11 of the best things to do in Tunisia

1. Lose yourself in Tunis's magical medina

Step through the grand arched gates of Tunisia's capital city and into its UNESCO-listed medina, a maze of narrow alleyways dating back to the 7th century.

The heart of the old city beats around the magnificent Zitouna Mosque, with its peaceful courtyard built from Roman columns recycled from ancient Carthage.

Get lost in aromatic spice souks, watch skilled artisans at work in the blacksmiths' quarter and pause for mint tea at a rooftop café overlooking the minaret-dotted skyline.

2. Marvel at El Jem's mighty amphitheatre

Standing proud in Tunisia’s olive-growing region, the remarkably preserved El Jem amphitheatre rivals Rome’s Colosseum in size and grandeur but comes at a fraction of the cost – up to four times cheaper for a day ticket than its Italian counterpart.

This UNESCO World Heritage site, once seating 35,000 spectators, is one of the best examples of Roman architecture in Africa. Visit at sunset, when golden light warms the ancient stones for an unforgettable view.

3. Ride camels and quads across the Saharan dunes

Journey into the Grand Erg Oriental and mount a camel for a traditional trek across the rolling dunes or rev up a quad bike for an adrenaline-pumping ride through the desert landscape.

Whether you choose to explore at a gentle pace swaying atop a camel or blast through the sands on four wheels, you'll be surrounded by an otherworldly sight of rippling dunes stretching to the horizon.

Both quad biking* and camel treks* can be arranged from desert gateways like Douz or Ksar Ghilane, with options ranging from short excursions to multi-day adventures.

4. Wander the blue and white streets of Sidi Bou Said

With its whitewashed buildings adorned with bright blue doors and intricate window frames, Sidi Bou Said could easily be mistaken for a Greek island village – perched on a cliff overlooking the Gulf of Tunis, this arty community oozes Mediterranean charm.

Just a 25-minute drive from Tunisia's capital, it’s easily accessible on day trips from popular resort areas like Hammamet and Sousse.

Browse local art galleries, take in the spectacular sea views at Café des Délices, or simply snap those picture-perfect streets.

5. Walk in the footsteps of Phoenicians at Carthage

Founded by Phoenician traders and later conquered by Romans, the Mediterranean metropolis of Carthage was one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world.

Today, you can climb Byrsa Hill for sweeping views over the Gulf of Tunis, wander through the remains of Roman villas and baths and visit the ancient ports where mighty trading ships once docked.

Just a short trip from modern Tunis, these UNESCO-listed ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into over 3,000 years of history.

6. Dive into Mediterranean waters at Djerba

Djerba is Tunisia's best-kept island secret. In its warm, crystal-clear waters that remain remarkably uncrowded compared to other Mediterranean dive spots, you can explore coral-encrusted shipwrecks, swim through rocky canyons teeming with sea life and spot colourful groupers darting among the reefs.

With year-round diving conditions, sites suitable for all skill levels and a number of dive schools (including La Sirène Diving Club and Blue Dolphin Diving Center), it's the perfect place to take the plunge.

After your dive, explore Djerba’s whitewashed villages and pristine beaches that somehow remain under the radar of most European travellers.

7. Sample street food in Kairouan's medina

In the heart of Tunisia lies the holy city of Kairouan – one of Islam's four sacred cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Here you can navigate the labyrinthine streets of its ancient medina, stopping to sample local delicacies along the way. Watch bakers pull fresh flatbreads from traditional ovens, try makroudh (date-filled semolina cookies) and savour bambalouni (Tunisian doughnuts) hot from the fryer. And don't miss the chance to taste authentic local harissa, the fiery chilli paste that's the cornerstone of Tunisian cuisine.

Less than an hour's drive from the beach resort of Sousse, it's one of the best attractions to tick off on a day trip.

8. Visit the Chott el Djerid salt lake

Witness one of Tunisia’s most surreal landscapes at Chott el Djerid, a vast salt lake that creates stunning optical illusions.

During the dry season, the surface reflects the sky like a mirror. Visit at sunrise or sunset when the salt crystals glow in spectacular colours.

It’s too far away from coastal resorts for a practical day trip, but if you’re visiting the city of Tozeur – also worth a stop for its stunning palm groves and unique desert architecture – a trip to Chott el Djerid is unmissable.

9. Trek remote landscapes in Dahar

Lace up your hiking boots and explore the Dahar region's dramatic terrain on Tunisia's first long-distance walking route.

Stretching 194km (120.5 miles) and divided into 12 manageable day-long stages, the Great Dahar Crossing lets you tackle as much or as little as you like. The trail connects ancient Berber villages perched dramatically on hilltops, leading you through a landscape of rocky canyons and palm-dotted valleys.

Stop to explore fascinating troglodyte dwellings carved into the mountainsides and fortified granaries that seem to grow out of the rock itself.

Even hiking just one stage gives you a taste of this remarkable region's rich history and dramatic scenery.

10. Step into a Star Wars movie scene

Walk in Luke Skywalker's footsteps at Tunisia's iconic Star Wars filming locations.

At Hotel Sidi Driss in Matmata, better known as Luke's childhood home, you can explore the same underground chambers that appeared in A New Hope.

Or, journey to the desert near Nefta (Naftah) to discover the preserved sets of Mos Espa, where pod-racing scenes were filmed, and see the otherworldly landscape that George Lucas transformed into the planet Tatooine.

11. Hike through cork forests in the Kroumirie Mountains

Forests might not be the first thing that come to mind when you think of North Africa, but the Kroumirie mountains are one of the best places to visit in Tunisia as they reveal a completely different side to the country.

Follow the trails through lush cork oak forests and fern-filled valleys in Tunisia’s northwest, stopping at hidden waterfalls and peaceful lakes.

The mountain town of Aïn Draham is a great base for exploring the area, and you can arrange guided walks or mountain biking trips through the highlands.

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