RETURN TO PAST GLORY

SPORTING stunning beaches, impressive relics, fantastic food, with year-round warm weather, not to mention the friendly, laid-back locals – and all less than a three-hour flight away – it’s no surprise Tunisia has long been a popular package holiday destination for Brits.

Inevitably, the terrible terrorist attack on the resort of Sousse three years ago took its toll on the North African country’s tourism. But when I visited recently, it was heartening to see it’s firmly back on the map for holidaymakers.

Anyone who’s been to Morocco will be on familiar ground.

As well as having the same languages of Arabic and French, the food, scenery and relatively liberal culture are very similar.

Tunisia’s real jewel in the crown is the wonderfully named Sidi Bou Said, a small but striking town near the capital Tunis.

Despite the hordes of visitors, it retains a genuine laid-back charm.

It was easy to relax by the outdoor pool at La Villa Bleue, a charming five-star boutique spa hotel in a beautiful setting, soaking up the incredible views.

Thanks to Tunisia’s position, at the meeting point of Africa and Europe, the country is steeped in history.

There are no fewer than eight UNESCO world heritage sites across the country, including the remains of the ancient Phoenician city of Carthage, spread across a huge site overlooking the Gulf of Tunis, and the El Jem amphitheatre.

But Tunisia isn’t just about the past and, as many a movie fan will know, some of the Star Wars film series’ most iconic moments were filmed here.

Popular 70s purposebuilt seaside resort Port El Kantaoui is well worth a visit, offering not only boat trips, diving and water sports from purpose-built beaches, but also boasting an 18-hole golf course. In Hammamet, the country’s best-known resort town, we stayed at the allinclusive Orangers Beach Resort, complete with spa, three outdoor pools and a kids club, and serving an international buffet that caters for all tastes.

If you fancy a more secluded getaway, then check into the Dar El Jeld spa. Despite being in the centre of Tunis, its 16 stunning suites are in a peaceful garden setting.

Since major tour operators such as Thomas Cook and TUI relaunched holidays to Tunisia, just a year ago, confidence among British holidaymakers has been building up again. There really is no better time to go than now.