No matter if you prefer pure beach holiday or wondering around monuments from the Roman times, the northernmost African country has it all. It’s time to plan your holiday in Tunisia !
From fascinating sandy beaches drenched by sunshine, to grand ancient ruins and the vast, rolling dunes of Sahara, Tunisia encapsulates everything that’s enticing about North Africa. Located just stone’s throw from Europe, Tunisia sits on Mediterranean coast, midway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Nile Delta.
Before I even knew I will ever travel to Tunisia, I had met several people who love to travel to this region. They kept speaking over and over again about Djerba. It sounded pretty much like a tropical paradise and a must-go. The coincidence has it, my first ever trip to Tunisia was about to kick off from nowhere else than… Djerba. I was so thrilled!
In the end, I got to see so much more. With 10 days of packed schedule, I travelled about 600 kilometers all the way up to Tunis, capital if Tunisia.
TRAVEL TO TUNISIA
There are six international airports in Tunisia to fly to. Most likely, you will land at Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN) near Tunis. Find the best prices with my favorite tool Kiwi.com.
The airports are quite modern and convenient. You can change money I directly at the airport (the rate is same everywhere in Tunisia) and get local SIM card with data.
If you plan to make phone calls, fixing the local number saves you quite some dollars – the roaming in Africa can be expensive (USD 3 per minute with my operator).
THE SECURITY IN TUNISIA
With last year’s terrorist attacks (in Bardo museum in March and on the beach in Sousse in June), it’s recommended to be cautious in high traffic tourist destinations or public spaces. Avoid travelling to southern border with Lybia and several locations on the border of Algeria. Download the map of the problematic places here.
Speaking from my personal experience, I felt safe in Tunisia. Really! Especially the resorts are safe and very quiet. I visited also places in Tunis and Sousse, where the sad events had happened. Would I travel to Tunisia again? I would. Definitely!
There are at least 7 reasons why Tunisia is perfect place for holiday. Are you ready? Let’s see my favorites:
01 | Thousand kilometers of stunning beaches
Most sun-seekers head to Tunisia to enjoy its sea and gorgeous Mediterranean beaches. They never get really crowded – there is enough of golden sand for everyone. Tunisia’s coastline is 1 148 kilometers long!
The prettiest beaches are located on Cap Bon peninsula. You can also get some great swim in Djerba (two famous beaches are Sidi Mahrez a Seguia). Tunisian beaches are wide and surprisingly long. The beach north of Sousse is about 35 km long, and near Nabeul even up to 50 km (!).
The stay in the seaside resorts is really relaxing. Most of hotels are located further away from the city and feature private beach, for the guests only.
There are two resorts that I really enjoyed: one is Yadis Djerba thalasso, Golf & Spa Hotel located directly at the coast of Djerba. The second is Golden Yasmine Mehari Hammamet, with stunning beach just a few steps away.
02 | Towns brimming with historical charm
Tunisia offers more than a typical seaside destination. If you feel terrified about staying in a hotel which is surrounded by nothing but never ending desert, you are safe in Tunisia. Here the worth exploring city is never too far away.
On my trip I explored Houmt Souk, Souk, Sfax, Hammament and Tunis. I focused on those in separate article that is coming soon.
Each bigger town features so called medina, historic quarter that once was surrounded by (and antient) walls. Have a stroll in the labyrinth of narrow lanes – it’s an authentic experience.
Tunisian people are friendly and kind. They don’t hesitate twice to offer advice or offer help. You never see then being in a rush – there is always enough time for everything The official language is Arabic, most of locals are bilingual in Arabic and French. The English is less common, but for me it always worked, too.
Practical note: When it comes to souvenirs, I recommend the products made of olive wood – mainly decoration or kitchenware. I bought an we some ladle for just 7 dinars (3 USD).
03 | Experience Sahara, world largest desert
The enchanting sands of Sahara stretch over ten countries including the south of Tunisia. And I can tell you – it’s an amazing and definitely highlight of my holiday in Tunisia. I am considering to be back one day to experience it overnight. There must be plenty of stars out there!
