Tunisia Travel Guide

The East Coast

The burgeoning of Tunisia's vacation resorts is a consequence of European sun-seekers having tired of the crowded beaches on the northern Mediterranean coast and islands. Just two and a half hours' flying time from the UK, vacationers have discovered that Tunisia, the little north African country with a big heart, is blessed with a stunning coastline where wide sandy beaches are gently lapped by the Mediterranean. To add to the charm the country also boasts the mysterious and magical Sahara desert, an abundance of historical sites, intriguing cuisine, and a modern infrastructure providing all the comforts of home and then some.

Tunisia's 'Riviera' extends for about 800 miles (1,287km) south of the capital, Tunis, and boasts a plethora of luxury resort towns the most notable of which are Hammamet, Port El Kantaoui, Sousse and Monastir (Skanes). The strip is bursting with attractive hotels and apartment blocks, and is fast becoming known as one of the best value destinations in the Mediterranean.

Tunis

The capital city of this North African gem is Tunisia's largest city and stretches along the coastal plains and surrounding hills of the Gulf of Tunis. Steeped in a rich and fascinating history, Tunis is home to the famous Roman ruins of Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular tourist attraction, dating back to the fourth century BC. Tunis has witnessed the passage of the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French over the last 3,000 years. Other attractions in the city include the National Museum of Bardo which tells the stories of Tunisia's history from the Phoenicians right through to modern-day times, while the old Medina in the center of Tunis co-exists with the modern architecture of the new city (Ville Nouvelle), linked by labyrinths of alleys and covered passages infused throughout by the magical aromas, vibrant colors and sounds of bustling souks. The modern city of Tunis is located just through the Sea Gate which has remained unchanged since it was erected in 1848 and is also known as the Bab el Bahr,where the Champs- Élysées of Tunisia - the grand Avenue Habib Bourguiba - crosses through the middle. Colonial architecture can be found here illustrating the history of this culturally diverse and historic city. The spicy foods and flavors of local dishes may blow the socks of some tourists, but to others, the fragrant heat of the fiery red chilli paste known as harissais an essential accompaniment to ones' Tunis experience while the Tunisian coffee, much like the Turkish variety, is world-renowned for its rich flavors and energising properties.

Climate

Tunis experiences a warm Mediterranean climate with two distinct seasons; a hot and dry period running from May to September and a cold and wet season from October to April. Winter is the coldest time of the year in Tunis with heavy rainfall and temperatures dropping to 6°C (43°F), while summer months experience an average of 10 hours of sunshine a day. The hottest months are from June through August when average daytime highs can climb as high as 40°C (104°F) and thankfully the sea breezes off the Mediterranean Sea tend to alleviate the heat.

The East Coast

The burgeoning of Tunisia's vacation resorts is a consequence of European sun-seekers having tired of the crowded beaches on the northern Mediterranean coast and islands. Just two and a half hours' flying time from the UK, vacationers have discovered that Tunisia, the little north African country with a big heart, is blessed with a stunning coastline where wide sandy beaches are gently lapped by the Mediterranean. To add to the charm the country also boasts the mysterious and magical Sahara desert, an abundance of historical sites, intriguing cuisine, and a modern infrastructure providing all the comforts of home and then some.

Tunisia's 'Riviera' extends for about 800 miles (1,287km) south of the capital, Tunis, and boasts a plethora of luxury resort towns the most notable of which are Hammamet, Port El Kantaoui, Sousse and Monastir (Skanes). The strip is bursting with attractive hotels and apartment blocks, and is fast becoming known as one of the best value destinations in the Mediterranean.

Tunis

The capital city of this North African gem is Tunisia's largest city and stretches along the coastal plains and surrounding hills of the Gulf of Tunis. Steeped in a rich and fascinating history, Tunis is home to the famous Roman ruins of Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular tourist attraction, dating back to the fourth century BC. Tunis has witnessed the passage of the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French over the last 3,000 years. Other attractions in the city include the National Museum of Bardo which tells the stories of Tunisia's history from the Phoenicians right through to modern-day times, while the old Medina in the center of Tunis co-exists with the modern architecture of the new city (Ville Nouvelle), linked by labyrinths of alleys and covered passages infused throughout by the magical aromas, vibrant colors and sounds of bustling souks. The modern city of Tunis is located just through the Sea Gate which has remained unchanged since it was erected in 1848 and is also known as the Bab el Bahr,where the Champs- Élysées of Tunisia - the grand Avenue Habib Bourguiba - crosses through the middle. Colonial architecture can be found here illustrating the history of this culturally diverse and historic city. The spicy foods and flavors of local dishes may blow the socks of some tourists, but to others, the fragrant heat of the fiery red chilli paste known as harissais an essential accompaniment to ones' Tunis experience while the Tunisian coffee, much like the Turkish variety, is world-renowned for its rich flavors and energising properties.

Climate

Tunis experiences a warm Mediterranean climate with two distinct seasons; a hot and dry period running from May to September and a cold and wet season from October to April. Winter is the coldest time of the year in Tunis with heavy rainfall and temperatures dropping to 6°C (43°F), while summer months experience an average of 10 hours of sunshine a day. The hottest months are from June through August when average daytime highs can climb as high as 40°C (104°F) and thankfully the sea breezes off the Mediterranean Sea tend to alleviate the heat.

