Let’s Explore Tunisia!

Photo: Parasols: Tunisia beach Image by Henning Leweke, shared under a Creative Commons Licence

Known as a beach destination for years by European holidaymakers, Tunisia has a whole lot more to offer than its 650-mile coastline. So, from awesome historical sites to a burgeoning food and drink scene, here are a selection of places to see and things to do that you can’t afford to miss.

Beaches

Despite the array of options, perhaps it’s best to start with the most obvious. The beaches in Tunisia are stunning and it would be a shame to neglect them completely. Tunisia’s top resort is Hammamet, all pristine white buildings and bright blue sea. If you’ve had too much sun, you can take a stroll in the old town and explore the souks. If beaches are your thing, you might be just as happy on the island of Djerba, a picture-perfect sandy escape whose main town, Houmt Souk, also has great shopping.

History

There’s so much history in Tunisia it’s difficult to know where to begin. If you’re into classical history, then you’ll find it hard to resist a trip to Carthage. The city of the Phoenicians, once a major rival to Rome, was reduced to rubble during the Punic Wars. The ruins are located on the outskirts of Tunis.

In a similar vein, though far better preserved, is the ancient amphitheatre of El Djem, an enduring testament to Rome’s hold on Northern Africa. You can still walk the corridors, putting yourself in the shoes of the gladiators who fought thousands of years ago.

Photo: Bardo Museum image by Marco J, shared under a Creative Commons Licence

Culture

A paragraph on cultural opportunities in Tunisia can barely scratch the surface but lovers of contemporary art will find much to admire in Dar Am Taieb, a private collection located in Sousse. In Tunis, meanwhile, the Palais Kheireddine is full of artwork created by local artists, the majority of it dating from the time before the Arab Spring. Tunis is also home to the Bardo Museum, a palace which houses the world’s most renowned collection of mosaics.

Food and Drink

Tunisian cuisine is a fusion of Arabic, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and French influences. On the coast you’ll find fresh seafood, while in the Sahara region the fare is more rustic, with stews a real speciality. Although they’re not big on desserts, you’ll find an enormous selection of pastries and nutty cakes and sweets in every restaurant.

Nature

You’ll be hard pushed to find a better spot for bird-watching than the Ichkeul National Park with its thousands of migratory birds. Ichkeul itself is the last freshwater lake in North Africa; and species you’re likely to see include pink flamingos, geese, egrets, storks and ducks. While on the subject of nature, it’s worth mentioning that one of Tunisia’s growing sectors is the eco-industry. Why not take advantage of this development by taking part in a trek across the Sahara?

With so many things to see and do, Tunisia is a holiday destination that won’t disappoint. Companies like First Choice will help you to go and explore beautiful Tunisia.

Would you love to visit Tunisia?
Or have you had the pleasure of visiting there?
What do you love most about Tunisia?
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