5 Things to do in Tunisia

Places to Go

Sandwiched between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert, Tunisia is an ideal destination for a sun-drenched beach break. From the soft sands at Hammamet and the glittering, seaside caves at Monastir, to the unspoilt coastline at El Haouaria, there are plenty of excellent places for dedicated sun-worshippers to relax. However, it's not all sand, sea and sunshine. If you're looking for other things to do in Tunisia, you'll find that this country is packed with fascinating cultural and historical attractions too.

Attractions

With a rich history, this part of North Africa has more than its fair share of World Heritage Sites. The Medine Tunisia, the Carthage Ruins and the Great Mosque at Kairouan are three of the best places to visit in Tunisia. You'll find the Medine in the country's capital, Tunis. Originally built in the 9th Century, the Medine is a maze of sandy streets brimming with bazaars, historic buildings and mosques. If you're wondering what to do in Tunisia, the Medine Tunisia offers many opportunities.

The Great Mosque at Kairouan can also be traced back to the 9th Century and is a vast and stunning example of ancient Aghlabid architecture. Explore the expansive grounds and courtyard or admire the architecture, including more than 400 columns. Similarly, the Carthage Ruins were built at roughly the same time. Today, they offer a chance to soak up some of the country's Roman past, with Roman baths and a huge Roman Amphitheatre, which is still used for theatre productions, festivals and concerts.

Places to visit

Anyone with an interest in the performing arts will find some exciting things to do in Tunisia. First on the list ought to be a visit to the El Djem Amphitheatre. One of the most famous ruins in the country, it gives visitors a chance to imagine what it might have been like to be a member of a Roman audience. The El Djem Amphitheatre hosted plays and chariot races, as well as being the site where gladiators battled to the death. Its modern claim to fame is that it was used in various scenes in the movie blockbuster, Gladiator.

For sci-fi fans, you'll find one of the best things to do in Tunisia is head south into the Sahara Desert. This part of Tunisia has doubled as Tatooine, the home planet of Luke Skywalker in the legendary Star Wars films. Visit Djerba and you'll find the cave in which Obi Wan Kenobi kept his vigil on the young Jedi.

Not far from the city, you can also explore the Mos Eisley Cantina and the Lars homestead, both of which were built from scratch and are still standing. If you think you recognise Medenine on your visit, it's probably because it served as the slave quarters in the Phantom Menace. Originally used as a granary, it's now visited by thousands of Star Wars fans each year.

However, the jewel in the crown is to be found at Matmata. This is where you'll find the interior of Luke's home on Tatooine. Today, it's a working hotel, allowing you to live like a Jedi and enjoy dishes from a Star Wars-inspired menu. If you're not into the movies then there are plenty of other things to do in Tunisia, or you could always head back to the beach for some more sunbathing.