To soak in the diverse creativity of Tunisia’s artisanal world, spend a day meandering through the medina of Sousse (a UNESCO world Heritage site), and let your eyes feast on the magnificently rich colors and designs portrayed through pottery, handwoven rugs, mosaics, and leather products. These atmospheric outdoor markets will capture your senses!

You may not be able to resist taking home with you a piece of Nabeul’s hand-painted pottery, with a range of designs and color schemes to choose from. Olive wood products such as spoons and cutting boards show off the grain of this gorgeous wood, and also make unique gifts to take back to friends.

The famous hand-woven rugs of Kairouan will captivate you for hours with their endless selection and beauty.  The ancient art of tapestry weaving has flourished through the ages in North Africa and continues to thrive today.  You can choose between sheep wool or camel hair, bright, eye-catching colors, or muted grey tones.

Tunisia has long been famous for its woven textiles.  The fouta, hand-woven cotton or linen cloth, is a traditional towel used in the hammam (Middle Eastern spa).  Foutas can be used for multiple purposes, from a beach towel, to a bed cover or table cloth.

Those interested in leather products can find an assortment of bags, shoes, and jackets to choose from, but the most popular item is the soft leather poof or cushion.

Take home a sampling of some of Tunisia’s world-famous luscious dates and olive oil.  If you need a moment to catch your breath, tuck yourself away in a small “salon de the” to sip on some mint tea or citronade (lemonade).

A few more treasures to look for would be the essential oils and perfumes, like argon oil (produced in the neighboring country of Morocco).  Hand-woven baskets, drums (darbuka), mosaics, scarves, silver jewelry… no matter where you turn, you’ll be met with evidence of an artisanal trade that reflects the joie de vivre in Tunisian culture – brilliant in color and full of life.