Tunisia is a small North African Country in the heart of the Mediterranean which is blessed with a stunning coastline, gorgeous sandy beaches, an abundance of historical sites and the magic of the Sahara desert. Whether you choose to simply relax, visit the sites, enjoy water sports, play golf, tennis or bowl, Tunisia is a year round holiday destination with something for everyone. A mix of African, Arabic and French cultures ensure you are in for a real treat…and the natives are friendly and welcoming. Make Tunisia the holiday of your dreams this year and travel to one of the best value destinations in the Mediterranean…you won’t regret it!
Only 77 miles southwest of Sicily is Tunisia, a country which by reputation is more Mediterranean than African. The climate is mild, the trees always green and the oranges ripen in sunshine throughout the year. Golden sandy beaches stretch for some 800 miles along Tunisia's Mediterranean coastline. The food which has a distinctly French influence is mixed with typical Tunisian specialities like Koucha Fil Kolla, fresh lamb sprinkled with rosemary and spices and baked in a clay pot. Locally produced wine is even grudgingly admired by the French.
History enthusiasts can take in one of 250 historic sites left behind by the Romans who occupied the country for 600 years. The Coliseum at El Djem is considered better preserved than the one in Rome and at Dougga or Sbeitla. You can wander among villas, temples and amphitheatres surrounded by wild flowers and olive trees. Before the Romans, Tunisia was the birthplace of the Carthaginian Empire that included Spain. From there, Hannibal set out across the Alps with 59,000 men and 40 elephants to crush the Romans in an epic campaign. Unfortunately, Rome took revenge in 149 BC, when Scipio left the city of Carthage in ruins, but the site is still worth a visit today. There are stories that Tunisia's first tourist was Ulysses, who apparently could not bear to leave the island of Djerba and of Queen Dido and her love for Aeneas. For 70 years before independence, Tunisia was a French protectorate and this influence gave the country's capital Tunis, its typical cosmopolitan feel.
Today's travellers will find that tourism has developed alongside tradition. Modern hotels have been built to blend in with the local surroundings. Purpose built resorts like Port El Kantaoui and Hammamet Yasmine have been constructed on sites identified for their natural beauty, embracing rather than destroying local culture and is free of the commercialism associated with other popular holiday destinations.
Tunisia really does have it all!
Helpful Information
Religions and Languages: The official religion is Islam, although there are also small Jewish communities in Tunis and Djerba and approximately 20,000 Roman Catholics living in Tunisia. Tunisia is the most liberal of Islamic countries and the women enjoy freedom than in other Islamic states. Polygamy has been outlawed since 1956. Arabic is the official language of Tunisia, although the country is virtually bi-lingual. Almost everyone speaks French, which is taught in schools from the age of 6.
Currency: One Tunisian Dinar (TND) = 1,000 millimes
Exchange Rate: One Tunisian Dinar = approximately 85¢ US.
Government: Republic
Capital: Tunis
Climate: Very hot from June to September; December to February much cooler in the north of the country.
Industries: Petroleum, mining (phosphate and iron ore), tourism, textile, footwear, food, beverages.
Food: Middle Eastern with a French influence. Spicier than that of neighboring countries: coriander, saffron and garlic are used in abundance to good effect. Fish is popular and likely to be fresh; menus generally offer tasty fish and lamb stews served with couscous. Not vegetarian-friendly; deep fried egg in batter (brik a l'oeuf), is one of the few vegetarian options, but it's as grim as it sounds. Some places have vegetable couscous, but it usually comes with meat. Plenty of fruit and salads, but these are probably best avoided unless you are confident about the standards of preparation. Alcoholic drinks are available but often pricey. Owing to the French influence and its less stringent approach to Islamic law, wine is produced locally. Old style cafes offer strong Turkish coffee or sweet mint tea, plus the chance to embarrass yourself by having a puff on a water pipe.
Culture: A liberal Islamic country with sophisticated European standards provides an intoxicating mix for a holiday destination. You’ll witness influences from its many ancient civilizations in every aspect of modern life. Modern day Tunisia is a melting pot of civilizations from the Phoenicians and the Romans of the Ancient World to the Arabs and Europeans recently, although the Berbers were the original inhabitants. Influences from all of these cultures can be found in different aspects of modern day life.
Health: Vaccinations against hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera and yellow fever are recommended. Bilharzia is present in certain still water areas. Water is not drinkable, but bottled is readily available. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled, washed in boiled water and in the case of the latter, well cooked. Meat and fish should also be fresh, well-cooked and hot, to avoid possible infection.
