Tunisia Travel Guide

Tunisia punches above its weight. You get Mediterranean beaches, Roman ruins that rival anything in Italy, and the Sahara proper—all within a few hours of each other. The medinas in Tunis and Sfax are genuinely labyrinthine; bring a map and patience.

The country's been through it politically, but tourism infrastructure is solid and locals are used to travellers. Prices are genuinely cheap if you're coming from Europe. Food is excellent: merguez, harissa, fresh seafood along the coast.

Djerba and Monastir in the Mediterranean region draw the beach-holiday crowd, but the interior—Kairouan, Tataouine, the Ksour (fortified granaries)—is where it gets interesting. Most travellers spend 10–14 days and don't regret it.

Highlights

1. Roman sites (Dougga, El Djem, Carthage) — Amphitheatres and temples in remarkable condition. Dougga especially offers a full Roman town experience without the Colosseum crowds.
2. Sahara edge (Tataouine, Douz, Ksar Ghilane) — Hot, empty, and accessible by car or camel trek. Star-filled nights and dune camps beat the Mediterranean resorts for most travellers.
3. Medinas (Tunis, Sfax, Sousse) — Dense, winding souks selling spices, carpets, metalwork. Get lost deliberately; you'll stumble into proper riads and neighbourhood hammams.
4. Djerba island beaches and villages — Long sandy coast, quieter than mainland resorts, with a distinct character. Package-tour heavy in parts, but manageable off-season.
5. Kairouan (Islamic holy city) — One of Islam's four holiest cities. Grand mosque, medina, and genuine spiritual weight—fewer tourists than you'd expect.
6. Coastal fishing villages and seafood — Sfax, Djerba, and smaller ports serve grilled fish and octopus at backpacker prices. Fresh daily and worth a detour.