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Home - Travel Destinations - Beautiful Tunisia – Is This Africa’s Hidden Gem?

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Tunisia: Your Next Adventure Awaits

Beautiful Tunisia overlooks the Mediterranean and is one of those places that very few people might know about, yet those that do, try to tell the whole world about it.

Is this Africa’s hidden gem?

Tunisia sits quietly between the Mediterranean and the Sahara, and yet it offers an incredible variety in a very small space. You can drive from golden beaches to desert dunes in a single day. That alone makes it special.

Along the coast, places like Sidi Bou Said feel like a North African version of the Greek islands. White walls, bright blue doors, cafés with sea views, and sunsets that turn the sky pink and gold. It’s photogenic, relaxed, and easy to enjoy on foot.

In the capital, Tunis, you get lively markets, rooftop terraces, and access to ancient ruins just outside the city. Carthage stands right by the sea, where Roman columns overlook the Mediterranean. You don’t need to be a history lover to appreciate the setting. The views alone are worth the visit.

Then there’s the Sahara. Near Douz, the sand stretches endlessly. Camel rides at sunset, quiet desert camps, and star-filled skies create the kind of evening you don’t forget. It feels remote, yet it’s surprisingly accessible.

Tunis

Tunisia’s capital is the city of Tunis. It is a beautiful clean city with pretty mosaics and beautiful buildings.

You’ll quickly notice how friendly the people are, and while you’re in Tunis, there’s one place you simply shouldn’t miss: the Medina of Tunis. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is absolutely worth your time.

If you enjoy browsing markets and charming little shops, this is pure shopping heaven. The Medina’s narrow, colorful alleys are lined with stacked displays and tiny storefronts, and you won’t know where to look first. It truly feels like a shopper’s dream.

Getting lost is part of the fun. Just keep walking and take it all in. The alleys are surprisingly clean, and every turn invites you to explore a little further.

You don’t need a guide to enjoy the Medina on your own. Still, if you prefer deeper insight, booking a trusted local guide through GetYourGuide is a smart option. Their guides know the best experiences and hidden corners, making it easy to get even more out of your visit.

One of the photo opportunity spots is Dar Lasram, a renovated palace of the Medina of Tunis which is located at 24 Tribunal Street.

Where to stay in Tunis

A few suggestions of places to stay in Tunis near the city center, would be:

Dar El Médina – Situated within the Medina and tastefully decorated. You’ll enjoy your stay here.
Hotel Belvédère Fourati – Very comfortable, well equipped and spacious rooms. The staff is courteous, helpful, and very professional.
Dar El Jeld Hotel and Spa – 5 Star luxury with a fabulous rooftop restaurant – perfect for sunsets.

Travel Tips for your trip to Tunis

Only use trusted transport options. Don’t just jump in any taxi.
If possible try and book ready-made holiday packages with trusted tour operators in Tunis. Or book your accommodation with one of our links, which you know is also a trusted business partner.
Being part of a tour group is fun and you get inside info that you otherwise would not have known. We loved being part of a group and having that extra insight.
For 1st time visitors, there are fabulous Cultural Tours you can book to experience what Tunis is all about. Discover the best places to eat, why things are being done as they are, and many more exciting experiences. These tours are really helpful to find your feet.

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Sidi Bou Said

Just 20 km by road from Tunis lies the charming seaside town of Sidi Bou Said. It’s an easy and very worthwhile stop on your trip through Tunisia.

The entire town is painted in blue and white, with pink and red bougainvillea spilling over walls and balconies. Set high above the Mediterranean Sea, it’s one of the country’s favorite tourist spots. When you see photos, you might easily think they were taken somewhere in Greece.

Pedestrian streets wind through the village, filled with souvenir shops, art studios, and craft stores selling beautiful mosaics. Many shops stay open well after sunset, giving you plenty of time to wander and browse at a relaxed pace.

Some of the ceramic and souvenir shops along the main street are artworks in their own right. From the outside they may look simple, but step inside and you could be surprised. Intricate tiles, colorful displays, and detailed interior décor turn an ordinary-looking storefront into something quite special.

