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Tunisia🇹🇳 | townsMidesCanyon rim, ruined mud-brick village, border cliffs, desert roses | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Mides
👌 Worth visitingtown ranked #16
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

The decision at Mides is whether to spend a full day or just a quick stop, and the answer depends on how much you enjoy standing at the edge of a canyon doing nothing. Mides sits in the southwest of Tunisia, right on the Algerian border near Tozeur. Dusty lanes lead to a rim where red rock drops away, and the silence is your payoff. Hostels are absent, so evenings are quiet and you will meet few backpackers. Unlike nearby Chebika, Mides feels half-asleep and far less visited.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Tunisia Travel Guide.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #16 town in TunisiaWhat makes it a must-see town

Mides is worth it for the Mides Canyon rim, a drop that makes you feel both tiny and oddly pleased with yourself. Most travelers come on a few hours' loop and leave, which suits hikers, photographers and solo travelers who want space instead of tour-bus crowds. The village has no nightlife and almost no beds, so you get a border-edge stillness that Tamerza and Chebika rarely manage in daytime. Stay long enough to walk down into the gorge, drink mint tea, and watch the old abandoned village go from pale gold to rust. Slow travelers will like it; anyone craving company should keep moving.

💡 HighlightsKey sights and experiences for travelers

  1. Mides Canyon Viewpoint: The headline sight, a sheer gorge cut into pale rock, best seen in the morning when the walls glow. Entry is usually free or a small tip of US$1 to 2, and 45 minutes to an hour is plenty.
  2. Old Mides Village: Ruined mud-brick and stone houses, abandoned after floods in 1969, now ghostly and photogenic. Come mid-morning for light. Free, about 45 minutes.
  3. Canyon Floor Walk: A rough path and small footbridge lead down into the gorge, where you can scramble among boulders and dry riverbeds. Wear proper shoes. Free, 1 to 2 hours, best in cooler hours.
  4. Border Rim Trail: A short, exposed walk along the cliff edge with views toward Algeria, the quietest way to feel the scale of the place. Free, about 30 to 60 minutes, ideal late in the day.
  5. Roadside Craft Stalls: Local sellers offer
… read more 👉
  1. Mides Canyon Viewpoint: The headline sight, a sheer gorge cut into pale rock, best seen in the morning when the walls glow. Entry is usually free or a small tip of US$1 to 2, and 45 minutes to an hour is plenty.
  2. Old Mides Village: Ruined mud-brick and stone houses, abandoned after floods in 1969, now ghostly and photogenic. Come mid-morning for light. Free, about 45 minutes.
  3. Canyon Floor Walk: A rough path and small footbridge lead down into the gorge, where you can scramble among boulders and dry riverbeds. Wear proper shoes. Free, 1 to 2 hours, best in cooler hours.
  4. Border Rim Trail: A short, exposed walk along the cliff edge with views toward Algeria, the quietest way to feel the scale of the place. Free, about 30 to 60 minutes, ideal late in the day.
  5. Roadside Craft Stalls: Local sellers offer desert roses, fossils and scarves near the viewpoint. Prices are negotiable, from US$2 to 10, and a browse takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Mides sits close to Tamerza, Chebika and Tozeur, all good day trips for waterfalls, oases and palm groves. For a first visit, the canyon viewpoint is the one to prioritize.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Mides

Half-day excursion the mountain oases from Tozeur

Half-day excursion the mountain oases from Tozeur

4.8(61)
From €56
per personViator
Tozeur: Tamerza, Chebika, Mides and Star Wars locations Day Tour

Tozeur: Tamerza, Chebika, Mides and Star Wars locations Day Tour

4.5(26) 8h
From €118
per personViator
Tozeur and the mountain Oasis

Tozeur and the mountain Oasis

5.0(19) 72h
From €1,000
per personViator
Half Day Star Wars Film Set Locations Private Tour from Tozeur

