Thousands of years of history are packed into Tunisia, North Africa's smallest nation. Cultures from three different continents had crossed paths in Tunisia long before the ancient city of Carthage was a worthy rival to the Roman Empire. Tunisia, one of the world's most welcoming Muslim countries, easily matches Greece in terms of historic landmarks, and its Mediterranean Sea coastline measures more than 1,400 km. It takes at least 13 hours to travel the 9,119 km between Bangkok and Tunis, the national capital, as there are no non-stop flights on this route.
Don’t MissAutumn and spring are considered the best seasons to come to Tunisia because crowds are smaller than in winter and the weather is not as uncomfortably hot as in summer. Average Tunisian summer temperatures can soar up to 32°C in the country's southern desert region, but are a more pleasant 21°C on the northern coast, which shares southern Europe's Mediterranean climate. Winter temperatures average 17°C in southern Tunisia and 7°C in the north. Most rain in northern Tunisia's Kroumirie mountains falls between October and May.
No Tunisia visit would be complete without exploring Ancient Rome's former African capital, Carthage, which is now an affluent suburb of Tunisia's current national capital, Tunis. Byrsa Hill includes both the Carthage National Museum and an outstanding view of the city's surviving Roman ruins. Some of the world's most complete Roman rooms are preserved at Bulla Regia, a lesser known northwest Tunisian city featuring a couple of sixth century Christian basilicas. The underground village of Matmata may look familiar to Star Wars fans who perhaps recognise the first film's opening scenery. Tunisia offers visitors a wide selection of festivals throughout the year, especially those featuring all types of music from opera to folk, that take place in Tunis and in other smaller centres.
Restaurants and BarsTagines (egg cake made of meat and vegetables), couscous (stew-like dish), and harissa (chilli sauce) are Tunisia's three staple foods. Street stalls selling bambaloony (fried cakes), shawarma (sandwiches made with sliced meat), and mechouia (vegetable salad) are found throughout the country. There are a few bars and nightclubs in seaside cities like Tunis and Sousse.
ActivitiesSouthern deserts and northern waters are Tunisia's popular outdoor playgrounds. The natural oasis of Nefta, the northeast island of Kerkennah, and the historic northern city of Bizerte are some of Tunisia's rapidly growing eco-tourism spots. Tunisia's Mediterranean Sea coastline contains over 25 ports so sailing is popular, while scuba divers can discover colourful fish, coral reefs, and WWII shipwrecks beneath the waters off Tabarka. The island of Djerba is Tunisia's best windsurfing spot. Camel riding and dune skiing are the most unusual ways to explore Tunisia's southern deserts.
ShoppingVendors have sold fresh food and handicrafts in the Tunis Central Market, the country's largest outdoor market, since the 19th century. Jemaa ez-Zeytouna is Tunis' longest shopping street. Tunis also contains several smaller souks specialising in specific items such as Souk de la Laine's silver jewellery, Souk El Koumach’s fabric, Souk el-Attarine's spices, and Souk el-Trouk's antiques. Other unique souvenirs sold outside of Tunis include Kairouan carpets, Nabeul pottery, and Tozeur ceramics.