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Tunisia's Beaches = Africa's Vacation Playground
In a North African country known for its 60 million olive trees, you might not expect 1,300-kilometers of shoreline along the Mediterranean Sea. Yet Tunisia's history as a beach resort dates to the Phoenicians, who founded the seafaring colony of Carthage near the modern-day capital of Tunis in 814BC.
Within a half-hour of the international airport, families can reach the fully developed east coast beach town of Hammamet, or fly direct to Sousse and farther south to Monastir and the fishing village of Mahdia. Tunisia's newer, less developed north coast resorts cater to the capital's prosperous population, who commute to the pretty port of Bizerte and the quieter, wooded Tabarka on summer weekends.
Some vacationers prefer the exquisite isolation of the highly developed island of Djerba, with its fine sand beaches, shallow water and leaning palms. This popular vacation isle off Tunisia's south coast has whitewashed Mediterranean Arab villages, domed houses and historic mosques to add cultural interest. Connected by a land bridge, Djerba is only one hour from the Tunisian desert for families who want to explore the stark sand dunes made famous by the three "Star Wars" prequels. The vast sands are best seen in non-summer months, so our family concentrated instead on the northern and eastern beach areas whose own long, intriguing history reflects Tunisia's multicultural past.
Because Tunisia is a fairly liberal Arab country that learned European ways during the long period of French colonization, its successful beach resorts cater to Western taste and customs in attire, cuisine and nightlife. Visitors will be able to sunbathe topless, replenish their l'Oreal sunblock and have croissants and café au lait for breakfast, meanwhile sharing a rich culture influenced by the occupying armies of Rome, Byzantium, Arabia, Turkey, and France.
Hammamet & Surrounds
Just 62 kms south of Tunis, the world-class resort development of Hammamet rims 25 kms of beach on the east coast of the Cap Bon Peninsula. A long popular Mediterranean resort -- its fitting name is derived from the Arabic hammam or bath -- there's not much more to do than enjoy the sun and stroll the sand. Hammamet has maintained its small town charm, however, by keeping a well preserved medina of tourist shops and a restored fortress safely within a pedestrian only zone.
Families spend the cool sunset hours strolling by the marina, pushing babychairs through the tangle of foreign press newsstands and postcard stalls, and admiring the classic whitewashed Mediterranean architecture. Even the condo developments owned by wealthy Tunisians and French retirees are unobtrusive, lowrise stucco units draped in bougainvillea. Hammamet celebrates at the Orange Festival held each April, when orange blossoms are harvested for their oil; and at the summer-long Tunisian Summer Festival with arts performances here and in Carthage.
Most of Hammamet's seafront family resorts are outside the town, and there's a bright pink tourist trolley that shuttles between Hammamet Ville (the village), Yasmine Hammamet (an upscale, purpose built community whose golf course and lifestyle mall compete with the best in Florida), the prosperous ceramics center of Nabeul, and the Aquapolis Waterpark. Those on a tighter budget may prefer one of the simple, whitewashed, two-cots-in-a-room style pensiones that cling to the walls of the fortress. In any case, it's easy to park the car and return to the village for a day of cafes, shopping, and strolling with the wealthy Arab and European crowd.
In Hammamet Ville, Le Fort (or The Citadel) is certainly worth a visit. Known as a borj or fortified country house during the 9th century, this beautiful walled castle was enlarged under the Ottomans, then sacked by the Knights of Malta during a clever surprise raid in 1602. All ages will enjoy the view from its ramparts, which were restored and are maintained by the local village. Bypass the Citadel's small café and just outside you'll find everyone's favorite beach bum bar, the Sidi Bouhdid. Relax outdoors under their thatched canopy with a mint tea, and be sure to visit the interior, where woven cushions invite guests to recline on the stucco banquettes. Traditional Tunisian costumes and regalia bestowed on tiny bridesmaids and boys awaiting circumcision are displayed.
Yasmine Hammamet offers a fun outing because of its new 870-yacht marina and fancy, international style housing and commercial development. The Port Yasmine outdoor mall is a good evening diversion for inquisitive and acquisitive teens. Nearby is the small Carthageland fun park, where rides and a midway are themed with the elephants that Hannibal used to defend the original ancient city. The whole family will enjoy an air-conditioned break at the multimedia show entitled "Tunisia Odysee," which chronicles 3,000 years of the country's history through slides, animation, films, music and special effects.
http://www.tunisianholidays.co.uk/
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