Tunisia Things To Do

Some of the world's most dazzling ancient mosaics from what used to be Roman Africa, are on display here. The museum is housed in the late-17th-century palace of the Husseinite beys of Tunis. Although a new wing is currently being constructed, the museum is still open to visitors.

Tunis' medina is a maze of alleyways and market streets just a west of the modern city centre. Its many elaborately tiled mosques, Koranic schools and mausoleums make it a fascinating place for a wander.

El-Jem's 3rd-century colosseum, with space for about 30,000 spectators, was the third-largest in the Roman world. In later centuries it was the site of several last stands by local rebels. Today it has UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Tunisia's largest island is fringed with sandy beaches. Its picturesque villages are well-endowed with restaurants, cafes, and handicrafts shops. It’s also home to the ancient El-Ghriba synagogue (a synagogue has stood on this site since 586 B.C.) and one of North Africa's last Jewish communities.

The best place to start a mini-expedition - by camel or four-wheel-drive - into the vastness of the Sahara is the town of Douz, which is surrounded by impressive sand dunes and over 400,000 palm trees. Horizons Deserts Voyages is a reliable operator.

Many of the most memorable scenes in Star Wars were shot in the deserts of southern Tunisia. Remember Sidi Driss' underground home? That was in Matmata. See the website below for details on other infamous film locations.

The fishing port and resort town of Tabarka, near the Algerian border, has Tunisia's best diving, decent beaches, a golf course, and excellent seafood. In July and August, the town puts on four superb music festivals  featuring jazz, Rai, Latino, and world music.

Tunisia's best scuba diving is by the Galite Islands, which are located a three-hour cruise from Tabarka. Visit undersea caverns, check out wrecks, and see – and be seen by – damselfish, bream, and grouper. Loisirs de Tabarka rents equipment and conducts CMAS and PADI courses.

The extraordinary blue-green Lake Ichkeul is covered by aquatic plants and surrounded by marshland that provide food and shelter to both year-round and migrating birds, including greylag geese, who spend winters here.