Welcome to Tunisia

Tunisia is the most underrated destination in the Mediterranean — and only 2.5 flight hours from Germany. On just 163,610 km², the smallest country in North Africa combines an almost unbelievable diversity:

• 1,300 kilometers of Mediterranean coastline with fine sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and picturesque port towns
• 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the ancient city of Carthage to the Amphitheater of El Jem to the Medina of Tunis
• The Sahara — the world's largest desert begins in the south of the country with breathtaking dune landscapes and salt lakes
• A 3,000-year-old history, from Carthage through Rome, the Arabs, and the Ottoman Empire to the French colonial period
• The world's best mosaic collection at the Bardo Museum and Roman ruins that rival Pompeii
• Star Wars filming locations — George Lucas filmed the desert scenes of Tatooine in the Tunisian Sahara
• Excellent value for money — significantly cheaper than European Mediterranean countries

Tunisia is the most progressive Arab country: Since 2014, it has the freest constitution in the Arab world, women enjoy more rights than in any other Muslim country (since 1956!), and the society is tolerant and open-minded. The Tunisian Jasmine Revolution of 2011 was the catalyst of the Arab Spring — and Tunisia is the only country that developed a (albeit fragile) democracy from it.

What makes Tunisia special is the combination: You can wander through a 1,300-year-old medina in the morning, lie on a dream beach at noon, visit a Roman amphitheater larger than the Colosseum in Rome in the afternoon, and sleep under the starry sky of the Sahara in a desert camp at night. And all this for a fraction of the cost of a trip to Greece.

Tunisia can be divided into five travel regions. Each has its own character:

🏛️ Tunis & Surroundings

For whom: Culture lovers, history fans, city explorers
The capital Tunis offers the magnificent UNESCO-protected Medina, the world-famous Bardo Museum, and the suburb Sidi Bou Said with its iconic blue doors. Just outside the city are the ruins of Carthage — once Rome's most powerful rival. Plus, the seaside resorts of La Marsa and La Goulette.

🏖️ North Coast & Cap Bon

For whom: Beach vacationers, nature lovers, divers
Tabarka with its coral reefs, the charming Bizerte as the northernmost city in Africa, the cork oak forests of Ain Draham, and the Cap Bon peninsula with Hammamet (Tunisia's tourism hotspot), the authentic Nabeul, and the fortress city of Kelibia.

☀️ Sahel & Sousse

For whom: Package tourists, history fans, families
The fertile coastal region around Sousse (UNESCO Medina), the port of Port el-Kantaoui, the historic Monastir, the massive Amphitheater of El Jem (UNESCO), and the holy city of Kairouan — the fourth holiest city of Islam.

🏝️ Djerba & South

For whom: Beach vacationers, Star Wars fans, culture travelers
The island of Djerba with its dream beaches, the ancient synagogue La Ghriba, and the pottery village Guellala. On the mainland, the cave dwellings of Matmata (Star Wars!), the granary castles Ksar Ouled Soltane, and the beaches of Zarzis.

🏜️ Sahara & Oases

For whom: Adventurers, desert lovers, photographers
Douz as the "Gateway to the Sahara," the oasis city of Tozeur with its palm gardens and enchanting Medina, the spectacular mountain gorges of Chebika, Tamerza, and Mides, the surreal salt lake Chott el-Jerid, and unforgettable nights in desert camps under the starry sky.

1. Wander through the Medina of Tunis — The UNESCO-protected labyrinth of 700 monuments, souks, and mosques is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Islamic world. Get deliberately lost! → Chap. Tunis
2. Marvel at the Bardo Museum — The world's largest and most significant collection of Roman mosaics, housed in a former Beylical palace. The mosaic of Virgil alone measures 3×3 meters. → Chap. Tunis
3. Visit Sidi Bou Said at sunset — The blue-and-white artist village above the Gulf of Tunis is Tunisia's number one Instagram spot. Drink Thé au pignon (pine nut tea) at Café des Nattes, where Paul Klee painted. → Chap. Tunis
4. Stand in the Amphitheater of El Jem — The third-largest amphitheater of the Roman world (UNESCO) is better preserved than the Colosseum in Rome. It held 35,000 spectators — in the middle of the Tunisian steppe. → Chap. Sahel
5. Spend a night in the Sahara — Camel ride to the desert camp, Berber music by the campfire, then sleep under the clearest starry sky you've ever seen. From Douz or Tozeur. → Chap. Sahara
6. Explore the ruins of Carthage — Once the most powerful city of the western Mediterranean, Rome's arch-enemy. The Antoninus Pius Baths were the largest baths outside Rome. → Chap. Tunis
7. Visit Kairouan — The fourth holiest city of Islam houses the oldest mosque in North Africa (670 AD) and is famous for its carpets and the pastry Makroud. → Chap. Sahel
8. Bargain in the Medina of Sousse — The UNESCO-protected old town with its Ribat (fortress monastery) and the labyrinth of souks is livelier than any museum. → Chap. Sahel
9. The mountain gorges of Tamerza and Chebika — Waterfalls in the middle of the desert, abandoned Berber villages on the edge, and film sets from "The English Patient." → Chap. Sahara
10. Drive over the Chott el-Jerid — The largest salt lake in the Sahara shimmers in all colors. The road runs 40 km straight through a surreal landscape that resembles another planet. → Chap. Sahara
11. Visit the cave dwellings of Matmata — The underground Berber houses served as the setting for Luke Skywalker's home on Tatooine. The Hotel Sidi Driss is still preserved in its original state. → Chap. Djerba
12. Relax on Djerba — Tunisia's dream island offers endless sandy beaches, the oldest synagogue in Africa, and a street art project that has turned the village of Erriadh into an open-air gallery. → Chap. Djerba
13. Try Brik — The Tunisian national dish: a thin pastry shell (Malsouka), filled with egg, tuna, capers, and parsley, crispy fried. Every family has its own recipe. → Chap. Food & Drink
14. Stroll through the palm groves of Tozeur — Over 400,000 date palms in an ancient oasis, crisscrossed by a 13th-century irrigation system. The Deglet Nour date is considered the best in the world. → Chap. Sahara
15. Experience Tabarka underwater — Tunisia's diving capital offers coral reefs, Roman underwater ruins, and one of the largest red coral populations in the Mediterranean. → Chap. North Coast

