Ancient ruins, desert oases, and Mediterranean towns. This is a road trip in Tunisia that takes you from the streets of Tunis to the edge of the Sahara.
There’s something incredibly rewarding about exploring Tunisia by road. From the Roman ruins scattered across the north to the date palm oases of the south, this country is built for slow, curious travelers. I did this route on my last trip to Tunisia and I loved the unexpected surprises on the road: a quiet café under the blue domes of Sidi Bou Said, a dusty desert track near Nefta glowing at sunset, or the silence of Kairouan’s old medina on a resting day.
Driving in Tunisia is safe, surprisingly easy, and allows you to see a side of the country few travelers experience. Roads are in good condition, distances are manageable, and between the Mediterranean and the Sahara, Tunisia feels like a condensed version of North Africa. It is small enough to explore in a week, but diverse enough to feel like three countries in one.
Here’s how to plan the ultimate 7-day Tunisia road trip. Starting from the capital, Tunis, to the desert, through oases, medinas, and surreal landscapes that inspired Star Wars and countless travelers.
Planning Your Road Trip in Tunisia
Best time to go:
The ideal months are March to May and September to November, when the weather is warm but not too hot. Summer can be scorching in the south, while winter brings mild days and chilly desert nights.
Driving in Tunisia:
You can rent a car at Tunis–Carthage International Airport or in the city. As always, my recommendation is to book in advance and use a platform like Discover Cars, where you will find a large range of prices and companies. Expect to pay around 35–50 EUR per day for a compact car. Roads are well paved between major cities, but once you reach the desert or mountain areas, drive cautiously. You may share the road with donkeys or camels.
If you want to compare prices with all companies together, check the different options at DiscoverCars and book your vehicle.
Documents required:
- Passport and international driving permit.
- Rental agreement and insurance papers.
- Local SIM card for navigation (Tunisie Télécom and Ooredoo work best – I got mine at the airport).
Of course, you can also get an eSIM beforehand, which I also did in case the connectivity with one provider failed, but I was fairly satisfied with the internet, its prices and the packages in this country.
Looking for an eSIM in Tunisia and be connected at all times?
I used e-SIM with Airalo. With them, I bought a global plan of 10 GB for my whole stay in Tunisia.
This was the most convenient choice.
Find out here which are my favorite e-SIMs and why.
INSIDER TIP: In case you do not feel comfortable to ride a car independently, private companies like Agence Voyages Tunisie can provide a vehicle with a driver for a good price.
Tunisia Route overview:
- Tunis → Sbeitla (5h drive)
- Sbeitla → Tozeur/Nefta (4h drive)
- Explore mountain oases
- Nefta → Kairouan (4h drive)
- Kairouan → Tunis (2.5h drive)
Optional detours: Dougga (UNESCO Roman ruins), Matmata (troglodyte houses), or Hammamet (beach stop).
Read more: Tunisia’s Healing Sands of Nefta and Tozeur
Tunis and Sidi Bou Said
No matter where your trip begins, Tunis is your first introduction to Tunisia’s vibrant energy. The capital blends old-world charm with Mediterranean freshness. The medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of alleys filled with tilework, mosques, and markets where artisans still hammer brass or weave carpets by hand. Spend your morning exploring the souks, visiting the Zitouna Mosque, and enjoying mint tea on one of the rooftop terraces overlooking the domes.
Just a short 30-minute drive away lies Sidi Bou Said, the most picturesque village in Tunisia. Famous for its whitewashed houses with blue doors, it’s perched above the Mediterranean like a postcard come to life. Walking here feels like stepping into a painting — cobblestone alleys, blooming bougainvillea, and cafés that overlook the sea. Don’t miss Café des Délices, a local institution where you can sip strong coffee while watching boats glimmer in the Bay of Tunis.
Top things to do in Tunis and Sidi Bou Said:
- Explore the Carthage archaeological site, once the heart of the ancient Phoenician empire.
- Visit the Bardo Museum, home to one of the world’s best Roman mosaic collections.
- Wander Sidi Bou Said’s streets, shop for ceramics, and photograph its famous doors.
If you have time, spend your first night here. For a fancy start, stay at La Villa Bleue (200 EUR/night), a boutique hotel offering panoramic sea views and Tunisian decor that feels like a modern riad.
Tunis → Sbeitla (350 km / ~5 hours)
Leaving Tunis behind, the landscape shifts from green hills to open plains. This drive gives a first taste of Tunisia’s vastness. Quiet roads, olive groves, and the occasional roadside café serving sweet mint tea.
