Getting to know Tunisia and its most famous tourist attractions

Tunisia is located in North Africa along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Unique tourist attractions such as sunny golden beaches and international music, film, and theatre festivals have made this country popular among tourists. In this article, we will introduce you to the beautiful country of Tunisia and some of its best tourist attractions.

Where is the country of Tunisia?

Tunisia is located in the north of the African continent. It borders Algeria in the West and southwest and Libya in the southeast. It leads to the Mediterranean Sea in the east and northeast. Tunisia’s capital is one of the world’s most beautiful and vibrant cities. Part of the country’s history is preserved through its architecture, and museums throughout the country preserve another part. Walking in Tunisian cities, you will see markets and mosques with Arabic architecture next to modern buildings.

Culture of Tunisia

The customs and culture of Tunisia are very diverse. This issue is mainly due to the rule of different governments over this country throughout history. The official religion of Tunisian people is Islam, and most of the country’s population is Muslim. Jews and Christians are religious minorities in this country. The language of Tunisia is Arabic, and most natives speak Arabic with a Tunisian dialect. Standard and modern Arabic is also taught as the first language in the country’s schools.

The hospitality, kindness, and warmth of Tunisian men and women, along with the extraordinary tourist attractions of this country, have made Tunisia an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world.

What is the meaning of Medina in Tunisia?

In North African countries, the old neighborhoods of some historically essential cities are called Medina. These neighborhoods have preserved their historical context, have narrow alleys with old architecture, and are usually registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some of the Tunisian cities with a Medina are Tunis, Sousse, Qirawan, and Mahdia.

The weather in Tunisia

Tunisia is a warm and temperate region that reaches the Great Sahara from the south. The country’s north has a Mediterranean climate with mild and rainy winters and hot and dry summers. As you go south, the areas become semi-arid and dry.

The coastal areas of Tunisia are more temperate than the southern and central areas. For example, in the city of Sousse, one of the coastal cities, the average temperature reaches 7 degrees Celsius in January and 32 degrees Celsius in August.

Ten tourist destinations in Tunisia

Although Tunisia is mainly known as a beach destination, its tourist attractions are not limited to its beaches. Alleys full of old houses with pastel colors, beautiful markets, ancient ruins, underground dwellings, the great African desert in the south, and hidden oases full of palm trees are other tourist attractions of Tunisia. The culture and history that the Romans left behind in Tunisia is another reason to visit this beautiful country.

In the following, we will introduce some of Tunisia’s top tourist destinations and places of interest.

1.El Gem Amphitheater

Suppose you are interested in the age of gladiators and their fights. In that case, your first stop in Tunisia will be the city of El Djem. Amphitheater of Al-Jem city is one of the most beautiful buildings left of the Roman Empire in Tunisia. The greatness of the walls of this structure makes the modern city of Al-Jam look like a miniature city.

By visiting Al-Jam Amphitheater, you can walk in the corridors under the fighting arena and step in the footsteps of gladiators or visit the upper floors and sit on the seats of spectators of gladiator fights.

2. Great African Sahara

When traveling to Tunisia, visit the world’s largest desert in your plan. The African Sahara covers a large part of Tunisia and has many wonders in its heart for visitors.

Naftah dunes, camel riding tours in the desert, eating traditional food, visiting the Miles Canyon, spending the night in the desert, and watching the starry sky are just some of the tourist attractions of the Great Sahara.

The Grand Erg Oriental, which covers a large part of southern Tunisia, is a magical place where many scenes from the movies “Star Wars” and “The English Patient” were filmed. Some filming locations have become hotels where you can relax or visit them.

3. Shatt al-Jarid salt lake

The best word to describe the great salt lake of Chott el Djerid is unique. When visiting this beautiful place in Tunisia, you might think you’ve seen it before, and if you’re a fan of the Star Wars movies, you’re probably right. Many scenes of Tatooine city were filmed here.

Shatt al-Jarid is a saltwater lake, and the change of season during the year changes the color of the lake water. If you look at the pictures of this lake, you will see that the water has taken on crazy purple, pink, and red colors.

4. Tunis City: The capital of Tunisia

The city of Tunis has hosted different civilizations and nations throughout history. This city is now like a bridge between past and present. Street arts, classic architecture next to modern structures, beautiful beaches, Sidi Mahrez Grand Mosque and its incredible architecture, houses with happy and lively colors, and the great Bardo Museum are among the reasons for attracting travelers worldwide to this city.

The most beautiful part of the city of Tunis is the old quarter or Medina of Tunis, which is like a vast market and seems to take you back in time. Many of the tourist attractions of Tunis are located in its old quarter, so remember to visit this quarter.

