Tunisia

Tunisia

• About Tunisia

  Roman ruins, fine sandy beaches, a spectacular desert landscape and 1,000km of sunny Mediterranean coastline are just some of the reasons to visit the exotic holiday paradise of Tunisia.

• Regions

  Bizerte

  The most Northern city in Africa 64km North of Tunis and the fourth largest in Tunisia. This atmospheric port is surrounded by Tunisia's green belt as well as many impressive cliffs, bays and pretty beaches.

  Tunis

  The capital and largest city is sited a few miles inland from the Gulf of Tunis on the shores of a lake which is linked to the Mediterranean Sea. This ancient city includes many winding streets as well as must see historical sights and museums including the Bardo National Museum, a stunning Moorish building housing beautiful works of art.

  Hammamet

  This popular tourist resort welcomes thousands of visitors each year to see the town's ancient Medina, a stunning attraction built in 904 AD on the beach. You will also enjoy becoming lost in Hammamet's winding streets while sampling items from its numerous stalls, including many Pottery and Arts and Crafts products.

  Sahel

  Densely populated area in Central Tunisia with picturesque white villages, undulating hills and plains of olive groves. The many stupendous sights include the Roman amphitheatre at El Djem, one of the greatest in North Africa.

  Kairouan

  This ancient Islamic city remains an important home for Muslims. An authentic centre for rug making, copperware and shoes. Its cobblers are famed in North Africa for their decorative work.

  Sfax

  Highly industrialized port city which is still an impressive draw for tourists. With a major commercial and fishing port it has two separate identities - a new and old town. The Medina is one of the most impressive in North Africa and offers some good bargains. Sfax is the second largest city in Tunisia.

  Kerkennah Islands

  Once the home of Hannibal these islands consists of two major centres - Chargui and Gharbi - and a series of several uninhabited smaller islets. The landscape is flat and consists of palm trees, vineyards and blue lagoons. Fishing is a major industry. An hour's boat ride from Sfax.

  El Djem

  Small town featuring historical remains including the third largest amphitheatre in the Roman Empire. El Djem's stunning beauty rests in flatland full of olive trees.

  Matmata

  Matmata in Southern Tunisia is an amazing cave village in the mountains and a popular tourist destination. The landscape is lunar and the houses are dug into the ground, hidden from view. Many people still live in hundreds of these underground homes which were built for protection against the elements as well as intruders.

  Kebil

  This large town rests on an oasis by the desert. A number of nearby villages includes Douz with its typical market selling jewellery and leather goods. There is also an annual Sahara festival.

  Zaris/Island of Djerba

  Very popular Southern tourist area includes Zaris town on the mainland and Djerba Island, both linked via a causeway. Expect white sandy beaches, olive groves and mainstream tourist facilities. The fish restaurants have an outstanding reputation and there are lots of historical sights.

• History

  Unsurprisingly after 3,000 years of influence from the Romans, Phoenicians, Byzantines, Turks as well as Spain and France there are some incredible historical sights to explore.

  The Barbary Coast

  The coastal region of North Africa hold dramatic caves and coves and some glorious beaches. It became known as the Barbary Coast in the 16th Century, the name derived from the Berbers, the original tribal inhabitants of North Africa. Tunis was its centre, a major base for North African pirate ships which stalked European vessels.

• Geography

  The most Eastern country of the Atlas Mountain Range. Tunisia borders Algeria to the West and Libya to the South East. Tunisia consists of forty per cent desert - The Sahara - but the remaining land is very fertile and due to the shape of the country you are usually near some sumptuous beaches.

• Tourist Advice

  Tunisians are still mostly of Berber lineage and regard themselves as Arabs. Remember as a Muslim country visitors should dress accordingly. Swim wear and beachwear are OK at coastal resorts but in less developed areas and mosques it is best to cover up. On the whole, Tunisia is very hospitable for tourists in terms of tourist accommodation, recreation facilities and the friendliness of the locals.

• Key Facts

  • Full Name - Republic of Tunisia
  • Capital City - Tunis.
  • Population - 10,020,000
  • Time Zone - GMT/UTC 1
  • Languages - Arabic (main) plus French, English and German widely spoken.
  • Main Religion - Islam
  • Currency - Tunisian Dinar