The East Coast

The burgeoning of Tunisia's vacation resorts is a consequence of European sun-seekers having tired of the crowded beaches on the northern Mediterranean coast and islands. Just two and a half hours' flying time from the UK, vacationers have discovered that Tunisia, the little north African country with a big heart, is blessed with a stunning coastline where wide sandy beaches are gently lapped by the Mediterranean. To add to the charm the country also boasts the mysterious and magical Sahara desert, an abundance of historical sites, intriguing cuisine, and a modern infrastructure providing all the comforts of home and then some.

Tunisia's 'Riviera' extends for about 800 miles (1,287km) south of the capital, Tunis, and boasts a plethora of luxury resort towns the most notable of which are Hammamet, Port El Kantaoui, Sousse and Monastir (Skanes). The strip is bursting with attractive hotels and apartment blocks, and is fast becoming known as one of the best value destinations in the Mediterranean.

Tunis

The capital city of this North African gem is Tunisia's largest city and stretches along the coastal plains and surrounding hills of the Gulf of Tunis. Steeped in a rich and fascinating history, Tunis is home to the famous Roman ruins of Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular tourist attraction, dating back to the fourth century BC. Tunis has witnessed the passage of the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French over the last 3,000 years. Other attractions in the city include the National Museum of Bardo which tells the stories of Tunisia's history from the Phoenicians right through to modern-day times, while the old Medina in the center of Tunis co-exists with the modern architecture of the new city (Ville Nouvelle), linked by labyrinths of alleys and covered passages infused throughout by the magical aromas, vibrant colors and sounds of bustling souks. The modern city of Tunis is located just through the Sea Gate which has remained unchanged since it was erected in 1848 and is also known as the Bab el Bahr,where the Champs- Élysées of Tunisia - the grand Avenue Habib Bourguiba - crosses through the middle. Colonial architecture can be found here illustrating the history of this culturally diverse and historic city. The spicy foods and flavors of local dishes may blow the socks of some tourists, but to others, the fragrant heat of the fiery red chilli paste known as harissais an essential accompaniment to ones' Tunis experience while the Tunisian coffee, much like the Turkish variety, is world-renowned for its rich flavors and energising properties.

Climate

Tunis experiences a warm Mediterranean climate with two distinct seasons; a hot and dry period running from May to September and a cold and wet season from October to April. Winter is the coldest time of the year in Tunis with heavy rainfall and temperatures dropping to 6°C (43°F), while summer months experience an average of 10 hours of sunshine a day. The hottest months are from June through August when average daytime highs can climb as high as 40°C (104°F) and thankfully the sea breezes off the Mediterranean Sea tend to alleviate the heat.

The East Coast

The burgeoning of Tunisia's vacation resorts is a consequence of European sun-seekers having tired of the crowded beaches on the northern Mediterranean coast and islands. Just two and a half hours' flying time from the UK, vacationers have discovered that Tunisia, the little north African country with a big heart, is blessed with a stunning coastline where wide sandy beaches are gently lapped by the Mediterranean. To add to the charm the country also boasts the mysterious and magical Sahara desert, an abundance of historical sites, intriguing cuisine, and a modern infrastructure providing all the comforts of home and then some.

Tunisia's 'Riviera' extends for about 800 miles (1,287km) south of the capital, Tunis, and boasts a plethora of luxury resort towns the most notable of which are Hammamet, Port El Kantaoui, Sousse and Monastir (Skanes). The strip is bursting with attractive hotels and apartment blocks, and is fast becoming known as one of the best value destinations in the Mediterranean.

Tunis

The capital city of this North African gem is Tunisia's largest city and stretches along the coastal plains and surrounding hills of the Gulf of Tunis. Steeped in a rich and fascinating history, Tunis is home to the famous Roman ruins of Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular tourist attraction, dating back to the fourth century BC. Tunis has witnessed the passage of the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French over the last 3,000 years. Other attractions in the city include the National Museum of Bardo which tells the stories of Tunisia's history from the Phoenicians right through to modern-day times, while the old Medina in the center of Tunis co-exists with the modern architecture of the new city (Ville Nouvelle), linked by labyrinths of alleys and covered passages infused throughout by the magical aromas, vibrant colors and sounds of bustling souks. The modern city of Tunis is located just through the Sea Gate which has remained unchanged since it was erected in 1848 and is also known as the Bab el Bahr,where the Champs- Élysées of Tunisia - the grand Avenue Habib Bourguiba - crosses through the middle. Colonial architecture can be found here illustrating the history of this culturally diverse and historic city. The spicy foods and flavors of local dishes may blow the socks of some tourists, but to others, the fragrant heat of the fiery red chilli paste known as harissais an essential accompaniment to ones' Tunis experience while the Tunisian coffee, much like the Turkish variety, is world-renowned for its rich flavors and energising properties.

Climate

Tunis experiences a warm Mediterranean climate with two distinct seasons; a hot and dry period running from May to September and a cold and wet season from October to April. Winter is the coldest time of the year in Tunis with heavy rainfall and temperatures dropping to 6°C (43°F), while summer months experience an average of 10 hours of sunshine a day. The hottest months are from June through August when average daytime highs can climb as high as 40°C (104°F) and thankfully the sea breezes off the Mediterranean Sea tend to alleviate the heat.