Tunisia is a land of contrasts, particularly in its environment. Visitors can choose from beautiful beaches, green forests, impressive mountains, fertile plains and arid desert within the boundaries of this surprising country. Best of all, Tunisia offers the chance to combine a sunny beach vacation with a trip to the golden Sahara, or a visit inland to some amazing historic sites, all within the same holiday. Here are just some of the highlights which can be enjoyed in the various different regions:
North and Northwest Tunisia
This area is perhaps the most overlooked of Tunisia’s areas yet has plenty to offer. Bizerte, the picturesque old port on the north coast, has many interesting historic attractions whilst the Roman sites at Dougga, Utica and Bulla Regia are unsurpassed. Ain Draham and the wooded mountains of Khroumirie Mountains are popular with hikers – not what most visitors expect to find in Tunisia – and Lake Ichkeul National Park is a bird-watcher’s paradise, particularly during the migration season.
North East Tunisia
This region is the most densely populated and the most visited area for tourists. The long sandy beaches, particularly around Hammamet and the Cap Bon Peninsula, provide the perfect resort destination for those looking for that popular combination of sunshine and sand. Close to the Tunis-Carthage International Airport, this seaside area is ideal for family holidays with some historic attractions close by. The Boukomine National Park and the Dar Chichou Forest provide a welcome escape from the busy resorts. Cap Bon is known as the “garden of Tunisia” and it produces most of the country’s agriculture, grapes and citrus fruits.
Central Tunisia
Tunisia’s wealth of Roman and Arabic monuments can be found scattered around this area, known as the Tell, which is easily reached by curious visitors. Bordered by the Saharan Atlas Mountains, this area has extraordinary scenery from the flat-topped mountain known as Jugurtha’s Table to the lush oases around Gafsa. The important Holy City of Kairouan with its huge mosque is considered one of Islam’s holiest sites. The magnificent Roman remains at Dougga, Sbeitla and Thuburbo Majus are all well worth seeing, along with ancient temples and Roman baths scattered around this impressive landscape.
East Coast Tunisia
This area including Djerba has some of the most beautiful and uncrowded beaches in the Mediterranean. Further north are the twelve Kerkennah Islands which are charmingly unspoilt. Their fine white sandy beaches are ideal for those in search of peace and tranquility. The flat landscape makes cycling easy and the clear warm waters are perfect for snorkeling. In contrast, the Sahel peninsula and the treasures of the historic city of Mahdia have plenty for visitors to see and do. The Romans placed their most important colonies at Sousse and El-Jem, where the amphitheatre can still be visited. These became
