When I told people I was traveling to the African continent for the first time, they immediately assumed I meant Kenya, South Africa, or Nigeria. But Tunisia was the destination. Many had no idea where little Tunisia was, or what the country was about. Some said, with limited travel resources, is Tunisia worth visiting? Well, let me tell you, Tunisia is a hidden gem on the Mediterranean coast, with an intriguing blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. When asked should I visit Tunisia, I always reply that there are many reasons to visit Tunisia!
Despite being overlooked by many Western travelers, Tunisia is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. In my mind, Tunisia is like a little brother to Morocco in the traveling world. I am well aware locals do NOT think of it that way, before I am reprimanded for this statement. But both are bordered on two sides by gorgeous sea and the Sahara on another, both edge up to the Atlas Mountains. Both have thriving cities, buzzing souks, and friendly people. But, Tunisia has far fewer tourists filling the venues.
My original reason to visit Tunisia was that my friend Kathrin, who lives in Düsseldorf, Germany, invited me. Turns out Germans have been visiting Tunisia for a long time, but they’ve been keeping the secret to themselves. Kathrin shared the secret with me, on an incredible 2 week adventure. From stunning beaches and landscapes, history and ancient ruins, to vibrant markets and delectable cuisine, here are 14 reasons to visit Tunisia. You may be convinced that Tunisia is worth visiting, and you might just add this tiny country to your travel radar.
1. It Is an Extremely Affordable Travel Destination
First and foremost, even with all of the incredible and unique attractions, Tunisia is a budget-friendly destination. Located in the northern-most sliver Africa, my German friends say Tunisia is the best bargain on the Mediterranean, and that is saying a lot since they frequently spend time in Cypress, Morocco, Sicily, Egypt and Turkey!
We visited Tunisia for two weeks, with the majority of our time in an Air BNB right in the capital city, but also visited a hotel along the beach in Sousse, both for well less than $100 a night. Both were clean and spacious, with all of the amenities we hoped for, including wifi. Our AirBNB even had a washing machine!
I exchanged cash at a bank, estimating my expenses for two weeks based upon typical trips, and had lots of money leftover, even buying good souvenirs for everyone I could think of, and well more things for myself than I needed. We traveled to 6 different locations, used taxis at least twice a day, and hired a private driver for a full day. Still at the end of our trip, I had Tunisian dinars to exchange. This has never happened to me before, and this in itself answered the question is Tunisia worth visiting.
2. Warm Hospitality Awaits
Tunisians are known for their warmth and hospitality. Visitors often find themselves welcomed with open arms and a genuine friendliness that enhances their travel experience. In particular, women and children go out of their way to befriend visitors, especially those that are participating in normal daily activities. That is not to say that the men are not friendly, but more often than not interactions with them will be while conducting business, whether to make a sale or provide a service.
Tunisians are proud of their country, including its history and heritage, and its natural beauty. They are happy to share information, from recipes and where to purchase the best fresh foods, to what destinations should not be missed and how to get there. This was a very pleasant surprise for me, something not found in every country, and a good reason to visit Tunisia.
We walked and used public transportation throughout visiting Tunisia, and this opened up many opportunities for interactions and conversations. When I was nervous about crossing the busy street, an older woman grabbed my arm, telling me to come, and pulled me through the traffic. When we were unable to get a taxi, a young woman stopped and ordered one through her Bolt app for us. The banker I used was curious about my willingness to travel to an Arab nation, as an American. Young men on the train wanted to know what our lives were like, and boys were fascinated and full of questions.
3. Stunning Mediterranean Beaches Surround
Tunisia boasts beautiful sandy beaches along its most of its Mediterranean coastline. It isn’t quite as tropical as a Caribbean destination, so there aren’t as many palm trees lining the shore, but the sand is soft and stretches far.
Popular spots like Hammamet and Djerba offer crystal-clear waters and perfect conditions for relaxation and water sports. You’ll find the shores ready for travelers in such locations, with umbrellas up, reclining chairs for rent, and snack shops. In other places you’ll find only sand, sky and water. For some people, the question should I visit Tunisia is immediately yes, upon learning this!
The water temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees in the areas surrounding Tunisia from June through early November, and it rarely drops below 60 degrees. If you feel like splashing around, it will always be relatively comfortable. The Tunisian Ministry of Health regularly tests waters at all the country’s Mediterranean beaches to verify their safety for swimming.
4. Easy Exploration of the Rich Historical Sites
If you aren’t a history enthusiast, you might not realize the significant role this tiny country has played in world affairs. Nomadic desert tribes may immediately come to mind, considering Tunisia’s location on the edge of the Sahara, but so many peoples have left their mark. Berbers, Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Aghlabids, Fatimids, and Ottomans, have called the land home. There are 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a country with the same square miles as the state of Missouri! That is 9 reasons to visit Tunisia!
