Discover the legends and landscapes of Africa’s northernmost country
In its long and eventful history, Africa’s northernmost country has been ruled by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and even the Normans. This varied heritage is revealed across an array of attractions, including nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Tunis, the sun-soaked capital, is at once modern and ancient, and its historic quarter has remained unchanged for centuries. Here you can tour the labyrinthine medina and its 700 monuments, including fountains, palaces, mosques, mausoleums and madrasas.
Head east for the blue-and-white town of Sidi Bou Said, whose Mediterranean vistas offer respite from the big-city bustle; or to the ancient coastal ruins of Carthage, where you can follow in the footsteps of Hannibal.
South lies the Ummayad-era city of Kairouan, where you can visit the artisans who weave alloucha – prized, hand-knotted wool carpets for which this area is famous. Set on the shores of the Mediterranean, Sousse boasts a medina replete with early Islamic architecture and a museum of Roman-African mosaics; while neighbouring Monastir is protected by its impressive eighth-century ribat fort.
Alongside this depth of history, Tunisia offers desert scenery worth packing your camera for. The Chott el Djerid is the Sahara’s largest salt flat, famed for its summertime Fata Morganas – a surreal form of mirage. For wildlife, visit Jebil National Park, which is classified as an Important Bird Area and a habitat for fennec fox, jackal, horned viper, endemic barbary sheep, and many other animals. Here, too, you can experience the Bedouin lifestyle, staying at a tented camp in the Grand Erg Oriental – a vast series of Saharan dunes within the park.
A Tunisia holiday rewards the culturally curious. Speak to our North Africa specialists to begin planning your visit.