For my part it’s the proper vacation spot for vacationers who take pleasure in historical past and tradition, because it’s a well-preserved instance of a city relationship again to the early centuries of Islam.
Situated proper on the coast, we found attractive sandy seashores, colourful souks stuffed with haggling locals, the spectacular Eighth-century Ribat (fortified monastery) which nonetheless has its unique ramparts, and the very spectacular Nice Mosque which dates again to 851. I particularly liked the atmospheric outdated city and medina – it’s additionally listed a UNESCO World Heritage Web site!
I additionally found that it supplied an incredible vary of lodging choices, from all-inclusive and family-friendly resorts to personal leases and distinctive heritage boutique inns!
- Location: east-central
- Location Map
- Greatest occasions to go to: both spring (April/Could) or autumn (October/early November)
My private highlights…
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Staying for per week on the beautiful Jaz Tour Khalef, I liked the personal seaside, the Insta-worthy pool with fashionable white cabanas, and the trendy Thalassotherapy spa—particularly their underwater hydrotherapy circuit with a saltwater floatation pool!
5. Port El Kantaoui
This place is somewhat totally 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 excited about a contemporary resort full with a set of chic-looking luxurious inns.
I discovered that this place has every part you wanted for a soothing vacation – enormous sprawling upscale resorts, a restaurant-lined marina spas, golf programs, parasol-dotted high-quality sandy seashores, and a wide range of water sports activities from jet-skiing to scuba diving. Boats excursions had been additionally actually widespread right here and included glass-bottom boat rides and sundown day cruises.
There was a medina (however sadly, not historic!) to discover which was stuffed with retailers, souvenirs and crafts however we obtained my historical past and tradition repair in close by Sousse which is simply 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 perfect seaside climate.
My highlights..
- Staying on the 4-star Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa Port El Kantaoui, I liked the wellness focus, the spacious visitor rooms, and the unimaginable spa with every kind of seawater remedies—my favourite was the detoxifying, iodine-rich Algotherapy wrap!
6. Nabeul
I’d suggest this place as a extra laid again and regionally genuine various to close by Hammamet. It’s additionally extra extra budget-friendly than its extra widespread 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 lovely) seashores and pottery and ceramics galore!
- Location: north east
- Location Map
- Greatest occasions to go to: between June and September for the perfect seaside climate.
My favourite highlights…
- Enjoyable on the peaceable Nabeul Seaside on a rented solar mattress and gazing on the calm turquoise waters!
- Attempting to find handicrafts and pottery Nabeul Souk which was held each Friday. I liked the colourful environment, the way it was divided into sections and the regionally made rugs (kilims). I simply discovered the livestock part to be a bit upsetting so I swerved that bit rapidly!
7. Bizerte
I personally suppose 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 obtained to stay extra like an area, 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 (principally) mid-range inns however the entire place is simply much less glossy and commercialized.
Apart from a wonderful lengthy sandy seaside, different causes to go to right here embrace the picturesque outdated port with gently bobbing boats, a fairly shoreline, and an unimaginable highway reduce into the coast.
- Location: north
- Location Map
- Greatest occasions to go to: between June and September for the perfect seaside climate.
- Who would take pleasure in: vacationers searching for 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 Outdated Port (Vieux Port).
- Taking a ship journey tour to the fascinating space of Bizerte Lagoon which was stuffed with unspoilt pure surroundings and fascinating fowl life – I noticed higher flamingos and egrets which was an unimaginable expertise!
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 outdated 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 heart of the town and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. The ornate historic structure right here of is actually beautiful and I spent two days exploring in being in awe of it!
It’s winding slender streets are stuffed with 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 hanging structure, haggling with the stall house owners and absorbing the intoxicating environment.
I liked 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 comfy.
My favourite highlights…
- Visiting the spectacular Zitouna Mosque – I liked how peaceable it was and the attractive courtyard which was surrounded by marble columns.
- Sipping on tea on the rooftop Café des Nattes and gazing on the unimaginable medina views – I may see the Zitouna Mosque and even the extra trendy a part of the capital from there!
9. Monastir Ribat
This can be a hanging historic gem! It’s historic fortress and probably the greatest examples within the nation and for my part 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, inbuilt 796, as a army construction to assist keep at bay invaders. It’s really 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, massive towers, prayer corridor, battlements and Nador watchtower which had unimaginable 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 virtually zen-like vibe is surrounded by cells that had been as soon as occupied by the warrior monks that lived right here, wow!
