Tunisia things to see and do

Things to see and do

Carthage

Once a rival to Rome, Carthage was a powerful Phoenician city-state whose ruins now overlook the Mediterranean. Scattered columns, baths and the remnants of ancient harbours hint at a civilisation that once dominated maritime trade.

Chott el Djerid

A vast shimmering salt flat in southern Tunisia, Chott el Djerid creates mirage-like landscapes under desert skies. In a certain light, the surface reflects pink and gold tones that feel almost unreal.

Djerba

Known for its beaches, whitewashed villages and multicultural heritage, Djerba blends Berber traditions with Mediterranean calm. The island is also home to El Ghriba Synagogue, one of the oldest Jewish sites in North Africa.

Dougga

Set on a hillside overlooking fertile plains, Dougga's remarkably intact Roman ruins include temples, theatres and baths. The site's sweeping views add to the sense of grandeur.

El Djem Amphitheatre

Rising unexpectedly from a quiet town, this vast Roman amphitheatre rivals Rome's Colosseum in scale and is among the best preserved in the world. Standing within its stone tiers, one can easily imagine the roar of ancient crowds.

Hammamet

Long associated with artists and writers, Hammamet offers sandy beaches and whitewashed walls overlooking the Mediterranean. Its medina and seaside kasbah glow warmly at sunset.

Kairouan

One of Islam's holiest cities, Kairouan is known for its Great Mosque and spiritual heritage. Its medina remains deeply traditional, with carpet workshops and domed shrines lining sunlit alleys.

Matmata

Famous for its troglodyte dwellings carved into the ground, Matmata offers a rare glimpse into traditional Berber architecture adapted to desert heat. Its lunar-like landscape gained international attention as a filming location for Star Wars.

Sahara

In southern Tunisia, the Sahara begins in ripples of sand and stretches towards silence. Expect to see dunes rolling across the horizon, punctuated by date palms, desert camps and occasional fortified villages rising from the earth.

Selja Gorges

Carved by ancient rivers, these dramatic desert canyons can be explored by the historic Red Lizard train or on foot. The sheer rock walls and ochre hues create a striking contrast with the surrounding arid landscape.

Sidi Bou Said

Perched above the sea, this whitewashed town with its blue shutters and wrought-iron balconies is one of Tunisia's most photogenic spots. Narrow lanes open onto terraces scented with jasmine and views stretching across the Gulf of Tunis.

Sousse

A lively coastal city combining beaches with a fortified medina and ribat (fortress-monastery), Sousse balances resort energy with history. Its seafront promenade contrasts sharply with the quiet courtyards hidden behind ancient walls.

Tozeur

Gateway to the Sahara, Tozeur is famed for its vast palm groves and distinctive brick architecture. From here, desert excursions lead to mountain oases and film-set landscapes.

Tunis

The capital blends modern boulevards with the atmospheric medina, a UNESCO-listed maze of courtyards, mosques and souks. The Bardo Museum houses one of the world's finest collections of Roman mosaics, offering a vivid window into Tunisia's layered past.

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