A hypnotic North African escape
It might be miniature compared to other North African countries, but Tunisia packs a lot in. And while this holiday hotspot might offer up the same smart hotels and sunny beaches as lots of other destinations, it’s also a heady mix of Med climate, desert landscape and Berber traditions.
Ancient sites pepper the place. In the capital, Tunis, and resorts like Sousse and Hammamet, you can amble around timeworn medinas, where merchants tout Aladdin lamps in centuries-old souks, and faded kasbahs serve up mesmerising sea views. These crumbling neighbourhoods offer a snapshot of days gone by, and it’s where you’ll find some of the best Tunisian cuisine – a mix of pared back cafés and street food carts, serving up tender meat cuts soaked in spices and steaming cups of mint tea.
If you like, you can sidestep the history on holidays to Tunisia and just concentrate on beach time. The country has countless sandy stretches, which range from milky white to caramel-coloured, and all of which, come with a sprinkling of palm trees.
This is also Lawrence of Arabia territory, and exploring the Sahara Desert is a real must-do. There are countless ways to experience the rolling dunes – camel rides at dusk, adrenaline-pumping quad biking or overnight, staying with a real Berber tribe.
All regions in Tunisia
Explore our map of Tunisia