Tunisie: Guide des attractions, de l’histoire, des villages et des plages

Tunisia: Tourist Overview

Tunisia is a truly interesting country from a tourist perspective, not only because of the beauty of its capital Tunis, but also because of everything else the rest of the country has to offer: from long beaches with crystal-clear waters to enchanting deserts, from archaeological parks to millennia-old traditions – this North African country is sure to amaze anyone who decides to visit.

Carthage

A prime example of the above is Carthage, a name we all studied in history books, though perhaps not everyone knows that this ancient Phoenician city was located just a few kilometers from what is now modern Tunis. The Carthage archaeological park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, is one of the typical excursions when staying in Tunis: it will allow you to admire ancient fortifications, temples, places of worship, dwellings, Punic tombs, and mosaics that illustrate the everyday life of its inhabitants.

Roman Ruins

After the conquest of the area, the Romans began to colonize the entire coast, leaving a significant legacy. This is the case of Dougga, where you can admire wonderful ruins and a theater restored in the early 2000s. Furthermore, the Roman amphitheater of El-Jem is particularly noteworthy—majestic like the Colosseum, it could host over 35,000 spectators and now dominates the center of the city.

Characteristic Villages

Always close to Tunis is the splendid Sidi Bou Said, a charming village with white and blue houses, ideal for a day of relaxation with outdoor cafés and shopping. In addition, the small village of Matmata, located at an altitude of 600 meters, is famous for its troglodyte cave houses carved into the ground, which even provided the setting for some scenes from the film Star Wars – Episode IV.

The Desert

One cannot talk about North Africa without mentioning the desert. The Tunisian desert begins in Tozeur and extends across vast stretches of Saharan sand. A guided tour allows you to discover the most fascinating spots, such as dunes with breathtaking views and refreshing oases in the shade of palm trees.

The Beaches

The main reason that drives tourists to visit Tunisia is its beaches. Djerba and Hammamet are renowned Mediterranean destinations, known for their affordable resorts and relaxing atmosphere—perfect for those seeking the ideal balance between cultural tourism and seaside relaxation.

Other Information

How to Get There

When to Go

What to Pack

Entry Documents

What to Eat

Festivals and Events

Safety

Beaches

FAQs

1. What are the main tourist attractions in Tunisia?

Tunisia offers a wide range of attractions: from the vibrant capital Tunis to the historical heritage of Carthage, through the Roman ruins of Dougga and El-Jem, to the picturesque villages of Sidi Bou Said and Matmata, as well as the vast desert and the renowned beach resorts of Djerba and Hammamet.

2. Why is Carthage considered a site of great importance?

Carthage has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and preserves historical evidence such as fortifications, temples, places of worship, dwellings, Punic tombs, and mosaics that illustrate the daily life of its ancient inhabitants.

3. Which Roman ruins can be visited in Tunisia?

Among the most significant Roman ruins are those of Dougga, with its restored theater, and El-Jem, whose amphitheater could host over 35,000 spectators.

4. What makes the villages of Sidi Bou Said and Matmata unique?

Sidi Bou Said is famous for its white and blue houses and its picturesque charm, while Matmata is renowned for its cave houses carved into the ground, which even inspired some scenes from the famous film « Star Wars – Episode IV ».

5. What experiences does the Tunisian desert offer?

The desert, which begins in Tozeur, offers breathtaking landscapes: from sandy dunes at sunset to lush oases with palm trees, perfect for guided excursions.

6. What are the most popular beach destinations?

Djerba and Hammamet are renowned beach destinations, famous for their affordable resorts and the relaxing atmosphere that attracts tourists from all over the world.