Reasons To Visit Tunisia
Kairouan is one of the holiest cities in Islam and the Great Mosque in the town's medina is a place of beauty and tranquility. Turkish influence can also be seen in the family homes of the Tunis medina and in the intricate palace buildings of the Bardo Museum.
The villages in southern Tunisia are home to some ingenious local architecture. The village of Matmata features troglodyte dwellings, where rooms are several metres below ground level, whilst the ksours such as at Tataouine were used for storage, as defensive positions and for habitation.
The Carthaginian and Roman ruins in Tunisia often play second fiddle to the superb beaches, which is a great shame. The grand amphitheatre of El Jem and other impressive sites such as Kerkouane, Bulla Regia, Sbeitla and Dougga really are remarkable attractions, fully deserving of a place on your itinerary.
To many visitors from Europe, Tunisia's countryside is surprisingly green, and its Roman sites are an absolute delight in the spring months when the wildflowers are in bloom. The freshwater lakes and salt-flats are stopping-off points for migratory birds and offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching.
In the deep south west of the country are the edges of the Sahara Desert, a landscape of dunes, camels and stark mountains and canyons. The desert requires an investment of time and effort to explore, but will reward you with solitude and stunning scenery.
The medinas of Tunisia are the walled hearts of the towns, where the oldest souqs, mosques, streets and traditional houses are to be found. Their whitewashed walls and ornate doors and windows offer perfect opportunities for the keen photographer, while the shady streets and covered souqs give respite from the North African sun.
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Dougga is the pinnacle of the Roman presence in Tunisia, and looks out majestically over the hills. What makes it so aesthetically pleasing is its geography - perched on high, it is a picture of verdancy.
The ultraviolet index is a measure of the risk of skin damage due to exposure to the sun. Be aware that the potential damage caused by the sun varies from person to person as well as by time of day, altitude and several other factors. We recommend contacting your GP for further advice.
Wear sunglasses on bright days; use sunscreen if there is snow on the ground (which reflects UV radiation) or if you have particularly fair skin.
Wear sunglasses and use sunscreen, cover the body with clothing and a hat, and seek shade around midday when the sun is most intense.
Wear sunglasses and use sunscreen having SPF 15 or higher, cover the body with sun protective clothing and a wide-brim hat, and reduce time in the sun from two hours before to three hours after solar noon.
Wear sunscreen, a shirt, sunglasses and a hat. Do not stay out in the sun for too long.
Take all precautions, including: wear sunglasses and use sunscreen, cover the body with a long-sleeved shirt and trousers, wear a very broad hat, and avoid the sun from two hours before to three hours after solar noon.
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Further reading:TunisiaWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout TunisiaCountry Guides
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