Tunisia is North Africa made easy. This relaxed Arab country offers much more than instant sunshine. The Romans made it their second home, leaving colossal ruins that are a wonder to explore, while Tunis, the capital, has an atmospheric medina that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With welcoming people, miles of sandy beaches and warm Mediterranean waters, Tunisia is a deservedly popular vacation choice whether you want to laze by the pool or have a stimulating adventure.
Tunisia is slightly larger than England. It’s a pro-Western, Arab nation still flavored with the legacy of 75 years of French colonial rule. Tourism is big business and the quality of its resorts has been steadily rising. Some, like Port El Kantaoui and Yasmine Hammamet, have been purpose-built while others are integrated with historic towns. It’s easy to get into the swing of sunbathing and lazy fish lunches here, but you’ll miss out if you don’t do some exploring – even if it’s only to see the ridiculously pretty cliff top village of Sidi Bou Said with its whitewashed houses adorned with pale blue doors.
An excursion to one of the many Roman sites will not disappoint history lovers. The sites are often huge so crowds are rarely a problem. The big cities like Tunis, Sousse and Kairouan – which has a famous mosque and is the fourth most holy city in the Muslim world – offer glimpses of how Tunisia has become an engaging mix of ancient and modern, while inland lie some terrific landscapes. The mountains around Tataouine are home to traditional Berber cave villages, while the Chott El Djerid is a vast salt lake rimmed with shimmering mirages. Further south, rolling sand dunes and camel markets make it abundantly clear that you’re on the edge of the Sahara. If you want to see the real Tunisia, consider booking a tailor made tour or two-centre holiday - do some exploring, then wash away the heat and dust with a refreshing dip in the sea.
Nigel Tisdall is Travel Editor of Marie Claire magazine and writes regularly for the travel pages of the Daily and Sunday Telegraph. He was recently named AITO Travel Writer of the Year 2005 by the Association of Independent Tour Operators. “I’ve visited Tunisia several times” he enthuses, “and its combination of awesome Roman ruins, beautiful desert landscapes and friendly atmosphere make it a very rewarding place for a holiday.”
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