Planning a road trip across South Tunisia and looking for the perfect 7-day itinerary? Here is the travel guide you need to create a memorable holiday, including how to get around, the best time to visit and an epic route that will ensure you see the best attractions and sights this country offers.
From exploring the Star Wars movie set to swimming in the Nefta Oasis and horseback riding on the beach, this guide is perfect whether you are a first-time visitor or have already visited Tunisia.
Tunisia is the North African country that made me fall in love with travelling.
This road trip was a long time ago, but it is essential for me to share it today as it was an experience that completely changed me and the way I see the world. It is also where I found my passion for travel writing and photography.
Please note – I went on this Tunisia road trip with my mum, and we planned everything through a travel agency, who provided us with a guide and driver (which was very nice, I admit!).
So, are you ready? In this article, I share the perfect 7-day itinerary that will allow you to see the best of South Tunisia for an unforgettable vacation. Plus, do not forget to check out the sustainable tips at the end. Enjoy! ☀️
My Tunisia experience:
Duration 7 Days
Month visited July
Season Summer
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Overview: South Tunisia 7-day itinerary
- Day 1 – Traditional houses & camel ride
- Day 2 – Star Wars set & Nefta Oasis
- Day 3 – Tour of Tozeur & its brickwork
- Day 4 – Oasis & quad experience in the desert
- Day 5 – Chenini & Tataouine
- Day 6 & 7 – Horse riding on the beach
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Tunisia itinerary 7 days – Map
Click on the top left of the map to display the list of stops and locations.
7 days in South Tunisia: detailed itinerary
Please note that this self-drive 1-week road trip itinerary in South Tunisia is only a guide with recommendations. You are welcome to spend more days in one area or add other stops on your journey. Tunisia has so much to offer – you will not get bored!
Day 1 – Traditional houses & camel ride
We left Djerba early in the morning to cross the sea to Gabès. The boat trip was lovely and a great first experience. In addition, we had beautiful views where we could observe the stunning Tunisian cliffs.
Traditional ‘troglodyte’ houses
Once we arrived in Gabès, we went back inside the car and drove to Douz. On our way, we stopped at Matmata, a small Berber town where some of the residents live in traditional ‘troglodyte’ houses – a structure created by digging in the ground, like a cave.
Tunisian locals invited us inside their houses and introduced us to their culture and way of living. It was impressive for me (at my age back then – 17) to see how some people could live in such unique conditions and still be happy – it was a real inspiration. They offered us some tea and biscuits and showed us how they made flour for cooking.
That first immersive experience impacted me straight away, and I was curious to discover more about the hidden beauty of this country.
Camel Ride
We continued to Douz, where we stayed for the night. But before we went to sleep, we wanted to do something typical of the area, a camel ride. We rode in the desert with a guide who walked next to us, and I truly loved it! We stopped a few times to enjoy this magical experience during sunset. The colours were gorgeous, and the dunes at the horizon made us feel very small, lost in the middle of an endless expanse. I was sometimes looking back from where we were to the camp as I was scared we would get lost. Fortunately, the guide knew what it was doing and brought us back without any problems.
Day 2 – Star Wars set & Nefta Oasis
We left early in the morning for Tozeur, one of the best places to visit in Tunisia. On our way, we went through a salt desert, and it was impressive to observe the impact of the drought. We stopped a few times to enjoy ourselves and look at it closer.
Tozeur
Once in the city of Tozeur, we wandered through its streets. I especially appreciated its architecture with bricks handmade by local artisans. We even had the opportunity to visit a brick production the day after and keep our own (that we managed to put in our suitcase on our way home – somehow!).
Star Wars Movie Set
We had lunch in the town and left for the desert to discover the Star Wars movie set – and I could not wait for it (being a big fan of the films!).
Once we arrived in the desert with no road in front of us, we had no idea where we were going, but it was such a fun ride. With all the hills of sand, I was scared that we could not make it – it was like roller-coasters. But fortunately, once again, our driver knew what he was doing and was incredible.
Finally, we could observe the structures in the distance, and it was the same as being in the movie. We walked through it and took our time to appreciate it. There was only the outside of the decor left and nothing inside, but it was still worth it.
Nefta Oasis
After our Star Wars experience, we drove to Nefta, a town and oasis, also a place with over half a million palms. The sun started to set, and the colours were beautiful. The guide brought us to his favourite bar where you could enjoy the best lemonades (it was delicious and so refreshing – but impossible to remember the exact place). After which, we drove back to Tozeur, where we spent the night.
