Come and visit Tunisia and discover wonderful landscapes between the desert and the Mediterranean Sea. Here are the 16 most beautiful places to visit in Tunisia.
Nestled between Algeria and Libya, Tunisia dazzles North Africa with its beauty and immense culture. From deserts to glistening waters and exceptional sites, discover this small Maghreb state in all its sumptuous glory. Whether you’re a history buff or a leisure enthusiast, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in this multi-faceted treasure trove!
Thanks to its many assets, it has been a leading tourist destination since the 1960s.
So don’t hesitate, and plunge into the heart of this magnificent country, where customs and tradition mingle with unparalleled scenery!
Want to visit Tunisia? Here are the 16 most beautiful places to discover.
1. Dougga
Photo Credit: Filckr – Dietmar K
Dougga is a marvellous archaeological site. You’ll be amazed by the richness of this place. Located around 100 kilometers from Tunis, Dougga is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering an area of 25 hectares, Dougga is one of the best-preserved sites in the world, and especially in the Maghreb. Much more than just a temple, it’s an entire ancient Roman colony, consisting mainly of a theater, baths, mausoleum and capitol. If you’re visiting Tunisia, this is a must-see!
2. Ksar-Ghilane
Photo Credit: Instagram – @yljtsang
If you’re looking for beautiful scenery, head for the town of Tataouine. Here you’ll find the magnificent Ksar-Ghilane oasis. At the very edge of the Sahara desert, admire the crystal-clear green pools that invite you to take a dip. The warm waters (over 30°C) will make you feel like you’re in an open-air bath.
Good to know
Wild camping is permitted south of the oasis. Why not spend a night under the stars?
3. Chott El-Djérid
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Lukasz Janyst
Staying with the magnificent scenery, we head for the Chott el-Djérid, in the direction of Tozeur. A huge salt lake covering some 7,000 km2. Nicknamed the « Lake of Mirages », it will surprise you when flooded with light. Evaporation, caused by the sun’s heat, creates a mist that offers deceptive images. Rocks and imaginary caravans are said to appear on the horizon.
A little extra: go at the end of the day to watch the sunset. Magic guaranteed…
4. Tozeur
Photo Credit: Flickr – Kraken_Boy
Like the world of oases? Then you can’t miss Tozeur if you’re visiting Tunisia! It’s the largest and most beautiful of the oases.
Discover its sumptuous waterfall and palm grove, home to over 400,000 palm trees. In Tozeur, you can also wander through the narrow streets lined with typical houses. Discover the Ouled-el-Halef district, the Paradiso gardens and the belvedere. Visit the Tozeur zoo, where you’ll meet a variety of desert animals.
5. Sidi Bou Saïd
This is a must-see if you’re visiting Tunisia. Located some twenty kilometers northeast of Tunis, Sidi Bou Saïd is a very typical village of white and blue houses. Dominating Carthage from the top of its cliff, it is the most visited village in the country.
Spend some time in its pretty alleyways and contemplate the many decorations on display. You’ll appreciate the charming Mediterranean atmosphere. Visit the museums and the Dar Nejma Ezzahra palace. And to round off your day in style, enjoy a delicious mint tea in one of the cafés with a sea view.
6. Tunis
As far as the city is concerned, Tunis is a must when visiting Tunisia! The administrative capital of the country, Tunis is a blend of modernity and ancient culture. Visit the Musée du Bardo, Tunisia’s largest museum, which will take you back into the country’s history. This is also the time to visit the souks, where you’ll discover many colorful stalls and the sweet scent of spices.
Tunis is also perfect for party-goers. Bars, pubs and discos… The night is yours!
7. Djerba
This island, nicknamed « Djerba la douce », lies off the Tunisian coast. It covers an area of 514 square kilometers. Visiting Tunisia? Don’t miss Djerba and its long, white sandy beaches! Its typical whitewashed houses will give you a complete change of scenery. Djerba offers a wide range of hotels and activities. Several excursions are available. Houmt Souk is a market town.
Good to know
Monokinis are prohibited on public beaches.
