Tucked into the northern coast of Africa, Tunisia is any traveler’s dream. Promising tradition, views, and experiences that won’t disappoint, Tunisia is the right gateway from Europe to Africa. It packs vibrant cities, mountainous greenery, expansive desert, and glowing coasts right into a small space. This Tunisia journey information will persuade you to plan a visit and inform you find out how to!
Tunisia is completely a hidden gem. Most individuals have by no means heard of the nation, not to mention thought-about planning a visit there. Nonetheless, in consequence, they’re lacking one of many coolest journey experiences of a lifetime.
Tunisia is among the many most rewarding nations I’ve visited, providing a dream below the solar at an extremely reasonably priced value. Right here, you possibly can you get from the Mediterranean coast to the Sahara Desert in just some hours and drive from one finish of the nation to the opposite in lower than a day. The nation is jam-packed with wealthy tradition and treasured surroundings that it’s a no brainer to go to Tunisia in 2022.
For vacationers who’ve but to journey past North America and Europe, and are in search of a primary foray into Africa, it doesn’t get any higher than Tunisia. The North African nation is overflowing with pure magnificence, structure, tradition, and welcoming locals. But, someway it’s virtually fully untouched by vacationers.
The highlights of my journey to Tunisia had been days spent enjoyable on the coast, strolling via suburban streets, and marveling at city tradition and structure. What is going to yours be? This Tunisia journey information will inform you every thing you should know to plan an unforgettable journey!
Visitor Submit by Evan Edler
The place is Tunisia?
Tunisia is the northernmost nation in Africa. It’s nestled between Algeria and Libya with its shoreline straddling the Mediterranean Sea. These giant neighbors make Tunisia appear considerably tiny, nevertheless it’s bigger than most European nations.
Tunis, the bustling capital, sits on the Gulf of Tunis within the northern a part of Tunisia. The world round Tunis is verdant and mountainous. Going south, the panorama turns into more and more arid, and the southern half of the nation belongs to the Sahara Desert. Its location makes Tunisia an excellent connection between Europe and Africa, excellent for vacationers entering into both route. Tunis is definitely reachable by direct flights from main cities in Europe, together with Italy, France, and Spain. It additionally has flights to a lot of Africa and the Center East. Tunisair is the nationwide airline of Tunisia, which supplies glorious service to (and round) this nation.
Why do you have to go to Tunisia?
Nonetheless want convincing earlier than you e book your flights to Tunisia? Earlier than we dive deeper into this Tunisia journey information, let’s first cowl why it is best to go to the nation within the first place.
It’s a budget-friendly Mediterranean vacation spot
On the lookout for some R&R? Dreaming of sunbathing on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Spain or Italy? Assume once more! Tunisia boasts an enormous number of coastal locations, starting from rural hideaways to busier spots within the capital of Tunis.
Think about five-star resorts with fashionable rooms, personal seashores, spas, and extra facilities than you possibly can rely. Now, right here’s the kicker: Minimize the value tag in half with out sacrificing any of the frills. My keep at a 4-star resort in Hammamet price lower than accommodations in lots of European cities, and was completely luxurious.
Tunisia is a cultural crossroads
Tunisia’s nationwide identification is compiled from years of affect from numerous ruling powers, making for an enchanting case examine in historic and fashionable historical past. A lot of the nation’s present tradition stems from the rule of Muslim and Arabic forces. Due to this fact, Islam has a robust maintain as the first faith in Tunisia. Islamic values account for lots of the nation’s customs, thus connecting Tunisia with its neighbors.
Nonetheless, Tunisia is taken into account extra liberal and developed than different African nations. That is, partly, as a result of nation being below French rule from 1881-1956. The legacy of French rule stays, with French nonetheless being broadly spoken in fashionable society. As such, Tunisia serves as a bridge between the cultures of Europe and Africa, with its personal distinctive contact. The folks of Tunisia are welcoming and pleasant, which provides to the attraction of visiting Tunisia.
