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This page contains useful information about Tunisia, its history and culture that we hope you will find useful and interesting.
Tunisia Extra Information
Tunisia is home to over 3,000 years of history ranging from the Phoenicians, who founded the ancient city of Carthage to the French in more recent times.
The biggest name in Tunisian history is Carthage – arch rival of Rome in the second and third centuries BC and a Phoenician trading post founded at the end of the 9th Century, that developed into one of the most prosperous and powerful cities in the western Mediterranean. By the end of the 6th Century BC it was one of the main powers of the Mediterranean.
During the second and third centuries BC, Carthage came to blows with Rome, one of the other great powers of the Med, in the infamous Punic Wars. Despite successful battles waged by Hannibal, the general who had lead his army, backed by elephants over the Alps into Italy, Carthage suffered in the final war, when the city was destroyed by the Romans, and its people sold into slavery.
The Romans colonized most of Tunisia, building magnificent towns, such as Dougga and Sbeitla along the way. In AD 436 Tunisia was invaded by the Spanish Vandals, who ruled until the Arabs arrived in AD 670 and spread their power across North Africa. The Arabs were later followed by the Ottoman Turks and then the French in the 19th century. Tunisia was granted independence from the French on 20th March 1956 and Habib Bourguiba became Tunisia’s first President.
CARTHAGE
Carthage was one of the great cities of the ancient world and was added
to the World Heritage List in 1981. The hill of Bysra, where in the 8th
century Princess Elissa-Dido founded the city, carries a wealth of
history. In 202 BC Carthage fell to the Romans after the second hard
fought Punic War against Hannibal. Little remains of Phoenician
Carthage, however there are still many Roman sites to be seen including
baths, villas and an amphitheatre which houses the Carthage
International Summer Festival.
CULTURE
Modern day Tunisia is a melting pot of civilizations from the
Phoenicians and the Romans of the Ancient World to the Arabs and
Europeans more recently, although the Berbers were the original
inhabitants. Influences from all of these cultures can be found in
different aspects of modern day life.
The official religion is Islam, although there are also small Jewish communities in Tunis and Djerba, as well as approximately 20,000 Roman Catholics living in Tunisia. Tunisia is the most liberal of Islamic countries and the women enjoy more freedom than in other Islamic states. Polygamy has been outlawed since 1956.
Hammams, (public bathhouses), are still a prominent part of life in Tunisia and are seen as a way to unwind and socialize. Every town has at least one hammam, with separate areas for men and women.
FOOD & DRINK
Tunisian cuisine is based on the use of olive oil and spices with the
appropriate quantities of ingredients blended together. All recipes use
natural products and simple ingredients of a high quality. Frozen foods
are shunned and the emphasis is on fresh, wholesome ingredients.
In restaurants customers will always be served fresh bread, olives and harissa, which is a hot chilli dip made of crushed, dried, red peppers, garlic and spices. A variety of starters are available in Tunisia and amongst other food, fresh fish and seafood is always readily available, prepared in different ways – grilled, fried or served with a sauce.
Couscous is the national dish and is a vegetable stew with lamb, poultry or fish served on a bed of semolina. The semolina is steamed and served covered in a sauce. The ingredients of the sauce give each type of couscous its own unique taste. ‘Agneau à la gargoulette’ is another traditional dish and is a delicious lamb stew slowly cooked in an earthenware jar over a charcoal fire. Grilled fish is also favoured due to the great abundance of fresh fish available on a daily basis. Deserts are often fresh fruit or sweet pastries and custards. ‘Baklawa’ is a popular honeyed pastry.
WINE
The culture of wine making in Tunisia dates back to Carthaginian and
Roman times and has developed over the centuries. Magon, the
Carthaginian agronomist was the first person to detail viticulture
practices, and the ancient mosaics demonstrate the importance of wine
and wine cultivation during this period. Tunisian wine is widely
exported throughout the world.
There are roughly 20 wineries in the country but three quarters of these
still belong to the UCCV, which is the Government co-operative popular
red wines are Vieux Magon, Chateau St Augustin and Sélian, while popular
whites include Chateau St Augustin and Ugni Blanc. Rosé wines, such as
Cote ux de Carthage and Chateau Mornag are also popular.
LIQUEURS
There are two traditional liqueurs in Tunisia: Thibourine and Boukha.
Thibourine is made from dates and Boukha is a fig brandy.
BEER
Celtia is the refreshingly light local beer. International beers are
also available in Tunisia.
MINT
TEA
Traditional drink of Tunisia, served with fresh mint leaves and pine
nuts in some regions.