Tunisia has three climate zones: Mediterranean in the north (mild, wet winters, hot summers), semi-arid in the center, and desert climate in the south (extreme heat in summer, pleasant in winter).

🟢 Best Time: March–June and September–November

The absolute recommendation for most travelers:

• March–May: Spring — pleasant 20–28°C on the coast, wildflowers in the steppe, perfect for desert tours (not too hot yet). The Sahara oases are in bloom.
• September–October: THE insider tip. Sea at its warmest (up to 27°C!), heat has subsided, date harvest in the oases. Fewer tourists, cheaper prices.
• November: Ideal for the Sahara and the south. Pleasant temperatures, clear air, festival season in Douz and Tozeur.

🔴 Peak Season: July – August

On the coast 35–40°C, in the south over 50°C in the shade (!). Coastal hotels are full (Tunisian and European vacationers), the Sahara is practically untravelable. Avoid if possible, except for pure beach holidays with air conditioning.

🔵 Winter: December – February

Coast: 10–16°C, rainy but mild. Hotels cheap, medinas deserted. Perfect for cultural trips! The Sahara has pleasant 18–22°C during the day, cold at night (5–8°C). Ain Draham can even have snow.

Climate Table: Tunis (Coast)

Climate Table: Tozeur (Sahara)

Tunisia is an excellent value-for-money destination. The country is significantly cheaper than European Mediterranean countries — especially food, transport, and activities cost only a fraction.

Daily Budget per Person

Price Examples (2025)

12 things I wish I had known before my first trip to Tunisia:

1. Tunisia is NOT dangerous. After the 2011 revolution and isolated terrorist attacks, the country has heavily invested in security. Tourist areas are safe, and the Foreign Office only warns against the border area with Libya and Algeria in the deep south.
2. The Dinar is a closed currency. You cannot buy or sell it outside Tunisia. Exchange at the airport or in official exchange offices (Bureau de Change). Keep receipts for reconversion!
3. French goes further than English. Almost all Tunisians speak French as a second language. English is understood in tourist areas, but outside of them, French is invaluable. A few Arabic greetings open additional doors.
4. Bargaining is a must — but only in souks and with informal vendors. Restaurants, supermarkets, and official stores have fixed prices. Start at 40% of the quoted price and meet in the middle.
5. Alcohol is available — but not everywhere. Tunisia is moderately Muslim: Beer (Celtia), wine (Magon, Vieux Magon), and Boukha (fig brandy) are available in tourist restaurants, hotels, and special stores (Magasin Général). Alcohol is restricted during Ramadan.
6. Louages are brilliant. These shared taxis (large white vans) run between all cities — without a schedule, they depart when full. Extremely cheap and an authentic experience.
7. Everything changes during Ramadan. Many restaurants close during the day, and eating in public is considered impolite. However, the evenings after Iftar (breaking the fast) are magical. Hotels still serve meals.
8. Photograph people only with permission. Especially women and older people should not be photographed without consent. Photography is usually prohibited in mosques. Ask politely — most will say yes.
9. Sun protection is essential. The sun is relentless, especially in the Sahara. SPF 50+, a hat, and plenty of water are mandatory. Seek shade between 12 and 4 PM.
10. Women travel safely — but dressing conservatively helps. Cover shoulders and knees (not in hotel areas), especially in medinas and religious sites. Catcalling can occur but is mostly harmless. Ignore firmly.
11. Taxis have meters — insist on it! At night, the fare is doubled (from 9 PM). Agree on the price for intercity trips in advance.
12. SIM cards are dirt cheap. Ooredoo or Tunisie Telecom: 5–10€ for a SIM with 10 GB of data. Available at the airport or any mobile store. Bring your passport!