When my husband first suggested a trip to Tunisia, I’ll admit I didn’t know what to expect. I imagined golden sands and maybe a few ancient ruins, but what we found was a country bursting with history, flavor, and warmth. Traveling through Tunisia with our kids became a journey that blended Roman ruins, desert adventures, and seaside serenity—all wrapped in the kind of hospitality that makes you feel instantly at home.
Our ten-day itinerary took us from the bustling streets of Tunis to the quiet ruins of Carthage, across the windswept Sahara Desert, and finally to the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean coast. Along the way, we laughed, learned, and discovered a side of North Africa that was both enchanting and entirely family-friendly.
Planning Our Family Adventure
Why Tunisia for Family Travel?
Tunisia checked all our boxes for a family vacation: affordable, safe, culturally rich, and full of variety. You can explore history one day and ride camels through desert dunes the next. The country’s small size makes it easy to travel between regions without long drives—a huge plus when you’re traveling with kids.
We planned a route that balanced excitement with downtime:
- Days 1–3: Tunis, Carthage, and Sidi Bou Said
- Days 4–6: Kairouan and the Sahara Desert
- Days 7–10: Tozeur and Hammamet on the coast
We hired a local driver-guide to help with logistics and language, which turned out to be the best decision. He knew the hidden restaurants, the most scenic detours, and how to time visits around crowds—a blessing when traveling as a family.
Before the trip, we introduced our kids to Tunisian culture through food—trying couscous and brik (a crispy pastry with egg and tuna) at a local North African restaurant. By the time we boarded the plane, they were excited to “taste the real thing.”
Arriving in Tunis: A Warm Welcome
Our first stop was Tunis, the vibrant capital of Tunisia. From the airport, we drove straight to our riad-style hotel in the medina, where blue doors and mosaic tiles surrounded a sun-drenched courtyard. The staff welcomed us with mint tea and almond pastries—a ritual we would come to love.
Exploring the Medina of Tunis
Walking through the Medina of Tunis felt like stepping into a storybook. Narrow alleyways twisted between whitewashed buildings, their doors painted in vivid blues and greens. Shopkeepers smiled and waved as our kids peeked at colorful ceramics and piles of fragrant spices.
We bought fresh dates and handwoven baskets before stopping for lunch at Dar El Jeld, a traditional restaurant tucked inside a restored 17th-century mansion. The lamb couscous was tender and flavorful, and the kids devoured their plates of grilled chicken skewers served with homemade bread.
Family Tip: The medina can be crowded, so visit early in the morning. Carry small bills for souvenirs, and bring plenty of water for kids—the narrow alleys can get warm even in spring.
Carthage and Sidi Bou Said: History and Coastal Beauty
Walking Through Ancient Carthage
The next morning, we explored Carthage, the ancient Phoenician city that once rivaled Rome. Even our kids, usually impatient with ruins, were fascinated by the stories of Hannibal and his war elephants. Our guide made history come alive, explaining how Romans built elaborate baths and aqueducts right where we stood.
The Antonine Baths, overlooking the sea, were especially striking. The kids ran through the ancient columns while we admired the blend of blue sea and stone ruins—a postcard-perfect moment.
A Blue and White Dream: Sidi Bou Said
Just a short drive away, we reached Sidi Bou Said, the “blue and white village” perched on the cliffs above the Mediterranean. Every wall, door, and window seemed designed for a painter’s palette.
We wandered cobblestone streets lined with jasmine and bougainvillea, stopping for ice cream and Bambalouni (a Tunisian doughnut) dusted with sugar. Lunch was at Café des Délices, where we savored seafood tagine with panoramic views of the sea.
Family Tip: Combine Carthage and Sidi Bou Said in one day. The short drive between them means you can mix history and relaxation without tiring out little legs.
Kairouan: The Spiritual Heart of Tunisia
From the coast, we journeyed inland to Kairouan, Tunisia’s spiritual capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landscape shifted from lush coastline to golden plains, dotted with olive groves and grazing sheep.
The Great Mosque and Medina
We visited the Great Mosque of Kairouan, one of the oldest in Africa. Even though non-Muslims can’t enter the prayer hall, the open courtyard and towering minaret offered plenty to admire. Our guide explained how Kairouan became a center of learning and pilgrimage, and our kids loved counting the ancient Roman columns reused in the mosque’s construction.
The medina of Kairouan was quieter than Tunis, filled with artisans weaving carpets and selling hand-dyed yarns. We bought a small rug as a keepsake—something to remind us of this serene, spiritual city.
