Tunisia

On average about 4 million tourists visit Tunisia every summer, half of those cram into the main resorts between July and August.

They come for the beaches, mile upon mile of magnificent soft clean sand, and visitors are also attracted by the shear elegance of the larger hotels, many offer luxury as standard compared to some of the Med's other top destinations.

The draw-back to Tunisia is the 'stay-at-home' culture in many resorts. Whereas in say, Spain an evening stroll to a favourite bar or restaurant is normal, in Tunisia it is rare that holidaymakers leave their hotels after dark, simply because there is little to do in the resorts and towns. However there are some wonderful exceptions so read on.

If you are looking for some of the amenities normally associated with a Mediterranean holiday head for Hammamet and Jasmine Hammamet - most people do!

Weather: Summer: hot and dry. Winter: mild, often cloudy and wet.

Excursions:

To fully appreciate Tunisia get a good guide book

Much of Tunisia is desert, a harsh environment of barren landscape dotted with lush oases still waiting to be explored.

• An organised trip into the Sahara will bring out the adventurer in most visitors and reward them with breathtaking sites and experiences. It's not all sand dunes, there are quaint mountain villages and forests.
• A trip to the capital Tunis is often recommended by tour operators, however it can become a tedious journey unless you are intent on some serious shopping. While the main attraction is the medina and its bazaars crammed full souvenirs, most resorts have their own carbon copies of this walled city which are smaller and less intimidating.

  One attraction worth a look at in Tunis is the Bardo Museum on the outskirts which is contained within a 17th century palace. Among the exhibits are ancient statues, a room once used as a harem and the remains of a boat from the 1st century BC, plus a fine collection of Roman mosaics.

• Carthage will only appeal to culture vultures who will be magnetised to the various Roman remnants, though none of them are particularly exciting and are inconveniently scattered over a large area.
• Worth the effort is the pretty village of Sidi Bou Sa�d with its labyrinth of cobbled streets leading off from the main square lined with caf�s and souvenirs stalls.
• Golf courses have sprung up around the resorts of Hammamet, Sousse, Monastir and Djerba.
• There is a water park and a Theme Park, Carthageland with the usual selection of rides surrounded by a recreatation of the ancient city. It is located in Yasmine Hammamet.

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