Tunisia, located on Africa’s northeast coast, is a traveler’s paradise because of its various landscapes and rich cultural history. From the saline lakes and sandy stretches of the South to the green mountains and alpine forests of the North, from the undulating plains covered with orange and olive trees to the crystal water beaches of the Mediterranean coast… don’t let Tunisia’s tiny size deceive you! There are so many breathtaking locations to see there that it’s difficult to choose a few!
Geography of Tunisia, Africa’s Northernmost Country
The country has a diverse geography to offer: it is hilly in the north and has an arid plain in the center. Tunisia’s southern region is semiarid before turning into an arid desert as it approaches the Sahara Desert. Then, from the Gulf of Hammamet to Chebba, Tunisia also features a lush coastal plain known as the Sahel. Its name derives from the Arabic word which means «coastal», known for its olives and extends along the eastern Mediterranean coast. A wide area of sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and oasis towns make up the Sahara desert. The breathtaking place is made up of limitless lengths of golden sand dunes that serve as a gorgeous background. A 4×4 vehicle, camel journey, or walking are all options for exploring. There is no place else in the world like the Sahara Desert to go on an adventure!
Tunisia includes a hilly area where there are the Atlas Mountains. These mountains provide a variety of sports, including hiking, trekking, and mountain biking. You can tour Berber settlements and discover the customs and culture of the area. Some national parks, including Ichkeul National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are also located in the mountainous area.
Last but not least, Tunisia has around stunning 1,200 kilometers of coastline. You may discover stunning beaches, pristine waterways, and coral reefs around the shoreline. The locations are ideal for swimming, scuba diving, and other water activities. You may also visit the historical monuments located along the shore: the old city of Carthage, which was once a powerful Phoenician city-state, or the town of Sidi Bou Said, which will make you think of Santorini, in Greece.
Tunisia: a long and rich history besides its stunning scenery
Tunisia is a wide range of cultures due to its location at the meeting point of civilizations – including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and French.
The history of Tunisia as a crossroads of civilizations has a significant impact on its current cultural legacy. The Phoenicians established Carthage and developed the city into a hub of trade. Once the Romans defeated Carthage, Tunisia joined the Roman Empire. In the 7th century, the Arabs conquested Tunisia and introduced Islam. It had a long-lasting influence on Tunisian culture. In 1881, the French established Tunisia as a colony, influencing the language and cuisine of the country.
Balancing modernity and tradition, Tunisia offers a wealth of opportunities to discover. You can follow the ephemeral trails left by the various civilizations that shaped these landscapes. They include the Phoenicians who founded Carthage, the Romans who destroyed it and colonized the entirety of North Africa, the Byzantines, the Arabs, the Andalusians, the Turks, the Italians, and the French.
Hence, a trip to Tunisia may be active, restful, historical, or all these at once! Discover the Medina of Tunis, where the quiet alleyways and the busy souks coexist. See the Great Mosque of Kairouan, among the oldest religious buildings in the Muslim world. Sit in the front rows of Jem’s El-amphitheater, the 3rd largest in the Roman world after Rome and Capua. Enjoy the symphonic festival. Explore the roads that crisscross Djerba to experience its fabled sweetness. Anybody seeking a distinctive trip experience should visit Tunisia! Both environment and culture enthusiasts will find Tunisia to be an attractive trip.
