In this article, I’ll share the enchanting beauty of Sidi Bou Said at sunset.
Sidi Bou Said, often called the jewel of Tunisia, is a town of white and blue facing the Mediterranean Sea. This beautiful town continues to captivate tourists from around the world with its unique architectural style and vibrant colors. However, while many visitors are drawn to the dazzling daytime views, they often miss the magical beauty that Sidi Bou Said reveals at sunset. In this article, I’ll introduce you to a secret spot to enjoy the best sunset in this blue town, along with essential information you should know.
Sidi Bou Said at Sunset: A Different Kind of Beauty
During the day, Sidi Bou Said dazzles with its white and blue buildings, accented by pink bougainvillea
Sidi Bou Said is famous for its townscape of pristine white walls with blue window frames and doors. The contrast between the blue sky and white walls during the day is indeed breathtakingly beautiful. However, as twilight approaches, the town shows a completely different character.
As the sun nears the horizon, the entire town begins to take on a golden hue. The white walls transform into a soft orange, and the blue window frames and doors gain depth. The surface of the Mediterranean reflects the sunset, glittering brilliantly. The sky is painted with a gradient of red, purple, and orange, creating a scene that resembles a painting.
At twilight, the gradient colors in the sky harmonize with the blue townscape
As the daytime hustle subsides, the town is enveloped in a peaceful atmosphere at dusk. Local people relaxing on café terraces, photography enthusiasts capturing the sunset, couples strolling hand in hand – various people enjoy the twilight moments in their own way.
However, to enjoy this beautiful scenery, you need to know a few tricks, because Sidi Bou Said is a popular spot bustling with tourists year-round.
The Crowds of Sidi Bou Said: Finding a Hidden Gem
Due to its beauty, Sidi Bou Said is crowded with tourists throughout the year. Especially during the summer high season, the narrow alleys and viewpoints overflow with people. During peak hours, it’s challenging even to enter restaurants and cafés – there’s almost no hope without a reservation.
In these circumstances, finding a café with a beautiful sunset view is extremely difficult. Many popular spots are fully booked from early on, sometimes leaving you with no choice but to watch the sunset standing. Also, due to the town’s densely packed structure, there are limited places with open views to the west.
Amidst these challenges, we relied on advice from locals to search for the optimal spot to view the sunset. Fortunately, we were able to discover a café that offers the best seats for enjoying the sunset in Sidi Bou Said.
Cafe des Nattes: A Hidden Spot for Sunset Viewing
Cafe des Nattes with its distinctive yellow entrance
This premium café is called “Cafe des Nattes.” Located on a slight elevation while facing the main street of Sidi Bou Said, this café offers a quiet space somewhat removed from the town’s hustle and bustle.
The charm of Cafe des Nattes lies primarily in its location. The café has an open view towards the west, allowing you to overlook the townscape of Sidi Bou Said bathed in sunset colors. From the terrace seats, you can enjoy the contrast between the reddening sky and the white and blue buildings glowing beneath it.
The interior features traditional Tunisian design
The café’s interior perfectly matches the atmosphere of Sidi Bou Said. The inside, decorated in traditional Arab style, gives you the feeling of having traveled back in time. Attention to detail is evident throughout – from the carpets hanging on the walls to the wooden furniture with delicate patterns engraved in them.
However, if you want to enjoy the sunset, the terrace seats are definitely recommended. You can spend a relaxed twilight time while gazing at the townscape painted in orange.
Cafe des Nattes Menu: Snacks and Drinks to Enjoy with the Sunset
Cafe des Nattes offers a rich café menu, allowing you to enjoy light meals and drinks while watching the sunset. This time, to quench our thirst after enduring the hot sunshine, we ordered a refreshing strawberry smoothie. The perfect balance of fresh strawberry’s tartness and sweetness, combined with the cool evening breeze, provided the ultimate refreshment.
The menu here is extensive, with various options besides smoothies. They serve mint tea, which is beloved by locals, and also offer a range of light meals and sweets. The selection includes fruit-filled cakes, chocolate cakes, and colorful ice cream sundaes – a great variety perfect for snacking.
Best Timing for Sunset Viewing: Tips for Preparation
To enjoy the best sunset at Cafe des Nattes, some preparation is necessary. First and foremost, it’s important to check the sunset time for that day. Since sunset times vary greatly with the seasons, be sure to look up the exact time on the internet or local weather forecasts.
Once you know the sunset time, it’s ideal to arrive at the café about 20 minutes before. There are two reasons for this. One is to have enough time to sit down and order drinks or light meals. The other is to secure the best seats.
As sunset approaches, tourists start gathering to see the sunset, and especially the terrace seats fill up in an instant. By arriving early, you can choose seats with the best westward views.
As it cools down at dusk, even the cats begin their activities
Also, depending on the season, it might get chilly, so bringing a light jacket or stole is a good idea. Since the temperature can drop rapidly at twilight, I recommend preparing to stay comfortable.
By the way, there are no power outlets at the terrace seats, so be sure to check your camera or smartphone battery level in advance. The sunset at Sidi Bou Said is truly a spectacle worthy of being called a breathtaking view. You’ll definitely want to capture this beautiful moment in photos or videos, so adequate preparation for photography is important.
The Allure of Sunset Viewing: Scenery that Changes with Time
Sitting on the terrace of Cafe des Nattes and watching the sun sink, you’ll be captivated by the scenery that changes moment by moment with the passage of time. The sky, initially a vivid blue, gradually transforms to orange, red, and purple. As sunset time approaches, that light turns the entire town golden.
The surfaces of the white buildings reflect the sunset light, changing to warm color tones, while the blue window frames and doors take on deeper hues. The surface of the Mediterranean Sea visible in the distance reflects the sunset and sparkles like it’s been strewn with jewels.
And when sunset arrives, the sound of Maghrib (sunset prayer) echoes throughout the town. The sacred tones thundering from the mosque enhance the exotic flavor of Tunisia’s twilight.
At night, you can enjoy the townscape illuminated with warm lights
Even after the sun sets, a beautiful afterglow remains in the sky for a while. During this time, the town of Sidi Bou Said is wrapped in a mystical atmosphere. There’s even a jazz number called “A Night in Tunisia,” and indeed, Tunisia’s night is truly beautiful. Street lights gradually begin to glow, revealing a night face of the town that’s completely different from its daytime appearance.
Final Thoughts
The sunset at Sidi Bou Said is a special experience that will be deeply etched in the hearts of those who visit. From the terrace seats of Cafe des Nattes, please see with your own eyes the moment when the blue and white town shines golden. It will surely become one of the most memorable experiences of your Tunisia trip.
