Category: Destinations

Over the last few years Tunisia has become one of the more popular tourist destinations featured in travel agents’ brochures.

While the hot climate and impressive array of beaches obviously contribute to this, something else that is luring tourists over is its variety of attractions.

Unlike some destinations, which perhaps only rely on white sands and an enticing nightlife, Tunisia offers attractions targeted towards all eras.

Most of these are spread throughout the nation, meaning that a car is a necessity, although if you do have the time it’s worth cramming in as many as possible into your holiday’s itinerary. Here, we’ll take a look at the top ten sites across the country.

 

Tunis Medina

The Medina in Tunis is one of the more traditional sites – but it’s still very much appropriate for tourists of all types and ages. It’s one of the most historic regions of North Africa and contained within the famous walls is a bustling market, full of local products.

Anyone looking for a souvenir is advised to take a trip to the Medina, although as well as the traditional shopping experience it’s possible to set eyes on a number of monuments including the Zitouna Mosque, Torbet el Bey and Dar Hussein Museum of Islamic Art. Bearing the above in mind, it’s ideal for a day trip – or longer.

 

Sidi Bou Said

Sidi Bou Said is another attraction classed in the “traditional” category and again something that you wouldn’t find in your typical, popular European holiday destination. This small village is regarded as an area of natural beauty and anyone who appreciates fine architecture is in for a treat and a half.

It’s another attraction which is perfect for souvenirs, although one could suggest that it doesn’t take quite as long to negotiate and the village can be scoured in less than half a day.

 

Bardo Museum

The mosaics on show in the Bardo Museum are some of the most beautiful in the world, with this attraction boasting an international reputation. As well as the mosaics, there are numerous historic sculptures and visitors can browse both paleo-Christian and Islamic offerings.

Again, it’s a traditional attraction, but the quality and history of the works in this museum make it intriguing for anyone who walks through its dated doors.

 

Dougga

One site that will certainly take longer than half a day is Dougga, which is located deep in rural Tunisia and once again shows some of the country’s history in its proudest form. A theatre, which is understood to have been erected as early as 168 AD is one of its premier attractions, while there is also the Capitoline Temple which is often a tourist favourite.

Arguably the best part of Dougga arrives in the form of the Mausoleum of Ateban though, with this 18m-high monument being topped with a pyramid and lion which makes it great for the camera-happy visitor.

 

El Djem

Out of all of the sites on our list, El Djem is probably the one that most readers will be familiar with. It’s the attraction that is always covered in those holiday brochures, with the amphitheatre being one of the best preserved in the world. It’s possible to venture around this attraction and walk up as high as the third tier, while there is also an underground area which is still completely in-tact and showcases the various tunnels and dungeons that were once the home of gladiators.

While the amphitheatre rightly grabs a lot of attention, the area’s museum is also worth a visit where it’s again possible to cast your eye over hoards of stunning mosaics. It’s not quite as comprehensive as the Bardo Museum, but if you are in the area it’s still well worth a visit.

 

Kairouan

Kairouan is one site which probably isn’t covered enough by travel agents, especially when you consider the fact that it’s regarded as the fourth most important holy city for Muslims. It also happens to hold the much-coveted UNESCO World Heritage Site tag and anyone who likes to wander through a mixture of history and culture is advised to pay a visit.

Kairouan happens to be home of one of the oldest mosques in the country in the form of the Great Mosque of Obka, while it also holds its own Medina which is ideal for those famous Tunisian souvenirs.

 

Matmata & the Ksour

There’s every chance that a lot of you will have come across this next site on the list, with scenes from the Star Wars franchise being filmed here. To be more specific, this is seen as Luke Skywalker’s planet, meaning that it attracts thousands of movie buffs on an annual basis.

For those who are not familiar with the franchise, Matmata holds cave-like architecture, with many of the buildings being tucked underground and giving visitors the feeling of stepping back in time by centuries.

 

The Mountain Oasis

While the Mountain Oasis do have plenty of historical insight behind them, a lot of visitors take to this site in a bid to observe the picturesque scenery that the region provides.

Waterfalls, palm trees and streams are all the norm here, while you can also cast your eye around some of the abandoned cities from the 1960s that now appear as ruins. For any hiking enthusiasts out there, this is a must-visit region.

 

Mediterranean Beaches

Even though Tunisia is regarded as one of the more cultural destinations in the brochures, let’s not forget that there are other reasons why holidaymakers are heading out there. The beaches certainly fall into this category and if you can make a trip to either Hammamet or Sousse you will experience some of the most extravagant sands in the continent.

As these regions typically attract the most tourists, it goes without saying that they are awash with plush accommodation and it’s easy to find a hotel within a stone’s throw of one of the mentioned beaches.

