Emirates destinations
Its beaches are the big draw for most on flights to Tunisia – these long stretches of sand washed by the Mediterranean are packed during the high season, and sun-seekers fill the chain hotels to capacity. If you're looking for something more upscale, the island of Djerba has some of the best beaches in Tunisia, luxury hotels to match, and a group of restaurants along the harbour that sell freshly caught seafood with incredible views thrown in for free.
In lively Tunis, you’ll find markets, mosques, football stadiums and live music, along with a host of restaurants serving Tunisia’s world-class food. This ranges from desert dishes spiced up with harissa paste to melt-in-your-mouth pastries that could compete with those from any Parisian patisserie. The artsy neighbourhood of Sidi Bou Said is a gorgeous mix of cobblestone streets, wall-climbing bougainvillea and stunning views of the Gulf of Tunis, and its restaurants are some of the best in the city.
For anyone with even a passing interest in history or archaeology, legendary Carthage is a must-see, with its picturesque ruins encompassing everything from Roman baths to an amphitheatre surrounded by forest. And Dougga, just an hour’s drive from Tunis, has some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Africa.
One of the biggest draws about Tunisia is that, apart from in the mega-resorts, tourists are thin on the ground. You’ll often have historic sites to yourself and when you get outside Tunis, you might be the only traveller for miles. The locals are warm and welcoming, though, and you’ll never be short of people to talk to or new friends to make.