Although it’s famous for its warm winter sun, dunes and excellent spas, the smallest country in North Africa is not always known for its beauty. Although I think it’s vastly underrated and Tunisia is home to some seriously stunning places. From magical mountain oases to gorgeous beach resorts, here are my favourite spots…
1. Hammamet
Once a humble fishing village surrounded by lemon groves, Hammamet is now a thriving beach resort town with numerous hotels.
Sharing the same Mediterranean coastline as Egypt, this is one of Tunisia’s first tourist destinations due to its fine beaches and warm waters, perfect for water sports. The area is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and I’m a huge fan of this place!
It’s not all about all-inclusive hotels and sunbathing. Hammamet has a beautiful historic centre crisscrossed with narrow alleyways. Here, you’ll find an attractive medina and a 12th-century Kasbah, which I highly recommend exploring.
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2. Sidi Bou Said
Tunisia’s prettiest town is perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. Its gorgeous traditional houses have been whitewashed to perfection and beautifully accented with flashes of brilliant blue.
It’s long been a bohemian enclave, but with a few trendy boutique hotels popping up, it now attracts a more well-heeled crowd.
I suggest exploring the narrow, cobbled streets with cafes, art shops, and souvenir stalls framed by abundant fragrant, cascading flowers. The town also makes a great base to explore the nearby Roman ruins of Carthage.
3. Sousse
Located right on the coast, this former military port is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, sprawling hotels and its incredible medina which is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s both a bustling tourist resort and a beautifully preserved place. In my opinion, it is a fine example of a town dating from the first centuries of Islam.
Visit for outstanding Arabo-Muslim and Mediterranean architecture, including ramparts, a typical ribat and a medina, also home to the city’s Great Mosque.
4. Port El Kantaoui
Luxury is everywhere in Port El Kantaoui! Beach resorts throughout the area cater to every waking need of their high-end visitors, but rest assured; you do not have to be a part of the luxury sect to enjoy the sheer beauty of Port El Kantaoui.
This Tunisian destination is ideal for tourists from every walk of life, whether you want to relax along the coastline and soak up some sun or dive beneath the surface of the water for some supreme snorkelling.
I personally think it’s everything you could want from a luxury coastal destination is all in one location here!
5. Djerba
With a population of around 170,000, Djerba is not considered a small village.
It is also among the more popular tourist areas in the country, but people do not simply come to Djerba for access to the spectacular beach or even for its handmade crafts throughout the city.
People enjoy a more diverse religious culture in Djerba that is not accentuated as much in any other part of Tunisia. Here, you can learn about a new religion and culture while enjoying a picturesque coastal destination. I love this place!
6. Nabeul
Nabeul is not just a fine place for locals to enjoy but also Tunisia’s first seaside resort! On both sides of this easy-on-the-eye resort, you are engulfed by illustrious Mediterranean Sea views.
Nabeul has been charming locals and visitors alike since the 5th century BC and has also charmed me! There are also many hotels and guest houses to stay in to take advantage of the beautiful beaches here.
Today, artisans throughout Nabeul are known for making some of the most beautiful mosaics, painted dishes, potteries, and wall tiles, so I highly recommend visiting one of the many shops dotted along this remarkably beautiful coastal city.
7. Cap Bon Area
The peninsula lying at the country’s Northeastern tip is so alluring that it’s often referred to as the “garden of Tunisia.” It’s also a popular resort area, but it’s popular for a reason.
Filled with sun-drenched beaches with a clear blue sea, thermal springs, fragrant eucalyptus trees, lush palms and sweet-smelling flora this area I personally think this place deserves a place on this list!
8. Bizerte
A charming and authentic resort in northern Tunisia is one of those places where you can stay and live like a local for a while, far from the tourist crowds.
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.
I would highly recommend trying out some of the excellent restaurants also located here!
9. Tunis Medina, Tunis
In my opinion, the most striking part of the country’s capital city is the old Arab-walled town, otherwise known as the Medina.
Expect fine examples of Arab architecture and lively souqs where everything from household goods to gold can be bartered for.
The atmosphere is intoxicating, and it gives you a taste of what life was like in the Arabian opulence era, which reigned from the 12th to the 16th centuries. I would highly recommend a visit!
10. Monastir Ribat
A visit to Monastir Ribat is essential to get the most out of your Tunisian adventure. Today, Monastir Ribat is considered a holy site as it maintains two mosques servicing the city of Monastir, but it was not always so calm there.