A variety of wonders
Vacationers who enterprise off the overwhelmed path into the center of Tunisia shall be rewarded on all fronts. There are such a lot of stunning locations to go to in Tunisia that it’s onerous to slender down the highest spots. This consists of the attractive Sidi Bou Stated paying homage to Santorini, the extreme desert landscapes that performed host to Luke Skywalker, and even the biggest Roman amphitheater in Africa. These sights make for a memorable journey expertise that’s robust to rival.
You’ll be the primary of your folks to discover Tunisia
For trailblazers, this top-of-the-line causes to go to Tunisia. It’s virtually untouched by vacationers, and I don’t suppose this would be the case for lengthy.
Because the tourism trade booms, I’m positive this hidden gem gained’t stay hidden. However with a lot to supply and its handy location, it’s certain to grow to be a mainstream journey vacation spot quickly. So, take pleasure in bragging rights that you just went earlier than it turns into in style!
Must you go to Tunisia or Morocco?
When American and European vacationers make their first leap into Africa, the pure selection is usually Tunisia’s western cousin, Morocco. In any case, it’s a gorgeous nation – deeply wealthy in tradition and historical past, and is certain to make an exquisite journey for any vacationer. Nonetheless, I’m going to argue that Tunisia beats out Morocco in a couple of methods. In my expertise, Morocco is flooded with vacationers whereas Tunisia is just not – which has many advantages from a tourism perspective.
In Tunisia, there are fewer vacationer traps on the streets and within the Medinas, giving the cities a extra genuine and immersive really feel. One other consequence of that is that Tunisia is considerably extra reasonably priced, and every thing from food and drinks to lodging is cheaper. In truth, numerous sources put the price of dwelling in Tunisia at anyplace from 20% to 40% inexpensive than that of Morocco. Not too shabby!
Logistical information to Tunisian journey: cash, language, and so forth.
With vital affect from each Africa and Europe, a number of the particular particulars of journey in Tunisia can appear complicated. Let’s get into the nuts and bolts of it!
Forex in Tunisia:
When in Tunisia, you’ll be utilizing the Tunisian Dinar. On the time of scripting this the Tunisian Dinar is price 0.31 Euros, so a conversion price of about 3 Dinar to 1 Euro or US Greenback is an efficient estimate. As an alternative of 100s, just like the Euro and Greenback, the Dinar is split into 1,000s (milim), and cash vary from 1 milim to five dinar, and banknotes go as much as 50.
Altering cash in Tunisia:
The Tunisian Dinar is taken into account a “closed foreign money,” which primarily means it’s unlawful for the foreign money to go away the nation. That’s simpler for you! Don’t fear about money till you get there. You’ll be able to trade money at accommodations, banks, and different locations at a authorities fastened price, or you should utilize ATMs susceptible to a small charge.
Language in Tunisia:
Tunisia’s singular official language is Fashionable Normal Arabic. Nonetheless, the nation’s linguistic panorama is far more numerous than it might seem on paper. The dialect of Arabic spoken in Tunisia is known as Tunisian Arabic, also referred to as Derja. As a result of nation’s colonization by France, French can also be spoken by over half of the inhabitants, particularly in giant cities and vacationer locations.
Energy shops in Tunisia:
Each kind C and kind E energy adapters will work in Tunisia – so adapters for mainland Europe amongst different locations can be utilized!
Time in Tunisia:
Tunisia is within the Central European Time Zone, the identical as main cities resembling Paris, Berlin, and Rome. Nonetheless, Tunisia doesn’t observe Daylight Financial savings. Because of this in the summertime, when a lot of Europe units their clocks ahead, Tunisia is consistent with the UK & Eire.
Attempting to determine the most effective methods to e book and plan your subsequent journey?
What’s the climate like in Tunisia?
Tunisia’s local weather is comparatively predictable, which makes it simple for vacationers to pack and put together. Alongside the coast, and within the north, it follows the identical patterns as most different Mediterranean spots. Winters are heat, and summers are (very) sizzling. Late autumn and winter are the rainiest season, with spring and summer time being fairly arid.
Additional south, Tunisia’s local weather falls consistent with its desert panorama. In hotter seasons the desert can exceed 38°C or 100°F, and is vulnerable to sandstorms. Total, any journey to Tunisia goes to be heat, so that you’ll need to depart behind your jackets and produce light-weight clothes – and sunscreen.
