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 how one can!
Tunisia is completely a hidden gem. Most individuals have by no means heard of the nation, not to mention thought of 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 international locations I’ve visited, providing a dream below the solar at an extremely inexpensive 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 valuable 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 stress-free on the coast, strolling by suburban streets, and marveling at city tradition and structure. What is going to yours be? This Tunisia journey information will inform you the whole lot you’ll want to 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 massive neighbors make Tunisia appear considerably tiny, but it surely’s bigger than most European nations.
Tunis, the bustling capital, sits on the Gulf of Tunis within the northern a part of Tunisia. The realm 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 ideal connection between Europe and Africa, excellent for vacationers getting 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 gives glorious service to (and round) this nation.
Why must you go to Tunisia?
Nonetheless want convincing earlier than you ebook your flights to Tunisia? Earlier than we dive deeper into this Tunisia journey information, let’s first cowl why it’s best to go to the nation within the first place.
It’s a budget-friendly Mediterranean vacation spot
Searching 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 collection of coastal locations, starting from rural hideaways to busier spots within the capital of Tunis.
Think about five-star resorts with trendy rooms, non-public seashores, spas, and extra facilities than you possibly can depend. Now, right here’s the kicker: Lower the worth tag in half with out sacrificing any of the frills. My keep at a 4-star resort in Hammamet price lower than resorts in lots of European cities, and was completely luxurious.
Tunisia is a cultural crossroads
Tunisia’s nationwide id is compiled from years of affect from numerous ruling powers, making for an interesting case examine in historical and trendy 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 trendy society. As such, Tunisia serves as a bridge between the cultures of Europe and Africa, with its personal distinctive contact. The individuals of Tunisia are welcoming and pleasant, which provides to the enchantment of visiting Tunisia.
A variety of wonders
Vacationers who enterprise off the crushed path into the guts of Tunisia will probably be rewarded on all fronts. There are such a lot of stunning locations to go to in Tunisia that it’s onerous to slim down the highest spots. This contains the attractive Sidi Bou Mentioned harking back to Santorini, the extreme desert landscapes that performed host to Luke Skywalker, and even the most important Roman amphitheater in Africa. These points of interest make for a memorable journey expertise that’s powerful to rival.
You’ll be the primary of your pals to discover Tunisia
For trailblazers, this among the best 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 business booms, I’m positive this hidden gem received’t stay hidden. However with a lot to supply and its handy location, it’s certain to change into a mainstream journey vacation spot quickly. So, get pleasure from bragging rights that you simply went earlier than it turns into common!
Must you go to Tunisia or Morocco?
When American and European vacationers make their first leap into Africa, the pure alternative is usually Tunisia’s western cousin, Morocco. In any case, it’s a gorgeous nation – deeply wealthy in tradition and historical past, and is bound to make an exquisite journey for any vacationer. Nonetheless, I’m going to argue that Tunisia beats out Morocco in a number of methods. In my expertise, Morocco is flooded with vacationers whereas Tunisia shouldn’t be – 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 inexpensive, and the whole lot from food and drinks to lodging is cheaper. In actual fact, numerous sources put the price of residing in Tunisia at wherever from 20% to 40% inexpensive than that of Morocco. Not too shabby!
Logistical information to Tunisian journey: cash, language, and so forth.
With important affect from each Africa and Europe, among the particular particulars of journey in Tunisia can appear complicated. Let’s get into the nuts and bolts of it!
Foreign money in Tunisia:
When in Tunisia, you’ll be utilizing the Tunisian Dinar. On the time of scripting this the Tunisian Dinar is value 0.31 Euros, so a conversion fee of about 3 Dinar to 1 Euro or US Greenback is an effective estimate. As a substitute 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 basically means it’s unlawful for the foreign money to depart the nation. That’s simpler for you! Don’t fear about money till you get there. You possibly can change money at resorts, banks, and different locations at a authorities fastened fee, or you should utilize ATMs susceptible to a small payment.
Language in Tunisia:
Tunisia’s singular official language is Trendy Commonplace Arabic. Nonetheless, the nation’s linguistic panorama is way more numerous than it might seem on paper. The dialect of Arabic spoken in Tunisia 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 massive cities and vacationer locations.
Energy shops in Tunisia:
Each sort C and sort 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. Which means in the summertime, when a lot of Europe units their clocks ahead, Tunisia is in keeping with the UK & Eire.
