Tunisia Travel Guide
Tunisia the smallest of the Maghreb countries possesses an extraordinarily rich cultural heritage. with a long and gentle seacoast, Tunisia the northernmost country of Africa has for over 3,000 years witnessed the passage of Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French – each leaving a part of their story of stone or mosaics, on the hills of Carthage and the threshold of the Sahara..
Its glorious historical past has left the country with an exceptional legacy with twin sites of Phoenician and Roman Carthage, the hub of the Roman Empire in Africa. Fro, Kerkouane, today a World Heritage Site, to the walled city of Kairouane, considered as the fourth holiest city in Slam during the mediaeval period, visitors with an avid interest in the past will enjoy exploring the many historic sites of Tunisia. The Kasbahs and busy Medinas of Tunis and Sousse, where buildings designed by Islamic architects more than 1,000 years ago, are still in everyday use.\The troglodyte pit houses and ‘Ksour’ (fortified granaries) of the Berbers reveal q way of life that has changed little over the centuries.
For lovers of sport, there are championship golf courses and opportunities for hiking, horse riding and camel trekking. Along the coast there is fishing and diving and at Tabarka, a coral reef. Shoppers will enjoy exploring the souks in search of bargains – Tunisia produces fine ceramics, splendid carpets, intricate jewellery and a huge range of utensils and ornaments fashioned from copper, brass and olive-wood.
The fertile, mountainous north acts as the country’s main source of agriculture providing cereals, vegetables and fruits. To the south of the mountains the high plain falls away, first to a series of shimmering salt lakes and luxuriant palm tree oasis, then into a sandy desert that merges into the vast emptiness of the Sahara. Along the 1,100 km coastline are busy ports, quiet fishing villages and modern resorts such as Nabeul, Hammamet, Sousse and Jerba, where visitors can laze on wide, sandy beaches enjoy a wide range of water sports of take advantage of the many-state-of-the-art thalassatherapy centres.
Tunisian culture has evolved over the generations through an intermingling of both European and Arab traditions – a mélange that manifests itself in Tunisian music, which displays Berber and Andalusian influences, the pottery and ceramic arts that heave flourished since Roman times and the cuisine which unites French flair with Arab and African culinary traditions.
The hospitable land of colors and contrasts, spices and scents invites you to enjoy its natural beauty, ancient cities, lively festivals and an impressive infrastructure of modern hotels. Whether you prefer a long walk along miles of sparkling beaches, windsurfing on the cool Mediterranean Sea, exploring ancient sites and legendary cities, a game of golf or just a long, lazy day relaxing on the warm golden sands, Tunisia’s blend of history, culture and modern facilities is captivating.
Entertainment and events
The country offers a wide choice of entertainment from nightclubs and discotheques to fine restaurants and casinos. Festival events of the Mountain Oases (late April); Festival of Symphonic Music, El-jem (July – August); International Festival of Carthage (July-August); International Festival of the Saharan (early December). The Medina Festival in Tunis (during the Holy month of Ramadan.)
Where to Stay
City hotels, beach resorts and spas.