Trying to cool off after a sizzling journey to Tunisia? Learn subsequent: High Chilly Plunge Tubs
The historical past of Tunisia
This Tunisia journey information wouldn’t be full with out mentioning the historical past of the nation. Right here, we’ll have a look at the historical past of Tunisia beginning within the twelfth century BCE. Earlier than then, the realm (like the remainder of North Africa) was inhabited by native populations generally known as Berbers. Within the twelfth century, Phoenician peoples (coming from modern-day Lebanon), started to reach and create their very own settlements. One in all these settlements was generally known as Carthage.
By the seventh century BCE, Carthage emerged as probably the most highly effective kingdom within the area. It was rich and highly effective, and rivaled Rome in guts and glory till the first century BCE, when the Romans took Carthage. In consequence, they launched Christianity to the area, and left behind quite a few Roman websites that stay to today.
The Roman rule of Carthage crossed into the centuries AD, and remained till the Muslims conquered the land within the seventh century AD. This introduced Islamic and Arabic tradition to the land, which stays a significant cornerstone of Tunisian tradition. They retained rule till the Ottoman Empire conquered it in 1546. The Ottomans dominated over Tunisia for the subsequent 300 years.
Tunisia’s newer historical past
In 1881, the Ottoman Empire was weakening, and the French conquered Tunisian lands. Beginning in 1942, Tunisia was taken by the German forces of the Second World Warfare. It was the positioning of a 6 month marketing campaign between the Axis and Allied forces, and the Allied victory marked the tip of WWII’s battles in Africa. Independence was lastly granted to the brand new Tunisian Republic in 1956.
The nation of Tunisia was led by numerous rulers till a decline in dwelling and dealing situations led to the 2011 Tunisian Revolution. This era of civil unrest prompted an upheaval of the political system. Since then, Tunisia has been led by a democratically elected president, and has adopted a structure granting Tunisian ladies extra rights than most different African populations.
What’s the mythology of Tunisia’s previous?
Not into the historic nuts and bolts? Right here’s the mythological retelling of Tunisia’s historical past. In case you’re a fan of Greek and Roman historical past or mythology, you’ve most likely heard of Carthage. Town-state of Carthage was a rival of Athens and Rome for hundreds of years, however was an necessary a part of their mythology.
Let’s check out Carthage via the lens of one of the crucial necessary mythological texts: The Aeneid, Virgil’s epic poem. The Aeneid tells the story of the hero Aeneas, whose adventures all through the Mediterranean result in the inspiration of town of Rome. Within the Aeneid, Aeneas meets and falls in love with Dido, the Queen of Carthage.
Dido fled her household and located herself in North Africa, the place she determined to start out a kingdom of her personal. Legend has it that she made a take care of a neighborhood king. He gave her a bull’s disguise, and stated that she may rule the land that it lined. Intelligent as she was, Dido strung the disguise out into a skinny string, and encircled a big portion of land on the coast. This land was to grow to be her very personal kingdom of Carthage – and far in a while, Tunisia!
The place do you have to go in Tunisia?
You’ve determined to move to Tunisia and need to ensure you see all the key websites within the nation. The place do you begin? Properly, with this journey information to the most effective locations in Tunisia!
Tunis
Tunisia’s most accessible and hottest spot can also be considered one of its greatest – the nation’s capital, Tunis! Tunis itself has a number of necessary websites and straightforward day journeys, so let’s get into them! This journey information will cowl a number of the greatest sights and actions in Tunisia’s full of life capital, however there’s lots extra to discover.
Medina
Tunis’s Medina is likely one of the most well-known in Africa, and for good cause. It’s a seemingly countless maze of retailers and stalls (partially lined). This makes it simple to dive into the center of the Medina, as a result of the realm will envelop you – simply ensure you’re capable of finding a manner out!
