AT A GLANCE

From Star Wars scenery to spice laden souks, Tunisia is a country that will appeal to all kinds of people, from sun-seekers to avid historians. The country offers an exciting blend of beaches, bars and rolling Roman ruins for you to explore during your stay.

If its landscapes look recognisable then it may well be because you’ve seen them before on the big screen. Scenes from Star Wars and Monty Python were shot in Tunisia and avid cinema-goers can learn more by doing a film tour in the region.

WHEN TO GO

Tunisia has a Mediterranean climate which means that the country can get quite hot, particularly near the Sahara desert. April to June is an ideal time to visit as the apricots are in harvest and also September to October when the summer crowds die down.

Weather Spring: Temperatures during the spring are hot but not

scorching. Expect averages in the low 20°s. Summer: This is Tunisia’s peak season and average highs

during July and August can reach 33°C, while lows seldom fall below 20°C.

Autumn: Like spring, autumn is a great time to travel in Tunisia because the beach crowds have died down. Average temperatures are in the low 20°s. Tunisia’s wet period begins towards the end of autumn.

Winter: The average temperature during the winter period in Tunisia is 12°C and at its lowest the temperature rarely falls below 8°C. Although rainfall does occur it is not very high, December is Tunisia’s wettest month with an average rainfall of 67mm.

Images: Tunisia sun by Atomicforcemicroscope / Tunisia storm by Mcaretaker

THINGS TO DO

Tunisia’s rich history means there are a wealth of attractions to enjoy from Roman cities to Islamic World Heritage Sites. You’ll find plenty to keep the little ones entertained to from zoos featuring their flora and fauna to themed evenings showcasing the best of desert culture.

Attractions Bardo National Museum : This Tunis attraction contains a large

collection of Roman mosaics Carthage : A 3,000 year old city that was once the centre of the Roman

Empire Sidi Bou Said: Famous for its blue and white buildings and home to a

Muslim religious figure

Kairouan : A UNESCO World Heritage Site and important centre for Islamic learning

Chott el Jerid: A picturesque salt lake in Southern Tunisia and Star Wars location

Movie Locations near Tozeur : Plenty of Star Wars locations can be found around this town

Friguia Park : One for the children, features 62 animal species and daily culture shows

El Ghriba Synagogue : An ancient synagogue and pilgrimage spot for many Tunisian Jews

Sousse Archaeological Museum : A fine collection of Roman mosaics and funerary pieces

Lezard Rouge Train: A historic Tunisian train that takes tourists through the Selja Gorges

NightlifeAlthough Tunisia is a Muslim country it is perhaps the most liberal in North Africa and as a result, alcohol is available in the resorts, restaurants and larger supermarkets. In Tunisia, it is largely men that frequent the nightclubs and as such, women may find being in them uncomfortable.

Calypso Club and Restaurant: Music from the top DJs plays in this Hammamet club Manhattan: The largest covered nightlife in Tunisia often boasts laser shows Cocoloco: This nightspot also contains a restaurant serving delightful dishes Latino Disco: This Hammamet disco plays a mixture of music from Arabic hits to salsa La Boeuf Sur La Toit: Music in this Tunis spot changes daily. Summer sees theme nights Bar Jamaica: An 11th floor bar with stunning views out across the entire city of Tunis Casino in Hamd Souk: Roulette and poker tables are open until 4am in this Djerba spot Bora Bora : An open air club in Sousse near the beach with house and trance DJs

Activities in TunisiaA holiday in Tunisia can be as chilled or as action-packed as you like. While the country is home to a plethora of sunny Mediterranean beaches, those looking for something a little more thrilling will have their needs met too.

Dune tours: For 4WD tours over the Great Dune make sure you book with an expert Golf : Tabarka is an 18-hole course which offers beginners’ courses over summer Scuba : Tabarka marina is the place to Scuba dive or take an excursion to the Galite islands Horseriding: Enjoy a ride at Golf de Ranch beach or Ranch Equi-Balade Dance: Learn traditional Tunisian dance at the Centre Russe in Tunis Language Courses: Learn Arabic on a daily four hour course all year round ATV Riding : Quad bikes are the best way to explore the surrounding desert area

Images: Sidi bou Said by Nonanet / Star wars scenery by Archer10 / Lezard Rouge train by Keith Roper

SHOPPING

Shopping in the souks is one of the quintessential Tunisia experiences. Like most North African countries, haggling is a way of life and negotiations will often take place over a glass of mint tea. Souvenirs to take home from Tunisia include babouches (leather slippers), ceramic bowls, dates and Jasmine perfume.