TUNISIAN CLIMATE
The Tunisian climate is a mixture of Mediterranean and African. The
climate of northern Tunisia is typically Mediterranean with hot, dry
summers and mild winters. Temperatures in July and August can reach as
high as 35°C+, with up to twelve hours of sunshine per day.
During the winter there are approximately 5 – 6 hours of sunshine a day and temperatures are in the region of 18 – 20°C while the desert region will always be a few degrees warmer. In terms of annual rainfall, it ranges from 1000mm in the north down to 150mm in the south, although some areas of the Sahara go for years without any rain.
LOUAGE TAXI’S
These are shared taxis going to a fixed destination, (i.e. Hammamet –
Tunis) which leave only when they're full, they are very cheap and
regular and obviously popular with the locals. Tourists are very
welcome, but they are probably not for the faint hearted.
REGULAR TAXI’S
Cheap and readily available in all main beach resorts. Most cabs have
meters, or sometimes you can agree a fare in advance. Note – the taxi
fares increase by 50% after 9pm, but are still good value compared to
the UK.
‘NODDY’ TRAIN
This is a tourist ‘train’ that travels around the resort of Hammamet, it
is a cheap and novel way of getting around locally.
HEALTH
No vaccinations are necessary to enter Tunisia. Please consult your
doctor for up to date information. Bottled water is recommended.
CUSTOMS
Free import allowance includes 200 cigarettes, 1 bottle of alcoholic
beverage, and a reasonable amount of perfume. There are duty free shops
on arrival in Tunisia.
PASSPORTS & VISAS
EU citizens need a full passport for stays up to 3 months. Other
nationalities should check with the Tunisian Embassy (020 7584 8117) at
least three weeks before departure
CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the Dinar and it can only be obtained in
Tunisia. Cash or travellers cheques are readily exchangeable in banks,
hotels and bureaux de change. Receipts need to be kept to change
leftover dinars back. ATMs are available in major towns and credit
cards are widely accepted.
DRESS
Tunisians have a generally relaxed attitude and casual clothing is
worn. While topless bathing is allowed around most hotel swimming pools
and on private beaches, respectable dress is required at religious
sites.
LANGUAGE
Arabic is the official language, but French is widely spoken all over
the country. Shopkeepers and hotel staff usually speak three or four
European languages and English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
RELIGION
98% of the population are Muslims; the remaining 2% are Jews, Christians
and other denominations. The country's Islamic traditions have very
little direct impact on holidaymakers.
VOLTAGE
UK electrical appliances will work but need a two-pin continental
adapter.
Tunisia works on the European standard 220 volts (the same as the UK).
GOLF IN TUNISIA
Tunisia’s temperate year-round climate provides ideal golfing conditions
and with eight conveniently located courses, the biggest decision for
most golfers is where to play, whether it’s by the sea or surrounded by
palm trees, the choice is yours.
There are no membership requirements and while golfers with their own kit are welcome, for those who prefer to travel light, everything from clubs to caddies are available for hire - all at very reasonable rates. A typical round (18 holes) will cost £25.00, while the hire for a full set of clubs costs around £8.00. Many hotels will arrange pre-set tee times and even provide complimentary transfers to and from courses.
GOLF CITRUS, HAMMAMET
Designed around six lakes and 430 acres of olive trees and forest on the
outskirts of Hammamet, Golf Citrus provides a golfing centre with two
18-hole, 72-par championship courses. Tel: (+216) 72 226 500
HAMMAMET YASMINE GOLF CLUB
Adjacent to Golf Citrus, Yasmine has an 18-hole, 72-par course. With
twin lakes and steeped greens, even experienced golfers will find their
skills put to the test. Tel: (+216) 72 227 001
THALASSOTHERAPY
Thalassotherapy is something you just
have to try!
Thalassotherapy is becoming increasingly popular in Tunisia. It is a
medical treatment that uses hot seawater combined with massages, mud or
seaweed wraps to promote general well-being, as well as offering cures
for stress, arthritis, rheumatism and promoting exercise and slimming.
You can have just single treatments of your choice, (experts are on hand to advise on the most appropriate treatment for your needs) or a full treatment package over a number of days.
Those choosing a complete treatment package will undergo a medical check-up with a doctor before commencing treatments. Generally treatments last between six and twelve days with four treatments per day. Between treatments one can take advantage of the swimming pool, hammam, sauna and fitness salons. Beauty treatments are also available. There is a fantastic Thalassotherapy centre at the Hotel Mediterranee.
Some typical Thalassotherapy treatments are:
-
Hydro bath - A sea water bath of bubbles and mini jets.
-
Seaweed Wrap - Application of a seaweed wrap over the whole body
-
Aqua - Exercise in a sea water pool under the supervision of an instructor
-
Massage - Relaxing and toning massages (many different types available).
Tunisia is second only to France in the development of Thalassotherapy.
SHOPPING
There are a variety of places to shop in Tunisia. The best known and
undoubtedly the most fun are the souks. Each Tunisian town has a souk
or a market, where everything can be bought – handmade jewellery,
clothes, carpets, shoes, fabric, furniture, pottery, leatherwear and so
on. There are no fixed prices, so the key to obtaining a bargain is to
haggle! Start by offering one third of the asking price and haggle away.
The medinas or old towns, (the medina in Hammamet is just a short taxi ride from the Hotel Mediterranee) are home to the souks and are real living places where craftsmen can be found practicing their trade on the streets and where each street represents a different craft.
Generally the nobler trades, such as jewellers, silk merchants, perfumers and book-sellers are located centrally around the mosque, and the more practical trades, such as pottery can be found towards the outskirts of the town.
The best way to shop in this maze is to wander aimlessly and stumble across whatever takes your fancy. (A tourist ‘Noddy Train’ runs from just outside the Hotel Mediterranee to the medina)
Now, if you are not comfortable with haggling, then there are Government recommended shops (SOCOPA) available in the souks, which offer a variety of products, many of which you will find on the streets, all at a fixed price. The shop owners have to conform to strict regulations – prices have to be displayed and employees have to wear name badges. These shops were introduced a few years ago by the Ministry of Tourism, Leisure and Handicrafts and can be identified by the sign outside the shop.
LUXURY SHOPPING CENTRES
Not all shopping in Tunisia is carried out in the souks, there are now
numerous luxury shopping centres in some of the major cities, such as
Tunis and Sousse. The Berges du Lac commercial centre on the outskirts
of Tunis is home to a plush shopping centre with many designer stores
offering items at reasonable prices. The Carrefour supermarket and
shopping centre, located near to the airport and opened in 2001, is a
popular place for many Tunisians to shop for their weekly food, although
fresh products are still bought by many from the local markets.
WHERE TO GO
Hammamet is possibly the best-known resort in Tunisia. It has changed
greatly from the small fishing village it once was, evolving into a
sought-after holiday resort in the 1920’s.
Known as the ‘garden resort’, it is backed by olive, orange and lemon groves and lines of cypress trees. Hammamet’s centre is a miniature cape jutting out into the sea with the well preserved 13th century Kasbah offering pleasing views over the gleaming domes of the Medina (the old walled city) and the white sands of the coastline.
The newer quarters of Hammamet with shops, cafés and restaurants spread out from the Medina.
YASMINE HAMMAMET
Yasmine Hammamet is Tunisia’s newest resort. Situated just south of
Hammamet, it is made up of predominantly four and five star luxury
hotels. Built around a 740-berth marina, it recreates the style of many
elegant resorts around the Mediterranean.
There is a sophisticated new medina, with luxurious boutiques, cafés and restaurants, theatres and museums and a fabulous residential complex. The apartments within the site are the epitome of luxury and comfort and surround magnificent swimming pools.
Don’t forget to check out the Photo Gallery
FRIGUIA WILDLIFE PARK
Friguia Park is an animal park, the first ever of its kind in North
Africa, located between Hammamet and Sousse. Over one hundred animals
live in semi-freedom in this natural park of rare beauty, where more
than 25 endangered African species live in a protected ecological
environment.
Eventually these animals will be released back into the wild. Friguia Park is home to various types of mammals and reptiles, such as antelopes, gazelles, camels, donkeys, lions, ostriches, flamingos and crocodiles.
During the summer the park is open from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm and in the winter it closes at 4.00pm. Facilities include a restaurant snack-bar and a shop.
BLUE ICE – YASMINE HAMMAMET
The Blue Ice complex in Yasmine Hammamet is spread over three floors and
is home to a games room, ice cream parlour, coffee shop, self-service
restaurant, fast-food restaurant, as well as the main attraction,
Tunisia’s first ever ice rink, which can accommodate up to one hundred
skaters in a single session
During the day the ice rink offers training sessions to those who wish to learn to ice skate, or those just wanting to perfect their style and is open to adults and children alike.
CARTHAGELAND – YASMINE
HAMMAMET
A day in the theme park Carthageland, which opened in August 2003, would
take you through the history of Tunisia, from the Carthaginians, Romans
and Berbers to the Muslims of the present.
Set in the scene of ancient Carthage adults and children alike can go back in time and relive the Punic Wars, the conquering of Rome over the Alps, a journey through Africa and the Turkish pirates on a number of thrilling rides.