Introduction
Unique, diverse and remarkably beautiful; Tunisia perfectly blends the Mediterranean coastal vibe with gorgeous and varied North African surroundings for an unforgettable and distinctive holiday destination. Bordering the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert, Tunisia features a stunning coastline, thick forests, rolling plains, ancient ruins and sprawling sands of the desert which stretches deep into Africa.
On the north-east coast you will find the capital city, Tunis. Here you will find reminders of its Ottoman and colonial past, but it is now reinventing itself as a modern and stylish Arab city with plenty to offer visitors. This allows for an intriguing blend of Islamic and European cultures.
Many come to Tunisia for the sun, sea and sand (and rightfully so), but many travellers are now quickly realising that the North African country is much more than this and there is plenty to explore past the rambling coastline and sandy beaches.
What to Do
The luxurious beaches are an obvious pull and it is certainly worth spending time on the coast sunbathing and enjoying the fresh seafood. The island of Djerba is a fantastic way to do just that, as this is a tiny island with craft markets, sandy coves, shops, restaurants and more.
Culture vultures are best catered for in the capital, where there is a distinctive vibe and fusion of modern and traditional cultures. Here you will find shaded back alleys, French-style avenues with cafes and bars plus all kinds of cultural activities and sights to see. No trip to Tunisia is complete without a Hammam (traditional “Turkish” bath) and the capital is a great place to do this. Sidi Bou Saïd is another nearby town which has plenty of culture and also an old-fashioned beach.
Nature lovers are also very well accommodated here, with many different options available. The World Heritage-listed Lake Ichkeul to the north is a popular highlight, where you can see thousands of migratory birds and take in mesmerising views. Camel trips into the Sahara are also a unique and unforgettable experience.
Local Cuisine
The Tunisian cuisine is an intriguing blend of Mediterranean, French, Arabic and Middle Eastern flavours. This ensures for a very distinctive and unfamiliar taste, which many find to be delicious. Typically, dishes are laced with plenty of herbs and some kind of spice.
Harissa is the most common Tunisian food and you’re sure to encounter it at some point during your stay. This compote of garlic, olive oil, cumin and dried chilli peppers is often served either as an appetiser or an accompaniment.
Couscous is a staple of Tunisia and often accompanies lamb, peppers, potatoes, carrots and harissa. Another popular main course is Ojja, which is a spicy stew of meat (usually small sausages), olive oil, harissa, egg, tomatoes, peppers and garlic.
Traditional Tunisian desserts include a mix of honey, nut and pastry sweets, and fruit is also heavily consumed. Those with a sweet tooth will be in paradise here, with many Middle-Eastern sweets and cakes, as well as pastries which have remained since the French rule.
Climate
The beautiful climate is one of Tunisia’s main attractions. It is a combination of the Mediterranean and African climate, ensuring for long hot summers throughout the country.
In the desert to the south, there are only two seasons; long summers followed by a short season of rain. This is the hottest area and temperatures can soar to 45C. Everywhere north of here will experience cooler spring and autumn seasons, but these are considerably shorter than what you find throughout Europe.
Although there is almost constant sunshine and little rain, be warned that it can be relentless and too hot from time to time (particularly to the south). As a result, it is vital that take steps to protect yourself (sunscreen, water and shade).
How to Get There
Tunis Carthage International Airport (TUN) is the major Tunisian airport and there are regular flights from most major European cities. This is located just 7km (4 miles) outside the capital. Whilst this is the best option, Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport (MIR) can also be used.
Alternatively, Tunisia can be accessed by sea from a handful of European ports. Many Mediterranean cruise ships stop at Tunis-La Goulette port as part of their itinerary, with six other major ports along the coast.
Whether arriving by air or sea, Shuttle Direct can provide a stress-free, affordable and reliable onwards journey to your hotel or any other destination.
Travelling to Tunisia? Don’t Miss…
- El Djem – Perhaps Tunisia’s best known historical highlight, El Djem is a mammoth 3rd-century colosseum which is listed as a World Heritage Site. It has been brilliantly preserved, allowing visitors to walk as high as the third tier and explore a completely intact underground area which shows where the gladiators were once kept. Modelled on Rome’s Colosseum, El Djem is the largest amphitheatre in North Africa and once held up to 35,000 spectators.
- Dougga – A UNESCO World Heritage Site found deep in rural Tunisia, Dougga contains some of North Africa’s best-preserved ruins. Most of these are from Roman times, but the site dates back to the 6th century BC. Here you will find magnificent temples, a theatre and a breathtaking monument topped with a lion and pyramid. This is one of Tunisia’s premier tourist attractions and an area that is as fascinating as it is impressive.
- Tunis Medina – A traditional site which combines history and culture, here you will find a busy and vibrant market within the famous walls and this will give you an authentic Tunis experience. You are sure to find some terrific souvenirs, plus you can also tick a few important monuments off your list with Torbet el Bey and Zitouna Mosque nearby.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct provides fast, efficient and reliable transfers across Europe and North Africa. They can accommodate for all sizes of groups and with transfer options including airports, cruise ports, hotels, train stations and other places of interest.
Book you shared or private transfer today and let their expert team make your travelling experience a simple one.
