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17 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Tunisia
Location: Central east coast | Size: large coastal city | Vibe: historic with a resort-beach energy |Activities: medina, souk shopping, swimming, marina strolls
My personal highlights…
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Staying for a week at the stunning Jaz Tour Khalef, I loved the private beach, the Insta-worthy pool with stylish white cabanas, and the modern Thalassotherapy spa—especially their underwater hydrotherapy circuit with a saltwater floatation pool!
5. Port El Kantaoui
Purpose-built but yet still picturesque, we discovered a marina village of whitewashed Moorish architecture, blue shutters and domes wrapped around a yacht-filled harbour, with manicured promenades and wide sandy beaches edged by calm turquoise water. The vibe was chic, relaxed and subtly glamorous, especially in the evenings.
A quick 15-minute taxi ride north from Sousse dropped us into full holiday mode — lazy dips on Port El Kantaoui Beach, a glass-bottom boat spin along the coast, shopping for Nabeul ceramics at the median (which sadly was ancient though!) and a cheeky round at El Kantaoui Golf Course.
Location: east coast | Size: medium-sized resort town | Vibe: polished, relaxed, and holiday-ready | Activities: swimming, yacht trips, glass-bottom boat trips, water-sports, golf
My highlights..
- Staying at the 4-star Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa Port El Kantaoui, I loved the wellness focus, the spacious guest rooms, and the incredible spa with all kinds of seawater treatments—my favorite was the detoxifying, iodine-rich Algotherapy wrap!
6. Nabeul
Nabeul was beautiful but in a low-key way – there were whitewashed buildings with cobalt accents, ornate tiled courtyards, elegant mosques and cute little pottery workshops by the sea, all lined up beside golden beaches, and clear turquoise shallows – it was breezy, salty-aired and charmingly authentic, not shiny or over-styled at all. I liked how it felt like a laid-back, more local-feeling alternative to nearby Hammamet — and it was much kinder on the wallet too!
A 20-minute coastal taxi from Hammamet brought us to CALIMERA Delfino Beach Resort & Spa, with days split between Nabeul’s pottery souks, the Neapolis Museum, Nabeul Beach, Sidi Mahrsi Mosque, and sunset boat-spotting at the harbour.
Location: Northeast coast | Size: medium-sized coastal city | Vibe: an authentic everyday-Tunisia feel
My favorite highlights…
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Nabeul’s Friday atmospheric souk — stalls clinked with hand-painted blue-and-green ceramics and traders shouted out prices. I quickly skipped the livestock area though, as it was a bit upsetting for me!
7. Bizerte
I personally thought this was another great option as I found it to be less touristy! It was a charming and authentic coastal city in northern Tunisia where I got to live more like a local, away from the crowds and mass international tourism you find at other resorts.
We drove 1 hour north from Tunis for a two night stay at the wonderful Al Madina, traditional Riad and found that there are some tourist amenities like beachfront cafes, restaurants, water sports and (mostly) mid-range hotels but the whole place is just less sleek and commercialized.
Aside from a beautiful long sandy beach, other reasons to visit here include the picturesque old port with gently bobbing boats, a pretty coastline, and an incredible road cut into the coast.
Location: Northern coast | Size: medium-sized port city | Vibe: historic with a relaxed local rhythm
My favorite highlights…
- Enjoying mint tea with pine nuts and traditional baklava (aTunisian pastry) at Café Maure while people watching at the Old Port (Vieux Port).
- Taking a boat trip tour to the interesting area of Bizerte Lagoon which was filled with unspoilt natural scenery and interesting bird life – I spotted greater flamingos and egrets which was an incredible experience!
8. Tunis Medina
Located in northeastern part of the country, Tunis is the county’s bustling capital and it’s intriguing place which mixes old and new in both buildings and culture.
By far my most favorite spot in the city was the ancient walled medina which lies at the center of the city and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ornate historic architecture here of is truly stunning and I spent two days exploring in being in awe of it!
It was jus a short taxi ride from Sidi Bou Said into central Tunis and we made the traditional riad-style 4-star Dar el médina and spent two day wandering around photographing the striking architecture, haggling with the stall owners and soaking up the intoxicating atmosphere. I loved that it gave me a glimpse into how opulent Arabian life was in the 12th to the 16th centuries.
It’s winding narrow streets were filled with a heady mix colorful souks (markets), monuments, delicate looking fountains, restaurants, mosques and extraordinary palaces. They all dated from the Almohad, Hafsid and Ottoman periods.
