A hop, skip and a jump – or short ferry ride rather – from Sicily, Tunisia has more in common, in many respects, with Mediterranean Europe than with sub-Saharan Africa. Like the rest of North Africa, many cultural hallmarks of Tunisia, from cuisine to architecture, certainly resonate with visitors familiar with the extreme south of Italy, Spain, Portugal and even parts of Adriatic Greece.
The Islamic nation of 10 million people however, has a singular vibe that one can only fully appreciate when ensconced in the former agricultural cradle of the Roman Empire. From the Atlas mountains to the vast desert confines of the Sahara, exquisite Mediterranean coast and lush, fertile plains, Tunisia is a paradise destination.
Here are some of the best places to explore in the wonderful country.
Hammamet, a coastal town of 60,000 inhabitants, was for decades the first point of entry into Tunisia for foreign visitors. With a deep and rich history, the town is situated on the southeastern edge of the beautiful Cap Bon peninsula.
Famous for pristine beaches that offer superb conditions for watersports and other recreational pursuits, Hammamet has also been a playground for the rich and famous over the years. Winston Churchill and Erwin Rommel are just two of the most notable past part-time residents.
Another factor in Hammamet’s favor as a tourist attraction is the town’s proximity to the ancient city of Carthage. Now a suburb of the capital of Tunis, the once-Phoenician center of civilization was a paramount world power as far back as the 10th century B.C. The fact that so little historical data is available on Carthage, in comparison to other important places throughout antiquity, makes it even greater a magnet for tourists and researchers alike. Wherever your interest lies, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is well worth a visit.
A major island off the coast of North Africa, let alone Tunisia, Djerba is a wonderful escape in the Gulf of Gabes. With a main city, Houmt Souk, that has a population of 63,000 and several historic attractions, the island is very diverse. From the Bordj el Kebir fort to a traditional souk (hence the name of course), replete with delicious smells and unique crafts, Houmt Souk is a beautiful little city of bright white-washed buildings.
The port of Ajim provides Djerba with another popular tourist destination, most notably for fans of the Star Wars film franchise. Director George Lucas chose the nearby landscape for many key scenes and locations. Incredibly, Obi-Wan Kenobi’s house still stands.
Other attractions in Djerba include village ruins that date back from the 4th century, brilliant beaches and vital ecclesiastical landmarks for the Islamic community of course, but also for a strong Jewish minority.
An achingly pretty coastal town of 37,000 people, with settlement roots that date back to the Phoenicians, Mahdia is spectacular. Official foundation of the town in the modern era was in 921 and for a time, Mahdia was the capital of Tunisia. There are scores of historic sites around town but most of all, Mahdia is simply a great place to wander about and get a sense of Tunisian culture.
A curious mix of modern and ancient, Zarzis is on the extreme southeastern coast of Tunisia. Popular because of a more than amiable climate, the once Phoenician and Roman port is also a hub of olive oil production. The crux of the tourist industry however, centers around the town’s fortuitous coastal location.
Less than a two hour drive south of the capital city of Tunis, Sousse is a small city of just under 175,000 people. Like so much of coastal Tunisia, the history of the area dates back thousands of years to the famous Phoenicians again and in succession, the Romans, Vandals and Byzantines. Herein is the appeal of Tunisia in a nutshell: phenomenal historical diversity that in many respects, dwarfs many parts of Europe.
What Sousse also has going for it in terms of tourist appeal are a lively port, world famous olive groves and UNESCO World Heritage medina quarter. Throw in postcard-perfect beaches and the overtly-tourist-centric complex of Port El Kantaoui and you have one of the most unique destinations in North Africa.
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