Tunis
One hour from Hammamet, Tunis takes you by
surprise with its modern conference halls,
hotels and banks, bright yellow taxis
rushing passengers to a business lunch, all
the hustle and bustle of a modern
Mediterranean city. Steel and glass blend
with the baroque, palm trees look down on
chic boutiques, gardens and cafés.
Begin at the monument of November 7, which
marks Tunisia's turn towards the future,
stroll down shady tree lined Avenue Habib
Bourguiba, with its flower stands, passing
bookstores and galleries. Beyond the
Cathedral and the statue of Ibn Khaldoun,
looms the gateway to the ancient Medina.
As you enter the narrow streets , centuries
slip away and, like Alice, step into the
looking glass to another world. Small shops,
their treasures of brass, olive wood,
leather and brightly colored garments spill
out into the street. Souvenirs, antiques,
berber jewelry, carpets and pottery vie for
your attention. Continue, if you can resist
their lures, upwards towards the Mosque of
the Olive Tree, Ez Zitouna, as old as the
town itself and the heart of the Medina.
Hammamet & Nabuel
For visitors and Tunisians alike Hammamet is another word for vacations and its ritual of sun bathing on spotless beaches, the gasp of cool water on bronzed skin, dinner on the patio of a beachfront hotel , midnight swims, discos and watching the sun rise in the mirror of the sea.
Hammamet, the "Tunisian Saint Tropez", is all this and more. Its a way of life, taking the time to relax , meet old friends and make new ones.It's fishermen in brightly painted boats setting out at dawn, the medina surrounded by its ramparts and crowned by an ancient fort overlooking the sea, fashionable boutiques where resplendent traditional tunics and caftans rival the shimmering sun.
The Gulf of Hammamet shelters miles of fine sandy beaches, sparkling seas and modern hotels dedicated to the comfort a well being of their guests. A variety of sea sports, folklore, exhibitions, festivals and amusements are provided for an memorable vacation.
Monastir
Monastir, 9th century walls and an imposing Ribat tower over a modern resort complex and the result is amazingly harmonious. Monastir captures that blend of the traditional and modern that characterizes Tunisia. A marina nestled in the shade of the walls provides a enjoyable promenade as does the long avenue that offers the bluest of Mediterranean seas on one side and open air terraces of hotels, restaurants and coffee houses from where you can enjoy the view.
The "monastery" after which the town was named, was built by an Islamic religious order in 797 to defend the town from roaming nomadic tribes and Byzantine warships. The fortress houses a lovely museum of art and artifacts.
Sousse
On the eastern coast of Tunisia, two hours from the capital Tunis lies Sousse, "the pearl of the Sahel" . The mildness of its climate, its calm and beautiful coast and the hospitality of its people have long captivated those who came to conquer. Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs settled in this lovely "fertile city" each leaving their imprint and heritage. No wonder modern day visitors from all over the world find themselves at home and return again and again.
The resort area of Sousse is perfectly integrated into the city and the visitor welcomed to participate in its exuberance. Proud of its heritage, museums and monuments are accessible and opened with pleasure to its guests and the Medina with its tiny colorful shops overflowing with silver jewelry, pure wool blankets, copper and carpets bustle with activity under the towering walls of the ribat.
El Kantaoui
The hotels that line the beachfront extend
from the Sousse itself along miles of
sparkling clean sea to the Port El Kantaoui.
This complex includes a modern marina
equipped for over 300 boats, an 18 hole golf
course as well as a full array of sports
from water skiing to riding, in a
village-like setting.
The charm of this white and blue Tunisian
style village with its perfectly reproduced
medina, never fails to enchant, lending
itself to an afternoon stroll through the
cobblestone streets to window shop, admire
the boats moored in the marina or a
refreshing pause at one of the sidewalk
cafes. The two story residential appartments
that ring the marina observe the same
architectural style creating a peaceful and
pleasing harmony.
For more information on Tunisia please visit the National Tunisian Tourist Office by clicking here