- Seeing the unique historic stone carvings and inscriptions – what an unimaginable piece of (very outdated!) historical past!
10. Plage de Chaffar, Sfax
This can be a lovely seaside however one that draws the locals! I’ve to say this place because it’s lengthy broad seaside stretch of golden sand but it surely 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 received’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 very 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 liked simply kicking again and people-watching!
- Having a picnic within the beautiful pure sand dunes situated behind the seaside.
11. Chebika
That is a type 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 far-off from many of the widespread vacationer resorts so it’s important to 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 the town of Nefta (it’s additionally potential to depart from Tozeur) which took an hour and as soon as there we had been explored for 2 hours and hiked the principle Oasis Loop Path.
The tail took us spherical the perfect components together with the palm bushes sprouting out of the rocky terrain, the small however breathtaking waterfall, fascinating caverns and the pure swimming pools – to me it seemed 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 nicely.
- 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 comfy.
My favourite highlights…
- Studying about the way it was once a Roman outpost referred to as “Advert Speculum” on the guided tour!
- Exploring the close by village of ruins of the outdated Berber village – I liked 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 was a really fascinating spot!
12. Chott el Djerid
This unimaginable 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 nicely 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 may simply be a part of an tour from close by cities akin 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 liked studying that it was one other Star Wars location spot as nicely on our guided tour (George Lucas certain liked Tunisia!) and lots of scenes of the fictional desert planet Tatooine scenes had been shot on this location.
13. The Sahara
Yep the Sahara Desert is admittedly as beautiful as I imagined it could be! In Tunisia it really covers a big space within the southern a part of the nation and I liked my journey exploring it.
Sure there’s a number of sand dunes (so far as the attention can see!) however there’s additionally rocky plateaus, attractive oases (there’s three widespread ones situated close to the Algerian border – Chebika, Tamerza, and Mides), and oasis cities akin to Nefta and Tozeur surreally lovely locations locations just like the salt flats, Chott el Jerid which was even used as Star Wars movie website 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 and noticed some dangerous movies on Instagram so we swerved the camel excursions and I opted for a jeep one as an alternative 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 liked taking a dip on in pure sizzling springs right here and staying in a single day in Bedouin-style tents. Though we did get caught in a sandstorm although!
14. Matmata and the fortified granaries of the Ksour
These intriguing locations make for glorious 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 seemed virtually 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 sooner or later. You too can 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 had been used as filming websites for the Star Wars films. Our information talked about that when director George Lucas visited Matmata, he was so captivated by the realm that he determined to function it in his now-legendary films!
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 virtually spooky environment!
In addition to conventional Berber structure, it’s residence so far palm bushes, two waterfalls and deep gorges and it’s a surreal however spectacular sight situated within the harsh desert atmosphere.
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 unimaginable metropolis! Situated within the centre of the nation, it’s really probably the most necessary cities for its non secular and historic significance and I discovered it to be an actual gem!
It was based in 670 AD and it’s mentioned 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 nicely preserved structure right here!
We explored the non secular structure, the traditional medina with its slender alleyways and whitewashed buildings, energetic souks stuffed with conventional crafts akin 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 may be highly regarded!
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 liked the tranquil vibe of each!
- Making an attempt the signature candy pastry, Makroud within the souks of the medina! The tasty treats are made out of semolina, dates or almonds, and honey and had been scrumptious!
17. Ichkeul Nationwide Park
This nation isn’t at all times identified for its lakes however this protected space is a magnificence! It’s situated within the north and in addition to being probably the most necessary pure reserves its additionally listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
The lake boasts intricate wetlands that entice 1000’s of migrant birds annually, together with the flamingo (which was my favourite fowl 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 liked the beautiful surroundings right here together with the olive bushes and the attractive sundown and likewise mountaineering 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 fowl migration season
My private highlights…
- Climbing the Djebel Ichkeul Trails – we liked mountaineering up Mount Ichkeul and seeing attractive 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 fashioned 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 website – there are a lot 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 consists of endangered species such because the Addax antelope, Oryx, eagles and Dorcas gazelle and there was additionally Roman ruins within the park. Should 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 at all times examine the newest authorities recommendation earlier than deciding on any journey vacation spot.
