PLACES TO GO

NAME: Abbreviation of the Muslim saint's name who lived here. His full name was Abou Said ibn Khalef ibn Yahia Ettamini el Beji.
LOCATION AND ACCESS: 20 km north-east of Tunis.
DIALING CODE: 01.
ACCOMMODATION: See Hotels Interactive Guide.
FESTIVALS: Kharja, religious festival in honour of Sidi Bou Said (July).
SOUVENIRS: Carpets, pottery, bird cages, perfumes.

Sidi Bou Said this lovely blue and white village, gaily perched on the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Tunis, is perhaps the most cherished in Tunisia. The legend tells of Saint Louis - coming to wage war he fell in love with a Berber princess and, changing his name became the patron saint of this village where he lived in joy and peace. Visit Sidi Bou Said, fall under its charm and the story will seem most logical.

Following the cobblestone streets winding upwards, visitors will catch glimpses of the emerald sea with the mountain of Bou Kornine and the southern beaches of Tunis across the Bay. Sit and sip a green tea with mint at the "Café des Nattes" or continue upwards to the "lighthouse" and the fabulous view from "Sidi Chebaane" café. During the warm summer evenings concerts of traditional Tunisian music, malouf, attract visitors and Tunisians alike.

The former palace of Baron d'Erlanger has been converted into a museum and visitors can marvel at the princely splendor of this Arabian Nights "Palace of the Star of Venus". Small shops offer antiques,Tunisian handicrafts, lovely silver jewelry and the art gallery exhibits works of both Tunisian and international artists. At the foot of the cliffs lies the Port of Sidi Bou Said, a modern marina with restaurants and hotels. Finish your tour with a visit to La Marsa and Gammarth, nearby elegant beachside suburbs that come alive in the summer with joyous bands of liberated youth, and don't miss the "Café Saf-Saf" in La Marsa where a snow white camel draws water from a artisan well.