Matmata is the most unusual village in Tunisia. The Berber community here, facing temperatures that regularly exceed 40°C in summer, built their homes downward rather than upward — excavating the soft rock to create sunken circular courtyards with cave rooms dug into the walls around the perimeter. This troglodyte architecture has remained habitable for centuries and several dwellings have been converted into guesthouses, allowing visitors to sleep in a genuine cave.
It became internationally famous after being used as a filming location for Star Wars in 1977 (Luke Skywalker’s homestead), but the troglodyte architecture is the real draw — a genuinely singular vernacular form found nowhere quite like this in North Africa.
Most visitors come on a day trip from Gabès or Djerba, but staying overnight is worthwhile: the early morning and evening light is exceptional, the village empties of day-trippers, and the experience of sleeping in a cave room is not one that can be replicated elsewhere in Tunisia.
Getting to Matmata
Matmata is approximately 45 km south-west of Gabès and 150 km south-west of Sfax.
- Louage from Gabès – shared taxis (louages) run between Gabès and Matmata regularly throughout the day. Cost approximately 12–18 TND per person as of 2026. Journey time approximately 50 minutes.
- Car – the most flexible option. The drive south from Gabès on the GP16 is straightforward. Self-drive also allows stops at Nouvelle Matmata (the new town 15 km north, where most services are located) and the painted cave village of Toujane nearby.
- Organised tour – several tour operators from Djerba and Tunis include Matmata as part of southern Tunisia excursions. See the Tours from Tunis page.
Note: there are two Matmatas. Old Matmata (the troglodyte village) is where the cave hotels are located. Nouvelle Matmata, 15 km north, is the modern service town with ATMs, shops, and the main transport connections.
Where to Stay in Matmata — What to Expect
The accommodation offer in Old Matmata is limited by design — there are only a handful of hotels, and that is part of the appeal. Do not expect air conditioning in all rooms: cave rooms stay naturally cool (around 18–22°C year-round) due to the thermal mass of the surrounding rock. This is genuinely preferable to an air-conditioned room in summer, but it means the ambience is rustic.
All the main hotels below are built into or around troglodyte cave dwellings. The experience of sitting in a sunken courtyard at dusk, with the sky framed by the cave walls above, is worth planning an overnight stop for.
Hotels in Matmata
Hôtel les Berbères
Hôtel les Berbères is one of the original cave hotels in Matmata, operating since 1975. Family-run, it offers rooms with private bathrooms (bath, shower, hairdryer), a restaurant, free WiFi, and a terrace. The cave rooms are arranged around a central sunken courtyard in the traditional troglodyte format. The owners are from the local community and knowledgeable about the area.
Rates from approximately 60–90 TND per night (approximately €18–27 as of 2026).
Good for: Travellers who want the most authentic troglodyte hotel experience run by a local family.
Marhala Matmata (Touring Club de Tunisie)
Marhala Matmata is the most established cave hotel in the village — a restored historical troglodyte dwelling operated by the Touring Club de Tunisie. It features family rooms with garden views, carpeted floors, shared bathrooms with terraces, a restaurant serving halal, vegetarian and vegan options, a bar and coffee shop, sun terrace, garden, lounge, and free private parking. The courtyard is large and atmospheric; it is popular with French tour groups.
Rates from approximately 75–110 TND per night (approximately €23–33 as of 2026).
Good for: Those who want slightly more facilities (restaurant, bar, garden) in the cave hotel format. Best if you are arriving with a car.
Hotel Sidi Driss (Star Wars Location)
Hotel Sidi Driss is the property used as the interior of Luke Skywalker’s homestead in the original Star Wars (1977) and Attack of the Clones (2002). The courtyard with its distinctive carved walls and balcony is recognisable to any viewer of the films, and Star Wars memorabilia decorates the rooms and common areas.
The hotel is basic — facilities are minimal and it is run primarily as an attraction as much as an accommodation — but for Star Wars visitors, sleeping here is the point. Check current availability via Booking.com or through local tour operators in Gabès.
Rates from approximately 50–80 TND per night (approximately €15–24 as of 2026) when open to guests.
Good for: Star Wars enthusiasts who want the full Tatooine experience.
Maison d’Hôtes Dar Driss
Dar Driss is a guesthouse adjacent to the troglodyte dwellings with a more boutique feel than the cave hotels. The rooms give access to the Berber troglodyte architecture of the surrounding buildings. A quieter option for those who want a smaller-scale stay.
Rates from approximately 70–100 TND per night (approximately €21–30 as of 2026).
Good for: Couples, those who prefer a smaller guesthouse over a hotel.
Visiting the Cave Dwellings
Beyond staying in a cave hotel, the main ways to see Matmata’s troglodyte architecture:
- Free-standing cave dwellings – several non-hotel cave dwellings are open to visitors for a small fee (approximately 3–5 TND as of 2026). Local guides at the village entrance can direct you.
- Beni Zeltene cave village – a slightly larger troglodyte complex 4 km outside the main village with better-preserved traditional dwellings. Usually less visited than the hotel area.
- Toujane – a painted cave village approximately 25 km north of Matmata with a different architectural style and panoramic views from the cliff above. Best by car.
Practical Notes
- ATMs – there are no ATMs in Old Matmata. Withdraw cash in Gabès before travelling. Hotels may accept card payments but do not count on it.
- Temperature – cave rooms stay at approximately 18–22°C year-round regardless of outside temperature. Bring a light layer for evenings; the cave rooms feel cool in summer and require a blanket in winter.
- Restaurants – eating options in Old Matmata are limited to hotel restaurants. Nouvelle Matmata (15 km north) has more choice. If staying overnight, confirm whether your hotel includes dinner.
- Photography – the best light in the cave courtyards is at midday when the sun is directly overhead. Early morning and late afternoon give the most atmospheric light for exterior shots.
For other unique stays in southern Tunisia, see our guides to where to stay in Douz (gateway to the Sahara) and where to stay in Tozeur.