Roman ruins, blue-and-white villages and Saharan dunes within a day's drive.
Tunisia fits a lot into a small space. Near Tunis lie the ruins of Carthage and the blue-and-white cliffside village of Sidi Bou Said, and the medina of Tunis is a UNESCO site. Inland, El Jem's Roman amphitheatre and the hilltop ruins of Dougga are remarkably intact, Kairouan holds one of the oldest mosques in Africa, and Djerba has sandy beaches and old synagogues.
The south brings desert oases around Tozeur, the salt flats of Chott el Djerid and the troglodyte homes of Matmata. Food is spicy and fragrant, with harissa, couscous, brik pastries and seafood. Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing and the desert; July and August suit the beach, though the interior gets very hot.
Best time to visit Tunisia
April, May, June, September, October.
Places to visit in Tunisia
Tunis: Tunisia's capital, with a UNESCO medina, the Bardo Museum's mosaics and the ruins of Carthage nearby.
Sidi Bou Said: A clifftop village of white houses and blue doors, looking over the Gulf of Tunis.
Djerba: A Mediterranean island of sandy beaches, whitewashed villages and a long, mixed heritage.
El Jem: One of the largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, rising above a small Tunisian town.
Kairouan: One of Islam's oldest holy cities, with a great mosque, a walled medina and famous carpets.
Essentials
Currency: Tunisian Dinar (TND)
Language: Arabic; French is widely spoken
Plugs: Type C / E, 230 V
Driving: Right side
Time zone: UTC+1
Tipping: Round up; around 10% in restaurants
Getting around: Louages (shared minibuses) and trains between cities; hire a car for the south
Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking