Things To Do
in Métouia

Métouia is a small town in southeastern Tunisia, nestled just inland from the Gulf of Gabes. It sits amid palm groves and olive orchards, reflecting a long history of agriculture and local crafts. Its relaxed streets offer a glimpse of daily life away from larger tourist hubs.

Visitors come here for easy access to coastal landscapes, traditional markets, and warm Tunisian hospitality.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Métouia
morning
:

Arrive at Tunis-Carthage International Airport, where you'll be greeted by the warm Tunisian sun. After settling into your hotel, enjoy a traditional breakfast featuring local pastries and mint tea. Take some time to rest and acclimatize before heading out to explore the vibrant streets of Métouia.

afternoon
:

Stroll through the markets, immersing yourself in the rich colors and scents of local spices and crafts. Visit the historic sites, including the remnants of ancient Roman architecture that tell the story of the region's past. Stop for a leisurely lunch at a local café, savoring a delicious plate of couscous.

evening
:

As night falls, find a charming restaurant to dine at, enjoying authentic Tunisian dishes under the stars. Engage with locals, learning about their culture and traditions. Wind down your day with a leisurely walk along the boulevard, soaking in the lively atmosphere.

day 2
Exploring Tunis
morning
:

Take a short trip to the capital city of Tunis, where you'll visit the stunning Bardo National Museum. Here, you can marvel at the impressive collection of mosaics and artifacts from Tunisia's rich history. Don't miss a walk through the picturesque streets of the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

afternoon
:

After lunch, continue your exploration in the vibrant city of Tunis by visiting the imposing Zitouna Mosque. Spend time in the nearby souks, shopping for intricate crafts and enjoying the local street food. Capture beautiful photos as you wander through the maze of narrow alleyways.

evening
:

Return to Métouia, and enjoy a quiet dinner at your hotel or a nearby diner, sampling local delicacies. Take a moment to reflect on your day while enjoying a refreshing mint tea. If you're up for it, enjoy a leisurely evening stroll, soaking in the night's ambiance.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$25-40
🥤Bottle of water$0.5-1.5
🚕Taxi starting fare$2-4
☕️Coffee or tea$1-3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relaxed pace and authentic local culture
  • Good access to palm oases, markets, and coastal scenery
  • Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
  • Less English spoken than in bigger cities
  • "Salam" - Hello
  • "Choukran" - Thank you
  • "Min fadlek" - Please
  • "Tnèss trah inglizi? / Tkallem inglizi?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Win souq?" - Where is the market?
  • "Ma3a essalama" - Goodbye

Places to Visit in Métouia

Visit one of these nice places.

Gulf of Gabes coastline at sunset

Rocky and sandy coves with warm light over the water and distant fishing boats.

Palm groves along the Métouia road

Straight rows of date palms, irrigation canals, and rural life in the golden hour.

Local souk at dawn

Vibrant market scenes with colors, textiles, and spices.

Harbor viewpoint near Métouia

Views of fishing boats, nets, and the shimmering gulf.

Traditional mosque courtyards

Quiet spaces with geometric tiles and decorative arches.

Culinary Guide

Food in Métouia

Métouia's cuisine blends coastal seafood, desert spices, olive oil, dates, and hearty stews. Meals are often shared in a festive, family-style setting, with herbs and spices that perfume the air.

Métouia Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Couscous with lamb and vegetables

A hearty grain dish with tender lamb and seasonal vegetables ladled over fluffy couscous.

Must-Try!

Brik au thon

A crisp pastry stuffed with tuna and egg, fried until golden and served with a squeeze of lemon.

Mechouia salad

A smoky grilled pepper and tomato salad, often served with bread and olive oil.

Seafood tajine with chermoula

Fish simmered with tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs in a shallow tajine.

Dates and almond pastries

Sweet, nutty desserts featuring local dates and almonds.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local souk of Métouia

Morning market with fresh produce, olives, spices, and baked goods.

Climate Guide

Weather

Métouia has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer highs often reach 30-40°C (86-104°F) with strong sun; winters bring daytime temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F). The coastal location brings sea breezes and occasional rainfall in winter. Spring and autumn are pleasant for outdoor activities and markets.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Dress modestly

Respect local norms, especially in religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered.

Greetings and hospitality

A polite greeting such as Salam or Marḥba; use the right hand for handshakes and sharing food.

Safety Guide

Safety

Travel with awareness: keep valuables secure in crowded markets, use reputable taxis, stay hydrated in heat, and follow local guidance during weather alerts. Road travel can be dusty and drivers may be less predictable in rural areas; have a plan if you are in remote locations.

Tipping in Métouia

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, if service is not included, tipping around 5-10% is appreciated. Small tips for guides or hotel staff are common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Very hot and dry; stay hydrated, seek shade, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon. Sea breezes along the coast help, but heat can be intense inland.

Winter

Mild daytime temperatures with occasional rainfall; light jackets are enough, and it can feel cooler near the coast at night.

Spring

Pleasant temperatures ideal for walking, markets, and photography in palm groves and rural areas.

Autumn

Warm days and cooler evenings; harvest foods appear in markets and countryside trails are comfortable for hiking.

Nightlife Guide

Métouia at Night

The nightlife in Métouia is low-key, centered on tea houses and cafés. In nearby Gabès there are more bars, live music venues, and evening markets, but the town itself remains tranquil after dark.

Hiking in Métouia

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Coastal and oasis trails near Gabès

Short to moderate hikes along the Gulf of Gabes and through palm oases.

Palm grove walks around Métouia

Flat, shaded routes among date palms and irrigation channels.

Airports

How to reach Métouia by plane.

Djerba–Zarzis International Airport (DJE)

International and domestic flights; about 125-150 km from Métouia.

Monastir–Habib Bourguiba International Airport (MIR)

Major airport with connections to Europe; approximately 230-260 km away.

Tunis–Carthage International Airport (TUN)

Largest Tunisian airport; around 420-480 km away.

Getting Around

Walkability

Métouia is walkable within the town center, with compact streets and markets. Some side streets are narrow and uneven, but daily needs can be met on foot. For broader exploration, a car or local taxi is helpful.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Arab Tunisian majority

Predominant among residents with some Berber (Amazigh) heritage in the broader region.

Maritime and agricultural workers

People employed in palm cultivation, fishing, and local markets.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Widely played and watched; local leagues and informal matches.

Handball

Popular in schools and clubs across the region.

Pétanque

Casual lawn bowls often played in town squares.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is light to moderate; the town is small and walkable, but driving to Gabès or Djerba takes longer. Public transport is limited; taxis and private car rentals are common. Road conditions are generally decent with some rural roads being narrow.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Métouia.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Choose vegetable tagines, lentil dishes, salads, and breads; ask for no meat stock and separate meat dishes when possible.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Métouia is limited; basic clinics exist in town. For more comprehensive care, residents travel to Gabès which has hospitals and private clinics. Travelers should have travel insurance and know the location of the nearest hospital.

Discover Tunisia

Read more in our Tunisia 2025 Travel Guide.

Tunisia Travel Guide