 

The Sahara

If you happen to be staying at any of the hotels which were touched upon in the previous section, you’ll probably be offered a trip to the “premium” destination of The Sahara. If you’re travelling alone on the other hand, make it your priority to head out there.

Once again the Star Wars franchise has donned these famous sands and it’s only recently that the region has opened up to the influx of tourists. Camel rides are naturally the attraction of choice for most visitors, although the activities are becoming more extravagant by the year with off-road jeep rides and under-the-stars sleepovers all being available in the Sahara.

There’s a reason why Hammamet is attracting hordes of tourists every year; it’s a place where the typical visitor will never get bored.

It’s seen as one of the most interesting and entertaining areas to visit in Tunisia, here are ten attractions which you simply must make an effort to visit to reap the most out of the region.

Pictures are courtesy of TripAdvisor.

To check all tours and activites from City Discovery, please click here

 

Citrus Golf Course

Take a look at every popular tourist destination in the world and you’ll notice one thing; they are all geared to entice golfing visitors. Hammamet is no different and one of the best facilities in the region is the Citrus Golf Course, which actually contains two separate courses. The first, regarded as the easiest, is Les Oliviers and this is mainly targeted at the high-handicap player who wants to play a course without the pressure of battling around trees and heavy rough. The better players are advised to turn to La Foret, which is much tighter and will punish those wayward hitters with trees and shrubs along the outskirts of the fairways. As well as the main courses, there is a Par 3 9-hole course, two driving ranges and numerous putting greens.

 

Zizou Paintball Club

If we stay on the ‘sporty’ theme, a trip to Zizou Paintball Club could perhaps be on the agenda. This was actually the first paintball field in Hammamet and is probably one of the biggest you will ever venture on. Unlike some paintball clubs, Zizou is perfect for children as well and the welcoming staff makes the experience even more pleasurable.

 

George Sebastian Villa

Something that’s a little quieter than the above two attractions is an experience at the George Sebastian Villa. Set over 42 acres of land, it would be something of an understatement to say that this is a gigantic building. However, it offers far more than size and as it is now called the International Cultural Centre, it means that visitors get a taste of what life was like for its creator George Sebastian. Despite being almost a decade old, its design is one of the most elaborate you will ever set eyes on and is the perfect attraction to combine history and style.

 

Pupput Roman Site

For those tourists who really wish to immerse themselves in history, a trip to the Pupput Roman Site should be in order. It’s understood that the first settlement occurred here as early as 1st Century BC, although it’s naturally quite difficult to decipher any of the remains due to the tests of time. There are suggestions that a theatre and amphitheatre once existed here and while it’s impossible to view any traces of such landmarks, visitors will still see plenty of artefacts that are impressive to say the least.

 

Hammamet Beach

As one would expect from such a popular tourist zone, the beach at Hammemet is completely exotic and well worthy of a visit. The phrase “white sands and crystal clear waters” could not be more appropriate, but fortunately there are extras that can make the experience even more engaging. For example, visitors can pay for camel and horse rides, which are utterly picturesque along the backdrop of Tunisian waters.

 

Yasmin Hammamet

Out of all of the attractions listed, this is probably the one which reaches out to the fewest number of tourists. However, it’s well worth a visit and perhaps paints Hammamet in its most modern light. Yasmin is full of upmarket hotels, shops and restaurants – meaning that it’s ideal for a day trip. The marina is also worth a mention and if you can pitch up on one of the restaurants that surround it, you’ll be set for a striking afternoon indeed.

 

Medina of Hammamet

Medina might not be carved directly to the tourist market – but that’s exactly why it’s a must-visit attraction. It absolutely ram-packed full of traditional shops and locals and this means that you’re certainly not set for your traditional shopping experience. Instead, prepare to haggle, barter and just engage with the local sellers – it’s an experience that will make you smile in the future.

 

Yasmine Golf Course

In comparison to Citrus Golf Course, there’s no doubt that Yasmine is slightly smaller in size. It boasts just the one course, although it would be fair to say that it’s hugely challenging, yet still suited to players of most abilities. Funnily enough, it’s another of those attractions in which you’ll also become accustomed to the Tunisian culture, with countless locals hovering on holes looking to sell balls or takeover your bag and act as a caddy. The combination of this and the design of the course makes Yasmine a fantastic experience for the typical golfing enthusiast.

 

Carthageland Hammamet

While it doesn’t boast the worldwide reputation of Disneyland, Carthageland is still regarded as a fantastic theme park and can make a great day out for those visiting Hammamet. Naturally, it contains countless rides, shops and restaurants, but the unique selling point about Carthageland is undoubtedly the zoo which allows visitors to set eyes on a whole host of exotic animals. There are also several water rides, for those that want to cool off in the baking sun.