Located just outside today’s capital city Tunis, Carthage was once the center of the Phoenician Empire, home of General Hannibal, renowned for marching his troops and elephants across the Alps to attack the Roman Empire. After his defeat, Roman soldiers moved in, building baths and amphitheaters that rivaled many found in southern Europe.
Centuries later, France would occupy Tunisia, colonizing the country, and then Rommel would bring his Nazi troops making what would become the African front of WW2, and it was in Tunis that the German and Italian surrender of Africa took place. Finally, in 1956, France departed Tunisia, leaving the independent Arab country that now thrives.
All of these civilizations, and several others have left their marks on Tunisia, and their remnants are found still in use today, or in vast ruins. The ancient city of Carthage and the impressive El Jem amphitheater are among the must-see landmarks for history enthusiasts, but there are many more. Tunisia is home to some of the most well-preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy. They are inexpensive, sometimes free, and visitors can explore at their own pace without the lines found at most European locations. For history buffs, is Tunisia worth visiting? Without a doubt!
5. Centuries of Beautiful Architecture
You’ll marvel at the exquisite architecture found throughout Tunisia, and feel like you are in a different world and time. You can see everything from intriguing underground troglodyte homes to spectacular Roman grandeur out in the countryside.
The major cities have a hodge-podge effect to them, with everything from ancient Arabic to Brutalist, with neo-gothic, French Colonial, art deco, and art nouveau, all sandwiched in there, and it is fascinating. This is enough reason to visit Tunisia for those who enjoy architecture.
In particular, the country has stunning Mosques of many styles, from simple North African, Byzantine, Moorish, and Arabic styles. It seems that no two are alike. They are well kept, and stunning, while maintaining their sense of spirit as a place to worship Allah.
For those who love a splash of color in their architecture, the waterfront locations will call. Sidi Bou Said is known for its Santorini-esque blue trimmed white buildings and homes which draw tourists from across Europe, while some areas of Hammamet have a similar effect.
Lesser known Bizerte echoes of an Italian seaside village, with its row of pastel store fronts along the old harbor. This was my favorite of all the cities we visited, and it calls me, as one of the reasons to visit Tunisia again.
6. Leisurely Discovery of Uncrowded Tourist Attractions
While Tunisia is gradually becoming more popular among western tourists, unlike other well-known Mediterranean destinations, Tunisia’s attractions are far less crowded. This includes everything from beaches, to museums, the 9 Unesco World Heritage sites, and even the Star Wars sites. This dramatically lower tourist traffic allows for a more relaxed and intimate exploration of its attractions.
This fact enhanced our trip so much that it also rang the bell. Yes, Tunisia is worth visiting, and it happened over and over. We walked right in at the Palace of Baron D’Erlanger, explored the ruins of Carthage virtually unhindered by other travelers, and were completely alone at the US Military Cemetery. At El Jem Amphitheater we entered immediately, and while we did interact with some other visitors, we were able to investigate on our own at our own pace.
7. The Vibrant Markets and Souks are a Thrilling Adventure
At first, the hustle and bustle of traditional Tunisian markets can seem overwhelming but once you settle in, there is nothing quite like an old-world style market. These markets, called medinas, are found in every city, several of them part of Unesco World Heritage sites, such as those in Tunis and Sousse.
Each medina feels like a winding maze of colorful stalls, once in clusters of open alleyways. Many of them have been enclosed, to protect shoppers from the hot sun and occasional rain. Shops sell everything from spices and perfumes to ceramics and jewelry, from knock off brand name shoes and watches, to home furnishings. Many medinas have specific lanes for different types of products, even a wedding lane. We had the pleasure of watching a mother and daughters negotiate for wedding accessories.
With that said, be aware that souks are typically a business of bartering for one’s price, and that shop owners will call to you, vying to pitch for your interest. With several options to make your purchase, you may be met with a variety of approaches. You must be prepared to say no at times. At others, the goods were such a bargain that I was happy to pay the initial price. I got so many beautiful things, and this memory makes me wonder, should I visit Tunisia, again, and I think so.
8. Delicious, Savor-Worthy, Cuisine
Tunisian cuisine is a delectable mix of flavors, which are reflective of their culture. With its seaside location and port a variety of fresh seafood is also part of the local fare. Specialty dishes include couscous, brik, a pastry filled with meat spices and a soft cooked egg, and tajine, an egg dish similar to a frittata with chicken and vegetables, among many others. Don’t miss trying a traditional Tunisian meal at a local restaurant, or try out a cooking class which takes you to the market, and back to prepare a delicious meal.
