In this land of the familiar and the exotic one can watch the sunrise over the Sahara, enjoy a gourmet meal at a seaside resort and top off the evening with a midnight swim in the pool of a modern comfortble hotel.
Whether you prefer a long walk along miles of sparkling beaches, wind surfing the cool Mediterranean breezes, exploring ancient sites and legendary cities a game of golf or just a long lazy day relaxing on the warm golden sands, Tunisia has it all.
Beaches
Tunisia combines Africa's tropical climate with the warm, gently lapping waters of the Mediterranean. Miles of golden, sun-kissed sands, blown in from the Sahara, stretch for as far as the eye can see along a glittering coastline. Most hotels have their own private beaches so you shouldn't have trouble finding a spot to lay out your towel and bask beneath the sunshine. Simply grab your sunglasses and relax with a cocktail in one hand and a good book in the other.
Shopping
Experience the clamour and hurly-burly of a North African souk market. Most of Tunisia's old towns, including Monastir, stage these colourful bazaars, packed full of fascinating little shops and stalls where you can find classic buys such as woollen carpets, pottery, leather, copperware and Arabesque bird cages. Remember to haggle with shopkeepers - it's all part and parcel of the fun of a souk. If the hustle and bustle is not for you, Monastir also offers the option of a modern shopping centre.
Local Cuisine
The food here is heavily influenced by Arabic and Turkish cuisine and the Tunisians take pride in their sophisticated taste buds. Lamb, houmous, olive oil and an array of spices regularly play a part whether in a stew, as part of a kebab or in a wrap. Seafood is another mainstay of the Tunisian diet with rouget, red mullet, being particularly popular. French couscous or brochettes, grilled meat, are popular as are chakchouka, hot vegetables, and ojja, a spicy mix of tomato and egg. Distilled from figs, boukha, is a popular local liqueur, but wine and beer is very cheap.
Local Entertainment
The Tunisians "joie de vivre" is reflected in their festivals. Even the smallest village sets aside a time for celebration whether it be for the summer harvest, fishing season, a local saint, or the arrival of Spring.
Visitors are always welcome and urged to participate whether it be in dancing, sharing a cup of tea or just a friendly smile. A balmy summer evening under a magnificient starry sky is often the setting for these occasions.
The Saharian Festival is of special interest to those who dream of the vast expanse of dunes and sober beauty of the Sahara.
Douz; the gateway to the desert, offers an authentic and genuine picture of desert traditions, folk art and customs. The village itself, surrounded by sand dunes, is the departure point for the Mehares and Saharian safaris. A unique adventure awaits you.
The International Music Festival is held for long evenings in the El Jem Coliseum. An unforgetable experience of hearing the music of renowned artists and symphonic orchestras in the outstanding setting of the majestic Roman coliseum in a mild summer night.
Places to visit
Sousse
For a real flavour of North African culture head north to Sousse and explore the old medina. Built on Byzantine foundations, mighty ramparts encompass the medina. Within the citadel is a section known as the Ribat, once the residence of devout Muslim warriors who used to defend the city from attack. Opposite the Ribat is another of Sousse's main attractions, the 9th-century Great Mosque.
Dougga
The best Roman ruins can be found at Dougga, northwest of Monastir. Their location, on the edge of the Tabersouk Mountains, is just as impressive as the ruins themselves. Dougga’s star attraction is the well-preserved Capitol, built in AD 166, which served as the main temple for the city, while the Roman theatre, carved into the hillside, is the most complete of any in Tunisia.
El Jem
Venture south of Monastir and you’ll find the amphitheatre at El Jem, one of the Roman Empire’s greatest legacies to Tunisia. Only slightly smaller than the Colosseum in Rome, it’s incredibly well preserved. Imagine ancient battles between gladiators as you wander round this imposing amphitheatre which was built between 230 and 238 AD and could seat blood-thirsty crowds of more than 30,000.
Kairouan
Tunisia’s holiest city, Kairouan is home to more than 50 mosques making it the fourth most important city in the Islamic world. The biggest attraction here is the Great Mosque. Though non-Muslims are forbidden to enter the prayer hall, visitors can peek through one of the 17 heavy wooden doors to see one of the world’s oldest pulpits decorated with 250 carved panels. You can also climb the 128-step staircase, made from Christian tombstones, for superb panoramic views of the city.
Carthage & Matama
No trip to Tunisia is complete without visiting the remains of ancient Carthage in the north. Originally founded in 814BC by the Phoenicians, the city rose to real pre-eminence under Roman rule. Carthage grew to become one of the empire’s largest cities, second only in size to Rome itself. Explore the remnants of this once great metropolis - ruins of villas, bathhouses, sanctuaries and theatres offer a fascinating insight into the past. Fast forward in time and step into a galaxy far away with a visist to Matama which was used as a set for the international blockbuster movie, Star Wars.
