Sidi Bou Saïd

A clifftop village of whitewashed houses, studded blue doors and bougainvillea, long loved by painters such as Paul Klee and August Macke. Wander the cobbled lanes, then watch the sun set over the bay.

History

The village is named after Abu Said al-Baji, a 13th-century Sufi saint whose shrine still stands at the top of the hill.

Customs

Locals greet with "Aslema". Ask before photographing people, and dress modestly if you visit the shrine.

Food

Order a mint tea with pine nuts at Café des Délices, perched over the sea.

Best time

All year. Weekday mornings are calmest, sunsets are busiest.

The blue and white look is protected. Baron Rodolphe d'Erlanger pushed for the rule in 1915, and the village became one of the first protected sites in the world.