Tunisia, an ancient land moving to a modern beat where millennia of history come alive in the astonishing Roman coliseum at El-Jem, surrounded by crenulated walls and in the fairytale architecture of the Berbers. In Kairouan, the fourth-holiest city in Islam, foundation myths and towering mosques connect Tunisia to the heart of Islam. Infinitely hospitable, Tunisians have their feet firmly planted in traditions while rushing headlong into the modern world.

Best time to visit

March to May and September to October.

Essential experiences

Exploring the archaeological site of Carthage, rich in mythology and sea views; navigating the mirages of the Chott el-Jerid causeway; bathing in the hot springs of Ksar Ghilane as the sun sets over the dunes; ambling the cobbled lanes of Le Kef; spelunking the underground Roman villas of Bulla Regia; gazing at the Mediterranean from the village of Sidi Bou Said; haggling with Kairouan's skilled carpet salesmen

In a few words Tunisia is

Carthage, the land of the Lotus Eaters, the Sahara Desert; pristine white-sand beaches and Palace style hotels.

Did you know?

Tunisian proverbs include: ‘good reputation is better than wealth' and ‘high prices attract buyers'. Tunisia was the first predominantly Islamic independent state to ban polygamy (1956). Ibadism, as practised in Jerba, is one of Islam's smallest sects, found elsewhere only in the M'Zab valley in central Algeria and in Oman.