Just four hours from the UK, this north African country offers the usual sun, sea and sand but also possesses stunning architecture and historic attractions.

Lara Myall

WHY GO?

The north-coast resort of Hammamet, once a tiny fishing village that was transformed into a fashionable retreat frequented by the likes of Winston Churchill and Mussolini, is now a full-blown package-holiday destination.

The city centre is a delightful mish-mash of the old and new; a 13th century kasbah with a bustling market and sleek new shops and cafés.

Just south of Hammamet is the "St Tropez" of Tunisia, Yasmine Hammamet, with its luxury fourand five-star hotel complexes.

Each comes complete with its own private beach, built around a custom-built Nouvelle Medina.

SOAK UP THE SUN
Beach fans are well catered for, there are miles of golden sands and crystal clear water. The only problem is that almost 95 per cent of the beaches are owned by hotels, so you may be restricted in terms of choice.

When we visited, the weather was very windy but the beaches are well set up with wooden canopies protecting the sunbeds.

The best place to catch the sporadic rays was in the outdoor thalassotherapy pools, which looked out over the beach.

Listening to the calls of the muezzin while floating in a warm tub felt like paradise.

DON'T MISS
Haggling in the market- although our experience taught us that it's best to go with a guide. I bartered for more than 20 minutes for a gorgeous lantern, paid around £40 and thought I had got a bargain. Two shops further along we saw the same lamp for half the price.

In search of something a little less traditional, we indulged in a spot of wine-tasting at Chateau Bacchus- the former residence of Mussolini. The vineyard has group wine-tasting sessions and produces 14 varieties. My favourite was the full-bodied Fleur de Mornag Rosé.

Finally, although it may sound a bit corny, no visit to North Africa would be complete without a camel ride.

We headed to the Friguia Animal Park, a simple safari-style park halfway between Hammamet and the resort of Sousse, some 60 miles to the south.

Although it's a somewhat uncomfortable experience, to ride a camel in its semi-natural habitat is quite something.

COCKTAILS ALFRESCO
Just north of Sousse, we discovered the picturesque Port el Kantaoui. You could easily mistake this modern resort for Nice, as hundreds of elegant yachts line the marina and chic Parisian couples smoke Camel Lights and sip Pernod.

The best bar on this sunset strip has to be Golf Brau, which is sleek and modern and the perfect spot for watching the sunset with a cocktail.

Port el Kantaoui is a world away from the mass-market tourism offered by Hammamet; the alfresco bars and restaurants have a contemporary feel that wouldn't seem out of place in London or New York.

We loved La Daurade, which felt seriously swanky and served traditional Tunisian dishes such as spiced lamb and couscous, alongside plenty of fresh fish.

BRING BACK If ceramics and pottery are your thing, then you should take a trip to Nabeul. Famous for its handmade pottery, there are numerous shops filled to the brim with every style, shape and colour of pot imaginable.

An ornate salad bowl carrying a price tag of 30 dinars (around £12) proved to be the perfect gift for my mum and a classic souvenir from North Africa.

The medinas have become rather touristy, but there are still traditional goods to be found if you look hard enough; bags of spices and eau de fleur d'orange (orange flower water) are both ideal gifts to bring home.

COFFEE AND CAKE Outside the sea wall, facing east across the Mediterranean in the heart of Hammamet town centre, you will find Sidi-Bou Hadid, the oldest café in Hammamet.

A cultural landmark it is not, but as you walk through the arched, studded door, up the winding stone steps, past plaques dating back to its birth, this café captures the real Tunisian spirit. Filled with low cushioned seats and mosaicstyle tables, here you can drink sweet green tea and enjoy a chicha (water-pipe). The rose tobacco is a must.

WHERE TO STAY:
Hidden behind imposing gates, the Royal Azur Thalasso Golf Hotel mixes an opulent feel with traditional Moorish touches. The terraces have fabulous views of the sea and the rooms have vast balconies with luxury bathrooms and all mod cons.

GETTING THERE:
Cosmos Holidays (0870 443 5310/  http://www.cosmosholidays.co.uk) has seven nights half-board at the Hotel Royal Azur Thalasso Golf in Hammamet from £489pp (two sharing), including return BA flights from Gatwick or Manchester and transfers.

Tunisian National Tourist Office: 020 7224 5561/ http://www.cometotunisia.co.uk