Travel Guides: All Countries / Africa / Tunisia
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| | | Sample desert life |  | Why go on holiday to Tunisia?
A taste of Africa, yet nearer to the UK than other popular destinations such as Greece and Cyprus. Some great beach resorts but also something for history lovers and a chance to sample desert life or strike a bargain in the bustling souks.
How much does it cost?
There is a wide range of package deals to Tunisia. Expect to pay from about £450 for a week's half-board at a popular resort such as Hammamet in peak season. Flights to Tunis cost from around £200. Mid-range hotels from £25.
When should I go?
Summers are hot and dry. Generally, the further south you go, the hotter it gets. Temperatures can top 90F (32C) on the coast and 100F (38C) in the desert. Winters are mild and wet and rarely get warmer than 70F (21C). During the holy month of Ramadan, some restaurants and shops close in the daytime.
What should I do when I'm there?
The most popular beach resorts are Hammamet and Sousse, which have a good range of hotels and apartments. Skanes, near Monastir, is also taking off as a beach resort. Purpose-built Port el Kantaoui is Tunisia's answer to the posh marinas of the South of France. The island of Jerba is quieter and more down to earth.
What excursions should I make?
Take a desert safari to Matmata, a Berber village where the homes are built underground to escape the heat. Visit the pretty blue and white artists' village of Sidi Bou Said. Kairouan is Tunisia's holy city and a visit to the great mosque is a must. Many other lovely buildings are here too. The city is famous for its carpet making and you may be plagued by touts selling them.
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| | | Explore ancient history |  | Where can I soak up some history?
Marvel at the massive Roman coliseum at El-Jem. Tour the ruins of ancient Carthage. Explore the spectacular Roman ruins at Dougga. Take a trip to the ancient fortress town of Le Kef.
Where can I mix with the locals?
Take a trip to Nabeul Market, which is one of the most famous in Tunisia. You can buy anything here from pottery to a camel. Visit the medina in the capital, Tunis, the focal point of the city for more than 1,000 years. Visit the Ksour area and hear the Berber language.
Where's good for nightlife?
Most nightlife is to be found in the resort hotels which run discos and stage displays of local music, dance and magic shows (watch out for the snake charmer).
What's the food like?
There are lots of dishes, many relying heavily on fresh vegetables, herbs and spices. Try couscous with a stew and harissa, a spicy chilli sauce. Or briq, a deep-fried pastry parcel with an egg inside.
A vast range of cakes and pastries will satisfy the sweetest of teeth. Mint tea with tons of sugar is a popular drink and Tunisians are also great coffee quaffers. Wine has been produced here since the time of the Phoenicians - rose is usually the best.
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| | | Carpets and camels | | What should I buy?
Barter in the souks for carpets, pottery, leather goods, copper, brassware and jewellery. Carpets are either knotted (you pay by knots per metre) or woven. Look for the ONAT mark on the back - this means they've passed a quality inspection. Good carpets aren't cheap but they are good buys. At the other end of the scale, there's always the obligatory stuffed camel!
What is there for children to do?
Most children will be happy enough to play around hotels and resorts, where there's plenty of organised fun, but if you do want to take them exploring with you, you'll find Tunisians love kids and will probably make a great fuss of them.
Tourist office
Tunisia National Tourist Office, 77a Wigmore Street, London W1H 9LJ. Tel. 020 7224 5561.
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| | Available rental properties in Tunisia |
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| |  | | 4 bedrooms detached villa
6 rooms,of wich 4 bedrooms, independent kitchen, living room,dining room,2 bathroomshowers,3 separate toilets,2 balconys ,veranda
|  | | Nice apartment in Touristic area of Monastir
Avery nice apartment (2 bedrooms) tastfully decorated in Monastir touristic zone, near the beach, Golf...15min to Sousse, and 15min to Monastir town c
|  | | Rent Holiday apartment in Marina Hammamet
Holiday apartment in Marina Hammamet Tunisia.
4-5 persons.
2 rooms ,of which 1 Bedroom, Open-plan kitchen, Living room, 1 bathroom, Balcony
|  | | Villa Yasmine, Hammamet
Modern property in a private residential complex, 500m from its beautiful sandy beach. A 5-bedroom property tastefully furnished with a self-contained
|  | | appartment near port kantaoui ,sousse
5 minutes from the beach,plenty of local shops ,grosseries around however its very calm and safe area
| | Click here for more properties... |
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