Half Day Star Wars Film Set Locations Private Tour from Tozeur

4.6(14) 4h
From €127
per personViator
Tamerza Canyon Oasis Tour

Tamerza Canyon Oasis Tour

4.9(11) 8h
From €86
per personViator
Tozeur Private Half-Day Tour: Tamerza, Chebika and Mides Canyons

Tozeur Private Half-Day Tour: Tamerza, Chebika and Mides Canyons

5.0(9) 4h
From €90
per personViator
Tamerza, Chebika, Mides Canyons and Star Wars Full-Day Tour

Tamerza, Chebika, Mides Canyons and Star Wars Full-Day Tour

5.0(7) 6h
From €115
per personViator
Full day Star Wars Tour

Full day Star Wars Tour

4.3(10)
From €135
per personViator
Half-day Ong Jemel & Mos Espa from Tozeur

Half-day Ong Jemel & Mos Espa from Tozeur

4.4(9)
From €70
per personViator
Discovery tour of Southern Tunisia

Discovery tour of Southern Tunisia

5.0(6) 48h
From €268
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsNeighborhood guide to Mides

Mides is a village, not a city, so the areas are few and every one of them is walkable in a morning.
  • The Canyon Rim: The main event. A footbridge crosses the gorge, and the drop is dizzying enough to make your knees file a complaint. Walk the edge path slowly and you get the view across to Algeria-facing cliffs and the dry riverbed far below.
  • Village Center: A few streets with a small cafe or two, a grocer and men who will gladly tell you the bus left ten minutes ago. Order a strong coffee or a simple plate of grilled meat and bread, and you get a front-row seat to village life.
  • Old Mides Ruins: Abandoned stone houses beside the canyon, left after floods in the 1960s. Wander the empty doorways in the quiet and you get the photos without a crowd.
  • Road to Tamerza: A dusty walk or short ride toward
… read more 👉
Mides is a village, not a city, so the areas are few and every one of them is walkable in a morning.
  • The Canyon Rim: The main event. A footbridge crosses the gorge, and the drop is dizzying enough to make your knees file a complaint. Walk the edge path slowly and you get the view across to Algeria-facing cliffs and the dry riverbed far below.
  • Village Center: A few streets with a small cafe or two, a grocer and men who will gladly tell you the bus left ten minutes ago. Order a strong coffee or a simple plate of grilled meat and bread, and you get a front-row seat to village life.
  • Old Mides Ruins: Abandoned stone houses beside the canyon, left after floods in the 1960s. Wander the empty doorways in the quiet and you get the photos without a crowd.
  • Road to Tamerza: A dusty walk or short ride toward the neighboring oasis, with palms appearing like a mirage that actually exists.

⌛️ 1 dayA smart one-day plan

8:30 AM, Mides Canyon Viewpoint: Arrive while the rock is cool and the light is soft. Walk the rim slowly, then admire the drop from several angles before the first tour vans appear.
10:00 AM, Old Mides Village: Wander through the abandoned houses on foot, a short stroll from the rim. The silence and broken walls explain the 1969 floods better than any sign.
11:30 AM, Canyon Floor Walk: Take the path down to the gorge and cross the footbridge. Boulders and shade make it the most atmospheric stretch of the day.
1:00 PM, Local Lunch: Sit down at a modest roadside cafe for tea and a simple meal, then rest out of the hottest hours.
3:30 PM, Border Rim Trail: Walk the quieter far edge, which most tour groups skip. The long view toward Algeria is the reason to stay on.
5:00 PM, Craft Stalls: Browse before … read more 👉
8:30 AM, Mides Canyon Viewpoint: Arrive while the rock is cool and the light is soft. Walk the rim slowly, then admire the drop from several angles before the first tour vans appear.
10:00 AM, Old Mides Village: Wander through the abandoned houses on foot, a short stroll from the rim. The silence and broken walls explain the 1969 floods better than any sign.
11:30 AM, Canyon Floor Walk: Take the path down to the gorge and cross the footbridge. Boulders and shade make it the most atmospheric stretch of the day.
1:00 PM, Local Lunch: Sit down at a modest roadside cafe for tea and a simple meal, then rest out of the hottest hours.
3:30 PM, Border Rim Trail: Walk the quieter far edge, which most tour groups skip. The long view toward Algeria is the reason to stay on.
5:00 PM, Craft Stalls: Browse before you leave, and bargain gently for a desert rose or scarf.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

