Sidi Bou Saïd in Tunisia and Santorini in Greece are two popular destinations in the Mediterranean, known for their undeniable charm and striking aesthetics. With their winding streets, whitewashed buildings, and breathtaking sea views, these two villages are recognizable at first glance. However, despite an obvious resemblance, these two tourist sites have their own unique identities. We invite you to discover the singularities of Sidi Bou Saïd, a Tunisian village that is not just a mere imitation of Santorini.
A village with white and blue alleyways
It is no coincidence that the village of Sidi Bou Saïd in the northeast of Tunis is nicknamed the Santorini of Tunisia. This popular tourist destination shares the same colors as the famous Greek island of the Cyclades!
In its alleys, one finds the same powerful contrast between the bright white of the walls and the touches of turquoise blue that adorn the doors and windows. These two colors, emblematic of the Mediterranean region, give these places a luminous and refreshing atmosphere that attracts artists, photographers, and tourists in search of picturesque landscapes.
These two destinations have another point in common: their prime location by the sea. While the houses of Santorini are built high on the caldera cliffs and offer a spectacular view of the Aegean Sea, the village of Sidi Bou Saïd overlooks the Gulf of Tunis, with a unique perspective on the waters of the Mediterranean.
In both cases, the local architecture blends harmoniously with the natural environment, and it is delightful to get lost in the alleys to admire the picturesque houses and enjoy the Mediterranean way of life. The village is renowned for its cafes, particularly the Café des Délices, an iconic place offering a spectacular view of the Gulf of Tunis.
A destination with a unique identity
Despite these undeniable similarities, Sidi Bou Saïd is far from being a copy-paste of the villages of Santorini. It indeed possesses a deeply Tunisian identity. This village, located about twenty kilometers from Tunis, owes its name to Abou Saïd El Béji, a Sufi saint who founded a sanctuary in the region in the 13th century, attracting disciples and artists.
This sanctuary influenced the spiritual and cultural development of the commune, which became a retreat for Tunisian poets, musicians, and painters. Even today, Sidi Bou Saïd attracts artists with its creative effervescence and relaxed atmosphere. It hosts concerts and festivals, including a famous International Poetry Festival, and houses the Center for Arab and Mediterranean Music in the palace of Rodolphe d'Erlanger.
The baron Rodolphe d'Erlanger, a painter and musicologist of Franco-British origin, contributed to the development of this village from 1915, by imposing the blue and white colors and prohibiting any anarchic construction on this promontory.
If one observes the details of the local architecture, this Tunisian village differs from the towns of Santorini by the mosaics, geometric patterns, and carved doors that adorn the traditional houses and cafes. Unlike the Cycladic architecture characterized by rounded shapes and domes, the Tunisian buildings adopt more angular lines and reflect Arab-Andalusian influences.
An exceptional natural setting
Finally, Sidi Bou Saïd is distinguished from Santorini by its natural setting. While Santorini is a volcanic island, where ancient seismic activity has shaped steep cliffs and a spectacular and rugged landscape, this Tunisian village overlooks the coastal plain of Carthage.
It is located at an altitude of 130 meters, on a cliff overlooking a softer and greener landscape. The village is thus surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, which includes olive trees, bougainvillea, and orange trees. In its natural setting, Sidi Bou Saïd is a Mediterranean gem not to be missed.
With its artistic atmosphere and Arab-Andalusian heritage, this town is far from being a pale copy of the island of Santorini in the Cyclades. Less expensive and less crowded with tourists than the famous Greek island, it offers an interesting alternative for all travelers dreaming of a Mediterranean destination all in blue and white.