Although it’s famous for its sprawling sand dunes, elegant spas and desert Star War sets, the smallest country in North Africa is not always synonymous with beauty, but of course beauty is subjective and vastly underrated Tunisia is home to many places easily worthy of the word. From magical mountain oases to atmospheric holy cites, here is our collective choice for 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Tunisia…
Tunis Medina
The most beautiful part of the country’s capital city is the old Arab walled town, otherwise known as the Medina. Expect fine examples of Arab architecture and lively souqs where everything from household goods to gold items can be bartered for. The atmosphere is intoxicating and gives you a taste of what life was like in the Arabian opulence era which reigned from the 12th to the 16th centuries.
Chebika
Of course it’s all a matter of opinion, but arguably the most beautiful places to visit in Tunisia are away from the cities. Chebika which lies at the foot of the mountains of the Djebel el Negueb is a perfect example. Here an Eden-like oasis of beautiful waterfalls, curious caverns and date palms surviving in rocky clefts is a dramatic sight – and unsurprisingly a popular tourist haunt.
Hammamet
Once a humble fishing village surrounded by lemon groves, Hammamet is now a thriving resort town lined with numerous hotels (Thomas Cook offers good prices on last minute holiday deals here). It actually Tunisia’s first tourist destination due to its fine beaches and warm waters, which are perfect for water sports. Although it’s not all about all inclusive hotels, Hammamet has a beautiful historic centre crisscrossed with narrow alleyways and here you’ll find an attractive medina and a 12th century Kasbah.
Sidi Bou Said
Perched on top of a steep cliff overlooking the Mediterranean is where you’ll find Tunisia’s prettiest town. Their gorgeous traditional houses have been whitewashed to perfection and beautifully accented with flashes of brilliant blue. It’s long been a bohemian enclave, but with a few trendy boutique hotels popping up it now attracts a more well- heeled crowd. Expect narrow cobbled streets lined with cafes, art shops and souvenir stalls framed by an abundance of fragrant, cascading flowers. The town also makes a great base to explore the nearby Roman ruins of Carthage.
The Sahara
Every visitor should include the world’s largest desert on their itinerary and the Sahara can be reached by tours arranged from most resort towns. The Eastern Sand Sea (Grand Erg Oriental) makes up a huge part of Southern Tunisia and it’s a magical place where scenes from Star Wars and the English Patient were once filmed. The area is best explored by jeep or by camel but to really up the romance stakes include an overnight stay in a traditional tent. Make sure you don’t miss Nefta, the most beautiful sand dunes in Tunisia and Chott el Jerid, a vast salt lake.
Matmata & the Ksour
Movie fans would instantly recognise the intriguing troglodytic houses of Matmata – when director George Lucas visited here he was so taken with the area he used it as a set in his famous Star Wars films. It’s a uniquely beautiful place, home to attractive honeycomb-esque granaries known as ghorfas. The curious architecture style stems from fortified Berber settlements and are so unusual they almost look other-worldly.
Sousse
Located right on the coast, this former military port is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and UNESCO world heritage site status. It’s both a bustling tourist resort and a beautifully preserved place – a fine example of a town dating from the first centuries of Islam. Visit for outstanding Arabo-Muslim and Mediterranean architecture including ramparts, a Ftata Mosque, a typical ribat and a medina which is also home to the city’s Great Mosque.
Tamerza
The largest mountain oasis in the country is also a popular beauty spot and comes with an abandoned old town. Located in the mountains north of of the salt lakes it’s an intriguing place with two waterfalls, an oasis and deep gorges. The town was abandoned after the river floods in 1962 and today it’s eerily quiet. Also make sure you include a visit nearby Mides, another mountain oasis which is home to a spectacular canyon.
Kairouan
This important holy city has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 670 it has a rich architectural heritage as well as an attractive medina and lively souqs. Highlights include Great Mosque of Okba – one of the largest and oldest mosques in Tunisia and and the 9th-century Mosque of the Three Gates.
Cap Bon
The peninsula which lies at the North-Eastern tip of the country is so alluring it’s often referred to as the “the garden of Tunisia.” It’s also a popular resort area but it’s popular for a reason. Filled with sun-drenched beaches with clear blue sea, thermal springs, fragrant eucalyptus trees, lush palms and sweet-smelling flora this area is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Tunisia.
21 Comments
ismail chebaane
23 November, 2017 at 11:26 amthanks for posting these pictures but i have so much pictures and they are better btw
Srivatsa
23 April, 2014 at 10:35 amThanks for sharing such mind blowing pictures from Tunisia. So money saving starts for my next year’s vacation 🙂
Anna
3 April, 2014 at 11:52 amTunisia is amazing indeed! You can take a look at my post about Tunisian part of Sahara (linked below.
Sam @ Green Global Travel
10 March, 2014 at 11:28 pmSuch 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.
Scott
3 March, 2014 at 5:05 pmI’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!
Becky Moore
3 March, 2014 at 6:16 pmThe spa hotels are gorgeous!
Emma
3 March, 2014 at 4:56 pmWell 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!
Marysia @ My Travel Affairs
28 February, 2014 at 9:52 pmI 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!
Becky Moore
3 March, 2014 at 6:17 pmThanks Marysia, I’m glad we did! 🙂
Catherine
27 February, 2014 at 4:37 pmSo many beautiful places, Sidi Bou Said looks gorgeous!
Claire @ ZigZag On Earth
27 February, 2014 at 9:25 amOMG 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
Salika Jay
27 February, 2014 at 3:59 amThese places in Tunisa looks amazing! Sidi Bou Said reminds me of Greece. Beautiful photos too!
memographer
26 February, 2014 at 2:43 pmI have never been to Tunisia, and dream about Sahara for years… Great list! Beautiful photos. Now I wanna go even more [smile]
Kadri
26 February, 2014 at 5:44 amWow, 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.
Becky Moore
3 March, 2014 at 6:18 pmHope you get to go one day, it’s a very underrated place!
Mike
26 February, 2014 at 5:29 amI 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 🙂
Karl
26 February, 2014 at 2:36 amNot a place I had ever really though of visiting before until now. The moon pic is amazing! Adding this to the list..
Agness
26 February, 2014 at 12:53 amGreat list! Hammamet actually reminds me of a fish market in Bali, Indonesia!
Becky Moore
3 March, 2014 at 6:18 pmThanks Agness!
Corinne
25 February, 2014 at 1:07 pmI 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.
Christy
25 February, 2014 at 11:37 amI have never been there, looks like some really nice places to visit .