Attempting to determine the very best methods to ebook 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 in keeping with its desert panorama. In hotter seasons the desert can exceed 38°C or 100°F, and is susceptible to sandstorms. General, any journey to Tunisia goes to be heat, so that you’ll need to depart behind your jackets and convey light-weight clothes – and sunscreen.
Seeking to cool off after a sizzling journey to Tunisia? Learn subsequent: Prime 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 take a look at the historical past of Tunisia beginning within the twelfth century BCE. Earlier than then, the world (like the remainder of North Africa) was inhabited by native populations often called Berbers. Within the twelfth century, Phoenician peoples (coming from modern-day Lebanon), started to reach and create their very own settlements. Certainly one of these settlements was often called 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. Consequently, they launched Christianity to the area, and left behind quite a few Roman websites that stay to at the present time.
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 more moderen 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 Battle. It was the location 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 residing and dealing situations led to the 2011 Tunisian Revolution. This era of civil unrest triggered 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. If you happen to’re a fan of Greek and Roman historical past or mythology, you’ve in all probability heard of Carthage. The 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 by the lens of probably the most 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 the 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 begin a kingdom of her personal. Legend has it that she made a take care of an area king. He gave her a bull’s conceal, and stated that she may rule the land that it coated. Intelligent as she was, Dido strung the conceal out into a skinny string, and encircled a big portion of land on the coast. This land was to change into her very personal kingdom of Carthage – and far in a while, Tunisia!
The place must you go in Tunisia?
You’ve determined to move to Tunisia and need to ensure you see the entire key websites within the nation. The place do you begin? Nicely, with this journey information to the very best locations in Tunisia!
Tunis
Tunisia’s most accessible and hottest spot can also be considered one of its finest – the nation’s capital, Tunis! Tunis itself has a lot of necessary websites and simple day journeys, so let’s get into them! This journey information will cowl among the finest 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 purpose. It’s a seemingly limitless maze of outlets and stalls (partially coated). This makes it simple to dive into the guts of the Medina, as a result of the world will envelop you – simply ensure you’re capable of finding a approach 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 individuals on the road to give you rooftop views for a small payment – for the views and the structure (picture alternatives, anybody?) I’d say it’s positively value it!
Sidi Bou Mentioned
When asking for suggestions for my journey to Tunisia, the very first thing anybody stated was to go to Sidi Bou Mentioned. And it’s not onerous to see why! Sidi Bou Mentioned is a neighborhood of Tunis only a prepare journey away from downtown, but it surely appears 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 become 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 in addition reachable by prepare, Carthage is nicely value a visit. The neighborhood is beautiful, and I extremely suggest spending a while strolling the previous city, admiring the structure and the flowers. A very powerful website right here is the archeological points of interest of Byrsa Hill. A brief stroll up this hilltop will lead you to the beautiful facade of the Acropolium church. Behind lies the Carthage Nationwide Museum, with historical ruins on the property. With its unbelievable structure and ambiance, it’s no surprise 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 probably the most common resort areas within the nation the place you will discover 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 value contemplating to get the very best of each worlds.
El Djem
Extensively thought of to be the third-largest Roman amphitheater ever constructed, the El Djem (alternatively spelled El Jem) is a website value seeing. It rivals the Colosseum in Rome, however with out the crowds of vacationers. You will get to the amphitheater on guided excursions or by yourself from close by cities like Sfax or Monastir (additionally value journeys in their very own rights). If you happen to’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. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, and for good purpose. The principle attraction is its medina and its quite a few mosques. The town additionally hosts unbelievable structure and is a well-liked purchasing vacation spot – particularly for carpets.
Try among the different high historic websites on the planet!
The Sahara
For vacationers who haven’t but been to the African continent, the Sahara Desert might look like a dream vacation spot. Tunisia’s declare of the Saharan panorama is a good asset to its tourism business, and it’s best to make the most of it! One of the simplest ways 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: Find out how to get round
Attempting to determine how one can get round Tunisia? The nation’s bus and prepare networks are expansive, and are nicely value a glance. They may 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, should you plan to do an organized tour, they need to account for all transportation, which is sweet should you’re not eager on figuring it out your self. Although probably the most dependable and comfy solution to journey is by automobile. You’ll discover automobile rental firms in Tunis and in different massive cities.
You can too rent cabs and personal drivers. Whereas dearer than different choices, they’re cheaper when in comparison with different international locations. And better of all – you’ll get a number of bang in your buck with out the stress of navigating Tunisian site visitors.
What to eat in Tunisia
The most well-liked meals in Tunisia’s numerous culinary pallet is couscous. Couscous is usually served as a sort of pasta served with stew, however varieties differ throughout North Africa. You may additionally encounter masfouf, a sweeter number of couscous.