Sbeitla is one of North Africa’s best-preserved Roman sites, yet far less crowded than places like Pompeii. Walking through its ancient gates, you can see the remains of temples, baths, and arches built nearly 2,000 years ago. The Capitolium of Sbeitla, with its three majestic temples dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, stands as a reminder of Tunisia’s Roman heritage.
Top things to do in Sbeitla:
- Visit the Sbeitla Archaeological Site (entry ~5 EUR).
- Explore the Roman baths and mosaics.
- Stop by a local café in the nearby town for traditional brik (a fried pastry filled with egg and tuna).
If you want to stay overnight, check out Hotel Sufetula, an affordable and comfortable stay near the ruins (around 50 EUR/night).
Sbeitla → Tozeur & Nefta (280 km / ~4 hours)
The drive south takes you into the edge of the Sahara. Palms begin to appear on the horizon, and you’ll know you’re nearing Tozeur, an oasis city famous for its date palms and traditional brick architecture.
Tozeur is one of Tunisia’s most fascinating cities — an oasis built on ancient trade routes. The old quarter, Ouled el-Hadef, is made of golden bricks arranged in intricate patterns that glow under the afternoon sun. Wander through its narrow streets, visit the Dar Cheraït Museum for a glimpse of desert life, and don’t miss a stop at Eden Palm, an eco-museum where you can taste local dates and learn how palm products are crafted.
Just 25 minutes away is Nefta, a smaller, quieter oasis that’s equally enchanting. Surrounded by dunes and salt flats, it’s home to the Basket of Nefta, a natural depression filled with palm trees and springs. The sunset here is pure magic — the desert turns gold and pink, and you can hear the wind passing through the palms.
Stay at Dar Hi Nefta (150 EUR/night), a design eco-lodge built with natural materials that blends modern luxury with local tradition.
Top things to do in Tozeur and Nefta:
- Get lost at the Ouled el-Hadef old quarter.
- Visit the Eden Palm Museum.
- Watch the sunset at the Basket of Nefta.
- Zipline in Tozeur
- Do NOT take a camel ride. This activity is offered everywhere, but I do not recommend it due to animal rights concerns.
Exploring the Mountain Oases
From Nefta, drive north toward Chebika, Tamerza, and Mides — Tunisia’s legendary mountain oases. The road climbs into rocky canyons, and suddenly waterfalls, palm trees, and cliffs appear out of nowhere.
Chebika is known as the “Castle of the Sun,” a lush oasis where you can walk to a hidden spring surrounded by date palms. Tamerza offers stunning canyon views and a waterfall that feels straight out of a movie set. Mides, close to the Algerian border, sits above a deep gorge where the film The English Patient was shot.
You can easily visit all three in a single day. If you prefer not to drive yourself, local guides in Tozeur organize day tours for about 80–100 EUR per person in 4×4 vehicles, including transfers and local insights.
Top highlights in southern Tunisia:
- Swim in the natural pools of Chebika.
- Photograph the canyon of Mides.
- Stop at a small village café for mint tea with locals.
On your way back, make a stop at the surreal Chott el Jerid, the largest salt lake in the Sahara. Its shimmering white crust stretches endlessly, and on sunny days, the horizon looks like a mirage.
Nefta → Kairouan (via Gafsa, 270 km / ~4.5 hours)
The road back north leads you through Gafsa, known for its Roman pools — ancient stone basins filled with clear water that locals still use today. Stop for lunch here before continuing toward Kairouan, Tunisia’s holiest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kairouan feels timeless. Its medina is quieter and more spiritual than Tunis — filled with blue doors, whitewashed walls, and the sound of distant prayers. The Great Mosque of Kairouan is one of the oldest in the Islamic world, and even non-Muslim visitors can admire its vast courtyard and ancient columns. Don’t miss the Bir Barouta, an old well said to be connected to Mecca by an underground passage.
For an authentic stay, book La Kasbah Kairouan (120 EUR/night), a hotel housed in an old fortress with views of the city’s minarets.
Top things to do in Kairouan:
- Visit the Great Mosque of Kairouan.
- Wander the medina and buy handwoven carpets.
- Visit Aghlabid Basins, an ancient water system built in the 9th century.
How Much Does a Tunisia Road Trip Cost?
Tunisia remains one of the most affordable destinations in North Africa. Here’s a rough estimate for a one-week trip:
| Category | Average Cost (per person) |
|---|---|
| Car Rental | 40 EUR/day |
| Fuel | 50 EUR total |
| Accommodation | 50–150 EUR/night |
| Meals | 20–30 EUR/day |
| Entrance Fees | 3–10 EUR/site |
| Guided Tours | 80–100 EUR/day |
| Total (7 days) | ~900–1200 EUR (one person road trip) ~500-700 EUR (two person road trip) |