Location: Central Tunis, northern Tunisia | Size: large old town district | Vibe: chaotic with a deep old-world character
My favorite highlights…
- Visiting the impressive Zitouna Mosque – I loved how peaceful it was and the beautiful courtyard which was surrounded by marble columns.
- Sipping on tea at the rooftop Café des Nattes and gazing at the incredible medina views – I could see the Zitouna Mosque and even the more modern part of the capital from there!
9. Monastir Ribat
This is a striking historic gem! It’s ancient fortress and one of the best examples in the country and in my opinion it makes a refreshing change to the tourist-focused attractions.
It’s located on the Mediterranean coast in the city of Monastir, and it’s an imposing and very photogenic sight, built in 796, as a military structure to help ward off invaders. It’s actually known to be the most well-preserved Islamic fortresses in the whole of North Africa!
We took a day trip here on a 30-minute taxi south from Sousse and really enjoyed strolling around and seeing the incredibly thick stone walls, large towers, prayer hall, battlements and Nador watchtower which had incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Location: Monastir, central east coast of Tunisia | Size: large historic coastal fortress | Vibe: dramatic, ancient, and quietly powerful
My personal highlights…
- Gazing at the central courtyard which has an almost zen-like vibe is surrounded by cells that were once occupied by the warrior monks that lived here, wow!
- Seeing the original ancient stone carvings and inscriptions – what an incredible piece of (very old!) history!
10. Plage de Chaffar, Sfax
This is a beautiful beach but one that attracted the locals! I had to mention this place as it’s long wide beach stretch of golden sand but it has a much rawer and less developed feel. There’s much less amenities than the beach resorts those courting the international visitors (you won’t find jet-skis and banana boats here!).
We flew directly into Tunis, then internal flight to Sfax and we stayed at the wonderfully unique Borj Dhiafa kicking back for a week and enjoyed swimming, sunbathing, picnicking and checking out the local surrounding cafes and had a really laid back and very authentically Tunisian experience!
Location: South of Sfax on Tunisia’s central east coast | Size: long, sandy beach | Vibe: local and low-key seaside feel
My favorite highlights…
- Stopping for a strong Turkish coffee at the laid back beachside Café Plage – I loved just kicking back and people-watching!
- Having a picnic in the stunning natural sand dunes located at the back of the beach.
11. Chebika
This is one of those places that has to be seen to be believed! It’s a gorgeous and unique beauty spot in the form of a dreamy mountain oasis, although it’s located far away from most of the popular tourist resorts so you have to make an extra effort to get there!
We took a jeep excursion from Douz via Nefta/Tozeur region and explored for two hours and hiked the main Oasis Loop Trail. The tail took us round the best parts including the palm trees sprouting out of the rocky terrain, the small but breathtaking waterfall, interesting caverns and the natural pools – to me it looked like how I imagined Eden would look!
It was great to learn that the oasis had been used for scenes in both Star Wars Episode IV and The English Patient as well.
Location: Near Tozeur in southern Tunisia, at the edge of the Sahara | Size: tiny mountain oasis village | Vibe: dramatic, otherworldly, and peacefully remote
My favorite highlights…
- Learning about how it used to be a Roman outpost known as “Ad Speculum” on the guided tour!
- Exploring the nearby village of ruins of the old Berber village – I loved disc”overing exploring the remains of the former stone houses and learning all about the history of the people who once lived there, it was a very fascinating spot!
13. The Sahara
Yep the Sahara Desert is really as stunning as I imagined it would be! In Tunisia it actually covers a large area in the southern part of the country and I loved my trip exploring it.
Yes, there are endless sand dunes (stretching as far as the eye can see!), but I also found rocky plateaus, gorgeous oases (with three popular ones near the Algerian border—Chebika, Tamerza, and Mides), and charming oasis towns like Nefta and Tozeur. There are also surreal landscapes such as the vast salt flats of Chott el Jerid, which was even used as a Star Wars filming location. I even got to wander around the Mos Espa Star Wars set near Tozeur, still standing right there in the desert sand!
We opted for a guided 4×4 overnight tour from Douz I personally don’t like animals being used for tourism and saw some bad videos on Instagram so we swerved the camel tours on an ethical choice and I opted for a jeep one instead and then staying overnight stay in a traditional Bedouin-tent, which was a very romantic experience!
Location: Southern Tunisia (and across North Africa) | Size: vast desert region | Vibe: epic, silent, and otherworldly
My favorite highlights…
- Exploring the interesting oasis Ksar Ghilane on a guided 4×4 trip – although it’s quite touristy I loved taking a dip on in natural hot springs here and staying overnight in Bedouin-style tents. Although we did get caught in a sandstorm though!
