Tunisia Travel Guide

Bizerte is the northernmost city in Tunisia, strategically positioned at the choke point of the Mediterranean and the Strait of Tunis, serving as an important port since ancient times. This city blends Arabic, Ottoman, and French colonial cultural elements, with the medina preserving traditional white and blue architectural style, where winding streets are full of North African charm. The port of Bizerte is where local fishing boats gather, with lively fish auction scenes in the early morning and numerous seafood restaurants, making it an excellent place to taste fresh seafood. The nearby Ichkeul National Park is an important habitat for migratory birds, where hundreds of thousands of flamingos gather each winter, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle.

Bulla Regia is an important Roman archaeological site in northern Tunisia, renowned worldwide for its unique underground villa architecture. Unlike typical Roman residences, the mansions of wealthy merchants here ingeniously built their living spaces underground to escape the hot North African summer climate, creating a two-story structure: summer rooms located underground for cool comfort, and winter rooms above ground for ample light. This climate-adapted architectural wisdom is truly impressive. The site also preserves exquisite mosaic floors, temples, baths, and market buildings, with some mosaic patterns of exceptional beauty showcasing the high decorative art of the Roman period. Wandering among the underground villas, visitors feel transported back to the elegant life of Roman nobility two thousand years ago.

The Zaytuna Mosque is the oldest and most important mosque in Tunis city, founded in the 8th century AD, serving as the spiritual center of Islamic faith in Tunisia. This historic mosque is renowned for its massive walls, grand prayer hall, and elegant courtyard, with the hall supported by hundreds of columns that can accommodate thousands of worshippers simultaneously. The mosque name Zaytuna means olive tree, derived from the olive grove that once stood on the site. The mosque is not only a religious site but historically served as an important center of Islamic learning, nurturing numerous scholars. Its minaret is an important component of the Tunis medina skyline, bearing witness to a millennium of religious and cultural heritage of this city.

Hotel Sidi Driss is located in Matmata in southern Tunisia, the most famous cave dwelling in the area, and was used as the filming location for the childhood home of Luke Skywalker in Star Wars. This hotel utilizes the traditional Berber underground cave construction method, carving rooms several meters deep into the rock formation, creating a naturally temperature-controlled space that is warm in winter and cool in summer. The cave rooms are simply furnished yet full of authentic Berber charm, with white domed walls, colorful woven tapestries, and traditional wooden doors that transport visitors to another time and space. Spending a night here offers a rare opportunity to experience the unique underground lifestyle of the Berber people, and is a must-visit pilgrimage site for Star Wars fans.

Ksars Ghilane is a famous oasis camp and hot spring destination at the edge of Tunisia's Sahara. Featuring natural hot desert springs, stunning Saharan dune scenery, camel riding and desert camping — one of Tunisia's most popular Sahara destinations. The natural hot mineral spring emerges in the desert center (~30-35°C year-round), perfect for bathing especially on cool desert nights. Golden Saharan dunes surround the oasis — camel riding is the classic way to experience them. Bedouin-style tent camps offer traditional desert stays with spectacular night skies. Nearby Roman fortress ruins are also worth visiting. Visiting for hot springs, camel rides and stargazing in the Sahara is an unforgettable Tunisia experience.

The Great Mosque of Kairouan, also known as the Mosque of Uqba, was built in 670 AD and is one of the oldest mosques in the Islamic world, as well as the largest mosque in North Africa. This magnificent building is renowned for its massive walls, imposing minaret, and spacious courtyard. The minaret stands 31.5 meters tall and serves as the skyline landmark of the ancient city of Kairouan. The prayer hall inside is supported by hundreds of columns, many repurposed from ancient Carthaginian and Roman buildings, with varying styles yet harmonious unity. The courtyard features an ancient sundial and several wells, reflecting the Islamic architectural pursuit of science and practicality. As the heart of the fourth holiest city in Islam, the Great Mosque of Kairouan is an important spiritual symbol for Muslims.