Day 3 – Visit of Tozeur & its brickwork
We start our third day visiting a canyon (I can not remember the exact place). Nonetheless, it was beautiful, with many waterfalls, even though it was incredibly hot!
Tozeur & its brickwork
We went back to Tozeur for lunch, and a Tunisian came to pick us up with a horse and a carriage to do a ride around the city (I even had the chance to drive the carriage!). He first brought us to the local brick factory. Tozeur is well known for its yellow brickworks and rich geometric designs in front of the old city buildings, and it was a pleasure to take a closer look at its history.
Mabrouk, the local Tunisian, showed us how he produced his bricks step by step, and it was so impressive as everything was handmade. I remember being touched by this person. We could feel how Mabrouk was kind, caring and passionate about his work. During this unique experience, we even had the opportunity to take part in it and keep our bricks.
We continued with the carriage to a garden to try fruits and see how Tunisians picked coconuts from the palm trees. We finished our ride at the zoo, and it was one of the scariest things I have ever done, between snakes and scorpions. I admit I was terrified by all of these.
When we arrived back at the hotel in Tozeur, a lovely surprise was waiting for us: a traditional meal with traditional dancers. They taught us how to dance, and I never thought it would be that hard! However, it is such a beautiful dance to watch!
Day 4 – Oasis & quads in the desert
Douz
The following morning, we left early for Douz and its market. We had time to chill, walk around and buy some local products like spices. The atmosphere was lovely, although the Tunisians were sometimes a little bit too intrusive.
Oasis Ksar Ghilane
We continued and drove to the Oasis Ksar Ghilane for a swim. The sensation of being in an oasis was a bit weird as the water had a strange colour and was super warm, but it was something to experience. For the evening, we decided to rent quads and explore the desert. It was one of the best things I did during this trip. I had so much fun riding in the dunes, and the colours of the sunset were gorgeous. We stopped to enjoy ourselves at the top of a small hill, and I could not believe the incredible scenery in front of me – a unique moment that I will forever remember.
For the night, we camped in the desert, and it was again one of the scariest things for me as I was so scared of snakes and scorpions. I did not sleep and spent most of the night looking everywhere with my phone light, but I still think it is something to try.
Day 5 – Chenini & Tataouine
We started the day by visiting Chenini, a troglodyte village on the edge of the mountains. We ate there and left for Tataouine, where we saw another part of the Star Wars movie set. We just wandered around before we went back to Djerba.
Day 6 & 7 – Horse riding on the beach
We spent our 6th day in Djerba doing some shopping. I also had the chance to ride a horse along the Tunisian beaches, and we even went for a swim in the turquoise water. It was so lovely, my horse was named Khalid and was very kind. I was very impressed by the conditions of the ranch. I am sad I can not remember the exact place. But it was the perfect way to end our incredible adventure in Tunisia.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I had great last impressions of this country. The Tunisians were incredibly kind and thoughtful people, always helping us and eager to make us discover their way of living. They had this desire to share, this incredible human connection that touched me every time.
This trip taught me so much, and I was so happy I had the chance to experience it in an immersive way: hotels in the middle of nowhere, no phone signal whatsoever, and no other tourists on our way – a real moment of reconnection with the people you care about, but also with yourself. I guess this is the best benefit of travelling, it makes you realise how lucky you are and gives you a better appreciation of everything in your life.
Unforgettable experiences I recommend
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How to get to Tunisia
The best way to get to Tunisia will depend on where you come from and your budget, but there are many options to reach this beautiful country.
One of the quickest ways to get to Tunisia is by plane. Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN) in the capital Tunis, is the main international airport, but you will also find other international airports in cities like Monastir and Djerba.
Another way to get to Tunisia is by sea, although I would not recommend it as it is not very eco-friendly. But, if it is your only option, Tunisia has several ports accessible by ferry. Major ferry routes connect the country to Italy (Genoa and Palermo) and France (Marseille), and its most common arrival points are Tunis, Sfax and La Goulette.
Finally, you can reach Tunisia by car from neighbouring countries, but make sure to check border crossing regulations and entry requirements beforehand.
How to get around Tunisia
Once in Tunisia, you will find many options for getting around the country.
The fastest and easiest way to travel around Tunisia is by car rental. Renting a car gives you flexibility, especially if you plan to explore remote areas. Plus, major car rental companies operate in the country (book yours at your airport), and roads are generally well-maintained.
Another way to get around Tunisia is by city taxi. In urban areas, you will find taxis that can take you around. Make sure the taxi meter is used, or agree on a fare before starting your journey. You can also check out Louage Taxis, a group of shared taxis that operate on fixed routes between cities. They depart when full, so departure times can be less predictable.