In 796, Monastir Riba was built as a military structure to ward off invaders. Throughout its many-century history, rooms and additions have been added to ensure the building is always relevant.
I recommend enjoying walking around Monastir Riba and taking pictures of various architectural feats throughout its history!
11. Plage de Chaffar, Sfax
Strolling around Sfax will allow you to see many beautiful locations, such as the Museum of Architecture. Still, if you are looking for somewhere to relax and enjoy Tunisia’s natural beauty, Plage de Caffar is the place to be.
This beach destination has a mild climate and white, sandy beaches. It is where locals bring their families to enjoy fun in the sun in Tunisia.
Although it is a popular place for tourists and locals alike, this beach remains a calm, relaxing area to enjoy any time of the year.
12. Chebika
Of course, it’s all a matter of opinion, but arguably, the most stunning spots in this country are far from the cities. Chebika, which lies at the foot of the mountains of the Djebel el Negueb, is a perfect example.
Here, an Eden-like oasis of beautiful waterfalls, curious caverns, and date palms surviving in rocky clefts is a dramatic sight – unsurprisingly, a popular tourist haunt.
It’s also popular with film directors, as scenes from Star Wars Episode IV and The English Patient were shot in this area.
13. The Sahara
Visitors should include the world’s largest desert on their itinerary, and tours arranged by most resort towns can reach the Sahara.
The Eastern Sand Sea (Grand Erg Oriental) covers a large part of Southern Tunisia. It’s a magical place where scenes from Star Wars and The English Patient were once filmed.
The area is best explored by jeep, but to really up the romance stakes, include an overnight stay in a traditional tent. Ensure you don’t miss Nefta, the most beautiful dunes in Tunisia and Chott el Jerid, a vast salt lake.
14. Matmata and the Ksour
Movie fans would instantly recognise the intriguing troglodytic houses of Matmata. When director George Lucas visited here, he was so taken with the area that he used it as a set in his famous Star Wars films.
I love that it’s a uniquely beautiful place, home to attractive honeycomb style granaries known as ghorfas.
The curious architecture style stems from fortified Berber settlements and is so unusual that it almost looks other-worldly.
15. Chott el Djerid
Unique is a word thrown around by visitors to Chott el Djerid. When visiting, you might believe you have seen it before. If you are a Star Wars fan, you probably have as many Tatooine scenes shot in this location.
Chott el Djerid is a saltwater lake, and throughout the year, geological changes change the water’s colour – it turns all kinds of crazy hues: purple, pink, and red.
I suggest walking along the water’s edge and seeing its natural salt deposits. A popular activity for Chott el Djerid visitors is to fly over the lake in a paraglider to get a bird’s eye view of its amazing beauty.
16. Tamerza
The largest mountain oasis in the country is also a popular beauty spot and has an abandoned old town. Located in the mountains north of the salt lakes, it’s an intriguing place with two waterfalls, an oasis, and deep gorges.
The town was abandoned after the 1962 river floods, and today, it’s eerily quiet. I suggest making sure you include a visit to nearby Mides, another mountain oasis home to a spectacular canyon.
17. Kairouan
This important holy city has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 670, it has a rich architectural heritage, an attractive medina, and lively souqs.
My favorite highlights include the Great Mosque of Okba – one of the country’s largest and oldest mosques and the 9th-century Mosque of the Three Gates.
18. Ichkeul Lake
Beaches and coastal destinations have their allure, but Ichkeul Lake has an attraction of its own. If your destination is northern Tunisia, I personally think Ichkeul Lake is the place to go.
For those who enjoy bird watching, this lake boasts intricate wetlands that attract thousands of migrant birds each year, including the stunning flamingo.
Although construction on the dam for the lake has changed its ecological standpoint somewhat, birds and wildlife such as ducks, storks, flamingos and geese are still prevalent in the area.
19. Bou-Hedma National Park
National parks are treasures to behold, and in 1980, Bou-Hedma National Park was founded in this country. Today, it is on the list of UNESCO heritage sites for its ecological significance and illustrious history. It is home to ancient Roman structures beautifully preserved within the park.
Animals such as Gazelles can be seen throughout the park, but endangered creatures such as the Addax Antelope also call Bou-Hedma National Park home.
A museum was recently built within the park’s borders to help you learn more about the park and its ongoing conservation efforts. I suggest visiting if you can to learn about this interesting area.
Please always check the latest government advice before deciding on any travel destination.
