Tunisia is a truly special country where you can have experiences of all kinds: after spending a few days in the capital Tunis, which will prove to be a real surprise thanks to the abundance of sights, you will surely want to explore the surroundings of the city. What to do in Tunis?
Here are some of the best things to do in and around Tunis to spend a truly unforgettable day, whether on your own or by joining a guided tour.
Desert Excursion
Tunisia is associated with North Africa, which in turn is synonymous with the desert. Therefore, a desert excursion is a real must for anyone visiting Tunis, and the good news is that you don’t have to go too far.
Sahara desert excursions are organized daily departing from the city: you will be accompanied in a comfortable van to the area south of Gabes, where civilization gives way to an immense expanse of sand, and you can admire the horizon, climb the dunes, engage in activities and excursions, or relax in the comforting shade of the oases. All of this is done in complete safety, thanks to the experience and professionalism of the guides. A word of advice: do not venture into the desert on your own unless you are familiar with the area.
City Tour
If, upon arriving in Tunis, you feel disoriented and have no intention of wandering alone through the medina, or simply want to discover everything the city has to offer in the shortest possible time, you might opt for a guided walking tour.
This type of tour, lasting about 4 hours, will lead you through the most characteristic corners of Tunisia’s capital, visiting the souks, the historical monuments of the medina and Tunis’s central market. You will also visit the Zitouna Mosque and Tourbet El Bey, passing through both the more touristy areas and local neighborhoods. The tour is available in several languages, including Italian, and runs every day.
Cooking Course
During your stay in Tunis, you will discover the delights of Tunisian cuisine, and if you are passionate about cooking, you might want to try making something yourself. For this reason, there is a traditional cooking course available, lasting half a day, in which you will learn the art of Tunisian cooking alongside a local chef.
After receiving a brief overview of Tunisian food, you will create the classic dishes of the tradition, adapting them to your taste by personally purchasing the ingredients at the city market. At the end of the tour, you will sit down to enjoy everything you have cooked in excellent company. Since the classes are private, you will have complete flexibility.
Golf
When you think of Tunisia, the first thing that comes to mind is the desert, but the north of the country is green and lush, the temperatures are mild all year round, and the weather is sunny: ideal conditions for playing golf. There are as many as 10 golf courses in Tunisia, set amidst landscapes of rare beauty, from the forests of Tabarka to the palm groves of Tozeur. Of these, 9 are 18-hole courses, while one, the Djerba Golf Club, is a 9-hole course.
The golf courses are equipped with everything a player could ask for, including fully outfitted and modern clubhouses, with the possibility to rent sports equipment and golf cars; many of them are located within tourist areas that also offer a wide range of hotels and various entertainment options.
Water Sports
Being a country on the Mediterranean and dedicated to tourism, Tunisia is a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts. For example, those vacationing in Djerba will have the opportunity to practice jet skiing or sailing, while on beaches more exposed to the winds there are plenty of opportunities to try kitesurfing or windsurfing.
Other tourist areas such as Monastir or Hammamet also offer facilities that allow tourists to enjoy water sports with complete safety. Also worth mentioning is the possibility of taking boat trips on high-speed catamarans, providing an adrenaline rush between swims.
Trekking
For those who love walking, in the surroundings of Tunis it is possible to embark on a trekking day truly unlike any other. You can set off on the numerous trails of the surrounding hills on your own or with a guided tour, on foot, by bicycle, or even on the back of a Berber horse.
You will discover Mediterranean landscapes practically unknown to mass tourism, encountering pine forests, orchards, rocky cliffs, and stretches of white sand. The trails vary in difficulty, suitable for beginners or experienced hikers who can even scale peaks over a thousand meters high. You can also engage in bird watching in the Cap Bon area, the peninsula that extends towards Sicily, where migratory birds stop before crossing the Mediterranean.
Boat Cruise
We conclude the list of the best things to do in and around Tunis with a well-deserved boat cruise, to perfectly and completely relax at the end of a holiday in Tunisia that you will remember for a lifetime. There are cruises of every kind, from those that are relaxing and explore hidden bays to those where the watchword is fun, with music at full volume.
Finally, you can set sail aboard a pirate ship, guided by a crew of expert navigators, which will stop at the best spots to anchor and take a swim. During the journey, you’ll have free time to relax or sunbathe on the upper deck, and with a bit of luck, you might even spot dolphins.
We leave you a small video on the subject.
