Tunisia is a North African coastal country with a long history, rich culture, and varied landscape. With its Mediterranean coast and the Sahara Desert, it’s a great destination for travelers who want to experience a mix of sun, sand, and adventure. Visitors can explore the archaeological sites, enjoy the city’s nightlife and culture, and go for outdoor activities.
This guide will provide an overview of Tunisia’s geography, attractions, culture, and climate:
Location
Tunisia is a Maghreb nation situated in North Africa. It abuts Algeria to the west and Libya to the southeast and is one of the countries of the African Great Lakes region. The country covers an area of 163,610 km2 (63,170 mi2), making it about five times larger than the United Kingdom. Its population consists of over 11 million people, making it a relatively high population density for its size.
Tunisia has various landscapes ranging from mountains in northern and eastern regions to desert areas around its northwest coast. Tunis’s capital brings together political, economic, and cultural life within the urban metro space, stretching from Sidi Bou Said on its northern coast to Metlaoui in its center.
Climate
Tunisia has a Mediterranean-type climate with long, hot, and dry summers and moderate, relatively rainy winters. The climate of Tunisia’s coastal plain is semi-arid to arid. During the hottest months (June to August), the daytime temperatures are warm, and the nights are cool but pleasant; this helps to moderate the heat and makes it easier to cope with the intense summer sunshine. However, inland temperatures can be hotter, especially in the higher parts of Tunisia.
The winter weather in Tunisia is mild but quite humid, often resulting in the thick fog along coastal regions during December and January as cold winds from Europe collide with warmer air over the Sahara desert. Generally speaking, rainfall is quite limited throughout Tunisia, although there can be significant precipitation during winter in some parts of the north. Snowfall does occur each year on the highest mountain peaks but rarely accumulates for more than a few hours before melting away again.
History
Tunisia has a deep-rooted history that dates back to the Phoenicians of 814 BC, who developed commercial trading links with the Mediterranean world. The Romans conquered it in 146 BC, and at the peak of their control, more than three million people lived in Tunisia. As a province within the Roman Empire, it was known as Africa Province.
The area saw multiple invasions, including Byzantines, Arabs, Ottomans, Turks, and French occupiers. Though varying periods of rule by one foreign power would eventually erode Tunisia’s cultural heritage, its people still managed to preserve some of their distinct customs. Overall, Tunisia experienced many oppressive governments before its independence in 1955 during France’s decolonization movement period after World War II.
The nation is home to various cultures, such as Arab majority and minority populations like Amazigh Berber and Jewish populations with remnants of Roman Carthaginian Empires. Islam is one of the prevalent religions in Tunisia that has been evident throughout its recorded history, which started from the 7th century AD when Arabs invaded from the Middle East and Algeria until today, where Islam plays a vital role in everyday life for Tunisian citizens living under Islamic law alike Kuwait Jordan Saudi Arabia Egypt among other countries region-wide North Africa Middle East.
Getting There & Around
Traveling to and around Tunisia is easy and comfortable. The country offers many transportation options, including rail, bus, and air travel. By air, international flights arrive at Tunis International Airport, and flights to small towns and cities in Tunisia are available. Buses are available to and from most major cities in the country. Additionally, rail service is available between the major cities.
Let’s explore the various transportation options in Tunisia further:
Air Travel
An international airport serves Tunisia in Tunis, the capital city. Tunis-Carthage (TUN) airport is located northeast of the city and houses various international carriers.
Once you arrive at Tunis-Carthage airport, several transport options are available to take you into the city center. Regular trains and buses depart from Terminal 1, and taxis outside terminal 2 offer transport into downtown Tunis and other places around Tunisia.
When planning your air travel, you must be aware of any visa requirements that may apply depending on the country of origin. Additionally, specific regulations and restrictions may apply if you’re traveling with large amounts of cash or with certain items such as certain food items or medication.
Rail Travel
Tunisia has an extensive rail network that reaches most major cities and includes several international routes. All Tunisian trains are operated by Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Tunisiens (SNCFT), which runs short-distance and long-distance inter-city services. Long-distance routes link Tunis with Sfax, Sousse, Gabés, Gafsa, and Redeyef. There are also the Caraville Trains (Orient Express or Express North Africa) for journeys between Tunis, Kairouan, Le Kef, Jendouba, Beja, and Ghardimaou near the Algerian border.
Short-distance train travel is usually quick and efficient; however, delays on longer journeys sometimes occur. Hitting peak hours in the morning can be overcrowded; therefore, it’s suggested to avoid peak times if possible. Tickets can be purchased at all railway stations, but it’s best to book ahead during busy travel times or if you’re going to a smaller station, as schedules are subject to cancellations and alterations.