Right here within the Medina of Tunis, you’ll discover garments, meals stalls, and extra. My favourite cease was the rooftop of a carpet store with unbeatable views of the encompassing metropolis. It’s not unusual for folks on the road to give you rooftop views for a small charge – for the views and the structure (picture alternatives, anybody?) I’d say it’s undoubtedly price it!
Sidi Bou Stated
When asking for suggestions for my journey to Tunisia, the very first thing anybody stated was to go to Sidi Bou Stated. And it’s not onerous to see why! Sidi Bou Stated is a neighborhood of Tunis only a prepare journey away from downtown, nevertheless it looks like a special world. Its white stones and blue accents make it a sister to Santorini or Mykonos.
The streets overflow with with vacationer outlets providing handmade items, and each flip is extra picturesque than the final. Highlights of this cease embrace Museum Dar El-Annabi, a rich family became a gorgeous museum with nice views, and the Café des Délices, an exquisite restaurant with immaculate views over the coast.
Carthage
One other neighborhood inside Tunis, and likewise reachable by prepare, Carthage is properly price a visit. The neighborhood is attractive, and I extremely suggest spending a while strolling the previous city, admiring the structure and the flowers. An important website right here is the archeological sights of Byrsa Hill. A brief stroll up this hilltop will lead you to the gorgeous facade of the Acropolium church. Behind lies the Carthage Nationwide Museum, with historic ruins on the property. With its unbelievable structure and ambiance, it’s no marvel Carthage is a big a part of Tunisia tourism.
Different high stops in Tunisia
Sousse
Sousse is a coastal metropolis, the third-largest in Tunisia. It’s one of the crucial in style resort areas within the nation the place you’ll find any luxurious you want. It balances seashore vibes with a historic city middle, the place you possibly can see structure and artwork to your coronary heart’s content material. Hammamet could also be a greater guess for a strictly seashore trip, however Sousse’s cultural benefit is price contemplating to get the most effective of each worlds.
El Djem
Extensively thought-about to be the third-largest Roman amphitheater ever constructed, the El Djem (alternatively spelled El Jem) is a website price seeing. It rivals the Colosseum in Rome, however with out the crowds of vacationers. You may get to the amphitheater on guided excursions or by yourself from close by cities like Sfax or Monastir (additionally price journeys in their very own rights). In case you’re utilizing guided journey teams in Tunisia, ensure that to cease right here!
Kairouan
Tunisians have a robust pleasure for this metropolis, because it’s the fourth-holiest in Islam. Kairouan is a website of pilgrimage, and within the Islam religion seven journeys to Kairouan can equal one journey to Mecca. Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Website, and for good cause. The principle attraction is its medina and its quite a few mosques. Town additionally hosts unbelievable structure and is a well-liked buying vacation spot – particularly for carpets.
Try a number of the different high historic websites on the earth!
The Sahara
For vacationers who haven’t but been to the African continent, the Sahara Desert could seem to be a dream vacation spot. Tunisia’s declare of the Saharan panorama is a good asset to its tourism trade, and it is best to benefit from it! The easiest way to see the desert is to take an organized tour all through the desert. Any good tour will present you some pure wonders, native tradition, and possibly some filming websites for the Star Wars films!
Journey Information inside Tunisia: get round
Attempting to determine find out how to get round Tunisia? The nation’s bus and prepare networks are expansive, and are properly price a glance. They will also be overwhelming (particularly for vacationers who can’t learn a lick of Arabic). However there are many different methods to get round this small nation.
Firstly, in case you plan to do an organized tour, they need to account for all transportation, which is good in case you’re not eager on figuring it out your self. Although probably the most dependable and cozy approach to journey is by automotive. You’ll discover automotive rental corporations in Tunis and in different giant cities.
You can too rent cabs and personal drivers. Whereas dearer than different choices, they’re cheaper when in comparison with different nations. And better of all – you’ll get loads of bang on your buck with out the stress of navigating Tunisian site visitors.
What to eat in Tunisia
The preferred meals in Tunisia’s numerous culinary pallet is couscous. Couscous is usually served as a kind of pasta served with stew, however varieties differ throughout North Africa. You may additionally encounter masfouf, a sweeter number of couscous.