  • Spring (March to May): Highs of 22 to 30°C (72 to 86°F), clear light and the most comfortable walking along the canyon rim.
  • Summer (June to August): Highs of 38 to 44°C (100 to 111°F), with long days. Rooms are cheap, but only dawn walks are bearable.
  • Autumn (September to November): Highs of 25 to 35°C (77 to 95°F), easing steadily, with moderate crowds.
  • Winter (December to February): Days of 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F), cold nights near 3 to 6°C (37 to 43°F), shorter daylight, and busy holiday weeks with higher prices.
Pack a warm layer for nights even in shoulder months, since the desert cools fast after dark.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: below average for travelingAUGAugust: below average for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
when-to-go

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🛏️ Where to stay?How to pick the right area

Sleep in Tamerza or Tozeur, because Mides itself has almost no budget beds. Tamerza, about 10 minutes by car, has a handful of simple guesthouses with dorm-style or cheap private rooms at roughly US$10 to 25, a quiet atmosphere and safe, dark streets at night. It also catches the louage traffic, so onward travel is easier. Tozeur, about an hour away, is the better choice if you want real hostel choice, more food options and better transport links to Nefta, Gafsa and the rest of the south. It is calm after dark, with the usual noise limited to the call to prayer and the occasional rooster. Book ahead in winter holiday weeks.
Best hostels in Tunisia


Best quality hotels in Tunisia

🚌 Getting aroundGetting around like a local

Mides has no direct buses from the big cities, and trying to reach it without planning a connection through Tozeur or Tamerza is the move that burns the most time and money. Once you arrive, everything is on foot, traffic is almost nonexistent and public transport is thin.
  • Louage from Tozeur: Shared minibuses run to Tamerza and sometimes onward to Mides for roughly US$2 to 4, about 1 to 1.5 hours. They leave when full, which is a flexible concept, so aim for the morning. You get the road snaking past salt flats and dry hills.
  • Shared or private taxi: From Tamerza expect US$5 to 10 for the short run to Mides, and US$30 to 50 from Tozeur. Agree the price first. You get a ride on your schedule, plus a driver with strong opinions about the best lookout.
  • Walking: The village and canyon rim take under
… read more 👉
Mides has no direct buses from the big cities, and trying to reach it without planning a connection through Tozeur or Tamerza is the move that burns the most time and money. Once you arrive, everything is on foot, traffic is almost nonexistent and public transport is thin.
  • Louage from Tozeur: Shared minibuses run to Tamerza and sometimes onward to Mides for roughly US$2 to 4, about 1 to 1.5 hours. They leave when full, which is a flexible concept, so aim for the morning. You get the road snaking past salt flats and dry hills.
  • Shared or private taxi: From Tamerza expect US$5 to 10 for the short run to Mides, and US$30 to 50 from Tozeur. Agree the price first. You get a ride on your schedule, plus a driver with strong opinions about the best lookout.
  • Walking: The village and canyon rim take under an hour, and the stretch to Tamerza is a few kilometers of open road, best done early. You get silence and shade only where you make it.
  • Day-trip 4x4 tours: Tours from Tozeur often include Mides, Tamerza and Chebika for US$30 to 45 per person. You get three canyons in a day and zero bus-timetable stress.

