Small in size, vast in experiences. Tunisia may be North Africa’s smallest country – you could fit six Tunisians into Egypt and 14 into Algeria – but what it lacks in scale, it more than makes up for in diversity. Within its compact borders lie sun-drenched beaches, ancient cities, vast deserts and vibrant cultural traditions, all easy to explore in a single journey.
Along the Mediterranean coast, golden beaches stretch from the Gulf of Hammamet to the palm-lined shores of Djerba. In the southwest, the undulating dunes of Jebil National Park fade seamlessly into the endless expanse of the Sahara. Near the coast, historic cities brim with timeless souqs, while the countryside is scattered with awe-inspiring Greco-Roman ruins such as Carthage, Thysdrus and Dougga. Farther inland, oasis towns like Douz and Tozeur open the door to desert adventures by camel or 4WD, guided by Bedouin experts.
Plan your visit around the seasons – summer for beach escapes, spring and autumn for desert excursions and inland exploration – and Tunisia rewards you with a perfectly balanced sampler of North African culture, history and nature. Compact, varied and deeply atmospheric, it’s an easy country to navigate and a hard one to forget. Here are the best places to visit in Tunisia.
# TunisBest for big-city energy
Blending Maghrebi traditions with Mediterranean and European influences, Tunis delivers everything you’d expect from a North African capital. Founded in 698 CE after the fall of Carthage, the city truly lives up to the idea of “living history.” Its medieval medina – once sidelined during French colonial rule – has re-emerged as a lively center of trade, culture and creativity.
A palpable sense of renewal runs through Tunis today. The food scene is bold and dynamic, boutique guesthouses known as dars now occupy beautifully restored mansions, and world-class museums like the legendary Bardo showcase nearly 3,000 years of Mediterranean history.
To delve even deeper, visit the ruins of Carthage. Founded by the Phoenicians, destroyed in the Punic Wars, rebuilt by Julius Caesar and later abandoned after Arab conquests, Carthage once ranked as the third-largest city of the Roman Empire – its layered past etched into the landscape.
# Cape Bon (Cap Bon)
Best for coastal scenery
The Cap Bon peninsula, southeast of Tunis, serves up far more than its postcard-perfect beaches. While sandy shores line the east coast near Hammamet, the region’s appeal extends inland and along its rugged northern edge.
Fishing ports dot the coastline, while olive groves, citrus orchards and vineyards – producing nearly 80% of Tunisia’s wine – blanket the interior. Fields of chili peppers supply the ingredients for Tunisia’s iconic harissa paste. The rocky northwest coast near Korbous is especially dramatic, with jagged cliffs and hot springs cascading directly into the sea.
Ancient history is woven throughout the peninsula, from the remarkably preserved Punic city of Kerkouane to Roman-era Neapolis, modern-day Nabeul, now famed for glazed pottery and handicrafts. The remote northern tip of Cap Bon feels wild, windswept and wonderfully untouched.
Planning tip: Hammamet’s resort prices peak from June to September. Visit in spring or autumn for better value and quieter beaches.
# BizerteBest for authentic Tunisian atmosphere
As Africa’s northernmost city, Bizerte feels distinct from Tunisia’s other coastal towns. Despite modern development, its historic heart remains refreshingly authentic. Time spent wandering the medina and Vieux Port offers a genuine glimpse into everyday Tunisian life.
White-and-blue alleyways lead past historic mosques and the Spanish Fort, a reminder of the region’s role in the power struggles between the Habsburg and Ottoman empires. Kayak from the Old Port for a fresh perspective of the city, or visit the Museum of the Marine to explore Tunisia’s maritime heritage stretching back to Roman times.
While local visitors flock to the nearby beaches, those willing to venture farther are rewarded with wild, unspoiled coastline. At Cap Angela, the northernmost point in Africa, rocky coves and sweeping views create the feeling of standing at the edge of the continent.
