Amazing Tunisia
Tunisia – an exotic country with beautiful contrasts, which represents a natural bridge between Africa and Europe, combines the smell of Mediterranean greenery and the sand of the Sahara from the south. A Maghreb country bordering Algeria to the west and Libya to the southeast, the rest of the country is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, whose coastline stretches for 1,300 km with beautiful long and wide sandy beaches. Due to its favorable coastal climate, Tunisia is a very popular tourist destination even during the winter.
Tunisia, officially the Republic of Tunisia, is the northernmost country in Africa. It is a part of the Maghreb region of North Africa, bordered by Algeria to the west and southwest, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. It features the archaeological sites of Carthage dating back to the 9th century BC, as well as the Great Mosque of Kairouan. Known for its ancient architecture, souks and blue coasts, it covers 163,610 km2 (63,170 sq mi), and has a population of 12.1 million. It contains the eastern end of the Atlas Mountains and the northern reaches of the Sahara desert; much of its remaining territory is arable land. Its 1,300 km (810 mi) of coastline include the African conjunction of the western and eastern parts of the Mediterranean Basin. Tunisia is home to Africa’s northernmost point, Cape Angela; and its capital and largest city is Tunis, which is located on its northeastern coast, and lends the country its name.
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TUNIS
Tunis is the capital and largest city of Tunisia. The greater metropolitan area of Tunis, often referred to as “Grand Tunis“, has about 2,700,000 inhabitants. As of 2020, it is the third-largest city in the Maghreb region (after Casablanca and Algiers) and the eleventh-largest in the Arab world.
Situated on a large Mediterranean Sea gulf (the Gulf of Tunis), behind the Lake of Tunis and the port of La Goulette (Ḥalq il-Wād), the city extends along the coastal plain and the hills that surround it. At its core lies Ancient Medina, a World Heritage Site. East of the Medina, through the Sea Gate (also known as the Bab el Bhar and the Porte de France), begins the modern city “Ville Nouvelle”, traversed by the grand Avenue Habib Bourguiba (often referred to by media and travel guides as “the Tunisian Champs-Élysées“), where the colonial-era buildings provide a clear contrast to smaller, older structures. Further east by the sea lie the suburbs of Carthage, La Marsa, and Sidi Bou Said. As the capital of the country, Tunis is the focus of Tunisian political and administrative life and also the center of the country’s commercial and cultural activities.
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HAMMAMET
Hammamet is a city and fine resort located 60 minutes drive from the airport in Tunis. Hammamet is a charming resort known for its sandy beaches, but its cultural background is also interesting. Tourists are interested in the medina and the fortress dating back to the 15th century. By the way, Hammamet was once part of the Roman Empire. The sea is so clean, and the underwater world is so rich, that divers from all over the world come here rather than anywhere else. In addition to diving, tourists can also engage in other water sports. Hammamet is famous for golf, as well as two golf schools – Golf Citrus and Golf Yasmine. The southern part of the city is quiet and ideal for those who want absolute relaxation and isolation, while the north is lively and full of crowds and parties due to restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The International Hammamet Festival of Theater and Jazz is held every summer in the mansion of the Russian rich man Georgi Sebastian. Between 1932 and 1962, world intellectuals of the time (eg Churchill) gathered here. Every Friday there is a colorful and traditional flea market – take a piece of Hammamet with you. As for tourist tours around the area, a safari in the Sahara, a visit to the Cap Bon region (also known as the “Garden of Tunisia”) and a visit to the old seaside town of Nabeul are popular.
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Yasmine Hammamet
In the very south of the city of Hammamet, the new and luxurious resort of Yasmine Hammamet has been developed. Hammamet is famous for jasmine, so its most fragrant part is named after the flower. Palm trees stretch along the sandy beach in an attempt to touch the blue sky. As the place began to develop in the early 90s, everything in the town is relatively new – hotels, villas, restaurants, shops, cafes, casinos, but also the medina with its bazaar and port. There are also several night clubs. The Carthage Land theme park, which also has an artificial ice rink, is in charge of family fun. If you want to feel like a part of Scheherazade and 1001 Nights, then visit the cabaret and the Scheherazade restaurant. In the middle of July, which is considered the peak of the season, an art festival is held here, where you can watch a street performance by Arab artists and listen to poetry.
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SOUSSE
The third largest city in Tunisia is the seaside Sousse. The city is known for one of the oldest medinas in the Islamic world. There is a port not far from the medina. The city is home to a fortress dating back to the 8th century, the Grand Mosque, the old Khalel Al Fata Tower lighthouse and the city museum. Sousse is less than two hours’ drive from Tunis and half an hour’s drive from Monastir. If you want to visit the coast of Tunisia, then Sousse (which is located in the middle) is the best solution for you. Sousse is connected by rail to the southern and northern parts of the Tunisian coast. Sousse is famous for its green olive plantations, the export of which depends on the economy of Tunisia. The weekly bazaar is not to be missed because the selection, from camels to motorbikes, is beyond incredible. The best hotels and restaurants are located in the Route de la Cornice district. When it comes to accommodation, tourists like to stay at Movenpick resort, Tej Marhaba and El Faracha. In the far north of the city, on the very outskirts, there is a place called Port El Kantaoui, which is popular with families to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. In addition to lying on the sandy beach, you can also visit the zoo here. Unfortunately, the city of Sousse was targeted by Islamic terrorists (ISIS) in 2015, but that did not deter tourists from coming and enjoying the shade of the palm trees that stretch along this part of the African coast. The fact that the city puts a lot of emphasis on multiculturalism is supported by the festival/carnival that takes place between July 14 and August 18 and takes place in celebration of the diverse cultures of the world. Recently, a new airport was opened, which is located halfway to Hammamet and to it and others Edelweiss Air and Sky Work Airlines (Switzerland), Jetair Fly (Belgium), Palmair (Great Britain), Transavia (Netherlands), XL Airways (France).Only 20 kilometers from Sousse and 162 kilometers from Tunis is the resort of Monastir. Monastir has its own airport. Skanes is a 15-minute drive from the airport. Skanes is known for its sandy beaches, so it is ideal for those who expect peace, swimming and sunbathing from their vacation.
