On June 26 it will be ten years since the devastating attack at the Tunisian beach resort of Port El Kantaoui, in which an Islamic State-inspired gunman killed 38 holidaymakers, 30 of them British.
Understandably, UK tourism to the North African country fell from around 420,000 a year to almost nothing at a stroke – a cruel blow for a country which prides itself on its tolerance and hospitality. Tunisia’s constitution is among the most liberal of Arab countries and, although a predominantly Muslim nation, there are specific legal protections for other religions.
Now the British are coming back. From just 112,000 in 2022, 327,000 made the trip last year and 2025 could see numbers back to pre-2015 levels. The Foreign Office still advises against travel to narrow strips of territory along the Libyan and Algerian borders, but these are well away from major tourist destinations.
Few countries today are entirely risk-free, but Tunisia has done its best to make visitors feel safe and secure. Here are ten things which make it a country well worth considering as a holiday destination.
1. Carthage
The Baths of Anontinus, among the Ancient Roman wonders to see at Carthage
Founded by the Phoenician queen Dido of Tyre in around 814BC, this legendary city, with its ruins of Roman theatres, baths, forum and spectacular views over the port of Tunis, give a glimpse into the ancient world. The main theatre, built under the Roman emperor Hadrian, has been restored and is used for concerts and productions.
2. Beach
The soft sandy beach at Hammamet is among the best in Tunisia
All the way down the east coast is a succession of attractive resorts with soft-sand beaches and palm trees fringing the warm Mediterranean Sea. Notable among them are Hammamet, Sousse and Monastir.
3. Value
Prices in Tunisia are extremely competitive. A good lunch in the Tunis Medina can be had for £10 to £15, imported beer is from around £1 to £2.50 a bottle and seven-day all-inclusive beach holidays with Thomas Cook (thomascook.com) or Tui (tui.co.uk) start at under £400 per person.
The Residence Tunis offers rooms froma relatively affordable £142 per night
4. Wine
The Tunisians have made wine for nearly 3,000 years – some of it exceptional. Warm Syrah-based reds and fresh dry whites and rosés go down very nicely. At about £10 a bottle in a restaurant, it is also relatively affordable.
5. Museums
The Bardo in central Tunis houses the largest and most varied collection of Roman mosaics in the world. And the museum at el-Jem, a remarkable Roman city which is about a two-hour drive south from the capital, is a time capsule.
6. Sahara
Several operators offer desert tours from the southern city of Douz, normally as part of a wider holiday, including camel treks, 4×4 safaris, and quad biking. You can also have one or more nights sleeping under the stars in a Bedouin-style campsite.
7. Sidi Bou Said
Dating from the 12th century, the charming blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said has shades of the Cote d’Azur about it
This charming blue-and-white village, sitting high above the clamour of Tunis, has been the home of many painters, sculptors and writers. Dating from the 12th century, it has shades of the Cote d’Azur – perfect to stop for a leisurely coffee or lunch. From there, take the corniche for about two miles to the coastal village of La Marsa with its elegant promenade.
8. Cap Angela
If you walk along this rocky headland to its tip at Ras ben Sakka, close to the city of Bizerte, you can say you have stood on Africa’s most northerly point. Across the water to the north is Sardinia, to the east, Sicily.
9. Djerba
The island of Djerba is thought to be the inspiration behind Homer’s Land of the Lotus Eaters
This mainly rural island, with white sands, cobbled streets and working fishing port, is thought to be Homer’s inspiration for the Land of the Lotus Eaters, one of Odysseus’s many diversions on his long journey from Troy. After his crew were fed lotus flowers by the friendly locals, all thoughts of returning home disappeared.
10. Connectivity
Airlines offering direct flights include EasyJet, Ryanair, Tunisair and Nouvelair, with the journey taking around three hours.
- Neil flew with Tunisair, return flights in April from £176 (tunisair.com). The Residence Tunis offers rooms from £142 per night (cenizaro.com/theresidence/tunis).
