Tunisia might be North Africa’s smallest country, but I was genuinely wowed by its beauty and now have a huge soft spot for it —from sun-soaked beaches and desert dunes to magical oases and historic towns. From my many trips here with my wife, here are my favorite spots…
1. Hammamet
I think this is the jewel of the whole country! Once a humble fishing village surrounded by lemon groves, Hammamet is now a thriving beach resort town filled with accommodation from upscale spa resorts and unique boutique hotels to affordable guest houses with jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, and diving all very popular here!
I loved how it was a mix of traditional local charm and modern luxury. During our trip, I found that it offered something for everyone – from couples seeking romance and creative types looking for an artsy retreat to families enjoying a peaceful break and travelers drawn to lively nightlife.
Beaches aside, we also loved exploring the picturesque historic centre crisscrossed with narrow alleyways, the attractive medina, the square fortress (known as kasbah), the impressive George Sebastian Vill and taking an incredible boat trip on a felucca (a stunning traditional boat with a huge white sail) – definitely make sure you do this last one, it’s a very dreamy experience!
- Location: northeastern part of the country
- Location Map
- Best times to visit: either spring (April/May) or autumn (October/early November)
My favorite highlights…
- Staying at the stunning Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa Yasmine Hammame Hotel and indulging in Thalassotherapy – I loved that they used mineral-rich marine mud sourced from the Gulf of Hammamet.
2. Sidi Bou Said
This was my second favorite place! In my opinion, it’s one of the most picturesque towns in the country, perfectly perched on a stunning cliff with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
We both were really won over by its well-preserved historic charm, and although its a peaceful, intimate spot, it still has a vibrant energy! The cobbled streets are lined with charming traditional white-and-blue houses, cozy restaurants, lively cafes, and fragrant flowers. There was also a small, sandy beach in town and some larger ones were located nearby.
Known for its strong artistic heritage, I loved that it was home to a great collection of art galleries, artisan shops, and creative boutique hotels, so it’s quite the bohemian sanctuary! Recently, it’s also begun attracting a more luxury-seeking crowd seeking a unique experience with more interesting accommodation like charming guest houses and historic villas.
During my trip, we loved sipping on coffee in the alfresco cafes, relaxing on the gorgeous nearby beaches of La Marsa and Gammarth Beach, and exploring the ornate Ennejma Ezzahra Palace and the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Roman ruins of Carthage. The historic Dar El Annabi Museum was also interesting and even showcased some (slightly surreal!) lifelike wax figures!
- Location: northern part of the country
- Location Map
- Best times to visit: either spring (April/May) or autumn (October/early November)
My favorite highlights…
- Staying at the wonderful 5-star La Menara Hotel & SPA, I loved the blend of traditional Moroccan architecture and modern luxury – especially the rose-infused black soap scrub in their Hammam Spa and the rooftop with private cabanas and a mosaic-tiled pool!
- Sipping on sweet, freshly brewed mint tea at sunset at Café des Délices – perched high on a cliff in Sidi Bou Said – I sat on a blue-painted terrace lined with mosaic tables, watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Tunis!
3. Djerba
I’m a big fan of this island destination as it offers everything the mainland resorts do but with a laid back island vibe! Located off the southeastern coast, we also found it to be culturally and historically very interesting and I captivated the mix of cultures which was evident everywhere!
The island has an interesting and colorful mix of Jewish, Muslim, and Berber heritage with souks, well-preserved forts, ancient mosques and synagogues and even traditional Berber villages where I wandered down narrow streets of whitewashed houses. I loved how I could see the mix of cultures in its fusion of delicious cuisines and restaurants.
I also saw how art was very important here, as well as tourism – there were plenty of gorgeous hotel resorts, sandy beaches with great amenities, golf courses, thalassotherapy spas, fun watersports and boat trips to choose from!
- Location: an island off the southeast coast
- Location Map
- Best times to visit: between June and September for the best beach weather.
My highlights…
- Staying at the beautiful Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso – their Thalasso Spa is famous and I could see why, it was seriously stunning as was its striking architecture and its lavish pool area complete with swim-up bar where I sipped on a fresh fig cocktail at sunset!