Rail is affordable, plus it allows sightseeing during the journey – trips that take several hours but will save you time compared with traveling by road over frequent narrow roads where the views aren’t always that great. Make sure you always have your tickets issued by an official ticket office, as ticket inspectors may come around unexpectedly and want proof of payment for it – fines can be surprisingly large for non-payers!
Road Travel
Road travel in Tunisia is relatively straightforward, with the vast majority of roads in good condition. Travelers will find a well-maintained network of motorways running between major cities, although some secondary roads and smaller villages can be more difficult to navigate. Most intercity buses use the primary highways.
The main form of intra-city transport is taxis, which are plentiful and inexpensive in all cities. There is also a rapid bus system for larger cities such as Tunis, Sfax, and Sousse. Foreigners should always negotiate a fare before getting into any taxi or pre-book from a reliable cab company if possible.
Rental cars are widely available at airports and major hubs around the country. However, it is recommended that travelers take out appropriate insurance for their rental vehicles to guard against potential breakdowns on less well-maintained rural roads. In addition, drivers must carry an international driving license and be familiar with Arabic road signs; many are written in French and Arabic, but they may not be easily identifiable to tourists unfamiliar with the language or script.
When traveling off main highways, it’s best to look for roadblocks; police deploy these to catch smugglers, particularly during nighttime or when recent sensitive political events have occurred.
Accommodation
Where you stay is important for any trip, and Tunisia is no different. Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel, a cozy Airbnb, or a budget hostel, there’s something for everyone in Tunisia regarding accommodation. From beach resorts to traditional riads, you can find all types of accommodation in Tunisia.
Let’s take a deeper look at the types of accommodation you can find in Tunisian cities:
Hotels
Tunisia boasts a wide range of accommodation options, offering travelers with different preferences and budgets the chance to find a place to stay for the duration of their stay. From rustic cabanas in remote areas to luxurious beachfront properties, the country is home to some hotels perfect for any trip.
Hotels in Tunisia come in many shapes and sizes, from city hotels and luxury resorts suitable for business trips and exclusive holidays to historic stays perfect for cultural exploration and budget-friendly hostels ideal for backpackers.
- Hotels are generally known as riads (pronounced “ree-ahds”) or maisons de vacances. However, some properties also carry other designations such as hôtel restaurants (renovated restaurants serving quality food), hôtels villa (luxury villas), or palais des princesses (elite mansions).
- All offer varying levels of comfort and amenities, so it’s important to research your options before booking.
- Most hotels will include air conditioning and flat-screen TVs; some may provide complimentary breakfasts and concierge services.
- If you’re looking for added luxury when staying in Tunisia, you may want to check out resorts that offer additional features like private spa facilities and on-site restaurants.
- Whatever your tastes, it’s easy to find a perfect place to stay this summer in Tunisia!
Hostels
Hostels are a great budget accommodation option for travelers in Tunisia. With dormitory-style rooms and communal facilities, they offer an inexpensive way to meet other travelers and explore the local area. Some hostels may also offer private rooms at additional cost.
Facilities available at hostel accommodations vary; depending on the type of hostel you choose, you may have access to communal kitchens and bathrooms, shared living areas such as lounges, wireless Internet access, laundry facilities, and even swimming pools.
Hostels can be found in all major cities in Tunisia but also in small towns where you may be able to get more involved with local culture. Prices tend to range between 30-50 Tunisian dinars per night depending on location and type of room required – single or shared; make sure to compare prices online before booking.
Camping
Tunisia has great camping opportunities for those interested in roughing it with nature. Frequently located just a short driving distance from beaches and ski slopes, camping facilities provide a centralized location for travelers to base their trip around nearby attractions and activities. In addition, camping in Tunisia is an affordable option compared to hotel accommodation, plus there’s something special about falling asleep outdoors.
Sites range from national parks that offer full hook-up campsites with showers and even restaurants – perfect for those looking for a more luxurious experience! – to rustic beach campsites without hook-ups, where you have your tent and the essential supplies needed to get through the night. Both public and private campsites are available, so research what each site offers before making any reservations.
To camp in Tunisia, foreign visitors need an ‘authorization de camping’ issued by local officials at their first point of entry into the country. Whether you choose an organized campsite or opt for a wilder spot off the beaten path, always abide by nearby signposts governing the usage of public land, as it is illegal to camp anywhere outside of officially designated sites in Tunisia.
