huge seaside stretch of golden sand however it has a a lot rawer and fewer developed really feel.
Situated 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 an alternative we loved swimming, sunbathing, picnicking and trying out the native surrounding cafes and had a extremely laid again seaside 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 situated in the back of the seaside.
11. Chebika
That is a kind of locations that must be seen to be believed! It’s a beautiful and distinctive magnificence spot within the type of a dreamy mountain oasis, though it’s situated distant from a lot of the in style vacationer resorts so you must make an additional effort to get there!
It’s situated 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 town of Nefta (it’s additionally attainable 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 regarded like how I imagined Eden would look! It was nice to study that the oasis had been used for scenes in each Star Wars Episode IV and The English Affected person as properly.
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 snug.
My favourite highlights…
Studying about the way it was once a Roman outpost often known as “Advert Speculum” on the guided tour!
Exploring the close by village of ruins of the previous Berber village – I beloved discovering exploring the stays of the previous stone homes and studying all in regards to the historical past of the individuals who as soon as lived there, it’s a really fascinating spot!
12. The Sahara
Yep the Sahara Desert is basically as gorgeous as I imagined it might be! In Tunisia it truly covers a big space within the southern a part of the nation and I beloved my journey exploring it.
Sure there’s plenty of sand dunes (so far as the attention can see!) however there’s additionally rocky plateaus, beautiful oases (there’s three in style ones situated close to the Algerian border – Chebika, Tamerza, and Mides), and oasis cities equivalent to Nefta and Tozeur surreally stunning locations locations just like the salt flats, Chott el Jerid which was even used as Star Wars movie web site location.
Most resort cities supply excursions to the desert and I can extremely suggest taking a visit there. I personally don’t like animals getting used for tourism so we swerved the camel excursions and I opted for a jeep one as a substitute after which staying in a single day keep in a conventional 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 scorching springs right here and staying in a single day in Bedouin-style tents. Though we did get caught in a sandstorm although!
13. Matmata and the fortified granaries of the Ksour
These intriguing locations make for wonderful day journey excursions! Matmata is a small Berber village within the south, well-known for its distinctive troglodyte (cave-like) houses, 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 regarded nearly 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 at some point. You may also 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 places, as each have been used as filming websites for the Star Wars motion pictures. 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 motion pictures!
14. Chott el Djerid
This unbelievable spot is situated in northern fringe of the Sahara Desert! Chott el Djerid is a saltwater lake, and in the course of the winter months it’s residence to a shallow lake which – due to the minerals – has all types of colours – purple, pink, reds and even greens. Mirages can typically be seen as properly throughout this time of yr.
Through 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 equivalent to 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 properly 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.
15. Tamerza
That is an intriguing spot! Situated 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 nearly spooky ambiance!
In addition to conventional Berber structure, it’s residence thus far palm timber, two waterfalls and deep gorges and it’s a surreal however spectacular sight situated within the harsh desert setting.
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 offered conventional handcrafted items within the new working village.
Studying about how the Berber folks have tailored and are in a position to stay within the harsh desert environments on our guided tour!
16. Kairouan
I recommend if you happen to’re historical past fan then don’t miss this unbelievable metropolis! Situated within the centre of the nation, it’s truly one of the vital essential cities for its spiritual 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 Web site and on our journey right here we was in awe of the very spectacular and properly preserved structure right here!
We explored the spiritual structure, the traditional medina with its slim alleyways and whitewashed buildings, energetic souks full of conventional crafts equivalent to 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 could 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!
Attempting the signature candy pastry, Makroud within the souks of the medina! The tasty treats are created from semolina, dates or almonds, and honey and have been scrumptious!
17. Ichkeul Nationwide Park
This nation isn’t all the time identified for its lakes however this protected space is a magnificence! It’s situated within the north and in addition to being one of the vital essential pure reserves its additionally listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
The lake boasts intricate wetlands that appeal to 1000’s of migrant birds annually, together with the flamingo (which was my favourite chicken to identify there) in addition to geese, storks, flamingos and geese. Different wildlife stay 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 beautiful sundown and likewise climbing the paths in the course of the day!
Location: north of the nation
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: November to February to see chicken migration season
My private highlights…
Climbing the Djebel Ichkeul Trails – we beloved climbing up Mount Ichkeul and seeing beautiful 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 web site – there are lots of on this nation!
We took a guided 4×4 journey from Gafsa (it took 2 hours) and explored. The wildlife that stay 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 suggest 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 study in regards to the in regards to the historical past of the park and its ongoing wildlife conservation efforts right here!
Please all the time verify the newest authorities recommendation earlier than deciding on any journey vacation spot.