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)Typical daily expenses

Mides costs about US$42 a day for a backpacker who sleeps nearby and eats simply.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$10 to 18Beds are in Tamerza or Tozeur, with simple guesthouses, and winter is the higher season.
MealsUS$8 to 14Bread, grilled meat, couscous and tea at local cafes.
Local transportUS$6 to 12Louage rides and short taxi hops, paid in Tunisian dinars.
Basic activities/entry feesUS$0 to 3The canyon rim is free, with small fees at nearby sites.
MiscellaneousUS$3 to 5Water, snacks and the occasional tip.
Total Daily BudgetUS$42Comfortable for a budget traveler.
Split taxis with other travelers at the guesthouse to cut transport costs in half.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsBest day trips from Mides

Mides works as a stop on a longer loop rather than a base, since beds are scarce, but nearby sights are easy by shared taxi or tour.Tamerza Canyon and Waterfall: The nearest oasis, with palm groves and a small waterfall, is 10 to 15 minutes away. Budget US$5 to 10 by taxi. Spring and autumn are best, and midday summer visits are a mistake first-timers repeat.
Chebika Oasis: A mountain oasis with a spring-fed pool and a short climb to a viewpoint, about 25 minutes from Mides. Allow US$10 to 15 including a driver, plus a small entry fee in places. Go early so you can hike before the heat.
Tozeur Medina and Palmeraie: The brick-patterned old quarter and date palm gardens are about an hour away. Louage costs US$2 to 4 each way, and the whole outing runs US$10 to 15. Last return connections leave … read more 👉
Mides works as a stop on a longer loop rather than a base, since beds are scarce, but nearby sights are easy by shared taxi or tour.Tamerza Canyon and Waterfall: The nearest oasis, with palm groves and a small waterfall, is 10 to 15 minutes away. Budget US$5 to 10 by taxi. Spring and autumn are best, and midday summer visits are a mistake first-timers repeat.
Chebika Oasis: A mountain oasis with a spring-fed pool and a short climb to a viewpoint, about 25 minutes from Mides. Allow US$10 to 15 including a driver, plus a small entry fee in places. Go early so you can hike before the heat.
Tozeur Medina and Palmeraie: The brick-patterned old quarter and date palm gardens are about an hour away. Louage costs US$2 to 4 each way, and the whole outing runs US$10 to 15. Last return connections leave mid-afternoon, so check before wandering off.
👉 Explore Tozeur

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

Mides is quiet and low-risk, with the biggest danger being the canyon edge. Keep a safe distance from unfenced drops, especially in wind and at dusk, and watch kids and phone-photo enthusiasts. Summer heat is a real issue, so carry at least 2 liters of water. Solo travelers, including women, usually find locals curious and polite, though modest clothing helps. Informal guides may offer tours at the rim, so agree on a price beforehand or politely decline. Night-time is calm, but streets are unlit, so bring a headlamp.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Mides

Mides is worth visiting for the canyon alone, though it works best as part of a loop than as a long stay. The footbridge, the abandoned old village and the dry gorge can be seen in two to three hours. Pair it with Tamerza (10 minutes away) and Chebika for a full day.
Mides needs only half a day, and a full day if you include Tamerza and Chebika. Most visitors spend two to three hours at the canyon rim and ruins. Spend the night in Tamerza or Tozeur, with beds from about US$10 to 25.
Mides can be done as a day trip from Tozeur, about an hour away by road. Tours cost US$30 to 45 per person and usually also cover Tamerza and Chebika. Going independently by louage and taxi runs US$10 to 20, but connections thin out by mid-afternoon.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Tunisian towns near Mides

Explore more nearby:

  • Redeyef—Seldja Gorge, mine overlooks, miners’ housing, Atlas ridges| 22 km away
  • Metlaoui—Lézard Rouge, Selja Gorge, phosphate quarter, company town| 45 km away
  • Tozeur—Patterned yellow brick, palm oasis, date farms, chott gateway| 58 km away

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We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

Mides suits hikers, photographers and solo travelers who like silence and big drops more than comforts. I would bring sturdy shoes, cash for tea and souvenirs, and an early start. Skip it if you need nightlife, because the loudest thing here is the wind.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Tunisia. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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