You’ll find the French influence in the food, and there are a number of French restaurants throughout the cities. But it seems this displays itself most frequently in the sweets, and patisseries/boulangeries can be found throughout the cities. We tried more than one, and the pastries were delightful.
Hot drinks are also a primary feature of Tunisian fare. Very hot sweet mint tea is offered regularly, often served aux pignon, or with pine nuts. If the nuts float, the tea is very sweet. It is normal to stop throughout the day for a cup of this national drink, and some shop owners offer while trying to secure their sale. In addition coffee is also loved, and often served as very strong espresso, or as a very sweet Turkish coffee.
Even if you don’t take a cooking class, be sure to make a trip to the markets. They are an experience in themselves, with fruits and vegetables, bins of herbs and spices, freshly caught fish, and meats westerners may find surprising. Any foodies wondering should I visit Tunisia, you’ll be pleased you did, and you ‘ll probably want to bring a jar of harissa home with you
9. There is A Variety of Breathtaking Landscapes
For such a small slice of land on the northernmost edge of the African continent Tunisia has a surprising variance of landscapes. Few people are aware of this, since the media so often depicts only the city images, or rather barren areas. The beaches alone astonish many people, with the strikingly blue sea, but there is much more.
The southern end of the country is part of the Sahara Desert with its rolling golden dunes, which are strikingly beautiful. Peppered throughout the sea of sand are lush oases with palm trees and greenery, and often small ponds that are popular for swimming. In some sections of the desert, you’ll also find salt flats. In the east, there lie the olive orchards, vast stretches of rust-colored rolling hills, polka dotted with the deep green blooming of olive trees. (Tunisia is the world’s 4th largest olive oil producer.)
The northwest has a flavor entirely its own, on the edge of the Atlas Mountains. There are hills, verdant pastures, rocky crags, and waterfalls. These hills are part of the same chain that formed the American Appalachians, Scottish Highlands, and Norwegian Caledonian Mountains. The Tunisian climate is warmer and drier, so differences have evolved, but you get an idea of the landscape.
10. Outdoorsy Types Will Find Adventure Activities
While Tunisia is not particularly known as an adrenaline destination, those same landscapes that make stunning backdrops also open up a range of adventure activities. A popular choice among tourists is camel trekking in the Sahara, which can be combined with an upscale glamping experience, or more authentic camps. Another common desert endeavor is four-wheeling trips across the dunes.
For those who prefer their adventures on their own two feet, Tunisia features a number of national parks, with hiking trails in varied environments. Whether you fancy coastal cliffs, lakeside hills, desert gorges or or vast sandy flatlands interspersed with ruins, there is a hiking trail in a national park for you. Many of these locations also have mountain biking and horseback riding. There are even well loved rock climbing sites, such as Zaghouan.
If the water is your favorite setting, the beachside resorts have all of the typical sun and sand amusements, including kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing. There are also deep sea fishing charters, and snorkeling venues. Tunisia offers a handful of great scuba options, from the coral reef and grouper breeding areas near Tabarka, to the WWII shipwrecks near Cape Bon and Hammamet.
11. It’s a Unique Cultural Experience
Tunisia presents an opportunity to immerse yourself in a culture that blends Arab, Berber, and Mediterranean influences, with splashes of French reminiscence sprinkled in. Tunisia’s heritage is evident in its architecture, music, and food, and daily life melds it all together in a unique blend. You’ll see daily life lived in ways you may have never imagined.
If you have never visited an Arabic country before, you may be surprised to hear the daily prayers being shared over the public address speakers throughout the cities. Your understanding will expand as you learn about the mosques and their traditions and daily practices. Many locals were happy to educate us about these aspects of their beliefs.
In larger cities you may chance to see other visitors from the broader African continent as well. We had tea at a cafe at Victory Square, and were surprised to see citizens of several different African countries coming to the souks, often wearing traditional garments of their native lands. This was fascinating, and it definitely made Tunisia worth visiting.
Tunisia borders on being a trilingual country, although the cities are very bilingual. Arabic is the only official language, however, many locals still speak French to varying degrees. Although it is now said that it has become a prestige language in Tunisia, we did not meet anyone who did not speak French during our visit, in any part of the country. In addition, young people, those working in government, bankers and shopkeepers, all spoke English well, as did taxi drivers in the tourist areas. Most young people were excited to share their ability to communicate in our native tongue.
11. Intriguing Museums
Museum buffs can explore Tunisia’s rich culture through its museums, which tell the story of its ancient civilizations, and its current movements and trends. Although there is not an overabundance of museums, most that are present are high caliber.
The Bardo National Museum in Tunis is in located in a former palace of the Husainid Dynasty, houses an impressive collection of Roman mosaics and artifacts, visually taking visitors through history. I adore mosaics, so it was sort of spellbinding for me. (A block away, the Ksar Said Palace also houses a small museum of the same era, showcasing more of the formal wear and regalia of the time.) The Carthage National Museum is the other primary archaeological museum in the country, but it is currently closed for renovations. There are smaller archaeological museums across the country.