The easiest destination for organizing the Sahara trip is Djerba. From there you have two choices – too visit the west dotted with salt lakes, or head to get a glimpse of Sahara Oases.
Interesting stop is Matmata, small town known for its underground cave structures (so called trylodytes) that one used to host the local Berber population. Noone lives there anymore, but it’s possible to visit this architectonic wonder.
04 | Mediterranean climate with lots of sunshine
Tunisia offers stable throughout the year. The coast dotted by resorts is under the influence of pleasant Mediterranean climate characteristic by warm and sunny days.
The swimming season runs from May until October. The sea gets as warm as 28 °C. If you don’t prefer the hot weather, try to avoid July and August, the warmest months.
The best time for a seaside holiday is September and October when the weather is pleasant and sea still warm. If you are heading to Tunisia for sightseeing, then April and May are perfect.
05 | Jaw dropping archeological sites
Tunisia is a country with long and rich history. Wide number of archeological sites demonstrate the historical role of Tunisia – an important crossroads of civilizations.
Tunisia was found by Phoenician traders who eventually settled here. The colony developed into the center of an empire dominating the Mediterranean Sea. Although not too much is left from the original Cartague nowadays, history lovers will still enjoy its ruins including roman baths, cathedral and amphitheater.
The country hosts the most impressive Roman ruins outside Italy. Head to the northeast of the country to track the Roman part of history (cities Dougga, Bulla Regea and Chemtou). Don’t miss UNESCO listed amphitheater El Jem, build around 238 AD. With estimated capacity of 35 000 spectators it is world’s third-largest amphitheater.
06 | You can move around the country easily
Tunisia has much to offer and it’s nearly pity to spend the holiday in Tunisia all in one place. The roads are in quite good conditions and there are several ways to move around independently.
Transportation options:
Car. Around USD 55/a day. Rentals are
easy to find. Higher price at the airport.
Long distance bus: cheapest way of transport. Schule doen’t exist, but busses arrive in regullar manner.
Shared taxi (louage): taxi for eight people. There are come regular routes, but it only leaves once its full.
Train: smart option for long journeys. Comfortable trains run from Tunis south to Sousse, Sfax and Monastir.
If you plan to travel in Tunsia independently, check out useful post 13 Days in Tunisia – Bacpacking travel guide by my blogger friend @joaoleitao.
07 | International cuisine with amazing seafood
The food in Tunisia is quite awesome. And if you are into seafood, you will enjoy it double. They got the best shrimps I have ever eaten. The local specialty is grilled fish that they call “poisson complet’. Yummy as well!
Tunisian cuisine offers a variety of tastes. It combines elements of Turkish, French and Mediterranean cuisine. They don’t serve pork since it’s a muslim country, but you will find that the mutton is a great alternative. Fruit, vegetable and olives are present in most meals.
Typical meal is couscous, dish of small steamed balls of semolina, usually served with a stew spooned on top. Couscous can be served warm or cold and it tastes differently in each restaurant.
Food you should try
Brik – very crispy thin pastry with a whole egg parsley and onions and sometimes meat. Very tasty as an inexpensive starter.
Salade Tunisienne– lettuce, green pepper, tomato, onions, olives, radishes all finely chopped mixed with tuna.
Harissa– very hot spicy chili paste (sometimes made more mild with carrots or yogurt), served with bread as a starter at almost any meal.
Merguez– small spicy sausages made from me Mutton meat
HAVE YOU BEEN TO TUNISIA? WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT NORTH AFRICA?
Tunisia is little less explored that some other parts of Noth Africa – especially Egypt. I wonder whether you have been to the region and what was your experience like.
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This post was created in partnership with Tunisian National Tourism Office Prague. Thanks for making it possible for me to collect such a wide range of experiences during the 10 days. It was my first time to Tunisia and this trip will always be very special to me in many ways.
The post 7 Reasons Why You Should Spend Your Next Holiday in Tunisia appeared first on Veronika's adventure.