For breakfast, attempt a neighborhood chakchouka (additionally spelled shakshouka). This dish consists of poached eggs served in spicy sauce accompanied by numerous greens and spices. Lastly, you possibly can (and will) order conventional mint tea when given the choice. It’s a staple of Tunisian diets lasting from historic historical past, and you’ll’t eat in Tunisia with out being supplied a sip at the very least as soon as.
The place to remain in Tunisia
Tunis
The most effective residence base for any journey to Tunisia is undoubtedly Tunis. As the biggest and capital metropolis, it has probably the most accommodations, eating places, guesthouses, and different vacationer facilities. It’s additionally most simply linked to the remainder of the nation and the world, making it best to journey into and out of. There are a selection of neighborhoods which are good choices for vacationers. Right here’s a information to a number of the greatest spots to remain when touring in Tunisia!
Listed here are some wonderful stays in Tunis:
Medina
The bustling coronary heart of Tunis’s metropolis middle, the Medina space is the most effective to remain in to be totally immersed in city Tunisian life. Right here you’ll have simple and handy entry to virtually anyplace you’d prefer to go, and an array of facilities geared for locals and vacationers alike.
For the most effective expertise, I’d suggest staying at Dar El Jeld. It’s one of many nicest accommodations (and eating places) in Tunisia, so is pricier than some neighbors, however comparatively reasonably priced by most American and European requirements. Suites begin at $140 an evening. This resort is completely luxurious, and any companies you might presumably want can be found. The rooms are enormous and opulent, and the placement is ideally located on the sting of the Medina. In case you’re seeking to splurge anyplace in Tunisia, that is the place!
In case you’re touring on a finances, take a look at the hostel Auberge el Medina. It gives conventional structure and meals, in addition to a snug keep for affordable. Dormitory-style rooms maintain 4 beds every, at $15.50 an evening for one mattress. You can too e book all 4 beds to show any dorm room into your individual private room. Hostels are a lot much less widespread in Tunisia than in most of Europe, so this can be a uncommon discover and an excellent guess for younger vacationers who need probably the most bang for his or her buck!
Sidi Bou Stated
Tunis’s personal Santorini, Sidi Bou Stated is likely one of the hottest spots within the metropolis for vacationers. Outdoors of the Medina correct, it’s a calmer residence base with loads of eating places and outlets. Plus, the views over the Mediterranean are merely unbeatable. Dar Stated is a good possibility on this village, overlooking the gulf. Rooms geared up with double beds begin at simply over $100 an evening. Company can benefit from quite a lot of choices, together with breakfast, a swimming pool, and gardens. This resort in Tunis is a quiet recluse in a bustling metropolis!
Listed here are some wonderful stays in Sidi Bou Stated:
La Marsa and Gammarth
A special possibility for lodging in Tunis is to hug the shore – actually. La Marsa and Gammarth are two neighboring villages that share lengthy coastlines with idyllic sandy seashores. That is the place you’ll discover many all-inclusive resorts and coastal getaways.
Due to its setting, this space is residence to a number of luxurious (ex: the 4 Seasons Tunis). If it’s luxurious you’re in search of, I like to recommend the The Residence. An opulent stick with personal swimming pools, a number of eating places, and a gorgeous seashore, that is the place to be pampered in Tunis. Rooms right here (and in most of its opponents) begin at round $300 an evening.
Listed here are extra wonderful stays in La Marsa and Gammarth:
On the lookout for some relaxation and leisure to work in your bodily and psychological well being?
Itinerary concepts for a visit to Tunisia
Booked your flights to Tunisia? Time for my favourite a part of this Tunisia journey information. Let’s have a look at a couple of itinerary choices. I’ll base these on per week of journey, though I like to recommend staying longer in case you can!
Bustle to seashore
To make sure a great combination of journey and leisure, cut up your go to to Tunisia between metropolis and sand. Begin in Tunis, the place you’ll discover the center of town. Take journeys to Carthage, Sidi Bou Stated, and the Medina. That is your time to buy in streetside stalls or get souvenirs for family and friends! Then make your manner all the way down to Hammamet, the resort capital of the nation.
