Nefta

★★ Nefta — The Mystical Oasis

Nefta (24 km west of Tozeur) is the most spiritual city in Tunisia. As the center of Sufism (the mystical branch of Islam), the small oasis city is home to over 100 shrines and mausoleums of Sufi saints. The white domes of the Zaouias (sanctuaries) dominate the cityscape.

★★★ La Corbeille (The Basket)

The highlight of Nefta is the Corbeille — a massive natural crater (depression) in the middle of the city, where a lush palm oasis grows. The depression is about 30 meters deep and fed by artesian springs. From the viewing terrace at the edge, there is a surreal view: green palms below, the white city all around, and the endless desert on the horizon.

Star Wars: Mos Espa

15 km north of Nefta, in the desert near Ong el-Jemel, stand the sets of Mos Espa — the city on the desert planet Tatooine from "Star Wars: Episode I" (1999). The wooden and plaster sets still stand in the desert and are slowly decaying. A surreal experience: a science fiction city slowly being swallowed by the real desert. Best reached by 4x4 or organized tour from Tozeur.

Arrival: Louage from Tozeur (20 min., 1 TND). Taxi: 5–8 TND.