Haggling skills at the ready for the souks and shops in these two charming seaside towns. Contrast the quiet village streets of Hergla with the vibrant medina of Sousse. Classic Tunisian crafts you'll see include colourful Kairouan rugs, embroidered textiles, copper lamps, leather slippers and olive wood pieces. Karim, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Look out for traditional raffia-ware in Hergla. Berber artisans use Halfa grass – a dry plant grown in the region – for making hand-woven crafts such as baskets which we use to store fruit, vegetables and bread. They're a great souvenir, and they won't weigh down your luggage.'
We'll begin with a stroll around the whitewashed village of Hergla, sitting pretty on top of the coastal cliffs. It's a charming place where the blue of the windows and doors echoes the sea below. Wander the lanes to see the old mosque and watch the basket weavers at work. Maybe you'll catch the fishing boats coming back to harbour with their catch.
Oozing old-world Tunisian character, Sousse medina's web of lanes are bursting with activity. Karim says, ‘This medina is one of the largest in the Islamic world encircled by walls, and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1988 for its fine Arab architecture which hasn't changed for centuries. The Great Mosque and the Ribat fortress are my favourite monuments.' As well as the main market at Bab Jadid, don't miss Bab il Gharbi, a great area for shopping, watching local craftsmen, trying street food, or stopping at a café.