4. Sousse
Located right on the coast, we discovered gorgeous sandy beaches, colorful souks filled with haggling locals, the impressive 8th-century Ribat (fortified monastery) which still has its original ramparts, and the very impressive Great Mosque which dates back to 851. I especially loved the atmospheric old town and medina – it’s also listed a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
I also discovered that it offered a great range of accommodation options, from all-inclusive and family-friendly resorts to private rentals and unique heritage boutique hotels!
- Location: east-central
- Location Map
- Best times to visit: either spring (April/May) or autumn (October/early November)
My personal highlights…
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Staying for a week at the stunning Jaz Tour Khalef, I loved the private beach, the Insta-worthy pool with stylish white cabanas, and the modern Thalassotherapy spa—especially their underwater hydrotherapy circuit with a saltwater floatation pool!
5. Port El Kantaoui
This place is a little different as it’s a purpose-built tourist resort! Yes it does lacks history and authentic local culture but its the place to go if you’re interested in a modern resort complete with a collection of chic-looking luxury hotels.
I found that this place has everything you needed for a relaxing holiday – huge sprawling upscale resorts, a restaurant-lined marina spas, golf courses, parasol-dotted fine sandy beaches, and a large range of water sports from jet-skiing to scuba diving. Boats tours were also really popular here and included glass-bottom boat rides and sunset day cruises.
There was a medina (but sadly, not ancient!) to explore which was filled with shops, souvenirs and crafts but we got my history and culture fix in nearby Sousse which is only a 15 minute drive away!
- Location: central part of the country
- Location Map
- Best times to visit: between June and September for the best beach weather.
My highlights..
- Staying at the 4-star Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa Port El Kantaoui, I loved the wellness focus, the spacious guest rooms, and the incredible spa with all kinds of seawater treatments—my favorite was the detoxifying, iodine-rich Algotherapy wrap!
6. Nabeul
I loved how this was a more laid back and locally authentic alternative to nearby Hammamet. I also more more budget-friendly than its more popular rival. I stayed at the charming CALIMERA Delfino Beach Resort & Spa which had a less glossy but more authentic feel about place (which I loved)!
I found this place to be more low-key and less about commercialization and more about artisan culture and a more traditional Tunisian way of life with souks bustling with local people, craftspeople working in their studios, quieter and less developed (but still beautiful) beaches and pottery and ceramics galore!
- Location: north east
- Location Map
- Best times to visit: between June and September for the best beach weather.
My favorite highlights…
- Relaxing on the peaceful Nabeul Beach on a rented sun bed and gazing at the calm turquoise waters!
- Hunting for handicrafts and pottery Nabeul Souk which was held every Friday. I loved the vibrant atmosphere, how it was divided into sections and the locally made rugs (kilims). I just found the livestock section to be a bit upsetting so I swerved that bit quickly!
7. Bizerte
I personally thought this was another great option as I found it to be less touristy! It was a charming and authentic coastal city in northern Tunisia where I got to live more like a local, away from the crowds and mass international tourism you find at other resorts.
I stayed at the wonderful Al Madina, traditional Riad and found that there are some tourist amenities like beachfront cafes, restaurants, water sports and (mostly) mid-range hotels but the whole place is just less sleek and commercialized.
Aside from a beautiful long sandy beach, other reasons to visit here include the picturesque old port with gently bobbing boats, a pretty coastline, and an incredible road cut into the coast.
- Location: north
- Location Map
- Best times to visit: between June and September for the best beach weather.
- Who would enjoy: travelers looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, budget-conscious travelers.
My favorite highlights…
- Enjoying mint tea with pine nuts and traditional baklava (aTunisian pastry) at Café Maure while people watching at the Old Port (Vieux Port).
- Taking a boat trip tour to the interesting area of Bizerte Lagoon which was filled with unspoilt natural scenery and interesting bird life – I spotted greater flamingos and egrets which was an incredible experience!
8. Tunis Medina
Located in northeastern part of the country, Tunis is the county’s bustling capital and it’s intriguing place which mixes old and new in both buildings and culture.
By far my most favorite spot in the city was the ancient walled medina which lies at the center of the city and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ornate historic architecture here of is truly stunning and I spent two days exploring in being in awe of it!
It’s winding narrow streets are filled with a heady mix colorful souks (markets), monuments, delicate looking fountains, restaurants, mosques and extraordinary palaces. They all dated from the Almohad, Hafsid and Ottoman periods.