Attractions
Tunisia is an amazing destination for those looking to explore a unique culture and stunning scenery. The ancient cities and historical monuments offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s past. At the same time, the cultural attractions provide insight into the Islamic culture that still guides many aspects of Tunisian life.
This travel guide will highlight some of the most interesting attractions in Tunisia for travelers:
Historic Sites
Tunisia is filled with historical sites that attract travelers from all over the world. In Tunis, the capital city, there are three major sites: The Bardo Museum, the Medina of Tunis, and the Great Mosque of Kairouan.
The Bardo Museum is a palace complex housing some of Tunisia’s most important archaeological and historical artifacts and a large collection of ancient mosaics. The Medina of Tunis is an ancient fortified city dating back to medieval times surrounded by walls and gates. Here you can explore the vibrant culture and architecture while catching a glimpse of local life. The Great Mosque of Kairouan is another must-see sight in Sousse; it’s one of Islam’s holiest cities and boasts an impressive Islamic art and architecture collection.
Other popular attractions in Tunisia include:
- Ancient Roman ruins at El Djem Amphitheater
- Numerous royal tombs at Sbeitla and Dougga
- Forts in Monastir
- Stunning beaches along the Mediterranean coast
- Bustling souks across the country
- Grand palaces built by French colonialism in Tozeur
- Majestic mountain ranges at Jebel ech Chambi National Park
Museums
If you’re a history buff, explore Tunisia’s vast museums. Tunisia is home to some of the world’s best-preserved Roman monuments, making it a great place to learn and explore the past.
In Tunis, you’ll find the National Bardo Museum, Tunisia’s former national palace turned museum which houses a fabulous collection of Roman mosaics and artifacts, as well as other relics from more than four centuries of important rule ranging from Punic tombs to antique arms collections.
Other interesting museums include:
- Carthage National Museum: Located at the highest point in Carthage, this prominent museum features artifacts that date back some nine millenniums.
- Museum Of Islamic Ceramics: Located in Tunis’ Guideb ez Zitoune district, this small but fascinating museum specializes in artifacts related to ancient Islamic cultures.
- Université Zitouna Mosque And Cultural Center (Kacem): Situated inside a mosque built in the 16th century, this landmark features stunning architecture which houses manuscripts and original documents which attest to Islam’s rich culture over centuries.
- Zitouna Library And Research Center: Besides offering an impressive collection of books related to Islamic studies and North African history, visitors can also take tours around its library and research center.
- Dar Ben Abdallah Cultural Center: This Byzantine building dating back to the 18th century, is home to an impressive collection that includes photographs depicting life in 19th-century Tunisian homes and ancient engravings covering subjects such as alchemy and astrology.
- Tunis National Library: This library contains important items such as manuscripts from Arabic poetry and calligraphy, religious texts written on palm leaves, and photographs chronicling the city’s history since the founding of Carthage by Phoenicians around 814 BCE up until today.
- Regional Museums Of Greater Tunis (RMT): Established in 2008 by UNESCO for local communities of the Greater Tunis region for science education through field trips for kids with various interactive activities such as audio tours, workshops on archaeology or 3D reconstruction models to help younger generations better understand their cultural heritage landmarks.
Natural Wonders
Tunisia has many natural wonders, stunning mountains, deserts, and beaches. So whether you are looking for an active holiday, relaxation, or wanting to go bird-watching, the Tunisian countryside has something to offer. Here are some of the spectacular natural attractions that draw people from around the world to Tunisia:
- Mount Zaghouan: Located in northern Tunisia near Carthage, Mount Zaghouan has been dubbed the ‘Swiss Alps of Tunisia’ due to its beauty. The mountain is one of the oldest in Africa, and many species of wildlife can be found: foxes, porcupines, and wild boar.
- Sahara Desert: Home to nomadic tribes who have roamed here for centuries, as well as dromedary camels and leopards, this impressive desolate landscape has been enchanting visitors since ancient times. Hundreds of miles of dunes stretch out before hikers who decide to brave it; venturing into this desert could be among the most authentic experiences you will ever have!
- Tozeur: Situated in west-central Tunisia on Chott el-Djerid (the largest salt pan in North Africa) lies Tozeur – a true oasis town complete with palm trees thriving throughout its streets and crumbling fortresses that dot its skyline. Tourists flock here yearly to visit its markets full of vibrant spices, dried fruits, and souvenirs or participate in camel rides through the picturesque canyons stretching on for miles.
