Though the North African Maghreb comprises the three countries of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, it would be fair to say that the last of these tends to be unjustly overlooked.
The Travel explains: “Morocco is one of the most popular countries in the world to visit, while neighbouring Algeria is effectively closed (or limited) when it comes to international tourism.”
However, Tunisia strikes a pleasing balance as a tourist destination, being rich in historical attractions and sumptuous scenery while remaining quiet enough for you to get around with ease. Here are some of the most compelling reasons for you to make a Tunisia visit…
Tunis, the country’s beautiful capital
Tunis is definitely the kind of city you want to show photos of on Instagram. Before you do start snapping away, though, you might want to pick up a few souvenirs you would be able to take back home. For this reason, the city’s UNESCO-listed medina definitely warrants attention.
Take a few photos of the medina’s blue, yellow, and green doors you can subsequently open to marvel at lavishly tiled mansions and restaurants. Tunis would actually make an ideal place for you to start your stay in Tunisia, given the large number of Silversea cruises that go to the capital.
There remain many stunning remnants of Tunisia’s history
Lonely Planet highlights that Tunis is “home to one of the world’s most impressive museums, the Bardo, which houses thousands of Roman-era mosaics and other treasures found on archaeological sites throughout the country.”
Meanwhile, the Roman ruins in Tunisia include El Jem’s imposing amphitheatre. If you have ever longed to check out the Colosseum in Rome but been put off by the price as well as the throng of tourists, you can rest assured that both are much less of a problem with the El Jem alternative.
Festivals showcase amazing Tunisian culture
As Tunisia can get very hot in the summer months, you might want to postpone your visit to the country until the winter or spring. During these seasons, the temperatures are relatively comfortable well into the Sahara desert portion of Tunisia.
It is also here that a number of fun festivals are held. These include the International Festival of the Sahara, which takes place in Douz every December, and the electronic dance festivals scattered more widely around the country.
If you fancy having the desert as the backdrop to your dancing, Culture Trip recommends that you “fly down to Tozeur and spend a weekend in the second half of March dancing to Tunisia’s hottest DJs and hot-air ballooning at Anantara Tozeur Resort.”
Explore some Star Wars filming spots — yes, seriously
You can also find these in Tunisia’s Saharan south, which represented Luke Skywalker’s home planet of Tatooine in the original 1977 Star Wars film.
Several other cinematic instalments of the Star Wars franchise have since been filmed partially in Tunisia, where some constructed sets are still standing, albeit in weather-worn form. Those that are in the best condition today include domed buildings at Mos Espa.
