Tunisia

Tunisia's list of attractions would do justice to a country twice its size. From the Roman-era hot springs at Hamman Mellegue to the space-age sets of Star Wars (parts of which were filmed at Matmata), its lush-to-lunar landscapes have seen more action than the New World nations combined.

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  The Residence, Tunis

  Tunisia

  This sanctuary sits on the edge of a golden beach in the Mediterranean near Carthage ...

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  The Residence, Tunis

  Tunisia

  This sanctuary sits on the edge of a golden beach in the Mediterranean near Carthage ...

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  0 ratings

  0 reviews

Northern Tunisia has a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers (June-August) and mild, wet winters (December-February). Tunis' high temperatures top out around 32°C (90°F) and drop no lower than 6°C (40°F). The mountains of the northwest occasionally get snow, while the farther south you go, the hotter and drier it gets. Annual rainfall ranges from 1000mm (40in) in the north, down to 150mm (6in) in the south, although some Saharan areas go without rain for years on end. Tunisia's lowest point is at Chott el-Gharsa, at 17m (56ft) below sea level, and its highest point is at Jebel Chambi at 1544m (1785ft).

Transport

Getting around

Tunisia has a well-developed transport network, with just about every town of any consequence linked daily with the capital. Things get crowded during August and September and around holidays, so book ahead if possible.

Tunisia's domestic air network is fairly limited - there just aren't that many places far enough from Tunis to warrant catching a plane. Four airports catch domestic flights from Tunis - Gafsa, Jerba, Sfax and Tozeur - and no flight takes more than an hour.

The national bus company, Société Nationale du Transport Interurbain (SNTRI, pronounced 'sintry'), operates daily air-conditioned buses to just about every town in the country. Their services are fast, comfy and affordable. In summer, they run at night to avoid the midday heat; book ahead at this time. In addition, there are regional bus companies that are cheap, but slower than SNTRI, and almost never air-conditioned.

The train network run by the Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Tunisiens (SNCFT) is well short of comprehensive, but it is modern and efficient and they do run on time. The main line runs several times a day between Tunis and Gabès via Sousse and Sfax. One train branches off at Mahrès to Gafsa and Metlaoui. Other destinations include Bizerte, Mateur, Ghardimao, Jendouba, Kalaat Khasba, Bir Bou Rekba, Nabeul, Monastir and Mahdia. For train enthusiasts, the Lezard Rouge (Red Lizard) is a restored beylical train that runs between Metlaoui and Redeyef daily, offering magnificent views of the Seldja Gorge.

Tunisia's shared, long-distance taxis - called louages - take five passengers and won't leave until they're full (which never takes long). Louages are the fastest way to get around and the cost is only slightly higher than that for a bus. To find one, look for a white Peugeot station wagon with roof racks and identification signs on the front and back. There's always someone shouting out destinations and directing people to specific louages near their 'depots' - usually a vacant lot in the town centre. The government sets the rates, so if you think you're being ripped off, ask to see the list of tariffs before getting in.

Driving around Tunisia is a treat - at least in the north. The roads are excellent and drivers are generally safe and courteous. The only things to watch out for are weaving moped drivers (of which there are bountiful numbers) and errant pedestrians. Fuel is cheap by European standards, but lead-free petrol is not widely available and car rental costs are exorbitant. Driving is on the right.

There are two regular ferry services in the country. One connects Sfax with the Kerkennah Islands, about 25km (15mi) off the coast. The second runs from Jorf on the mainland to Ajim on the island of Jerba. Fares are very cheap.

Bicycles are available for hire around the country. Conditions are ideal, save for summer heat, winter cold and the dearth of quality spare parts - fill out your repair kit before you leave home.

Tunis also has a modern métro léger (tram) network, which is much easier to use than the buses, as well as a suburban train line (TGM) that connects the city centre with the northern suburbs.

Getting there and away

Most of the tourists who visit Tunisia each year arrive by air. The main airports for international (predominantly charter) flights are Tunis-Carthage, Monastir and Jerba, with Tozeur and Tabarka picking up a stray flight here and there. Tunis Air, the national airline, flies to a range of destinations in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, but there are no direct flights between Tunisia and North or South America, Asia or Oceania. There is no departure tax in Tunisia.

Crossing by ferry from France or Italy is a popular option, and it's possible (though a pain) to bring a car or motorcycle along for the ride. To do so, bring the vehicle's registration papers and purchase liability insurance and an international driver's permit (in addition to your domestic licence). The only transport option between Algeria and Tunisia is taking a shared taxi (louage) from Place Sidi Bou Mendil in the Tunis medina to Annaba and Constantine. Travel to and from Libya is also difficult, and the likelihood of getting a visa remains slim. A better bet is to go through a tour company specialising in trips to Libya.

The best yachting marinas in Tunisia are at Monastir, Port el-Kantaoui, Sidi Bou Saïd, Tabarka and Zarzis.

Health & Legal Requirements

Visas overview

Most visitors do not require visas for stays of up to three or four months. Israeli nationals are not allowed into the country. Australians and South Africans can buy a three-month visa at the airport on arrival. It can take a little while though.