Upon returning from a Tunisian trip, five objects alone embody the local culture: Kairouan rugs, Nabeul ceramics, the chechia, the fouta and Deglet Nour dates. Easy to fit into a suitcase – or to ship via HS Tunisia – they blend ancestral know-how, Mediterranean design, and gourmet pleasure.
- 🧵 Kairouan Rugs
- 🎨 Nabeul Ceramics
- 🧢 Chechia
- 🧣 Fouta
- 🌴 Deglet Nour Dates
Discover the 5 Must-Have Souvenirs from Tunisia
Each piece tells a story: from hand-knotted Kairouan Rugs to dates harvested in the oasis of Tozeur. The table below summarizes the essentials: budget, recommended purchase location, and packing tips.
| 🥇 Souvenir | 💰 Average Price | 📍 Recommended Address | 🧳 Packing Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🧵 Kairouan Rugs | 120 – 900 TND | Maison du Tapis, 12 Rue de la Kasbah, Kairouan | Roll inside a cardboard tube |
| 🎨 Nabeul Ceramics | 15 – 80 TND | Centre de la Céramique, Av. Habib Bourguiba, Nabeul | Slip into a thick sweatshirt |
| 🧢 Chechia | 25 TND | Dar Ben-Gacem, 38 Rue du Pacha, Tunis | Stack upside down to protect the shape |
| 🧣 Fouta | 18 – 30 TND | Atelier Nefusa, 5 Rue Sidi Mansour, Sousse | Fold as a protective cover for other purchases |
| 🌴 Deglet Nour Dates | 10 TND/kg | Palmeraie Borgho, Route de Nefta, Tozeur | Vacuum-seal to avoid crushing |
Kairouan Rugs: The art of century-old knotting
Registered as intangible heritage, these rugs are recognized by their tight knots (90,000 knots/m²) and local wool. In the medina, Tunisian Artisans open their workshops; ask for the “Le Souk” signature for traceability. Consider the Wildyness woven guarantee for shipping.
- 📸 Guided tour “Kairouan Rugs” at the private Zaouïa Sidi Sahbi museum
- 💡 Indigo and garnet colors easily match contemporary interiors
Nabeul Ceramics: Andalusian motifs and modernity
1 hour and 15 minutes from Tunis, this port city offers plates, tiles, and jars inspired by Andalusian heritage. Cobalt blue, highlighted by the Zara brand in its 2025 “Med Fusion” collection, remains the signature hue.
- 🚌 SNTRI bus Tunis-Nabeul (6 TND) – stop “Marché central”
- 🏺 Potter’s wheel demonstration at the Nabeul Artisan Center
Chechia: The cap that spans generations
A symbol hat since the 16th century, the chechia is made from merino wool in the alleys of the Souk El Attarine. Red refers to the Ottoman Empire; the natural versions now appeal to Parisian designers.
- 🧶 Weaving visible at the Mohamed Ben Slimane workshop
- 🎁 Foldable format, perfect for a last-minute gift
Fouta: The multifunctional towel
Part towel, part pareo, the fouta is woven on pedal looms. Tunisian Handicrafts workshops in Monastir offer GOTS organic cotton models, perfect for La Marsa beach.
- 🌊 Fast absorption: ideal after a hammam session
- 👜 Usable as a picnic tablecloth or airplane throw
Deglet Nour Dates: The gold of Tozeur
Nicknamed “Finger of Light,” Deglet Nour concentrates fiber and potassium. The palm groves of the Borgho group employ 350 harvesters, certified Bio Cluster Tozeur 2025.
- 🥤 Date-almond smoothie available at “Oasis Life” café, Avenue Abu El Kacem Chebbi
- 🚚 Vacuum shipping via HS Tunisia operator within 48 hours to Europe
Where to buy these souvenirs with confidence?
Between historic medinas and design concept stores, several addresses guarantee product authenticity and secure payment.
| 🏛️ Location | 🕰️ 2025 Opening Hours | 📫 Contact | 💡 Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Souk El Attarine, Tunis | 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Mon-Sat | +216 71 56 32 18 | Chechias & oriental perfumes |
| Dar Ben-Gacem Concept Store | 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tue-Sun | 38 Rue du Pacha | Signature ceramics |
| La Galerie Le Souk, Sidi Bou Saïd | 11 a.m.-8 p.m., daily | [email protected] | Contemporary Kairouan Rugs |
| Boutique Nefusa, Sousse | 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon-Sat | @nefusa_textiles | Organic cotton foutas |
| Borgho Palm Shop, Tozeur | 8 a.m.-5 p.m., daily | borgho.tn | Dates & bukhoor |
- 🔗 To compare prices before buying, check the guides Villa Romana Monastir or Enroutes.com.
- 🛍️ Need inspiration elsewhere? Browse the lists for Venice or Jordan.
- 💡 Combine your shopping with a guided tour via Terre.tv to ensure a negotiated price.
Transport and storage advice
Anticipating customs and the fragility of certain items avoids unpleasant surprises on return.
- 📦 Packing: slipping ceramics inside a fouta helps reduce the risk of breakage.
- 🛂 Customs: an antique rug > 100 years requires an export certificate (form A-32).
- 🧊 Dates: store at 4 °C, keep for 6 months.
- 🧴 Cosmetics: black soap in a 100 ml pot allowed in cabin luggage.
- 🚚 Postal shipping: HS Tunisia offers real-time tracking.
| ❓ Problem | ✅ Quick solution | ⏱️ Time saved |
|---|---|---|
| Excess baggage | Ship via HS Tunisia service | 30 minutes of check-in |
| Ceramic breakage | Polystyrene box from CheckList.Voyage | Saves 50 TND |
| Spices confiscation | Declare at veterinary control | Avoids a 100 TND fine |
- 🔗 Packing tips for any trip: Marseille guide
- 🔗 Create your gift list in 3 clicks: Mes Envies
FAQ – Souvenirs from Tunisia
- How many rugs can one bring without tax?
Two pieces for personal use are exempt; beyond that, 18% VAT applies. - Is the fouta allowed as cabin luggage?
Yes, because its weave remains light; it even serves as a scarf during the flight. - Can miniature date palms be purchased?
Yes, but the plant must be certified by the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture. - Do shops accept euros?
In the medinas, the dinar remains king; plan to have cash or Revolut card payment. - Where can I find professional packing services?
The “Wrap & Go” counter at Tunis-Carthage airport offers reinforced wrapping for 12 TND.
