Tunisia is a country where flavours, landscapes and centuries of history come together in a way that feels both grounded and surprising.
From ancient Punic ruins to bustling medinas, from coastal seafood to deep culinary traditions, Tunisia, this North African destination, offers a journey shaped by warmth, creativity and a strong sense of identity.
Flying direct with Tunisair from London Gatwick to Tunis Carthage Airport sets the tone for an easy escape.
The flight is short, the service is friendly, and even the in-flight meal adds a welcome touch of old-school hospitality.
Within a few hours, you step into a country shaped by Roman, Berber, Arab, Ottoman, French and Mediterranean influences, ready to explore its food, culture and traditions.
Hammamet: Medina Life, Sea Air and Sunset Views
Your journey begins in Hammamet, a coastal town known for its whitewashed medina, sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
Wandering through the Hammamet Medina offers an immediate sense of Tunisia’s blend of old and new. Keep an eye out for the local cats, and this is a wonderful spot to pick up authentic Tunisian gifts to bring home.
Narrow lanes twist between blue doors and white walls, local artisans display ceramics and textiles, and the scent of jasmine drifts through the air.
Climbing up to the Hammamet Fort gives you sweeping views over the Gulf of Hammamet.
As the sun begins to set, the sky softens into warm shades of gold and rose, casting a gentle glow over the medina rooftops and sparkling along the coastline.
It is a peaceful, atmospheric introduction to the country and a reminder of how closely Tunisia’s culture is tied to the sea.
Stay all inclusive at Tui Blue Palm Beach Hammamet
Enjoy a carefree all-inclusive escape at TUI BLUE Palm Beach Hammamet, a stylish beachfront resort on Tunisia’s beautiful Gulf of Hammamet.
Surrounded by lush palm-filled gardens and just steps from a golden sandy beach, this modern hotel is the perfect place to unwind while enjoying everything the Tunisian coast has to offer.
The all-inclusive package means you can relax from the moment you arrive, with buffet breakfasts, lunches and dinners, daytime snacks, afternoon tea, and a wide selection of local drinks all included.
Kelibia: Seafood, Simplicity and Coastal views
From Hammamet, the road leads northeast to Kelibia, a region known for its pristine coastline and exceptional seafood.
Here, you join the head chef of Mansourah Restaurant for a visit to the local fish market.
It is a lively scene where fishermen unload the morning’s catch, and vendors call out prices over crates of sardines, sea bream and octopus.
Exploring the market with a chef gives you a deeper appreciation for Tunisia’s coastal food culture.
You see how freshness shapes the menu, how local fishermen work with the tides and how simple ingredients become dishes full of flavour.
Lunch at Mansourah brings those ingredients to life with grilled fish, bright salads and olive oil pressed from nearby groves.
It is a meal that captures the Mediterranean spirit of the region.
And if you have time, it’s a great spot for swimming.
Kerkouane: A Glimpse Into the Punic World
The journey continues to Kerkouane, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Punic cities in the world.
Unlike many ancient settlements, Kerkouane was never rebuilt by the Romans, leaving its original Carthaginian layout intact.
Walking through its foundations gives you a rare glimpse into daily life more than two thousand years ago.
The site overlooks the sea, adding a sense of calm to the history beneath your feet.
It is a place that invites slow exploration and reflection, offering a deeper understanding of Tunisia’s ancient roots.
Kairouan: Sacred Architecture, Sweet Pastries and Living Craft
From the coast, you travel inland to Kairouan, one of the holiest cities in the Islamic world and a centre of Tunisian craftsmanship.
The Great Mosque of Kairouan – Your first stop is the Great Mosque, a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture.
Its vast courtyard, ancient columns and imposing minaret create a sense of serenity and timelessness.
Standing here, you feel the weight of centuries and the importance of Kairouan as a spiritual and cultural centre.
Try a Hands-On Makroudh Workshop in Kairouan. Step inside a local family’s kitchen in the heart of the Medina and discover the art of making makroudh, one of Tunisia’s most treasured traditional pastries.
Guided by local TV chef Halima Barrak at Maison de Ali Barrak, you’ll roll the semolina dough, prepare the sweet date filling, shape each pastry by hand, and watch them cook to perfection before being dipped in fragrant honey.
More than just a cooking lesson, this is a chance to share stories, learn family recipes passed down through generations, and experience the warm hospitality that makes Tunisian culture so special.
Best of all, you’ll enjoy tasting your freshly made makroudh at the end of the workshop, a delicious reminder of Kairouan’s rich culinary heritage.
Dar Allani and Local Craftsmanship – A visit to Dar Allani reveals the artistry behind Kairouan’s famous carpets.
Skilled weavers work on intricate designs, each piece telling a story through colour and pattern.
It is a beautiful example of how craft remains central to Tunisian culture.