 

Kasbah of Hammamet

The final attraction we’re going to take a look at is primarily a historic site and the fact it is approximately seven hundred years old says everything you need to know about its heritage. However, it also allows visitors to bask in great views, with the Kasbah being perched right beside the sea. This attraction deciphers exactly what remains from the fort of Hammamet but unlike some historical sites that are based in the area, this is one that the authorities have fought tooth and nail to preserve and extensive work has been performed to renovate it.

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Tunisia is full exceptional archaeological sites with its Phoenician, Roman, Arab, European and Byzantine heritage. When you are in Tunisia you can combine sun and discovery of the amazing culture. These beautiful ancient treasures will surely be a head turner.

1 – Carthage

The archeological site of Carthage is spread out in what is the present city of Carthage and World Heritage of Unesco since 1979. It was founded in the 9th century BC by Phoenicians. The two Punic points are absolutely stunning along with the impressive remains of the Antonine Baths.

You can really see how this place could come alive these many years ago.

 

2 – Bulla Regia

Bulla Regia is located in the northwest of Tunisia and is one of the main stages of cultural tourism in this region. There are over 17 centures of history here and is extended over 60 hectares. There are patrician homes with amazing mosaic pavements which makes this the best example of ancient domestic architecture.

When you are in Bulla Regia you will feel as if you were from this place and were living there with your family. It is amazing to step back in time and enjoy this feeling.

 

3 – Kerkouane

Located on the eastern coast of the peninsula of Cap Bon Kerkuane is six kilometers north of Hamman Ghezeze. Here is a city and a necropolis which is listed on the World Heritage list of Unesco. The site has the distinction of being the only example of Punic architecture. It has not changed since later civilizations. This is a great feat since many times tourism will take over and begin to change the look of things.

 

4 – El Jem

El Jem is located two hours from Tunis ad is a former Roman colony which was used for the production of olive oil. It is also well known for its archeological site where one can admire the Colosseum Thysdrus which was built in the third century. It can hold 35,000 spectators. This makes it one of the largest amphitheatres in the Roman world at 41 meters high.

If you ever wanted to go somewhere to imagine a magnificent fight between the gladiators then this would be a great place for you to go. This location is breath taking and can really allow your imagination to run wild.

 

5 – Sbeitla

This is a vestige of ancient Sufetula and is located in west-central Tunisia. There are 20 acres of land here and Sbeitla is renowned for its three temples. These temples were dedicated to Juno, Minerva and Jupiter. There is a theater, a spa complex, churches, triumphal arch and the forts of the Byzantine era.

You can spend all day just looking at the different places which are here. There is so much to see and do when you are in Sbeitla.

 

6 – Dougga

Dougga is an archaeological site that is located in the delegation Teboursouk which is northworst of Tunisia. This is considered the “small Roman city best preserved of North Africa”. It is 70 hectares and has good conversation pieces in the monuments. It is considered one of the most beautiful ancient sites in the world. When you visit you must be prepared to be awed by its beauty.

 

7 – Utica

Utica is located north of present-day Tunisia in the governorate of Bizerte. The remains here usually date back to Roman times. There is the peristyle garden, spa and villas which are decorated with mosaics, temples, walls and ancient tombs which were built into volcanic rock. Step back in time when you are in Utica. This amazing site will have you gasping.

 

8 – Gigthis

Gigthis is an ancient site which is in the south part of Tunisia. It is in the territory of Medenine and opposite the island of Djerba. It mainly the urban center of the ancient city where you’ll find the Roman Forum and its monuments. There are religious and official buildings as well as the most important which is the Capital building. Feel as if you were a resident there and in the very middle of the life that is being lived.

 

9 – Tubernuc

Tubernuc has the distinction of being preserved even though there has been mass tourism. The remains here date back to the Punic period but you should note that the excavations have revealed public baths and urban fabric which dates back to the first century. Can you imagine being back in Tubernuc time during the Punic period? How fantastic that would be.

 

10 – Chemtou

Chemtou is located in the northwest of Tunisia. The ruins of Simitthu are attached to the province proconsul of Africa in Roman times. The remains extend over a 1,500 year period. The site offers over 80 acres to discover with temples, baths, an amphitheater, an aqueduct and he housing for the working of the quarry.

 

Conclusion

All of these beautiful places are all at your fingertips to be discovered when you come to Tunisia. You can choose to visit any of them that you would like but always make sure that you make enough time to see all of your favorite places.

With all of the different places that are available for you to see, there is no telling how long you could vacation here and site see. You will have many amazing photographs to share with people as they are excited to hear about your trip and see the beautiful images.

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