8. Korba Lagoon
Photo Credit : Wkipedia
The Korba lagoon is another magnificent place not to be missed if you’re visiting Tunisia. Located in the north-east of the country, it stretches along the eastern coast of the Cap-Bon peninsula, and is ideal for nature lovers, where you can observe pink flamingos and ducks in complete tranquillity. Tunisians take great care of this privileged area, organizing regular clean-up operations. The flora and fauna here are extremely precious.
9. Matmata
A Berber village in southern Tunisia, Matmata will surprise you with its troglodyte houses. These unusual dwellings are dug right into the rock, into the side of a hill – an unusual architectural feature. A small village of just 2,000 inhabitants, Matmata will surprise you with its originality: some of these houses are still inhabited.
A little anecdote: Star Wars fan? If so, you’ve probably already seen these houses, since a scene from the saga was filmed here!
10. Carthage
Once an important trading city, Carthage is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Tunis.
A veritable archaeological site, it contains treasures of history spanning more than 2,000 years. There are many monuments to visit, starting with the Byrsa hill, where you’ll find the museum displaying numerous archaeological artifacts. Further on, facing the sea, you can visit Antoninus’ thermal baths. Extend your visit to the military and commercial harbours. In July and August, visit Tunisia and enjoy the Carthage Music Festival!
11. Hammamet
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Thomas Klee
Speaking of music festivals, Hammamet is also well placed on the podium! In summer, come and enjoy music and theater, there’s something for everyone. But Hammamet has much more to offer. Its charm is undeniable…
Its superb beaches make it the « Tunisian Saint-Tropez ». If you’re visiting Tunisia, Hammamet is a must. Even though it’s not far from the desert, it enjoys a verdant setting, rich in orange and lemon orchards. The medina, with its 1,500-year-old walls, offers a completely different view of the town. You’ll also find pretty markets brimming with pottery.
12. Medina de Sousse
Photo credit: Flickr – János Korom Dr.
The medina of Sousse is the historic heart of the city and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 9, 1988. Sousse is typical of the towns found in the early centuries of Islam in the Maghreb. Come and visit Tunisia and stroll through the narrow streets lined with stores.
Don’t hesitate to go and explore, beautiful discoveries are hidden in the smallest nooks and crannies…
13. El Jem Amphitheatre
Located around 60 km from Sousse and 40 km from the sea, this amphitheatre is considered the largest ruin in the whole of North Africa. Be amazed by its incredible proportions (148 metres long, 122 metres wide and 36 metres high). Built on the ruins of the ancient city of Thysdrus, theEl Jem amphitheater is one of the largest in the Roman Empire (between 27,000 and 30,000 spectators at the time). It hosts the El-Jem International Festival of Symphonic Music, held every summer from July 15 to August 15. Illuminated by candlelight and boasting perfect acoustics, the evening atmosphere is magical.
14. Ichkeul National Park
Photo Credit: Instagram – @ineslandolsi2
Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this immense park has much to offer. It’s about 50 km from Tunis on the way to Bizerte. If you’re planning a visit to Tunisia, you’ll want to discover this veritable paradise for lovers of flora and fauna. Thanks to its lake and marshes, it’s a gathering point for thousands of migratory birds that come here to spend the winter.
Relax in its natural thermal baths with hot springs. There’s no better way to get back into shape!
15. Monastir Ribat
This is a must-see monument if you’re visiting Tunisia. Built in 796, in the town of Sahel, Ribat de Monastir is very popular with tourists, but not only! It’s also very popular with film-makers, who have often chosen it as a location for their film shoots.
Tunisia’s oldest monument, we invite you to climb its high tower and admire the superb sea view. You won’t be disappointed!
16. Jbil National Park
Photo Credit: Instagram – @kerouredan
A Saharan park forming part of the Great Tectonic Zone, it lies in the Nefzaoua and Grand Erg Oriental natural regions, around 70 km from Douz. Jbil Park is also a strategic area for bird conservation. It is home to a relatively well-developed flora and fauna, despite its harsh climate. Explore its various zones, including dunes, mountain ranges and regs, by 4X4. You might even come across a fennec or a pretty gazelle!
As you can see, Tunisia is a country with many resources and no shortage of activities. What are your fondest memories?
Map of hotels and accommodation – Tunisia