Also located in the capital city Tunis, you’ll find the National Military Museum, featuring uniforms, weapons, and even tanks, a Museum of Medicine with some scary looking implements, a Museum of Education, a Museum of Finance, and the very modern and stunning Museum of Currency, which follows economics through history.
Stepping outside the historic venue is the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the National Centre for Arabic and Mediterranean Music. We enjoyed both very much. You’ll also find Tunis Science City, a fun and interactive museum focused on children.
Venturing beyond Tunis, there is a Museum of Carpets, the National Museum of Islamic Art in Kairouan, and an Oceanographic Museum in Bizerte. Further afoot is the Berber History Museum, the Mareth Line Military Museum, and the very unique Museum of the Memory of the Sea.
12. Engaging Cultural Festivals
Tunisia’s vibrant culture is demonstrated in many ways through its varied festivals. We won’t explain too much, since our visit did not coincide with any of them. However, this small country has festivals throughout the year celebrating everything from art, to native animals, popular food items, theater, the desert, and so on. Everyone we know who has attended a festival in Tunisia was wowed.
Tunisian festivals will have a variety of events that are similar to those at festivals around the world, including concerts, street dances, parades, theater, art and farmer’s markets, and street food. But beyond that there are surprises and activities not found in many festivals around the world, such as poetry readings, scientific seminars, and cooking contests for exotic foods such as octopus. On the more exciting side, there are falconry demonstrations, folkloric troops, camel races, and even Arabian horse races.
13. Tunisia Can Be the Vacation of Your Dreams
Everyone has a different idea of what makes the perfect vacation. In Tunisia, there is an option to live out several of those notions of a dream vacation.
Dreams of lying on a gorgeous beach, and be served and catered to, with fine dining, spa treatments and a posh room, will come true. Fantasies of visiting an exotic location and sliding into every day life vastly different form ones own, alongside locals can be lived out. We did exactly that and had a very authentic experience. Goals of diving into entirely new cuisines and exploring unique venues of flavors, and ingredients not available in ones home, can be met.
Visions of venturing out into unknown territories and exploring miles of ruins from centuries of history, walking through doorways used thousands of years before, or crawling through fox holes used in the biggest wars in history, can be brought to life. Imaginings of trekking onto the dunes and sleeping under a million stars can be brought to reality. Hopes of freely exploring filming sites from some of your favorite movies, perhaps recreating scenes, can be brought to fruition.
Those who thrive in the buzz and constant movement of city life, there are many exciting cities, and those who find a thrill in shopping, finding unique items, and haggling for a bargain, will be in heaven. Travelers who enjoy being surrounded by all kinds of different people, meeting and interacting with those of various backgrounds, will find many in Tunisia.
14. Tunisia Expands Your Perspective
This simple fact is probably true for many travelers, particularly those who have never traveled outside of the so-called western world. In truth, I don’t like admitting this. I prefer to consider myself a very open-minded traveler, one who embraces the native customs, practices and beliefs. Also, although I do visit some tourist attractions, I strive to balance that with a relatively local experience. This has been my conviction and behavior in all my travels.
Up until my first footstep on the African continent, my trips had taken me across the US, including Hawaii, and into Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Venturing into any section of Africa is very much entering a different world. It brings one’s ethnocentricity to the surface to be challenged. It forces one into a position of recognizing assumptions and deeply buried beliefs, and replacing them with a broader understanding of the world, and its peoples.
Forgive me for presuming others will have a similar psychological experience to mine. I could be completely wrong, but I do not expect so. And, while the scope of cultural awakening is too wide for this article, I consider it a significant enough life experience that I thought it relevant for inclusion here. Becoming a bigger and better world citizen in and of itself, made Tunisia worth visiting.
Is Tunisia Worth visiting? We say Yes!
Tunisia is a captivating destination that offers a rich tapestry of experiences. While it is not for everyone, many kinds of travelers will find it an exciting and worthwhile destination. Yes, we think it is the best bargain on the Mediterranean.
Often the first thought of this small country is its low prices, stunning beaches and striking seaside architecture. Then one of the longest and most intricate histories on the planet, and some of the most remarkable ruins and artifacts in the world, comes to mind. But Tunisia offers so much more. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Tunisia has something for you. Plan your trip today and uncover the hidden treasures of this beautiful Mediterranean gem.
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About the Author
You know me, Roxanna Keyes, sometimes referred to as FoxyRoxyK, the founder of Gypsy With a Day Job. I was 50 before I really began to experience all the world has to offer. I really don’t want you to wait so long!
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