Going to the Bardo Museum will only complete your visit to Tunis. The Bardo Museum is the world’s largest museum that displays ancient Roman mosaics. Even if you are not a fan of visiting the museum, you will surely be amazed by the mosaic paintings and sculptures of the Bardo Museum.

5. The city of Sousse

Medina of Sousse

Sousse city beaches

The city of Sousse is located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It is about 2 hours away from the capital. Surrounded by a series of winding lanes, this beautiful city is a shopper’s paradise. In this city, you can buy Tunisian handicrafts, including ceramic, leather, and metal works, at the best possible prices. Many traditional markets of this city continue to operate, which will be attractive to visit. After shopping, you can relax on the beautiful beaches of this city and watch the local life or enjoy swimming and diving in the Mediterranean Sea.

Sousse Medina is also one of the best historical attractions in Tunisia. This part of the city, surrounded by high walls, used to be a massive military fortress where soldiers and the Islamic army lived. In addition to the magnificent castle of Sousse (Ribat of Sousse), the Archaeological Museum of Sousse, the Grand Mosque of Sousse, the Sousse Medina Municipal Building, and the traditional markets of the city are also located in this neighborhood.

6. Hammamet beaches in Tunisia

Hammamet, once a tiny fishing town, has become a beautiful resort. This city is one of Tunisia’s most popular tourist destinations due to its stunning beaches with warm water. The growth of the tourism industry in this city has led to its significant progress. Now visitors can enjoy modern facilities such as international restaurants, luxury hotels, various shopping centers, and various water parks in addition to the beautiful nature of this city.

Of course, beautiful sandy beaches are not the only tourist attractions of Hammamet. In the city’s old quarter is an old castle belonging to the 13th century, which we suggest you visit. The sea view from the top of the castle walls is an unforgettable image.

7. Al Manstir city

Monastir is located near the city of Sousse and two hours from the capital of Tunisia. This city is one of the quiet coastal cities of Tunisia, and one of its most famous tourist attractions is the Bourguiba Tomb and Bourguiba Presidential Palace. After the independence of this country, Habib Bourguiba was elected as its first president. He is considered a significant and influential figure in the history of Tunisia. Burqaiba’s tomb is located in the city center, and access is complimentary. His presidential palace has also become a museum and is now open to the public. While visiting this palace, you can get to know the life of this prominent person.

Al Manstir Castle

In al-Manastir, near the beach, there is an old castle belonging to the 9th century, which offers visitors a beautiful view of the sea and the city. After visiting the city and its tourist areas, you can go to the beach to relax, walk, and see the city’s beach cafes.

8. Djerba Island

The Island of Djerba, with over 170 thousand people, is one of Tunisia’s most popular tourist areas. But beautiful beaches and unique handicrafts are only one of the reasons for attracting tourists to this island.

When visiting this island, visit Djerbahood, which is almost at the centre. The streets of this neighborhood are like an outdoor art exhibition. More than 200 street artists have displayed their works on the walls of this neighborhood, which will entertain you for hours. Guellala Museum is also located in the village of Kalala, where the artistic, historical, and modern works of the African continent and the country of Tunisia are exhibited. Many of these works are dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Tunisia and the island of Djerba.

9. Kirwan city

Kairouan is the fourth most important Muslim city, with many mosques, schools, and tombs. This city is located at a distance of 160 kilometers from the capital of Tunisia. It has a critical religious and historical position. Islamic architecture in this city is magnificent and inspiring, and the city’s skyline is entirely of narrow and tall minarets and large domes.

The central jewel of this city is its mosque. The construction date of the Great Mosque of Kairouan, with an area of ​​9000 square meters, goes back to 670 AD. This mosque is considered the oldest mosque in the West and the largest mosque in Tunisia. It is built in an irregular quadrangular shape. The Great Mosque of Qairwan is also called the Great Mosque of Uqbah Ibn Nafi. The mosque building looks like a fortress from the outside, and its interior includes a prayer hall with parallel columns, a marble-paved courtyard, and a sizeable square-shaped garland.

10. Tabarqa city

The city of Tabarka is located 200 kilometers away from Tunis. Because of its mild and moderate weather, it attracts the attention of tourists even in the hot summer months. This city is on a high plateau surrounded by beautiful green trees and forests. Also, this area includes many buildings related to the Phoenician, Roman, Christian, Ottoman, and Andalusian governments.

The beaches of Tabarqa are full of unique and colorful coral reefs, which is why diving in this area is very popular. Tunisia’s biggest and best golf course is also in this city, so visiting this sport will be beautiful if you are a fan.

last word

If you plan to visit Africa, Tunisia is undoubtedly one of the best possible destinations. Going to this country will allow you to see the sea, forests, deserts and mountains. You can spend time in modern cities with the best possible facilities and visit historical and natural areas simultaneously.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Suppose you have had the experience of visiting Tunisia. In that case, we will happily share your memories in the comments section.