The Facts
Capital: Tunis
Currency: Tunisian Dinar
Time Zone: GMT +1
www.tourismtunisia.com
Introduction
The lure of the sunny Mediterranean coast, ancient history, spectacularly preserved at the former mighty city-state of Carthage, as well as the rare opportunity to wander through a film set, (take your pick from Stars Wars and The English Patient), add to Tunisia's exotic appeal.
Whilst it might be the smallest of the North African nations it is one of the easiest to get to with a number of package operators offering holidays year round. Step beyond the beach and you will discover medieval medinas and mountains, troglodyte cave dwellings and holy cities as well as a fertile landscapes of olive groves and fruit trees, the nation was once dubbed the breadbasket of the Roman Empire. Sweep south and the vast Sahara unfolds its otherworldly charms looking just like something out of Science-Fiction. The only thing missing will be R2 D2.
Where To Go:
Tunisia is located on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, midway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Nile Valley. It is bordered by Algeria in the west and Libya in the southeast. An abrupt southern turn of its shoreline gives Tunisia two faces on the Mediterranean. It is the northernmost country on the African continent and around forty percent of the country is composed of the Sahara desert.
What To Eat & Drink
- The cuisine of Tunisia is a blend of Mediterranean, Oriental and desert dweller's culinary traditions.
- Tunisian food is spicy hot. Harissa is a popular condiment made from red chili peppers and garlic, flavoured with coriander, cumin, olive oil and often tomatoes.
- The national dish is couscous with over 300 different ways to prepare and serve it savoury or sweet.
- Unlike Moroccan tajines, a tajine in Tunisia usually refers to a kind of quiche made from beaten eggs and grated cheese consisting of meat and/or various vegetable fillings, prepared like a large cake and cooked in the oven.
- Brik are pastry envelopes that are deep-fried. Fillings vary but usually include egg.
- There are many desserts ranging from honey cakes stuffed with makhroud dates, to fresh figs, chick pea flour cakes.
- Figs are used for the spirit Boukha.
Unmissable Tunisia
5 things you really should do in Tunisia
1. Feel a bit starry
You can step into Stars Wars territory when you head to the Sahara. Desert safaris visit some of the film locations from this sci-fi blockbuster and other hits like the English Patient.
www.chez.com/douzvoyages
2. Go Underground
Visit the troglodyte cave dwellings of Matmata. Many of the buildings of this underground complex are still occupied and some have even been converted to hotels.
www.tourismtunisia.com/togo/matmata/matmata.html
3. Piece things together
Admire Roman mosaics at the Bardo museum in Tunis. This collection, regarded as one of the best in the world, is housed in an old Palace.
www.informatique-tunisie.com/museebardo/
4. Rome around
Explore the ruins of Carthage, 15km from Tunis, a celebrated archaeological and architectural site and once the third largest Roman city. The Antoinine Thermal baths are the largest of its type in Africa.
www.tourismtunisia.com/togo/carthage/carthage.html
5. Start seeing things
Travel to Chott el Djerid, the largest saltpan of the Sahara and you may well start seeing things. Due to the extreme climate, with annual rainfall of only 100 mm and temperatures reaching 50° C, water evaporates from the lake. In summer it is almost entirely dried up and numerous mirages occur.
www.lexicorient.com/e.o/chott_jr.htm
