Introducing Tunisia
Travel alert: Civil unrest has calmed in Tunisia, but keep in touch with the latest news and travel advisories. Many governments urge extreme caution in the areas bordering Libya and Algeria.
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It may be but a slim wedge of North Africa’s vast horizontal expanse, but Tunisia has enough history and diverse natural beauty to pack a country many times its size. With a balmy, sand-fringed Mediterranean coast, scented with jasmine and sea breezes, and where the fish on your plate is always fresh, Tunisia is prime territory for a straightforward sun-sand-and-sea holiday. But beyond the beaches, it’s a thrilling, underrated destination where distinct cultures and incredible extremes of landscape can be explored in just a few days. Tunis is refashioning itself as an ambitiously modern Arab capital, though both its long Ottoman and not-so-distant colonial past still have a powerful, palpable presence. In the north, lakes teem with pink flamingos, surprising deep-green forests rise up from the coast, and gently rolling plains are dotted with olive and citrus trees. To the south, the ever-enchanting sands of the Sahara stretch deep into Africa and the traditions of the indigenous Berbers persevere.
Tourism plays a huge part in the economy but Tunisians are surprised, and charmed, by independent travellers. Although around 7 million tourists arrive each year, unless you’re holed up in an all-inclusive hotel in Hammamet, Sousse or Jerba in July, you’re probably going to wonder where the 6,999,995 or so others are. While there’s precious little that caters specifically for those staying outside resorts, that doesn’t mean that travel isn’t easy here. You’ll discover atmospheric hotels that are pure colonial swansongs, cafes and restaurants where you can gorge on Maghrebi favourites, plates of homemade pasta or perfect pastries for a fraction of the price of those in Italy or France, and often have the unbeatable historical thrill of kicking around a stunning ancient site with just you and the ghosts. The country’s public transport is cheap and reliable. Plus there are new breeds of hoteliers, restaurateurs and shopkeepers who have taken their cues from the high-end offerings of Morocco and are creating an increasing number of stylish, atmospheric alternatives to the chain monoliths and tourist souqs – but in true Tunisian style they’re both a tad more laid-back and more affordable. North Africa’s most relaxed and hospitable country just might turn out to be its most interesting.
Last updated: Jan 24, 2012
Tips & articles
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Tunisia’s vanguard hotels
20 September 2011
There may have been a lot less competition for a Hammamet sun lounger this summer – in the unstable wake...
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10 places of myth and legend
21 February 2011
Even though we can get to the other side of the world in less than a day, there are still...
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Tunisia: latest information for travellers
18 January 2011
Demonstrations on the streets of cities in Tunisia, coupled with outbreaks of violence and continuing uncertainty mean that for the...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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how to get into Libya
by frisbee 14 September 2011
Here's a [link|http://wwww.qatar-tribune.com/data/20110910/content.asp?section=Analysis1_1] to one reporters story about his/her recent…
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RE: Tunisia--Rent a car?
by goldfinger 13 September 2011
>How far from dougga to kairouan and kairouan to dougga? Use viamichelin.com, it's the best online road mapping tool.
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Re: Tunisia--Rent a car?
by mdemao 13 September 2011
Hello, US drivers license ok? How far from dougga to kairouan and kairouan to dougga? Thanks so much!
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Tunisia
Things to do
- All things to do (224)
- Activities (22)
- Entertainment (28)
- Restaurants (68)
- Shopping (23)
- Sights (81)
- Tours (2)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Tunisia
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1 Sahara
The silent, shifting sands of your dreams. Make it to Ksar Ghilane to see the huge, undulating dunes beyond
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2 Sidi Bou Saïd
The bijou beach by the marina is a perfect place to relax; walk down the 365 steps from the village for wonderful views among the eucalypt and pine
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3 Jerba
An island with the requisite soft sandy beaches as well as the charming, cobblestoned town of Houmt Souq, and a lone fascinating history of ethnic diversity
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4 Bardo Museum
Home to the world's best collection of Roman mosaics as well as an extensive, beautiful collection of statuary and bronze work
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5 Lake Ichkeul
Flamingos, herrons, egrets and storks: this is birdwatching bliss. The delicately green and blue marshland is also home to buffalo.
Fast Facts about Tunisia
- Currency: what's the Tunisian Dinar worth today?
- Wine production: 2 million bottles a year
- Border countries: Algeria, Libya
- Capital: Tunis
- Languages: Arabic, French
- Filming location of: Monty Python's Life of Brian, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars I, II, III & IV
- Population: 10.5 million
- Main crops: olives, grain, tomatoes, stone and citrus fruit, dates and almonds
- Splitsville: the Tunisian divorce rate is less than a third of the UK’s, but nearly four times that of Italy’s
- First African team to win a World Cup game: Carthage Eagles (1978)
- Reasons you're likely to be outlived by a Tunisian scorpion: they can live for a year without food or water, survive the desert heat and being frozen, and have a strong resistance to nuclear radiation
Our favourite Tunisia Blogs (beta)
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Stuck in a Tunisian Restroom
Blog: Coconut Radio - 10 September 2011
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Top Things to Do in Tunisia
Blog: Pommie Travels - 26 January 2011
For Europeans looking to escape the cold, Tunisia is a great sun-sea-and-sand winter destination. Offering warm temperatures all year round, white sandy beaches, luxury hotels and a wide range of water sports, Tunisia offers an all-year-round escape. But taking time to venture away from the coast towards the desert, you’ll be transported to a dramatic [...]
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Opinion: The Tunisian Revolt - is it contagious?
Blog: The View from Fez - 20 January 2011
Events in Tunisia have prompted a mixed reaction in Morocco. While the overthrowing of the corrupt dictatorship has brought smiles to many faces, there are some who express concern that the troubles of Tunisia might be contagious. Even more mixed has been the reporting by the international media. Ibn Warraq investigates.