Into the Sahara: A Desert Adventure
Matmata: The Star Wars Connection
Heading south, we made a stop at Matmata, famous for its troglodyte houses—underground homes carved into the earth. Our kids were thrilled to learn that parts of Star Wars: A New Hope were filmed here.
We visited one of the homes, still inhabited, and learned how the underground design keeps temperatures cool in summer and warm in winter. The kids couldn’t stop imagining what it would be like to live in a real-life cave house.
Riding Camels at Sunset
That evening, we arrived in Douz, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” As the sun began to dip, we met our camel guides and began a short trek into the dunes. The sand glowed orange and gold, and the silence of the desert felt almost sacred.
Our youngest rode nervously at first but soon started laughing as her camel plodded along behind mine. We watched the sunset together, the sky turning shades of pink and purple—a memory I’ll cherish forever.
Dinner at our desert camp was traditional and hearty: lamb tagine, flatbread baked in sand, and sweet mint tea. Afterward, we gathered around a fire as our guides played drums under a blanket of stars.
Family Tip: Bring scarves, sunscreen, and warm clothes for the desert—it gets chilly at night. Kids love riding camels, but short rides (30–45 minutes) are best for comfort.
Tozeur: Palms, Oases, and Desert Dreams
The next leg of our journey took us to Tozeur, a charming oasis town surrounded by palm groves. We stayed in a beautiful boutique hotel with a pool and palm-shaded gardens—an oasis after dusty desert days.
Exploring the Mountain Oases
From Tozeur, we took a 4x4 excursion to the mountain oases of Chebika, Tamerza, and Mides. Waterfalls cascaded down cliffs, and the contrast between green palms and rugged rock formations was stunning.
The kids loved climbing over rocks and splashing in the shallow pools. We picnicked under date palms, sharing olives, bread, and oranges from a local market.
Ong Jemel: The Star Wars Set
Before leaving Tozeur, we visited Ong Jemel, another famous Star Wars filming location, where the desert stretches endlessly to the horizon. Even if you’re not a movie buff, the scenery is breathtaking—vast dunes and wind-sculpted cliffs that make you feel like you’re on another planet.
Hammamet: Relaxing on the Mediterranean Coast
After days of exploring deserts and ruins, we ended our trip on the coast in Hammamet, a picturesque beach town just south of Tunis. Our seaside resort was the perfect mix of comfort and culture, with a kids’ club, pools, and easy access to the old town.
Beach Days and Seaside Markets
The kids spent hours building sandcastles while my husband and I enjoyed Turkish coffee under a straw umbrella. The Mediterranean waters were calm and warm—perfect for family swims.
We wandered through Hammamet’s medina one afternoon, where whitewashed walls framed turquoise doors. We bought olive-wood spoons, ceramics, and small bottles of Tunisian olive oil to take home.
Dinner that night was a feast: grilled sea bass, mechouia salad (a mix of roasted peppers and tomatoes), and makroud, semolina pastries filled with dates. As the kids drifted off to sleep, we sat on the terrace listening to the waves, already missing the rhythm of Tunisia.
Family Travel Tips for Tunisia
- Hire a local guide or driver: They make traveling between cities easier and provide invaluable insights into history and daily life.
- Pack for contrasts: Tunisia’s coastal areas are mild, but desert regions can be hot by day and cold by night. Layers are key.
- Embrace the local cuisine: Most restaurants happily adapt dishes for children. Don’t miss couscous, brik, and mint tea.
- Keep cash handy: Smaller shops and medina vendors rarely accept cards.
- Balance sightseeing with rest: Mix cultural days with beach or pool time to keep kids energized.
- Respect traditions: Dress modestly in rural areas and when visiting mosques.
Reflections: Tunisia Through Our Children’s Eyes
As our plane lifted off from Tunis, I looked at my children’s faces—sun-kissed, content, and a little sleepy. “Can we come back next year?” they asked almost in unison.
Tunisia had given us everything we could have hoped for: adventure, learning, and laughter. From walking ancient Roman roads to riding camels under a Sahara sunset, every day had offered a new kind of magic.
Traveling here as a family taught us something valuable—that history doesn’t have to be boring, that culture can be joyful, and that the world is always kinder than you expect.
If you’re planning family travel in Tunisia, be ready for discovery. This country will capture your senses and your heart, one mint tea at a time.
Leave a Reply