When I set off to visit Tunisia earlier this summer, I didn’t know what to expect. I was first greeted by the warm Mediterranean sun of Hammamet, glistening off the green leaves of the olive trees, grown by the dozens in the southern part of the country. But the more I travelled around, the more I realised that Tunisia is a land of contrasts and a beautiful mix of several cultures.
If you’re planning a trip to this North African country, make sure to add these 11 activities to your list. They’ll definitely give you a taste of what Tunisia has to offer.
1. Explore the El Jem Roman Amphitheatre
Bearing a striking resemblance to its most famous counterpart—the Colosseum in Rome—the El Jem Amphitheatre is the third largest arena in the world. You can roam freely around the underground passages where gladiators and lions awaited their turn to appear in front of the 35,000 Roman spectators, or climb up the steep steps to the highest seats available to the public, from where you can enjoy a fantastic view of this well-preserved historical landmark.
2. Go inside a Berber home in New Matmata
The Berbers were some of the first tribes to settle in Tunisia many centuries ago. To get a glimpse into how Berber people live today, make sure to stop by one of the houses carved into the desert rocks on the way to New Matmata. Berbers welcome every visitor with homemade bread and honey mixed with olive oil. Entrance is free, but you can show your gratitude by leaving some money.
3. Ride a camel in the Sahara Desert
While the northern part of Tunisia enjoys the mild Mediterranean climate, the southern part gradually enters the Sahara Desert. On the outskirts of Douz—the Tunisian “gateway to the desert”—you’ll find the Douar Selma Café. Put on a traditional robe and let the locals tightly wrap a scarf around your head and face as a protection against the sun before hopping on your camel. Remember to hold on tight while the caravan goes up and down the ever-changing sand dunes.
4. Walk around the largest salt lake in Tunisia
Chott El Jerid is a large salt lake, located in the southern part of Tunisia, right next to Douz. It completely dries out in the summer and you can walk—and even drive!—around on the hardened bottom, covered in glistening salt crystals. You can also get some of the most delicious dates from the few souvenir stalls along the national road that crosses Chott El Jerid.
5. Hike around a mountain oasis in Chebika
On the other side of the salt lake is a little town called Chebika, which gives its name to a breathtaking mountain oasis. To reach it, head straight up the rocky hill that starts from the Oasis Café. Find your way through the narrow opening between the large boulders at the top and steadily head down to what locals call “the source of life”—a crystal clear lake hidden among lush palm trees where water seems to gush from the sand. Don’t miss the Chebika waterfall, too, which is just a few meters down the path! This beautiful nature spot will leave you feeling refreshed after spending hours in the desert.
6. Go on a desert jeep safari to the Star Wars Canyon
If you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan, you can’t miss a visit to the Star Wars Canyon! This is one of the two original sets of Mos Espa, the fictional port city on Tatooine, the desert planet. Feel free to walk around and climb on the buildings and structures that the movie crew left behind over 20 years ago and feel the atmosphere of another world. To get there, you need to join one of the organised jeep safaris and hold on to your seat while your skillful driver takes on a dune bashing down the former Rally Dakar route.
7. Enjoy a rooftop view of the Kairouan Mosque and go souvenir shopping
There’s a special shop in the city of Kairouan which not only offers a great variety of traditional souvenirs, such as glazed pottery items, carpets, hand painted tiles, and the local delicacy—sweets with date jam—but also lets its customers go to the rooftop from where they can marvel at the imposing structure of the Kairouan Mosque. This is Karim’s Carpets and Gifts market—a must for tourists and travellers on a budget. Once you’ve taken some photos and enjoyed the view of the 14-century-old UNESCO World Heritage mosque, you can get back inside the cool store and start filling your shopping basket!
8. See the world’s largest Roman mosaic collection in The Bardo National Museum
There are plenty of sites to explore in the capital of Tunis and The Bardo National Museum is definitely one of them. Being one of the most important museums on the African continent, the Bardo museum will take your breath away right from the start as you’re greeted by a 3-storey high wall mosaic of gods and ancient heroes upon entering. There are so many mosaics there that you literally walk on them! Almost everywhere in the museum you’re allowed to touch the original centuries-old mosaics and to take amazing photos in front of those ceiling-high works of art. And as if the rich collection wasn’t enough, the royal architecture of this former palace will leave you gasping.
9. Get lost in the small streets of the capital’s Medina
The medina is the old walled part of the North African Arab cities which was the first to be built in the past. With its narrow winding cobbled streets, lined with various shops and traditional cafés, the Medina of Tunis has a lot of hidden gems to discover. Allow yourself to get lost in a patchwork of light and shade and try out your bargaining skills in the numerous souvenir, pottery, carpet, leather, and antiques stores.
10. Gaze over the remains of the ancient city of Carthage
Carthage was one of the greatest port cities of the ancient world and the capital of the Carthaginian Empire. It was founded by a Phoenician queen almost 3,000 years ago and managed to survive many wars, falling and flourishing under different rulers. What’s left today of Carthage’s ancient splendour are just a few building walls and stone streets, but the view of the Mediterranean Sea from the hill on which the city was founded will let you feel some of its glory.
11. Immerse yourself in the Mediterranean vibe of Sidi Bou Said
If finding the perfect spot for taking great vacation photos to share on your social media channels is part of your travelling routine, then you can’t miss Sidi Bou Said on the northern coast. This town’s signature white buildings and bright blue doors, beautifully hidden in the shade of multicoloured fragrant flowers is just what you’re looking for. Take your time to roam up and down the streets, take a walk by the yacht harbour or have a refreshing drink at Café El Alia.
What is a must-do activity in your country? Share with us in the comments below!