I stayed at the wonderful and traditional riad-style 4-star Dar el médina and spent two day wandering around photographing the striking architecture, haggling with the stall owners and soaking up the intoxicating atmosphere. I loved that it gave me a glimpse into how opulent Arabian life was in the 12th to the 16th centuries.
- Location: northeastern coast
- Location Map
- Best times to visit: spring (March to May) or the fall (September to November) when the temperatures are more comfortable.
My favorite highlights…
- Visiting the impressive Zitouna Mosque – I loved how peaceful it was and the beautiful courtyard which was surrounded by marble columns.
- Sipping on tea at the rooftop Café des Nattes and gazing at the incredible medina views – I could see the Zitouna Mosque and even the more modern part of the capital from there!
9. Monastir Ribat
This is a striking historic gem! It’s ancient fortress and one of the best examples in the country and in my opinion it makes a refreshing change to the tourist-focused attractions.
It’s located on the Mediterranean coast in the city of Monastir, and it’s an imposing and very photogenic sight, built in 796, as a military structure to help ward off invaders. It’s actually known to be the most well-preserved Islamic fortresses in the whole of North Africa!
We really enjoying strolling around and seeing the incredibly thick stone walls, large towers, prayer hall, battlements and Nador watchtower which had incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Location: northeastern coast
- Location Map
- Best times to visit: April to November for the most pleasant temperatures.
My personal highlights…
- Gazing at the central courtyard which has an almost zen-like vibe is surrounded by cells that were once occupied by the warrior monks that lived here, wow!
- Seeing the original ancient stone carvings and inscriptions – what an incredible piece of (very old!) history!
10. Plage de Chaffar, Sfax
This is a beautiful beach but one that attracted the locals! I had to mention this place as it’s long wide beach stretch of golden sand but it has a much rawer and less developed feel. There’s much less amenities than the beach resorts those courting the international visitors (you won’t find jet-skis and banana boats here!).
Instead we stayed at the wonderfully unique Borj Dhiafa and enjoyed swimming, sunbathing, picnicking and checking out the local surrounding cafes and had a really laid back and very authentically Tunisian experience!
- Location: east
- Location Map
- Best times to visit: spring (March to May) or the fall (September to November) when the temperatures are pleasant.
My favorite highlights…
- Stopping for a strong Turkish coffee at the laid back beachside Café Plage – I loved just kicking back and people-watching!
- Having a picnic in the stunning natural sand dunes located at the back of the beach.
11. Chebika
This is one of those places that has to be seen to be believed! It’s a gorgeous and unique beauty spot in the form of a dreamy mountain oasis, although it’s located far away from most of the popular tourist resorts so you have to make an extra effort to get there!
It’s located in foothills of the Djebel el Negueb mountains in the Tunisian part of the Sahara Desert, and to reach it we took a guided jeep tour from the city of Nefta (it’s also possible to depart from Tozeur) which took an hour and once there we were explored for two hours and hiked the main Oasis Loop Trail.
The tail took us round the best parts including the palm trees sprouting out of the rocky terrain, the small but breathtaking waterfall, interesting caverns and the natural pools – to me it looked like how I imagined Eden would look! It was great to learn that the oasis had been used for scenes in both Star Wars Episode IV and The English Patient as well.
- Location: west-central
- Location Map
- Best times to visit: spring (March to May) or the fall (September to November) when the temperatures are more comfortable.
My favorite highlights…
- Learning about how it used to be a Roman outpost known as “Ad Speculum” on the guided tour!
- Exploring the nearby village of ruins of the old Berber village – I loved discovering exploring the remains of the former stone houses and learning all about the history of the people who once lived there, it was a very fascinating spot!
12. Chott el Djerid
This incredible spot is located in northern edge of the Sahara Desert! Chott el Djerid is a saltwater lake, and during the winter months it’s home to a shallow lake which – because of the minerals – has all sorts of colors – purple, pink, reds and even greens. Mirages can sometimes be seen as well during this time of year.
During the hotter months it turns into dry salt lake covered in layer of white salt crust which dazzles in the sunlight! On our trip I walked around the edge and was in awe of the surreal beauty spot!
