Tunisia Attractions
East coast of Tunisia
The more than 800 km long east coast of Tunisia offers hilly landscapes with gardens and olive, pomegranate and almond tree groves as well as long sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. The East Coast is also known for its traditional weaving and gold jewellery. Small museums, for example, exhibit collections of centuries-old gold jewelry. Many of the towns and villages stand on the ruins of Roman and Punic settlements. The masterful and beautiful Roman period mosaics and artefacts on display at the Archaeological Museum of Sousse and the El Jem Museum of El Jem reflect the rich diversity of Roman arts and the prosperity of the area at the time.
Korbous
Korbous is the spa town par excellence in Tunisia and is best known for its thermal springs. The picturesque town is located on the Cap Bon peninsula in the Gulf of Tunis and is a very popular destination. Originally, the Romans founded the city of Aquae Calidae Carpitanae here – today’s Korbous. The somewhat arduous journey over steep roads is rewarded with a wonderful view of the Bay of Tunis. The houses of the town are embedded in the mountain “Djbel Korbous”. Former Tunisian President Bourguiba once lived in Korbous. His villa was completely restored by 2007. Many Tunisians – but also tourists – come to Korbous for the healing properties of the thermal springs.
- Andyeducation: Introduction to education system in Tunisia, including compulsory schooling and higher education.
Navel
Nabeul is on the south side of the Cap Bon peninsula, about 10 kilometers east of Hammamet. Nabeul owes its name to the Greeks. They probably founded “Neapolis” (new city) at the same place. The archaeological center of Neapolis is located south of the city center. Some of the finds are exhibited in a small archaeological museum. Nabeul is also one of the most important pottery towns in Tunisia. The handcrafted pottery is a unique keepsake. Also worth seeing is the camel market, which attracts many visitors every Friday. Picturesque Korbous is about an hour’s drive away. The nearby fishing town of Sidi Daoud is also worth a day trip.
Kebili
For most tourists, the oasis town of Kébili is just a way station on the way to the oases of Douz and Tozeur. Until the middle of the 19th century, Kébili was the destination of many slave caravans. The city is one of the hottest places in the world. Up to 56 °C are reached in summer. You can bathe in the warm springs even in winter. The city is the ideal starting point for excursions to the Sahara. You can also take a trip to the nearby salt lake Chott el Djerid or to the oasis town of Gabès, about two hours away.
Archaeological site of Sbeitla
Near the town of Sbeitla lies one of the largest archaeological sites in the country. The ruins of the Roman city give a clear impression of what Sbeitla must have looked like a long time ago and give an idea of the urban hustle and bustle of the Romans at that time. The triumphal arch of the Roman Emperor Diocletian at the entrance to the town is impressive. Also worth seeing are the Capitol with its three temples, the Cathedral Church of Bellator and the Chapel of Jucundus. The aqueduct bridge and the remains of an amphitheater are fascinating. A trip to Sbeitla itself, some 100 miles inland from Sousse and Sfax, is also worthwhile.
Matmata
In the Dahar Mountains, with its narrow gorges and bare mountains, a small wonder is hidden between the cone-shaped hills: the Matmata. The famous Berber cave dwellings are unique in the world. They reach up to 10 meters deep into the ground and offer excellent protection against summer heat and cold winds. Marabouts are sanctuaries whose whitewashed domes rise from the earth. The centuries-old Matmata are the region’s premier tourist attraction. A number of famous films such as “Star Wars” were filmed here. Surrounding Berber villages such as Tamezret, Taoujout, Hadej or Beni Aissa are ideal for day trips.
Port el Kantaoui
The port city of Port el Kantaoui is located about 10 kilometers north of Sousse and is therefore often called Sousse-Nord. The city was built especially for tourists and offers various shopping facilities in addition to a marina and a golf course. Numerous cafes and restaurants invite you to stroll and feast. The hotels and bungalows built in Moorish style are ideal for family vacations. Worth a visit are the Hannibal Park, a huge leisure and amusement park, or the Acqua Palace. Port el Kantaoui can be reached easily and quickly via the airport in Hammamet, which is around 40 kilometers away.
Hammamet
The holiday and tourist paradise par excellence is Hammamet. The former fishing village at the top of Cap Bon is one of Tunisia’s most popular holiday destinations. Hotels built in the Moorish-Andalusian style are surrounded by fine sandy beaches and a turquoise-blue sea. A kasbah towers over the 12th-century walled medina and offers a good panoramic view of Hammamet. The remains of the former Roman settlement of Pupput make the history of the city of Hammamet visible. Visitors can see them at an excavation site. Popular sights are also the Great Mosque (15th century), the Sidi Gailani Mosque (17th century) and the International Cultural Center. There are restaurants, nightclubs, bars, cafes, boutiques and souvenir shops in the recreation area.
