Sidi Bou Said - Where Human Artistry Meets Nature's Brushstrokes

Sidi Bou Said

While the Greek island of Santorini is currently suffocated from over-tourism and shaking from minor earthquakes, its temperate North African cousin is largely overlooked. Yet it has the same depth of history, beautiful blue and white architecture and gorgeous Mediterranean views.

It wasn't that easy to find tours to this beautiful place from our hotel in Monastir. We were there out of season, but it took a lot of research to find the only provider who ran tours to Sidi Bou Said.

What's more, while there were some tourists, most of it felt relatively quiet and laid back, and certainly not over-crowded. Walking its charming streets gave us a joyously welcome slice of North African life. Yet it wasn't claustrophobic or overwhelming. It felt like we were visiting a place where people actually lived, rather than somewhere that was so focused for tourists that it had lost its reality.

These days, the rush to recreate the same Instagram shots as other influencers has produced a tight cluster of tourists around major attractions. Sidi Bou Said is a place that proves the value of research and spending time off the beaten track. It is an absolute gem of a place.

How to get there

Sidi Bou Said

There is no airport in Sidi Bou Said as it's just a village. Nearest airports are in Tunis, Sousse and Monastir. Sousse and Monastir are big destinations for package tours, so we recommend checking holiday companies like First Choice, EasyJet Holidays, Jet2, Thomas Cook and TUI to see what deals they offer.

A tour will be necessary from any of these hotels. We don't recommend taking a taxi or driving yourself.

Sidi Bou Said

How we did it

Flights: Booked through EasyJet Holidays

Hotel: Iberostar Selection Kuriat Palace, booked through EasyJet Holidays

Tour: Booked through SeePlaces

Location: https://w3w.co/upon.streak.blaze

Note: We travelled to Tunisia in December, just before Christmas. At that time of year there are fewer tourists, but the weather is almost perfect for sightseeing as it's not too hot.

Our Top Tips

Sidi Bou Said

• Tunisia is very, very hot in the summer. Unless you want to be burned to a crisp, we do not recommend visiting the country in July or August. It's cool in winter (but not cold), if a little breezy, but fantastic for an out-of-season treat.

• Head to the Cafe des Delices for the best view, but bear in mind that they really don't like people coming in just for the view.

• Combine your visit here with a visit to Tunis for the souks and the ancient city of Carthage for a slice of Roman history.