Little-visited Tunisia has a lot to offer the solo traveler – compelling and diverse sights; convenient access to public transportation; and affordable accommodation, transportation, and food. The people are really friendly and helpful.
Tunisia is a country of travelers, which has resulted in the growth of a network that makes backpacking in Tunisia more popular and accessible than ever. It is a country rich in cultural diversity, with incredible historic and geographical sites to explore, as well as incredible facilities, hostels, and tours geared toward backpackers and independent travelers.
Due to the incredible variety of things to do in Tunisia, it is possible to visit Tunisia and have a trip completely tailored to your individual interests. This article will attempt to serve as a jumping-off step for anyone considering a backpacking trip to Tunisia.
Where Is Tunisia?
Tunisia is the smallest nation in North Africa, situated on one side by the Mediterranean Sea and on the other by the Sahara Desert. It has borders with Algeria and Libya, and is bounded on the north and east by the Mediterranean islands of Sardinia and Sicily.
It is little less than 800 kilometers from top to bottom (roughly the distance from Brighton to Inverness, or San Francisco to Tijuana).
Why Visit Tunisia
In a short, it is a diversified nation with lots to do and see. Tunisia is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and history buffs, particularly those interested in Roman ruins, will be in their element: as will Star Wars enthusiasts! Tunisia is easily accessible through public transit and offers excellent value for money – budget accommodation and affordable meals are plentiful.
Highlights of Tunisia and Where to Go
We’ve plenty of articles that inspire about best places to visit in Tunisia in a our Style and Travel section.
Getting to Tunisia
Tunisia is very close to Europe and has flight connections with a numerous destinations across the globe. There are different options to consider when traveling to Tunisia. One can get into Tunisia by air, sea or overland. For more information, check out this post: Transport in Tunisia — Getting There & Around the Country.
Best Time to Visit Tunisia
Assuming you are visiting Tunisia for cultural reasons rather than sunbathing, the recommended months to visit are March to June and September to October. July and August are peak months for beach resorts, although the Sahara’s temperatures are unbearable at this period. For instance, visiting Tunisia in March, weather would typically be pleasant and clear during the day. However, the temperature might fall significantly at night and becomes extremely chilly in certain areas.
Recommended Read: Tunisia’s Weather and Nature
Arriving in Tunisia
Visa Regulations
Most of citizens of Western countries don’t need to obtain a visa in advance for visiting Tunisia as a tourist. British, US, Australian and most EU passport holders don’t require a visa for visits of up to three months and the arrival procedure is usually a straightforward process of stamping your passport.
If you need to check what nationalities do require a visa to visit Tunisia, take a look at this Tunisian Visa guide.
What to Wear in Tunisia
Although Tunisia is a Muslim country, the clothing code is quite relaxed, so you will not feel out of place. While shorts and sleeveless shirts are acceptable in beach resorts, revealing dressing is likely to attract unwanted attention in more conservative locations.
Suggested Read: Tunisia Packing List — What To; Packing Checklists & Clothing Tips
Is it safe to visit Tunisia?
There isn’t a lot of street crime in Tunisia but use your common sense in busy places like bus stations and souks and keep personal belongings in bags with zippers with straps that go across your body. Generally-speaking, Tunisia is a safe country. We have a dedicated article that. Check it out: Is it Safe to Travel in Tunisia? What Is Like Tunisia Now?
Getting Around Tunisia
Backpacking in Tunisia and taking public transportation is quite simple. It’s also affordable — your average spending daily on transportation could be around 10-15 Tunisian dinars inside cities.
By bus, rail, or louage, public transportation links villages and cities. In Tunisia, a louage is the equivalent — a shared long-distance taxi, usually a minivan.
Train travel in Tunisia is convenient and inexpensive when available. Trains can be a bit slow, and the rail network is, sadly, mostly restricted to the coast. This article contains more information: Traveling Around Tunisia: Transportation Tips.
Tunis’s tram network, called the ‘metro leger,’ is an efficient mode of public transportation for getting around the city. Get your ticket at the little booth located adjacent to the station. As previously said, cabs are incredibly inexpensive – simply ensure that the driver runs the meter.
Suggested Read: Local Transport in Tunisia — Public Transport in Tunisian Cities
Accommodation for Backpacking in Tunisia
Well, finding hostels in Tunisia is not difficult. For some of the best picks, see our article on Tunisia’s best hostels. These are spread throughout the country, and between them, you could easily spend your entire time backpacking in Tunisia. Alternatively, you can view all hotels in Tunisia.
One additional piece of advice: the most convenient way to stay connected while backpacking is to purchase a Tunisian SIM card or phone. Visit this article for additional information to get a SIM card.
Feel free to explore our different guides, ask any questions, decide what to do in Tunisia, where to stay, and which Tunisia tours to take, and you will have an incredible itinerary and trip planned.
Suggested Read: Getting Back to Nature: 10 of the Best Places to Camp in Tunisia
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