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SKANES AND MONASTIR
Skanes is striking because of its white villas done in the spirit of Tunisian-Mediterranean architecture. Monastir is a bit more lively place, but also in the sign of sand and sea. All beaches are clean and studded with large straw umbrellas. You don’t have to go far from the beach to have lunch or dinner because numerous restaurants along the beach will meet you. You can tour the coast of Skanes and Monastir by boat, but also with the help of a camel – organize your small caravan along the edges of the Sahara. The monastery is located near the ruins of the Punic-Roman city of Ruspinum. Back in the year 180, the monastery-fortress Ribat was built, preserved to this day. Ribat is a favorite of the film industry; Monty Python – Life of Brian, Jesus of Nazareth and Raiders of the Lost Ark were filmed here. Inside the fortress there is a museum dedicated to Islamic art. The port of Monastir is new. There is the main promenade, as well as a large number of luxury hotels. Monastir is famous because it is also the hometown of the first president of Tunisia – Habib Bourguiba. His mausoleum is a wonderful building that will not go unnoticed. A mosque was built in his name in 1963. At a distance of 60 kilometers from Monastir, there is the Roman amphitheater of El Djem, also very visited by tourists.
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MAHDIA
South of Monastir is the resort and port of Mahdia, the former ancient capital of the Fatamid dynasty. Mahdia is a traditional Tunisian place, so it is not for those who expect a pro-Western entertainment from their vacation. The best beach and modern hotels are located outside the city. Mahdia was and remains a fishing town. Walk around Mahdia’s lantern-lit coast at night, and during the day, eat specialties made from freshly caught fish in one of the restaurants. Mahdia is famous for its blue fish and sponges. The coast of Mahdia has rocks and pebble beaches. To enter the old part of the city, you need to go through the Black Gate (Skifa el Kahla). The Great Mosque also dates from the same period. Bordj el Kebir fortress is located not far from the mosque. Between the fortress and the lighthouse, that is, on the coast, there is an old port, a cemetery from the 10th century and interesting ruins. Mahdia is famous among world divers in search of old and sunken wrecks. Mahdia has one diving school. If you want to get to know the traditional life of Tunisians in the Mediterranean, then Mahdia is for you. There are not many souvenir shops and cafes here, such as Hammamet, but that’s why the memories of low white houses by the sea are unique. In the Place du Caire street, enjoy every sip of coffee while you are caressed by the sun’s rays.
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DJERBA
Djerba is the largest island of North Africa known for its mild winters, palm trees, olive trees, long and hot summers and pristine beaches lapped by the blue Mediterranean. Djerba is also known as the “Island of a Thousand Palms”. Djerba has its own international airport. The largest city of the island is Houmt Souk, famous for its bazaar and fish market. Gaze at the turquoise sea from the top of the city’s Bordj el Kabir fortress (dating from the 15th century). The most famous city hotel is Arisha. Old towns and villages are an excellent choice to spend the day because of the flour-sand beaches, the original and freshest possible fish catches and the specialties made from them. The village of Guellala is famous for its hand-painted and colorful pottery. The village of Midoun is full of orchards, it is known for the liveliest and largest market in Djerba. During the summer, parades with camels and native dances are organized here. The synagogue of La Ghriba is proof that there was once a Jewish community on the island. The island’s most popular beach is Sidi Maherès, whose length is 13 kilometers (of clean sand with sun umbrellas embedded in it). It is located 9 kilometers away from Houmt Souk. On the edge of the beach there are restaurants and cafes, and in the sea there is an old, good lighthouse. Slightly smaller, but also wonderful is the sandy Plage de la Séguia. In August, the international traditional song and dance Festival of Ulysses is held on the island. Participants come from Greece, Italy, India and other countries. Visit the village of Matmata where the first part of the Star Wars movie was filmed
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BIZERTE
In the north of Tunisia, an hour’s drive from the airport in Tunis, is the coastal town of Bizerte. Bizerte was once a resort for wealthy Romans. Today, Bizerte is divided into two parts, the old and the new. The new part is full of white buildings, parks and palm trees. As you walk along the Route de la Corniche you will discover a series of old buildings, comfortable hotels and the La Petit Mousse restaurant located on the seafront. Bizerte and its surroundings are characterized by greenery, forests, lakes, rocky shores and sandy beaches. You can get to know the soul of the old town best by walking along the old harbor and observing the small boats of local fishermen and their white houses with blue windows and doors. There is also an Andalusian quarter in the city. Like every city in Tunisia, Bizerte also has its own medina, main mosque and fortresses that are witnesses of some other, ancient times. The part of the coast known as the Corniche is famous for its sandy beaches, hotels, elegant villas and restaurants. The most famous beaches are R’Mel, Ras el Djebel, Raf-Raf and Sidi Ali el Mekki. 35 kilometers away is the salt lake Ichkeul. In addition to the aforementioned, the resorts of Sfax, Tabarka, Tamerza, Zarzis, Tozeur, etc. are also well-known.
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