The best eco-friendly way to travel around Tunisia is by public transport. The country has an extensive bus network connecting major cities and towns. Plus, it is an economical option for getting around. In addition, some companies offer tourist buses tailored to specific routes and attractions.
Best time to visit Tunisia
Spring (March to May) is generally considered the best time to visit Tunisia, as the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C but without too many crowds. The landscapes are green and flowers are in bloom, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities and exploring historical sites.
Similar to spring, autumn (September to November) is a pleasant time to visit Tunisia. Temperatures are still warm, ranging from 20°C to 30°C, making it a good time for cultural exploration and outdoor adventures. The sea is also still warm for swimming, and there are fewer crowds compared to the summer months.
Summer (June to August) in Tunisia can be hot, especially in July and August, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C and sometimes reaching 40°C. It is also a peak tourist season, and coastal areas are popular for beachgoers. If you enjoy the beach and water activities, summer might be the right time for you – but be prepared for the crowds!
Finally, winter (December to February) is the off-peak season, and temperatures can vary. Coastal areas remain mild, but inland regions and the desert can be cooler. As a result, if you plan to explore the Sahara, winter is a good time as temperatures are more comfortable for desert excursions.
Sustainable travel in Tunisia
Being a responsible traveller in Tunisia means thinking beyond foreign-owned all-inclusive hotels and opting instead for an authentic North African experience where your presence will benefit local people. Moreover, water is a precious commodity in this country, so be conscious and pick the sea rather than a pool.
Mediterranean beaches, affordable accommodation and long hot summers = money for foreign tourist companies isolating locals. So, instead of staying in your hotels, try to get out and stay in small guesthouses, visit souks and markets, talk to local people or hire a local guide. Only by visiting the country and meeting the locals will you learn the reality behind the headlines and discover the beauty of Tunisia.
And as mentioned above, water is precious in Tunisia as the weather is getting hotter and drier. That is why being mindful of your water usage is so essential! And if you need to go for a swim, go to the Mediterranean instead of the private swimming pools that overuse water and damage our planet. Plus, do not forget to bring a filtered water bottle with you to reduce single-use plastic waste.
More inspiration for your green vacation:
- Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
- 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure
- Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World
Eco-friendly gear you might love:
- 10 Best Sustainable Backpacks for Travel & Hiking
- 10 Best Reusable & Eco-Friendly Travel Mugs
- 8 Best Filtered Water Bottles for Travel & Hiking
Check out this page for more inspiration on eco-friendly products & gear.
Tunisia travel planning guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance to travel to Tunisia?
Yes, buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Enjoy your road trip in Tunisia stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Nomad Insurance.
💧 Can you drink the water in Tunisia?
No, drinking tap water in Tunisia is not recommended. That is why I suggest travelling with the UltraPress Purifier Bottle, a lightweight filtered water bottle perfect for reducing plastic and staying hydrated on the road.
🚗 Is it easy to rent a car in Tunisia?
Yes, renting a car in Tunisia is easy and a great way to explore the country freely. I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.
🏨 How to book accommodation in Tunisia?
The best way to book your accommodation in Tunisia is with Booking.com – my favourite platform to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable hotels to luxury resorts.
✈️ What is the best site to buy a flight to Tunisia?
I recommend booking your plane with Skyscanner. It has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights whilst lowering my carbon emissions.
Tunisia road trip – FAQ
Tunisia is situated on the Mediterranean coast of Northwest Africa, midway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Nile Delta. It is bordered by Algeria to the west and southwest, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east.
The vast majority of the population in Tunisia speaks Tunisian Arabic as their native language. However, a significant portion of the population can also speak French.
The dinar is the currency of Tunisia. 1 Tunisian Dinar = 0.26 Pound sterling
Once you arrive in Tunisia, British pounds will readily be accepted for exchange, as euros and US dollars.
Tunisia has a climate that provides year-round warm and sunny weather. If it is the beaches you are heading for, the months of June, July and August are the best times – although very hot! If you are looking for a quiet time under the sun, the best time to visit Tunisia is outside of summer. Temperatures are less oppressive, archaeological sites are empty and the beaches are much quieter!
Have you ever experienced a road trip in Tunisia or would you like to try it one day?
Let me know in the comments below!
With love ♡
Lucie
Hi Lucie,
Thank you for this guide! I’m really inspired to travel to Tunisia. What was the travel agency you used to plan this trip with a guide and driver? Thank you!