Tunisia has been at the crossroads of civilizations for millennia and is a fascinating place to travel to. It’s the smallest nation in North Africa, but boasts enough history, culture, and natural beauty to match countries many times its size.
With its spectacular coastline, it’s often seen as a beach holiday destination, but venture a little further and you’ll discover a country full of vibrant cities, traditional cultures, delicious food, captivating historic sites, and friendly, welcoming people.
In this video, I’m traversing Tunisia, exploring some of the country’s most beautiful places. From the busy streets of capital Tunis to remote desert oases near Tozeur. From traditional Berber villages like Tamezret and Chenini to the long and beautiful beaches of Sousse. From the mountain scenery around Tataouine to the rolling dunes of the Sahara desert. From the relaxed vibe and friendly towns on Djerba island to the ancient archaeological sites of El Jem and Carthage. And from the impressive Great Mosque of Kairouan to the bustling alleys of Sfax’s historic medina.
This travel documentary was made in June 2023, when I had the chance to travel around Tunisia for 2,5 weeks.
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Here’s a brief overview of the content in this video:
We start our journey in Tunis, the vibrant capital city of Tunisia. It provides a great introduction to the country, with an intriguing historic medina, bustling markets, lively street scenes, great food and welcoming people. Not far from here are the picturesque Sidi bou Said, one of Tunisia’s most visited villages, and the ancient archaeological site of Carthage. Both can be visited as day trips from Tunis.
After renting a car, we drive South to the Berber village of Takrouna, to try some delicious home made bread. The next destination in Sousse, a popular beach vacation destination, that also offers a friendly medina, historic landmarks, and a stunning museum with spectacular mosaics.
We briefly stop in Monastir to visit the Ribat and Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, to many still seen as the ‘Father of the Nation’, before arriving in El Jem. This small town is home to one of the best preserved amphitheaters in the world.
Kairouan is considered the fourth holiest city in Islam, after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. At the core of the city stands the imposing Great Mosque that remains an important place of worship. We also go in search of carpets here, for which Kairouan is famous.
After passing Sidi Bouzid, generally considered as the starting point of the so called Arab Spring, we continue to Tozeur, a small city on the edge of the Sahara. Reaching this far-flung outpost proved quite a challenge, as a sandstorm suddenly picked up. Around Tozeur we visit several oases, and also take a look at a former Star Wars movie set.
We cross the massive Chott el Jerid salt lake and arrive in Sabria, where we get an impression of nomadic lifestyles and ancient Bedouin culture. After riding camels, sipping tea at sunset, and a wonderful meal, we spend the night in style inside a tent camp. Next on the list are friendly Tamezret village, the peculiar hotel of Ksar Hadada, Ksar Ouled Soltane, and Chenini, which provides a great example of troglodyte housing.
The island of Djerba has a relaxed Mediterranean feel, with friendly villages, spectacular beaches, and interesting sights. We visit bustling markets, the murals and art of Djerbahood, pottery and ceramic workshops, and the beautiful El Ghriba Synagogue. We finish our journey in Sfax, an important commercial and industrial center, but also a city with a friendly, open attitude.
Timestamps / video chapters:
0:00 Introduction
2:06 Tunis
11:53 Carthage
13:30 Sidi Bou Said
15:30 Takrouna
17:17 Sousse
23:37 Monastir
25:40 El Jem
27:48 Kairouan
31:58 Sidi Bouzid
32:55 Tozeur
39:59 Chott el Jerid
40:56 Sabria
44:25 Tamezret
45:55 Ksar Hadada
47:18 Chenini
48:40 Ksar Ouled Soltane
49:34 Djerba
58:19 Sfax
1:03:48 End