- Chebika: Set at the foot of a majestic mountain range in south-west Tunisia, this small village’s main attraction is a hidden paradise located just minutes from its center – Chebika Waterfall Park – home to multiple cascades that plunge 300 feet into an emerald pool below where swimmers can take a refreshing dip before exploring further downstream past old dams originally built by Roman soldiers two millennia ago!
Food & Drink
Tunisia has a unique and varied cuisine that will highlight your trip. Traditional Tunisian cuisine combines Mediterranean cooking styles interwoven with French and Arabic influences. You’ll find an abundance of fresh seafood, fragrant tagines, and delicious pastries.
The best way to sample the food of Tunisia is to explore the markets and sample dishes from local eateries and street food stalls. This guide will teach you the ingredients, flavors, and specialties of Tunisia’s distinctive dishes and drinks.
Local Cuisine
Tunisia is a Mediterranean-African country with a long history of both culinary and cultural influence. The result is an interesting range of local dishes, some with European roots and others distinctly North African. Traditional Tunisian cuisine mixes sweet, salty, and spicy flavors that are sure to please any palette.
When setting out to explore what Tunisia has to offer in terms of food, it’s important to be aware of some main features that make up the country’s distinctive cuisine:
- Using sheep, goats, and other meats (often slow-cooked in spices) gives Tunisia’s dishes plenty of flavor, texture, and nutrition.
- Vegetables like peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes often add crunchy vegetal notes to main courses or act as the core component for an appetizer like couscous.
- As Tunisia is fairly close to the South Western Mediterranean Sea, many local dishes are prepared with fresh fish or seafood, such as tuna and freshwater sardines.
- Well-known spices such as cumin, saffron, and cinnamon often feature prominently in traditional Tunisian dishes like couscous or Tajines (slow-cooked stews).
- Pistachios are commonly used in desserts and savory dishes throughout the region for an extra crunchy texture.
- Citrus fruits like oranges figure heavily into many recipes, including drinks such as Coolanda, which combines mandarine juice with rose water and spice syrups for a fragrant treat appreciated throughout North Africa.
Whether you’re looking for something light, such as salade mechouia (roasted vegetable salad), or something more indulgent, like brik à l’oeuf (a pastry filled with eggs), be sure to take advantage of all that Tunisia has to offer!
Restaurants
Tunisia is home to many unique restaurants that provide travelers with various authentic and interesting culinary delights. So whether you’re looking for a traditional Tunisian feast, some quick street-side snacks, or modern international fare, the diverse range of options available offers something to suit all tastes.
The city streets are lined with numerous café-bars where visitors can relax and enjoy a local specialty like shorba (soup) or brik (savory pastry). Local seafood dishes like couscous with squid and belboula fish are popular along the coast. Tunisians enjoy an array of hearty tagines, salads, and sambousseks (cheesy pastries) made from seasonal ingredients. The capital city’s upscale restaurants await the more discerning diners with exquisite French-Mediterranean dishes, grilled meats, and steaks.
Meanwhile, regions away from the main tourist hubs offer an even wider selection of eateries catering to exceptionally traditional tastes – especially in Sfax, which boasts ‘the best couscous’ in Tunisia! From roadside street food stalls offering falafel sandwiches to some truly memorable fine dining experiences, there’s undoubtedly something for everyone when it comes to pleasant dining in Tunisia.
Bars & Nightlife
Tunisia has plenty of places to take in the nightlife, ranging from bustling city roof terraces and chic, upmarket bars to traditional Tunisian tea houses. The Café Bab Jebli in the Kasbah of La Goulette is one of the most iconic venues and is a great place to sample traditional Tunisian mint tea.
In the capital, popular nighttime hangouts include rooftop bars with stunning views over the ancient medina. The El-Mouradi café – where you can enjoy North African delicacies and heartfelt music – and Eddif are among the trendy spots in Tunis where you can grab a drink and try traditional snacks such as tajinis or couscous. The city also boasts a variety of shisha bars and nightclubs where local DJs spin upbeat tunes until late into the night.
If you are looking for more typical clubbing experiences, head to Sousse and visit Mythic, which promises big acts from an international roster of DJs regardless of the day of the week. Hamamet, Tunisia’s largest resort town on the Mediterranean Sea, also offers good nightlife at beachside resorts around its attractive marina.
For an authentic experience in Tunisia’s countryside, head to Zaghouan – this small town is renowned for its vineyards, but it offers after-dark entertainment too. Cafes around spring-fed pools offer vibrant atmospheres with live music buzzing until dawn. In contrast, some eateries offer modern takes on Tunisian specialties surrounded by lush gardens illuminated by candlelight – perfect for a romantic evening out!