Café des Délices: The photo above is of one of the most published photo spots in Tunisia. Definitely a fabulous Instagram and selfie photo spot.

Along the main tourist streets of Sidi Bou Said, you’ll come across inviting al fresco cafés and restaurants where you can sit back and enjoy the sea breeze. Make sure to stop at Bambalouni Sidi Bou Said for one of their famous bambalouni — large, round, ring-shaped doughnuts, deep-fried and generously drizzled with sugar or honey. Simple, warm, and completely delicious.

TRAVEL TIP: Leave time in your schedule for sunset. The Mediterranean glows in soft shades of gold and pink, and from this hillside village you also get sweeping views stretching toward Tunis.

For me, Sidi Bou Said is a true must-see in Tunisia. It’s beautiful, relaxed, and easy to enjoy at your own pace.

Where to stay in Sidi Bou Said

Our recommendations on where to stay:

La Menara Hotel & SPA – Beautiful sea views to enjoy.
Neira Boutique Hotel & SPA – Everything feels perfectly in place, from the superb location and stylish interiors to the rooftop terrace where magnificent sunsets steal the show.
Dar Said – The location is perfect and the views are stunning.

Tabarka

Photo: The Wave Restaurant at the La Cigale Tabarka Hotel.

It is definitely worth driving from Tunis to Tabarka. This very beautiful coastal town is also a very good option to spend a few nights. 5 Star accommodation we would recommend:

A Beachfront Hotel with views >>

Do You Need A Visa?

Also check for other travel documents.

While in Tabarka, also visit the Fort Génois De Tabarka as well as the Aiguilles of Tabarka.

Kelibia

Tunisia is blessed with a stunning coastline, dotted with scenic spots such as Cap Farina, Cap Blanc, and Cap Serrat, where rugged beauty meets clear blue water.

For soft white sand and an easy beach atmosphere, head to Kelibia. The town offers a variety of beautiful beaches along with relaxed eateries where you can enjoy fresh local dishes. For sweeping views and a touch of the past, visit Kelibia Fort, standing proudly above the sea.

Carthage

Carthage, a coastal suburb of Tunis, is worth visiting for its remarkable setting alone. Ancient ruins stand just steps from the Mediterranean, where Roman columns and stone walls overlook sparkling blue water.

It’s easy to explore at your own pace, with open spaces, sea views, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes the past feel close without overwhelming you. Combine it with lunch by the sea nearby, and you have a relaxed, memorable day out.

Video below: Flight landing in Carthage

El Jem

Visit the El Jem archeological museum and the ancient Roman Amphitheatre. (The amphitheater was built around 238 AD.) In my opinion it is almost like visiting the world famous colosseum, but in Africa.

Tataouine

Known as “the town in Tunisia that inspired Star Wars”, it is famous for its fortified cave-like houses of the native Berber community. These houses were originally designed in this way for protection and it was a way of keeping cool.

Today it is a popular destination for film makers.

Ksar Ouled Soltane is a fortified granary that is located in the Tataouine and it featured in the film Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace

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5 HELPFULL TRAVEL TIPS:

Plan your desert adventure early – If you want to experience the Sahara near Douz, go in the morning or late afternoon when the light makes the dunes glow and the temperatures are comfortable.
Try local flavors everywhere – From fresh seafood along the coast to street treats like bambalouni in Sidi Bou Said, tasting Tunisia’s food is a simple way to connect with the culture.
Bring comfortable shoes for exploring – Streets in the Medina of Tunis and Sidi Bou Said are often cobbled and narrow, so walking shoes make wandering much more enjoyable.
Carry cash for small purchases – Many local markets, cafés, and small shops prefer cash, especially when buying souvenirs, snacks, or local crafts.
Learn a few local phrases – Simple greetings like “Salam” (hello) or “Shukran” (thank you) go a long way with locals and make your visits smoother and more pleasant.

What to see | Things to do | Where to eat

For more places to visit in Africa: https://travelandhome.com/travel-africa/