Welcome to Tunisia, the country loved by the sun Tunisia is the northernmost country in Africa and, at 162 500 square kilometers in area, it is the smallest country of the Maghreb region in North Africa. It is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Its population is estimated at 11 million.

Geography

Though it is relatively small in size, Tunisia has great environmental diversity due to its north-south extent. Its east-west extent is limited. North-south environmental differences are defined by sharply decreasing rainfall southward from any point. The Dorsal, the eastern extension of the Atlas Mountains, runs across Tunisia in a northeasterly direction from the Algerian border in the west to the Cap Bon peninsula in the east. In the Khroumerie, the northwestern corner of the Tunisian Tell, elevations reach 1 050 meters (3 440 ft) and snow occurs in winter. The Sahel, a broadening coastal plain along Tunisia’s eastern Mediterranean coast, is among the world’s premier areas of olive cultivation. However, much of the southern region is semi-arid and desert. Tunisia has a coastline of approximately 1 300 kilometers long which helped boost the tourism industry since the early 60s. The lowest point is Shatt al Gharsah at 17 meters (56 ft) below sea level and the highest is Jebel ech Chambi at 1 544 meters (5 066 ft).

Climate

Tunisia’s climate is Mediterranean in the north, with mild rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The south is semiarid, and merges into the Sahara.

Tourism

Among Tunisia’s tourist attractions are its cosmopolitan capital city of Tunis, the ancient ruins of Carthage, the city of Sidi Bou Said, the Muslim and Jewish quarters of Djerba, the desert, and the coastal resorts in Hammamet, Sousse, Monastir, Mahdia, etc. According to The New York Times, Tunisia is “known for its golden beaches, sunny weather and affordable luxuries”. There is a wealth of accommodation in Tunisia to suit all traveler’s needs including self-catering units, bed and breakfast, guesthouses, All Inclusive resorts and luxury hotels. The summer season is considered to last from May to October. Thanks to the diversity of its landscape, Tunisia has the possibility to cover the needs of any target group all year round: family holidays, romantic escapes for couples, cultural tours throughout the country, cruises, educational tours focusing on the country’s historical and cultural background, rural & agricultural tourism, sports tourism, tailor-made round trips, Spa & thalassotherapy tourism, etc. During the last decade, Tunisia has also become a remarkable business destination. From a congress to a seminar, from a product launch to an incentive trip, from a conference to a corporate meeting, Tunisia offers an appropriate setting for every occasion.

Culture

The culture of Tunisia is mixed due to their long established history of outside influence from people such as Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs, Turks, Italians, Spaniards, and the French who all left their mark on the country.

Tunisia in 8 regions

Each region has its own character. Here are our favourite playgrounds.

View of a minaret and coastline from the Medina of Tunis

Tunis & Carthage

The Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a labyrinth of alleyways, souks and palaces. A few kilometres away, the ruins of Carthage bear witness to Punic and Roman grandeur overlooking the Mediterranean.

Photo : Khebab Salaheddine / Pexels
White architecture and greenery of Sidi Bou Saïd overlooking the Mediterranean

Sidi Bou Saïd

Perched on a cliff above the Gulf of Tunis, Sidi Bou Saïd is famed for its white façades, studded blue doors and bougainvillea. A place of inspiration for artists and travellers for centuries.

Photo : Mahmoud Yahyaoui / Pexels
Red boat on Hammamet beach with the blue sea behind

Hammamet & Yasmine

An iconic seaside resort, Hammamet charms visitors with its long sandy beaches, fortified medina and jasmine gardens. Yasmine Hammamet adds a modern marina and upscale hotel complexes.

Photo : Mahmoud Yahyaoui / Pexels
The Ribat of Monastir overlooking the sea

Sousse & Monastir

Sousse, the 'Pearl of the Sahel', is home to an 8th-century ribat and a UNESCO-listed medina. Nearby Monastir boasts its own imposing ribat, the Bourguiba Mausoleum and a pristine coastline.

Photo : Bedis ElAcheche / Pexels
Arch and street art at Djerbahood, Djerba

Djerba

The largest island in North Africa, Djerba captivates with its multicultural heritage: the El Ghriba Synagogue, potter villages, endless beaches and street art in Erriadh. A world apart, living at island pace.

Photo : Son Tung Tran / Pexels
Mosque and minaret at sunset in Tunisia

Kairouan

Founded in 670, Kairouan is a landmark of spirituality and architecture. Its Great Mosque — the oldest in North Africa — its madrasas and carpet souks make it an essential cultural stop.

Photo : Ismail SAIDI / Pexels
El Jem Amphitheatre at sunset

El Jem

The El Jem Amphitheatre, a UNESCO site, is the largest Roman monument in Africa. Built in the 3rd century, it could seat 35,000 spectators and remains one of the best-preserved colosseums in the world.

Photo : Memory Lane / Pexels
Couple sitting on a sand dune at sunset in Tunisia

Sahara — Douz & Tozeur

Douz, 'gateway to the Sahara', opens onto the dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental. Further west, Tozeur enchants with its 400,000-palm oasis, ochre-brick ksour and sunsets over Chott el Jerid.

Photo : Elias Strale / Pexels