It make a unique day trip and you can easily join an excursion from nearby towns such as Tozeur, Nefta, Matmata and Tunis. We took a day trip to here from the town of Douz and it took 45 minutes.
- Location: south of the country
- Location Map
- Best times to visit: October to April (the cooler months)
My favorite highlights…
- I loved learning that it was another Star Wars location spot as well on our guided tour (George Lucas sure loved Tunisia!) and many scenes of the fictional desert planet Tatooine scenes were shot in this location.
13. The Sahara
Yep the Sahara Desert is really as stunning as I imagined it would be! In Tunisia it actually covers a large area in the southern part of the country and I loved my trip exploring it.
Yes, there are endless sand dunes (stretching as far as the eye can see!), but I also found rocky plateaus, gorgeous oases (with three popular ones near the Algerian border—Chebika, Tamerza, and Mides), and charming oasis towns like Nefta and Tozeur. There are also surreal landscapes such as the vast salt flats of Chott el Jerid, which was even used as a Star Wars filming location. I even got to wander around the Mos Espa Star Wars set near Tozeur, still standing right there in the desert sand!
Most resort towns offer excursions to the desert and I can highly recommend taking a trip there. I personally don’t like animals being used for tourism and saw some bad videos on Instagram so we swerved the camel tours and I opted for a jeep one instead and then staying overnight stay in a traditional Bedouin-tent, which was a very romantic experience!
- Location: southern region
- Location Map
- Best times to visit: October to April (the cooler months)
My favorite highlights…
- Exploring the interesting oasis Ksar Ghilane on a guided 4×4 trip – although it’s quite touristy I loved taking a dip on in natural hot springs here and staying overnight in Bedouin-style tents. Although we did get caught in a sandstorm though!
14. Matmata and the fortified granaries of the Ksour
These intriguing places make for excellent day trips! Matmata is a small Berber village in the south, famous for its unique troglodyte (cave-like) homes, while Ksar Ouled Soltane near Tataouine is one of the most impressive ksour granaries, with rows of ghorfas (vaulted storage rooms) stacked high like a honeycomb. To me, it looked almost other-worldly!
They’re relatively close (around a two-hour drive apart), so I arranged a trip from Douz to see both in one day. I also found out that I could also easily arrange excursions from towns like Tozeur, Gabes, and Tataouine with local tour operators.
- Location: south of the country
- Location Map
- Best time to visit: October to April (the cooler months)
My personal highlights…
- Instantly recognizing the locations, as both were used as filming sites for the Star Wars movies. Our guide mentioned that when director George Lucas visited Matmata, he was so captivated by the area that he decided to feature it in his now-legendary movies!
15. Tamerza
This was such an intriguing spot! Located near the Algerian border near the west-central part of the country it’s a large mountain oasis town. The town has long been abandoned but I found it fascinating to walk around the ruins of the village which I felt had almost spooky atmosphere!
As well as traditional Berber architecture, it’s home to date palm trees, two waterfalls and deep gorges and it’s a surreal but impressive sight located in the harsh desert environment.
The town was abandoned after the 1962 river floods, but there’s a new working village built just a few kilometres away which also has restaurants and a guest house for overnight stay. Although we opted for a 4×4 guided day trip from Tozeur which also included the nearby oases of Chebika and Mides.
- Location: west central part of the country
- Location Map
- Best times to visit: October to April (the cooler months)
My highlights…
- Exploring the local markets which sold traditional handcrafted goods in the new working village.
- Learning about how the Berber people have adapted and are able to live in the harsh desert environments on our guided tour!
16. Kairouan
I suggest if you’re history fan then don’t miss this incredible city! Located in the centre of the country, it’s actually one of the most important cities for its religious and historic significance and I found it to be a real gem!
It was founded in 670 AD and it’s said to be the fourth holiest city in Islam, after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem, after it took a huge part in spreading the word of Islam in North Africa.
This holy city has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and on our trip here we was in awe of the very impressive and well preserved architecture here!
We explored the religious architecture, the ancient medina with its narrow alleyways and whitewashed buildings, lively souks filled with traditional crafts such as handwoven rugs and carpets.
- Location: central Tunisia
- Location Map
- Best time to visit: spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the temperatures as summer can be very hot!
My highlights…
- Exploring the breathtaking and very photogenic Great Mosque of Okba (one of the country’s largest and oldest mosques) and the historic Mosque of the Three Gates which dates back to 866 AD – I loved the tranquil vibe of both!
