Tunisia

Tunisia packs an incredible amount of history and diversity into a compact country. The coastline is lined with popular beach resorts, but also charming and historic towns like Sidi Bou Said, with its iconic blue and white architecture. The country was a centerpiece of the Roman Empire, and its legacy is visible in the stunningly preserved amphitheater at El Djem, which rivals Rome's Colosseum, and the extensive ruins of Carthage and Dougga. The capital, Tunis, has a bustling and atmospheric medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In the south, the country transforms into the Sahara Desert. Visitors can explore desert oases, stay in troglodyte (cave) homes in Matmata, and see the landscapes that were famously used as filming locations for Star Wars. With its rich history, beautiful beaches, and dramatic desert scenery, Tunisia is a captivating destination.

Reasons to Visit

• Impressive Roman Ruins: Explore world-class Roman sites, including the massive amphitheater of El Djem and the ancient city of Carthage.
• Beautiful Mediterranean Coast: Relax on the sandy beaches and explore charming blue-and-white towns like Sidi Bou Said.
• Saharan Adventures: Journey into the Sahara Desert to discover desert oases and unique landscapes made famous by the Star Wars films.
• Historic Medinas: Get lost in the bustling, ancient medinas of Tunis and other historic cities.

Things to Avoid

• Ignoring Security Advisories: While the main tourist areas are generally safe, it is essential to check and follow government travel advisories, especially for border regions.
• Drinking the Tap Water: It is recommended to stick to bottled water to avoid stomach issues.
• Being Overly Trusting in Medinas: Be aware of your surroundings to avoid petty theft, and be wary of overly friendly "touts" who may lead you to commission-based shops.
• Respecting Dress Codes: While beach resorts are liberal, when visiting towns, medinas, and religious sites, it is important to dress modestly.

Local Transportation Tips

Tunisia has a good and affordable transportation network. A modern train system connects the main cities along the coast. For other routes, 'louages' (long-distance shared taxis with a fixed route) are a fast and very common way to travel. Within cities, taxis are plentiful and cheap; insist on using the meter.

Travel Etiquette

• Greetings: A friendly greeting ("As-salamu alaykum") is always appreciated.
• Haggling: Bargaining is an expected and essential part of the shopping experience in the souks and markets.
• Hospitality: Tunisians are generally very friendly and hospitable. If offered mint tea, it is polite to accept.
• Asking for Photos: Always ask for permission before taking a photo of a person.

Did You Know?

Several locations in southern Tunisia, including the troglodyte homes of Matmata, were used as filming locations for Luke Skywalker's home planet of Tatooine in the original Star Wars movie. The name "Tatooine" was even taken from the nearby Tunisian town of Tataouine.

Cool Tunisia Stats

• El Djem Amphitheater: The Roman amphitheater at El Djem is the third largest in the world, after the Colosseum in Rome and the ruined theater of Capua, and is arguably the best-preserved.
• Ancient Carthage: The ancient city of Carthage, located near modern Tunis, was once the center of a powerful empire that rivaled Rome.
• Olive Oil Production: Tunisia is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of olive oil.

Recommended Age Group

Tunisia is a great destination for Adults, Seniors, and interested Teens who enjoy a mix of history and beach relaxation.

• Babies (0-2 years): Recommended with planning, especially if staying in a family-friendly beach resort.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. Kids will enjoy the beaches, the huge amphitheater, and the "Star Wars" filming locations.
• Teens (13-19 years): Highly Recommended. The mix of ancient history, cool filming locations, and beach activities is very appealing.
• Adults (20-64 years): Highly Recommended. Tunisia offers a fantastic combination of world-class history, beautiful beaches, and cultural immersion at a very affordable price.
• Seniors (65+ years): Highly Recommended. The country has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, and many of the historical sites are relatively accessible, making it a comfortable destination for active seniors.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• The modern beach resorts have good accessibility, but historic sites are challenging.
• The large beach resorts are often equipped with ramps and accessible rooms.
• However, the ancient medinas and Roman ruins have uneven, cobbled, or dirt surfaces and are not wheelchair accessible.
• The train system is more accessible than 'louages.' Specialized accessible tour vans are available for hire.