Some rugs can take around 3 months to make, and each carpet is given a special cultural certificate to verify its authenticity.
After a traditional lunch in Kairouan, we tried Brik for the first time, which is a Tunisian dish of a deep-fried pastry sheet filled with egg, cheese and/or tuna/shrimp, and it was delicious. You have to try it on your visit to Tunisia.
Tunis: A City of Layers, Markets and Timeless Streets
Arriving in Tunis brings you straight into the heart of the city’s medina.
The Tunis Medina is a UNESCO-listed maze of souks, mosques, palaces and artisan workshops.
The scent of spices fills the air, metalworkers shape brass in open doorways, and textiles hang in vibrant colours from every corner.
It is a place where history and modern life blend seamlessly and where every turn reveals something new.
Stay at: The Nine, Lifestyle experience hotel Tunis
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Tunis, be sure to check out The Nine, a lifestyle experience hotel that recently opened on Tunis’s new side.
With a wonderful blend of modern design and throwback features, paying a nod to old Tunis (they have a 70s-era Tunis taxi in the lobby), you will have the most comfortable stay at this hotel.
The rooms are modern and cosy with large double beds and all the amenities you could desire.
The on-site dining options are also very enjoyable, including the Nomad restaurant. With a stone-fired pizza oven, the pizza was a must-try for me, and I was not disappointed.
Carthage: Roman Grandeur by the Sea
A short drive from Tunis takes you to Carthage, once one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world.
Today, its Roman sites sit quietly along the coastline. Baths, villas, theatres and temples offer a peaceful contrast to their dramatic history.
Lunch at Côte de Carthage brings fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavours, perfectly paired with sea views and a gentle coastal breeze.
Sidi Bou Said and La Marsa: Blue Doors and Seaside Flavours
From Carthage, you continue to Sidi Bou Said, the iconic blue and white hilltop village overlooking the Mediterranean.
Here, you can taste local street food favourites such as bambalouni.
Head to Les Saveurs De Sidi Bou Said, where they make them hot and fresh.
A popular spot that offers the classical dish plain, with sugar or dipped in chocolate. It’s similar to a deep-fried doughnut but with a Tunisian twist.
Nearby La Marsa adds a more modern seaside energy with cafés, bakeries and coastal views that invite you to slow down and savour the moment.
Dougga: Tunisia’s Most Majestic Roman City
Your next stop is Dougga, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive Roman cities in North Africa.
Its theatre, temples and forum are remarkably well preserved and set against rolling hills and olive groves.
The location is so good that Brian Adams used the venue to perform an acoustic set list for 6,000 guests in May 2026, over two nights in Tunisia. What a venue!
I was most impressed that I practically had the whole location to myself for a good few hours, which is such a contrast to visiting Roman sites in Italy at this time of year, when they’re packed.
Lunch at Dar Jdoud offers traditional dishes in a rustic setting, the kind of meal that feels deeply connected to the land around you.
I went for the Brik again (I’ve become a fan!) and the fish, which was delightful and brought in fresh each day from Tunis.
I loved the freshly baked bread and salad selection served here, and the rice was prepared with dried fruit and nuts, an authentic taste of Tunisia.
Testour: Cheese, Andalusian Heritage and Quiet Streets
The final stop is Testour, a town shaped by Andalusian influence and known for its traditional cheese-making.
Wandering through its picturesque streets, you see traces of its Spanish Arab heritage in the architecture.
A visit to a local cheesemaker reveals the care and tradition behind Testour’s most famous product.
It is a fitting final taste of Tunisia’s rich culinary landscape. I also admired and enjoyed the drive back to Tunis, which takes you across endless rolling hills and olive groves.
Last stop was visiting a family-run boutique hotel called “Maison des Vergers de Montagnes”
A lovely idea: stay with a local host family in Tunisia and learn about agriculture by visiting their gardens.
Everything they serve and the homestay is organic and prepared from the surrounding gardens.
Tunisia A Journey Through Flavour, Culture and Time
From coastal markets to ancient ruins, from medina alleyways to hilltop villages, Tunisia offers a journey that is as rich in flavour as it is in history.
Each region reveals a different side of the country, its traditions, its creativity and its deep connection to the Mediterranean.
It was nice to explore a few different sides of Tunisia, and this suggested itinerary did a great job of showcasing the country’s unique aspects.
With easy flights from London and a welcoming spirit at every stop, Tunisia is a destination that invites you to return, explore deeper and taste more, and I can’t wait to do exactly that- return to Tunisia soon.
Thank you for reading my blog about Tunisia
Thank you for passing by and reading my article all about travelling around Tunisia.
I had an amazing trip to Tunisia, and my biggest regret was not being able to stay longer; I could have easily stayed another week and explored more of the country.
I hope you found all the above information useful for your trip planning and that you have an amazing adventure in Tunisia.
