Tunisia has a lot to offer travelers. From beaches to desert dunes, it's a country that should be added to your bucket list.
Sousse is a Mediterranean resort town that offers an excellent introduction to North African culture and traditions. Its beautiful beaches and medina make it a perfect place to relax and get to know the locals.
Kairouan
Kairouan, Tunisia's most famous city, is one of the country's major historic attractions. UNESCO has classified it as a World Heritage Site.
The city has a huge medina which you can explore on foot, with many interesting mosques and monuments. But it's best to take a guided tour to get the most out of your visit.
In the north-eastern corner of the medina stands the Great Mosque, Kairouan's most important building. It has a vast inner courtyard surrounded on three sides by double-aisled colonnades of antique columns.
You can enter the mosque through its massive minaret, which combines with the town's walls to form a towering focal point in the centre of the town. The mosque was built by Uqba ibn Nafi, an Arab commander who founded the town in 672 CE.
The Grand Mosque has 414 marble pillars, each one different, as they were salvaged from Roman or Byzantine buildings at Carthage and Sousse. The enormous courtyard, with its arched colonnades and marble paving, was designed to catch water, which is funnelled into 9th-century cisterns underground.
Hammamet
Stretched out across Cap Bon's southeastern coast like a lazy sunbather, laid-back Hammamet was Tunisia's original tourism resort. It's an idyllic Mediterranean holiday destination with soft sands and a pretty medina, but it's also a gentle introduction to the culture and traditions of North Africa.
Hammamet is a tourist hotspot that offers everything from soaking up the sun to exploring ancient ruins and a lively nightlife. It's also a great base to explore the other tourist attractions on Cap Bon.
The main things to do in Hammamet include visiting the imposing Kasbah (also called the Fortress of Hammamet) and strolling through the medina, which boasts a wealth of well-preserved traditional Tunisian architecture. Alternatively, take the opportunity to visit Pupput, an archaeological site that dates back to Numidia and then to the Roman and Byzantine periods.
Other must-see places to see in northern Tunisia are Carthage and El Djem, both of which are a two-hour drive away from Hammamet. If you're interested in exploring nature, the Sahel region between Hammamet and Sfax further south offers long sandy beaches and lush forests.
El Djem
Often overlooked by tourists looking to simply hit the beach, Tunisia has a surprising bucketful of top attractions to visit and things to do off the sand. From sweeping desert dunes to ancient Roman ruins, Tunisia is the perfect place to explore North Africa’s enchanting history and cultural heritage.
Located more or less equidistant from Sousse and Sfax, the Roman amphitheater of El Jem (El Djem) is a must-see for history buffs on a Tunisia holiday. Recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, this massive monument was once home to the throngs of people who would gather for gladiatorial battles and wild animal hunts.
The best way to see the El Jem amphitheater is on a guided tour. However, it is also a good idea to take your time and explore on your own if you aren’t in a hurry. You can get there by train or louage from the town of Sousse.
Sidi Bou Said
Sidi Bou Said is the perfect place to relax and unwind during your trip to Tunisia. This picturesque town is known for its signature blue and white color scheme, and cliffside views of the Bay of Tunis.
Sidi Bou Said also enchants with its streets of bougainvillea and traditional architecture that is jealously preserved. The city is a favourite spot for artists and writers. It is where Chateaubriand, Gustave Flaubert, Alphonse de Lamartine and Colette made their homes.
During your stay in Sidi Bou Said, take a stroll through the narrow lanes and browse at the many artisanal craft shops. You can also soak up the bohemian atmosphere at a pretty outdoor cafe or bar.
You can also discover the Ishkol Lake, which is home to intricate wetlands that attract thousands of migrant birds each year including the stunning flamingo. The area is a popular destination for nature lovers and those who enjoy wildlife photography.
