Tunis - the vibrant capital, quaint villages and lush nature

A fast evolving city that now refashions itself as a modern Arab capital, Tunis is the country's vibrant cultural and economic hub, boasting an array of attractive sights. Beyond the cosmopolitan appeal, you can truly absorb the history by visiting its colonial remnants, the few reminders of the Ottoman Empire and the lively souqs.

You can visit the Muslim and Jewish quarters of Djerba to soak up some more of the culture or you can head to the enchanting village of Sidi Bou Said, a meeting place for local artists, full of wonderful architectural marvels, art galleries and decorations that represent the Tunisian way of life.

Another sight you shouldn't miss if history and culture interest you, is a visit to the national Museum of Bardo, one of the best archaeological museums in the world, boasting over a thousand exhibits that include beautiful ancient mosaics dating back to the Punic era.

For an encounter with nature you should head to Tabarka/Ain Draham, otherwise known "Green Tunisia", a place where rolling hills perfectly blend agains the background of tall mountains and verdant plains. With a special microclimate, this region is subject to great temperature variations with occasional snow covering the peaks of Khroumiria and with a cooler summer season than the southern region. The foothills of Khroumiria are reminiscent of Provence, with the only difference that instead of olive trees, here you'll find forests of cork trees. Here you could even go wildlife spotting with the likes of civets, lynx, deer and jackals meandering around the area all year long.

Small is beautiful

As North Africa's smallest country, Tunisia punches well above its weight. From the silky dunes of the Sahara in the south to the green rolling plains of the west and a palm-fringed golden coast, its constantly shifting landscape provides a wealth of natural wonders, while its history stretches back into ancient myth.

The country's capital, Tunis, is exotic as it is fascinating, with colourful souks, beautiful mosques and a UNESCO-listed medina. The capital is also the site of the ancient city of Carthage, a cornerstone of the mighty Roman Empire that's not-to-be-missed on any tour of the country.

Beyond Tunis, Tunisia's coastal resorts draw thousands of sunseekers every year, who come to bask on endless stretches of fine golden sand. There's plenty of accommodation to choose from in the tourist towns of Sousse and Hammamet, for instance, which have also managed to maintain their arabesque cultural character. The idyllic island of Djerba is a prime spot for beach holidays, with a clutch of luxury resorts and affordable hotels clinging to the soft sandy coastline.