Fancy kindling some adventure and romance in the desert? Look no further than Tunisia; land of sweeping dunes, bright medinas, palm-fringed resorts and camels.

With a coastline on the Mediterranean, this versatile country is as enticing a beach destination as it is a cultural terminal. Its cuisine is delicious and challenging, while the desert beckons those who seek to test their boundaries.

Tunisian Temple Run in Carthage

Once mighty seat of the Roman Empire, and home to over half a million inhabitants, ruin-strewn Carthage will delight those with any interest in the past.

Antonin Baths, Tunisia. Photo Credit: Dennis Jarvis

Visit the Antonin Baths, the largest of their kind outside Rome, and hop between crumbling cisterns and an Olympic-sized pool that was supplied by the Zaghouan Aqueduct.

Then, debunk the findings from the city’s various archaeological sites in the Carthage Museum.

Relax in blissful Hammamet

Described often as the ‘Tunisian St Tropez’ this jasmine-scented town of sparkling ocean, plump citrus trees and whitewashed buildings adds a touch of Mediterranean glamour to any getaway.

You’ll find little to occupy your attention beyond the sea and being pampered.

If you can drag yourself away from the sun lounger, you’ll find a quaint enough medina for buying souvenirs, and the fortified walls of the old town, which are well worth walking for the views the offer of the sea.

Shop ‘til you sizzle in bustling Sousse

With a giant, UNESCO recognised medina, Sousse is the perfect place to get a cultural snapshot of Tunisia.

Check out the pictorial delights of the mosaic museum, and explore the quaint charm of Dar Esid, a museum located inside an authentic Tunisian house.

High quality brightly designed rugs and carpets are on display for purchase throughout Tunisia. Photo by Dennis Jarvis

Don’t neglect to see the Ribat, a fortress dating back to 821 AD with a watchtower affording an eagle-eye view of the city. Once you feel suitably glutted with culture, dive into the bazaar area of the medina and engage in some haggling – it’s all part of the fun, and fully expected.

If you get the chance, check out the camel market – no, you won’t be able to purchase a bactarian beast to take back home, but you can pick up many beautiful Tunisian trinkets for a steal.

Get the blues in Sidi Bou Said

Accessible from Tunis or Carthage by light train, this teeny village is of a similar palette to Santorini in Greece: all gleaming white walls with cornflower blue trim, and teetering on a cliff overlooking the Med.

By night, the package tourists dissipate, and those who have opted to stay can enjoy the twinkling lights of the harbour from one of the many excellent hillside cafes.

Sidi Bou Said. Photo Credit: grolli77

There are so many places to see and things to try on a Tunisian holiday, well known tour operator – First Choice will help you to create some new memories in this beautiful and ancient land.

Meg Jerrard is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging around the world for the last 7 years to inspire others to embark on their own worldwide adventure!  Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

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