Detour: Explore the forests of Cap Farina, the ancient ruins of Utica, or the bird-rich wetlands of UNESCO-listed Ichkeul Lake.
# Dougga
Best for ancient history
Near the historic town of El Kef lies Dougga, one of North Africa’s most impressive Roman sites and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. Set amid rolling hills, it’s also one of the region’s best-preserved Roman cities.
Highlights include a 2nd-century theater seating 3,500 spectators, a grand forum, and the Capitol – a majestic temple dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. A scenic path leads onward to the Libyco-Punic Mausoleum, a striking monument restored in the early 20th century.
Planning tip: For standout photos, frame the Capitol from the doorway of the temple known as Dar Lachhab.
# SousseBest for a snapshot of Tunisia’s layered past
Tunisia’s third-largest city balances living history with lively modern life. Sousse’s medieval medina, sandy beaches and rich archaeological heritage make it a standout stop on the coast.
Begin in the 9th-century medina, built by the Aghlabids. The Archaeological Museum, housed within the kasbah, boasts one of Tunisia’s finest collections of Roman mosaics. Nearby, the Ribat fort, Great Mosque and bustling Bab El Jedid market reveal centuries of religious, commercial and cultural life.
Planning tip: Pair your visit with a trip inland to Kairouan, one of Islam’s holiest cities and home to one of Africa’s oldest mosques.
# El JemBest for ancient mosaics
Once known as Thysdrus, El Jem flourished as a Roman trade hub between Sousse and Sfax. Today, its extraordinary ruins tell the story of a city that once rivaled Carthage.
A combined ticket grants access to the ruins and the excellent Archaeological Museum, built atop a Roman villa and showcasing remarkably preserved mosaics. The showstopper, however, is the UNESCO-listed Amphitheater of Thysdrus – the fourth-largest in the Roman world, capable of holding 30,000 spectators.
Planning tip: Combine El Jem with a coastal stop in Mahdia for beaches, a historic medina and layered cultural influences.
# DjerbaBest for beach lovers
Palm-fringed beaches have made Djerba one of Tunisia’s most popular holiday islands, but its true character lies beyond the resorts. A blend of Amazigh, Jewish, Maltese and Greek heritage has shaped Djerba’s architecture, cuisine and traditions.
Ibadi mosques, historic synagogues and Christian churches punctuate the island, while olive groves and citrus orchards fill the countryside. For a deeper cultural experience, stay in a traditional funduq or rural hũch rather than a large beach resort.
Explore Houmt Souk’s old streets and visit the Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum to better understand island life.
Planning tip: Djerba is accessible by air, ferry or a Roman-era causeway – ideal if you plan to explore southern Tunisia by car.
# Tozeur and DouzBest for desert explorers
Bordering the vast Chott El Jerid salt lake, the oasis towns of Tozeur and Douz serve as gateways to the Sahara. Their landscapes – familiar from Star Wars and The English Patient – combine palm-filled oases with stark desert horizons.
Tozeur is known for its intricate brick architecture and lush date plantations, while Douz is the jumping-off point for camel treks and 4WD expeditions into Jebil National Park and the Grand Erg Oriental. Overnight desert camps beneath star-filled skies are an unforgettable highlight.
Planning tip: Confirm how deep into the desert your tour travels – some excursions only skirt the park’s edges.
# Matmata and TataouineBest for movie fans
Southern Tunisia’s dramatic landscapes have long attracted filmmakers, most famously the creators of Star Wars. The troglodyte homes of Matmata – carved into the earth – became Luke Skywalker’s childhood home in A New Hope.
Hotel Sidi Driss remains a pilgrimage site for fans, while nearby Tataouine serves as a base for exploring Amazigh villages on the Sahara’s edge. Though George Lucas borrowed the town’s name, filming never took place here.
A short journey reveals Chenini, a breathtaking hilltop village of cave dwellings crowned by a fortress – one of Tunisia’s most atmospheric and memorable sights.