Tunis, Carthage, El Jem — these may be the first things that come to mind when one thinks of Tunisia. And while they are certainly among the most prominent destinations in the country, far more lies off the beaten tourist track.
From open-air museums to abandoned villages and ancient feats of engineering, Tunisia is teeming with lesser-known sites that are equally magnificent. At Xperience Tunisia, we’ve explored the length and breadth of our country, curating expertly designed Multi-Day Tours of Tunisia from our travels. In this guide, we uncover the hidden gems of Tunisia you won’t want to miss. Read on for our top suggestions, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions about our bespoke itineraries.
Matmata: The Underground Village
Matmata is a true hidden gem in Tunisia. In this Berber village, homes are dug underground! These troglodyte structures were built by digging large pits in the ground and artificial caves in the surrounding rock where people made their home. This design provides natural insulation, protecting residents from extreme summer heat and winter cold. Many of these homes are still inhabited today, offering insight into an architectural tradition as well as daily life inside this extraordinary network of caves and courtyards. Fans of Star Wars may also recognize Sidi Driss Hotel here, a prominent set used in the film series.
Djerbahood: A Spectacle of Street Art
In the village of Erriadh on Djerba Island lies one of the most breathtaking open-air museums. While Djerba is known among tourists for its white-sand beaches, if you venture inland you’ll find Djerbahood — a spectacle of street art, created by artists from around the world. This artistic project was initiated in 2014 and resulted in 250 murals, many of which can still be admired today. Wandering the narrow streets, you’ll no doubt be struck by the beauty of this village, brought to life by artistry. Visiting Djerba Island is one of our top choices for the Best Things to Do in Tunisia — you can read our blog for more.
Tabarka: A Rugged Gem in the Northwest
While the east coast of Tunisia attracts beachgoers to the resort towns of Monastir, Hammamet, and Sousse, one of the country’s most unique coastal destinations can be found in the northwest. Tabarka is defined by its extraordinary rock formations and Genoese fort overlooking the harbor. Once central to the red coral trade, it’s now a haven for nature lovers. Caught between the sea and lush mountains, take your choice of scuba diving or hiking.
Maktaris: A Forgotten Roman Town
Although most visitors flock to the amphitheater of El Jem to view Roman ruins in Tunisia, Maktaris is an equally worthwhile stop for history enthusiasts. Located in the central highlands, this was originally a Numidian settlement before being inhabited by the Punics, Romans, and Byzantines. The site includes a forum, triumphal arch, public baths, temples, and early Christian basilicas. Maktaris receives very few visitors, allowing for uninterrupted exploration through multiple periods of history. If the past is what draws you to Tunisia, then read our guide to Discovering Tunisia’s Ancient History on a Multi-Day Tour to learn more.
Chebika and Tamerza: Desert Oases at the Edge of the Atlas
If you want to truly go off the beaten path, head to the foothills of the Atlas mountains. In this rugged landscape, the oases of Chebika and Tamerza emerge. Flowing with waterfalls and crystal-clear streams, these oases may appear like a mirage, but are entirely real. Chebika was once a Roman outpost and refuge for Berber communities, while Tamerza is in fact the largest mountain oasis in Tunisia. Enjoy a cool dip in the natural springs and feel immersed in nature.
Zriba Olia: An Abandoned Mountain Village
On a hilltop south of Tunis, Zriba Olia offers a rare glimpse into traditional mountain life. Dating back centuries, this village was abandoned, but many of its buildings remain largely intact. Wander among its stone houses and narrow streets, admiring the views of the surrounding mountains. It’s eerie and transfixing, transporting you through time.
Kerkouane: A Preserved Punic City
Kerkouane is one of the most important — and least visited — archaeological sites in Tunisia. Located on the Cap Bon peninsula, it is the only known Punic city to have survived without being rebuilt by the Romans. Abandoned during the First Punic War, Kerkouane was left intact, preserving original street layouts, residential buildings, and domestic features such as bathing rooms and drainage systems. With its secluded coastal setting, discovering it will make you feel like a pioneering explorer.
Uthina: Vast Roman Ruins Near Tunis
Unlike Kerkouane, Uthina was once a major Roman colony. Despite its proximity to Tunis, this site is surprisingly left off of many itineraries. The scale of Uthina is immediately striking. The amphitheatre, built partly into the hillside, once held thousands of spectators. Beneath the city lies an extensive network of underground cisterns and vaulted chambers, while public baths and villas above ground allow you to imagine life in the Roman era.
Zaghouan: Home to the Temple of Water
According to a local proverb, “He who drinks from Zaghouan water will return to Tunisia.” Zaghouan is best known as the starting point of a Roman aqueduct that once supplied water to Carthage over a distance of more than 130 kilometres, one of the longest in the Roman Empire. The Temple of Water marks the aqueduct’s source and stands at the base of Mount Zaghouan. Standing here, you’ll be in awe of not only the ingenuity of ancient people, but Tunisia’s natural beauty.
Discover Tunisia’s Hidden Gems on Our Immersive Tour
If you’re intrigued by any one of these hidden gems in Tunisia, you’re in luck. On our 14-Day Tunisia Tour: The Immersive Xperience, we visit all of these destinations, and more. Join us on a guided journey through the country’s historic towns, ancient sites, and desert landscapes, and leave with a sense of truly having experienced Tunisia at its most authentic. Should you have any questions about this trip, feel free to get in touch with our team to start planning.