Shopping Areas: Sousse: Home to the largest fixed price shopping centre in the country Kairouan: The perfect place for local handicrafts such as hand-woven carpets Tunis: The country’s capital offers a blend of old souks and modern shopping malls

Markets: Sousse Medina: Offers many fixed-price and souvenir shops for the tourist market Shopping at the Souq: This market in Douz sells Berber sandals and sand roses Central Market: Excite your taste buds at this Tunis venue selling harissa and pickles Sousse Market: Held every Sunday and selling everything from livestock to crafts

Shopping Centres: Soula Shopping Centre: A four storey complex with set prices on the medina edge

Image: Babouches by David Humo

FOOD & DRINK

Cuisine in Tunisia blends Mediterranean staples such as olives, spices, tomatoes and seafood with influences from the Middle East. If you’ve eaten Moroccan or Egyptian food before you might have some idea of what to expect. However, Tunisian food is a little spicier then that served elsewhere in North Africa. Couscous is the national dish and it’s cooked really well here, often served with vegetables and meat. You won’t find pork on the menu for religious reasons, instead the local Merguez sausage is made from a mixture of beef or spiced mutton.

Popular Tunisian Hotspots:Tunis: Everything from authentic Tunisian home cooking to Italian can be found in the capitalTozeur: The best dates come from here. Try them fresh at the market or in local dishesSousse: Tourist-friendly menus and American cuisine can be found in this resort townKairoruan: The café culture in this town is fantastic. Enjoy some baklava and a water pipe Douz: Eat in a Berber style tent and if you’re feeling brave sample camel meat cooked underground

Image: Cous-cous by Dweekly

CULTURE & ETIQUETTE

Islam is the primary religion in Tunisia and although the country is fairly liberal in the fact that alcohol is tolerated in the tourist areas and very few women choose to wear the veil, it is still important to respect the beliefs of your hosts, especially when travelling during the holy month of Ramadan (the date changes every year). When out with a partner in public, refrain from showing signs of affection. Men and women should cover their arms and legs when outside of a beach area and appropriate clothing should be worn by both sexes when visiting a mosque.

Useful Phrases Salam – Hi Ada’tu tareeqi – I’m lost Kam howa thamanoh? – how much is this? Shokran – thank you

Dos and Don’ts Do make sure you check the price of a taxi before getting in Don’t attend any demonstrations, it isn’t advised for British travellers Do make sure you visit the Star Wars sites. You can even stay in Luke Skywalker’s house! Don’t take pictures of government or military buildings Do make sure that you visit Carthage. The history behind it is fascinating Don’t travel on local transport without a guide. There are still roadblocks in place Do visit one of Tunisia’s lesser known beaches, such as Mahdia or Nabeul

Tipping Tipping is not a requirement in Tunisia. However, it is still appreciated for good service and waiters typically receive around 10% of the bill. If you wish to tip hotel porters and maids then 5-10 dinars is the usual.

Image: Mint tea by Rubber Dragon

TRANSPORT

Holidaymakers keen to discover the interior of Tunisia are advised to travel only with reputable tour operators or local guides owing to unofficial roadblocks, the unpredictability of social tensions and demonstrations. There are also certain areas in the south of Tunisia where travellers will need to obtain permission to access.

Getting Around Taxis: Yellow taxis can be found in all the resorts and are licensed to carry up to 4 people Airport: There are 9 international airports in Tunisia: Djerba, Enfidha, Gabes, Gafsa,

Monastir, Sfax, Tabarka, Tozeur and Tunis.

Fare Information Taxis: A 15 minute journey in a taxi will cost about 8 dinars

Image: Train by Ray_from_LA

HEALTH & SAFETY

British Embassy in Tunisia - Foreign and Commonwealth OfficeEmergency numbers: Police: 197Fire: 198Medical: 190National Guard: 193