THE PAST IS VERY PRESENT Tunisia’s mix of impressive historic sites and otherworldly landscapes were a gift to Star Wars’ location scouts. But, if the thrill of seeing the ‘real’ planet Tatooine (actually in the south east) isn’t your thing, what about Tunisia’s rival to the Colosseum? That’s the immense amphitheatre at El Djem: easily as astounding as the Roman icon, only significantly less crowded. Devoted history hunters may already know that Tunisia has no fewer than nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, although even the most knowledgeable are often surprised at how alive the past still is here, from the atmospheric Medinas of Tunis, Kairouan and Sousse to traditional Berber towns like Matmata, where you can stay overnight in remarkable Troglodyte homes. CULTURE SURROUNDS YOU The National Bardo Museum in Tunis contains the world’s largest collection of mosaics. The priceless Blue Qur’an takes pride of place in Kairouan’s Raqqada Museum. Visit Kef and you can explore the nomadic life of Bedouins at The Museum of Popular Art & Traditions, and all that’s before we even touch on specialists like the Museum of Musical Instruments in the enchanting blue and white hilltop village of Sidi Bou Saïd. But Tunisian culture is also a living experience and touches practically everything, from shopping for bright, handwoven kilims in the south to visiting traditional jewellery makers in Tabarka; heading into the mountains to see how pottery has been uniquely made for centuries in the village of Sejnane; finding engraved silver chests in Tunis Medina or seeing glassmakers at work on the coast of Carthage. TASTE THE SUNSHINE Of course, food is a huge part of Tunisian culture too, and slow food is not just a trend, it’s the way the country has always eaten; with a focus on fresh seafood and vegetables, local herbs, spices and olive oil. Kids particularly like the Arab and Berber dishes: couscous is not this good at home. And you can thank the Mediterranean influence for food that tastes like ‘sunshine on a plate’. Never pass up an opportunity to try the excellent local wines: another product of the beautiful weather. And if you’re offered ‘kemia’ at the start of your meal, say ‘yes’. This uniquely Tunisian mezze is irresistible, and another big hit with kids. FEEL THE ADVENTURE If you’re hungry for adventure, turn inland to the shimmering sands of the Sahara for unforgettable guided hikes, camel rides, thrilling 4x4 adventures, sand skiing and land sailing. Or stay on the coast and play in the Mediterranean where practically every water sport imaginable is up for grabs from kitesurfing and windsurfing to paddleboarding and kayaking. AND SO TO THE BEACHES... Finally, although it’s now clear that Tunisia is far more than just beaches, they are a constant presence, and simply some of the loveliest in North Africa. Hammamet’s silvery sands stretch for miles in every direction and are only slightly outshone by the glittering white old town and historic medina. Sousse is another fascinating city with long, long beaches, although it has the added appeal of Andalusian-style Port El Kantaoui on the coast too, which might swing it with your kids. And for endless sands, clear seas and complete escapism, it’s hard to equal Djerba Island, anywhere.
EXPLORE MORE From top: Sidi Bou Saïd; traditional Gargoulette cooking; Bardo Museum, Tunis; UNESCO World Heritage Carthage
Embrace the Moment, Embrace Tunisia
Plan your family holiday at discovertunisia.com/uk
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