14. Matmata and the fortified granaries of the Ksour
These intriguing places make for excellent day trips! Matmata is a small Berber village in the south, famous for its unique troglodyte (cave-like) homes, while Ksar Ouled Soltane near Tataouine is one of the most impressive ksour granaries, with rows of ghorfas (vaulted storage rooms) stacked high like a honeycomb. To me, it looked almost other-worldly!
We opted for a full-day guided trip from Douz (loop route via Tataouine).
Location: Southern Tunisia (Matmata & Tataouine region) | Size: small Berber villages and historic fortified granaries (ksour) | Vibe: ancient, rugged, and very atmospheric
My personal highlights…
- Instantly recognizing the locations, as both were used as filming sites for the Star Wars movies. Our guide mentioned that when director George Lucas visited Matmata, he was so captivated by the area that he decided to feature it in his now-legendary movies!
12. Chott el Djerid
This incredible spot is located in northern edge of the Sahara Desert! Chott el Djerid is a saltwater lake, and during the winter months it’s home to a shallow lake which – because of the minerals – has all sorts of colors – purple, pink, reds and even greens. Mirages can sometimes be seen as well during this time of year.
During the hotter months it turns into dry salt lake covered in layer of white salt crust which dazzles in the sunlight! On our trip I walked around the edge and was in awe of the surreal beauty spot! We went on a 45-minute drive from Douz on a day trip and it was a great choice!
Location: South | Size: vast salt lake | Vibe: surreal, shimmering, and otherworldly
My favorite highlights…
- I loved learning that it was another Star Wars location spot as well on our guided tour (George Lucas sure loved Tunisia!) and many scenes of the fictional desert planet Tatooine scenes were shot in this location.
15. Tamerza
This was such an intriguing spot! Located near the Algerian border near the west-central part of the country it’s a large mountain oasis town. The town has long been abandoned but I found it fascinating to walk around the ruins of the village which I felt had almost spooky atmosphere!
We continued by 4×4 from Chebika as part of the oasis circuit we were undertaking! As well as traditional Berber architecture, it’s home to date palm trees, two waterfalls and deep gorges and it’s a surreal but impressive sight located in the harsh desert environment.
The town was abandoned after the 1962 river floods, but there’s a new working village built just a few kilometres away which also has restaurants and a guest house for overnight stay and even visited the nearby oases of Chebika and Mides.
Location: Near Tozeur in western Tunisia, near Algerian border | Size: small oasis village | Vibe: dramatic, peaceful, and slightly forgotten
My highlights…
- Exploring the local markets which sold traditional handcrafted goods in the new working village.
- Learning about how the Berber people have adapted and are able to live in the harsh desert environments on our guided tour!
16. Kairouan
I suggest if you’re history fan then don’t miss this incredible city! Located in the centre of the country, it’s actually one of the most important cities for its religious and historic significance and I found it to be a real gem!
It was founded in 670 AD and it’s said to be the fourth holiest city in Islam, after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem, after it took a huge part in spreading the word of Islam in North Africa.
We took an 1 hour 15 minutes inland by taxi from Sousse and this holy city has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and on our trip here we was in awe of the very impressive and well preserved architecture here!
We explored the religious architecture, the ancient medina with its narrow alleyways and whitewashed buildings, lively souks filled with traditional crafts such as handwoven rugs and carpets.
Location: Central Tunisia | Size: medium-sized city | Vibe: sacred old-world feel
My highlights…
- Exploring the breathtaking and very photogenic Great Mosque of Okba (one of the country’s largest and oldest mosques) and the historic Mosque of the Three Gates which dates back to 866 AD – I loved the tranquil vibe of both!
- Trying the signature sweet pastry, Makroud in the souks of the medina! The tasty treats are made from semolina, dates or almonds, and honey and were delicious!
17. Ichkeul National Park
This country isn’t always known for its lakes but this protected area is a beauty! It’s located in the north and as well as being one of the most important natural reserves its also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The lake boasts intricate wetlands that attract thousands of migrant birds each year, including the flamingo (which was my favorite bird to spot there) as well as ducks, storks, flamingos and geese. Other wildlife live in this unique place including including wild boars, otters and jackals.
We took a day trip with a tour operator when in Tunis and we loved the stunning scenery here including the olive trees and the gorgeous sunset and also hiking the trails during the day!
Location: Northern Tunisia near Bizerte | Size: large wetland national park | Vibe: peaceful, wild, and quietly magical
My personal highlights…
- Hiking the Djebel Ichkeul Trails – we loved hiking up Mount Ichkeul and seeing gorgeous panoramic views of the tranquil lake and surrounding wetlands.