Spend a couple of days in a resort of your selection, at a fraction of the price that you just’d discover on the opposite facet of the Mediterranean. Benefit from the fantastic seashores and the inviting ocean, and ensure to enterprise into the picturesque city middle. When you’re correctly pampered, head again to Tunis to fly residence (or additional on!).
Feeling bold?
In case you’re seeking to profit from a brief journey, lease a automotive and prepare to race via all of Tunisia’s high sights. First, spend at the very least two days in Tunis. This provides you with loads of time to see Sidi Bou Stated and Carthage, in addition to the Medina and metropolis middle. Then, drive south. Cease in Hammamet and Sousse, two fantastic coastal cities. Discover the El Djem amphitheater, the biggest in Africa and third largest on the earth.
When you’ve got time, head all the way down to the main port metropolis of Sfax for its structure and tradition. You can too drive additional south to achieve the tip of the desert! Head again as much as Tunis, and cease in Kairouan – the fourth holiest metropolis of Islam and a UNESCO World Heritage Website. Now you’ve seen virtually the entire nation!
Comply with the Power (guided journey via Tunisia)
One in all Tunisia’s best claims to fame is its distinguished options within the Star Wars sequence. Whether or not you’re a superfan otherwise you’ve by no means seen them, an organized tour via these websites could be an effective way to discover the southern and Saharan elements of the nation! That is additionally one of many best methods to journey via Tunisia, as there are a selection of tour corporations that can set up a complete itinerary for you, with a wide range of durations and costs. A few of the hottest (and respected) corporations embrace Silverscreen Excursions and StarWars Excursions.
Tunisia Journey Trivia: enjoyable information!
About to move off to Tunisia and need to be taught some extra? In your manner again and in search of some information to impress your folks? This Tunisia journey information wouldn’t be full with out some enjoyable information. What number of of those Tunisian tidbits do you know?
- Tunis, when it was generally known as Carthage, was based and dominated by Dido. In accordance with the mythology of Virgil’s Aeneid, Dido was pressured out of her residence and appeared to discovered a brand new kingdom. She bartered right into a deal that she may rule nevertheless a lot land she may cowl with the disguise of a bull. Cleverly, Dido reduce the disguise into skinny strips and shaped a strategic circle that she then made into town of Carthage.
- Tunisia has been a go-to filming location for the Stars Wars franchise ever since its origins! Quite a few Star Wars movies have shot in Tunisia, making the most of its considerably other-worldly panorama.
- Tunisia is residence to Islam’s 4th most necessary metropolis! The primary three you most likely know: Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. However subsequent in line is Kairouan, Tunisia! Town is a website of pilgrimage for a lot of in addition to an UNESCO World Heritage Website.
- The northernmost level in Africa is in Tunisia. Cape Angela is a rocky landmass jutting into the Mediterranean, farther north than different locations resembling Tangier or Algiers.
- The El Djem amphitheater in Tunisia is the biggest historic amphitheater in North Africa, and one of many largest on the earth. You could have even seen it in Monty Python’s The Lifetime of Brian or a Nike industrial!
Tunisia journey information abstract
In case you’re a very adventurous traveler, you might need booked your flight into TUN earlier than you even completed this text! If not, head from this tab to Skyscanner or Google Flights. By now you’ve learn in regards to the historical past and tradition of Tunisia, however there’s no approach to admire it with out visiting and experiencing it. The images I’ve included of main sights don’t do them justice. And, in fact, your individual journey to Tunisia will embrace surprises you possibly can’t predict!
I hope this text on Tunisia tourism has put a brand new splendidly hidden gem in your bucket checklist, and that you just’ll preserve Tunisia in your radar for future journeys. You’ll be able to’t ask for a greater vacation spot to dip your toes within the (metaphorical) waters of Africa, and the (literal) waters of the Mediterranean on the identical time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Evan B. Edler is a full-time scholar and part-time traveler born in Amsterdam, raised in Boston, and presently dwelling in Dublin. A primary-year in college, he explores Europe on the weekends and books flights throughout class. You’ll be able to (attempt to) sustain along with his adventures at @evanbedler.