- Trying the signature sweet pastry, Makroud in the souks of the medina! The tasty treats are made from semolina, dates or almonds, and honey and were delicious!
17. Ichkeul National Park
This country isn’t always known for its lakes but this protected area is a beauty! It’s located in the north and as well as being one of the most important natural reserves its also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The lake boasts intricate wetlands that attract thousands of migrant birds each year, including the flamingo (which was my favorite bird to spot there) as well as ducks, storks, flamingos and geese. Other wildlife live in this unique place including including wild boars, otters and jackals.
We took a day trip with a tour operator when in Tunis and we loved the stunning scenery here including the olive trees and the gorgeous sunset and also hiking the trails during the day!
- Location: north of the country
- Location Map
- Best time to visit: November to February to see bird migration season
My personal highlights…
- Hiking the Djebel Ichkeul Trails – we loved hiking up Mount Ichkeul and seeing gorgeous panoramic views of the tranquil lake and surrounding wetlands.
18. Bou-Hedma National Park
This place is one for the nature lovers! This unique area was first established as a national park in 1980 and it was formed to protect its unusual landscapes of both desert and semi-arid as well as its interesting wildlife.
Now it’s also been listed as an UNESCO heritage site – there are many in this country!
We took a guided 4×4 trip from Gafsa (it took 2 hours) and explored. The wildlife that live here includes endangered species such as the Addax antelope, Oryx, eagles and Dorcas gazelle and there was also Roman ruins in the park. If you love history, nature and wildlife then I highly recommend it!
- Location: central part of the country
- Location Map
- Best times to visit: March to May – when wildlife is more active
My personal highlights…
- Visiting the parks interesting onsite museum – it was great to learn about the about the history of the park and its ongoing wildlife conservation efforts here!
Please always check the latest government advice before deciding on any travel destination.
thanks for posting these pictures but i have so much pictures and they are better btw
Thanks for sharing such mind blowing pictures from Tunisia. So money saving starts for my next year’s vacation 🙂
Tunisia is amazing indeed! You can take a look at my post about Tunisian part of Sahara (linked below.
Such stunning pictures! It seems like there are so many different variety of places to visit in Tunisia with so many different cultural and environmental experiences. Definitely adding this place to my bucket list.
I’ve been recently and all these choices are good, I’d have to give a special mention to the Roman ruins and the spa hotels are pretty incredible too!
The spa hotels are gorgeous!
Well it definitely looks beautiful in these photos! I’ve never really considered it before as a travel destination to be honest, but it looks as though I’m missing out!
I love this list, I have never considered traveling in Tunisia, always somehow connected it with all inclusive cheap holidays deals until now, you have change my mind! Bravo!
Thanks Marysia, I’m glad we did! 🙂
So many beautiful places, Sidi Bou Said looks gorgeous!
OMG that shot in the Sahara!!!!!
All those places look nice. But my last trip was Morocco so for the next few I will try something radically different.
But I will keep in mind this post for the future! Thanks
These places in Tunisa looks amazing! Sidi Bou Said reminds me of Greece. Beautiful photos too!
I have never been to Tunisia, and dream about Sahara for years… Great list! Beautiful photos. Now I wanna go even more [smile]
Wow, I’m impressed. I’ve never thought about visit Tunisia, I even don’t know why, this place just haven’t have been on my mind, never. But looking at these photos it would be a shame if I wouldn’t go there.
Hope you get to go one day, it’s a very underrated place!
I would absolutely have to go to Tunisia just to visit the old Star Wars set! A lifelong dream come true for me and before the sand engulfs it permanently. I would love to sit and people watch in the Medina, Becky! That looks like so much fun. Btw…the pictures are amazing. Especially that one of the Sahara…wow 🙂
Not a place I had ever really though of visiting before until now. The moon pic is amazing! Adding this to the list..
Great list! Hammamet actually reminds me of a fish market in Bali, Indonesia!
Thanks Agness!
I like your list. I have to say I liked a few other places better and was really kind of disappointed in Sidi Bou Said,let alone where Star Wars was filmed, however I loved Tunisia. My favorite place by far was El Kef! Great post.
I have never been there, looks like some really nice places to visit .