For breakfast, strive an area 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 historical historical past, and you may’t eat in Tunisia with out being supplied a sip at the least as soon as.
The place to remain in Tunisia
Tunis
The perfect house base for any journey to Tunisia is undoubtedly Tunis. As the most important and capital metropolis, it has probably the most resorts, eating places, guesthouses, and different vacationer facilities. It’s additionally most simply related to the remainder of the nation and the world, making it very best to journey into and out of. There are a selection of neighborhoods which can be good choices for vacationers. Right here’s a information to among the finest spots to remain when touring in Tunisia!
Listed below are some wonderful stays in Tunis:
Medina
The bustling coronary heart of Tunis’s metropolis middle, the Medina space is the very best to remain in to be totally immersed in city Tunisian life. Right here you’ll have simple and handy entry to virtually wherever you’d prefer to go, and an array of facilities geared for locals and vacationers alike.
For the very best expertise, I’d suggest staying at Dar El Jeld. It’s one of many nicest resorts (and eating places) in Tunisia, so is pricier than some neighbors, however comparatively inexpensive by most American and European requirements. Suites begin at $140 an evening. This resort is totally luxurious, and any companies you could possibly probably want can be found. The rooms are large and opulent, and the situation is ideally located on the sting of the Medina. If you happen to’re trying to splurge wherever in Tunisia, that is the place!
If you happen to’re touring on a price range, try the hostel Auberge el Medina. It presents conventional structure and meals, in addition to a cushty keep for affordable. Dormitory-style rooms maintain 4 beds every, at $15.50 an evening for one mattress. You can too ebook all 4 beds to show any dorm room into your personal 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 ideal guess for younger vacationers who need probably the most bang for his or her buck!
Sidi Bou Mentioned
Tunis’s personal Santorini, Sidi Bou Mentioned is likely one of the hottest spots within the metropolis for vacationers. Outdoors of the Medina correct, it’s a calmer house base with loads of eating places and outlets. Plus, the views over the Mediterranean are merely unbeatable. Dar Mentioned is a good choice on this village, overlooking the gulf. Rooms outfitted with double beds begin at simply over $100 an evening. Company can make the most of various choices, together with breakfast, a swimming pool, and gardens. This resort in Tunis is a quiet recluse in a bustling metropolis!
Listed below are some wonderful stays in Sidi Bou Mentioned:
La Marsa and Gammarth
A distinct choice 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 house to a lot of luxurious (ex: the 4 Seasons Tunis). If it’s luxurious you’re in search of, I like to recommend the The Residence. A luxurious stick with non-public 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 below are extra wonderful stays in La Marsa and Gammarth:
Searching for some relaxation and rest 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 take a look at a number of itinerary choices. I’ll base these on every week of journey, though I like to recommend staying longer should you can!
Bustle to seashore
To make sure a great combination of journey and rest, break up your go to to Tunisia between metropolis and sand. Begin in Tunis, the place you’ll discover the guts of the town. Take journeys to Carthage, Sidi Bou Mentioned, and the Medina. That is your time to buy in streetside stalls or get souvenirs for family and friends! Then make your approach all the way down to Hammamet, the resort capital of the nation.
Spend a number of days in a resort of your alternative, at a fraction of the associated fee that you simply’d discover on the opposite aspect of the Mediterranean. Benefit from the great 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 house (or additional on!).
Feeling formidable?
If you happen to’re trying to take advantage of a brief journey, hire a automobile and prepare to race by all of Tunisia’s high sights. First, spend at the least two days in Tunis. This offers you loads of time to see Sidi Bou Mentioned and Carthage, in addition to the Medina and metropolis middle. Then, drive south. Cease in Hammamet and Sousse, two great coastal cities. Discover the El Djem amphitheater, the most important in Africa and third largest on the planet.
You probably have time, head all the way down to the key 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 Web site. Now you’ve seen virtually the entire nation!
Comply with the Drive (guided journey by Tunisia)
Certainly one of Tunisia’s biggest claims to fame is its outstanding options within the Star Wars collection. Whether or not you’re a superfan otherwise you’ve by no means seen them, an organized tour by these websites will be a good way to discover the southern and Saharan components of the nation! That is additionally one of many best methods to journey by Tunisia, as there are a variety of tour firms that may manage a whole itinerary for you, with a wide range of durations and costs. A few of the hottest (and respected) firms embrace Silverscreen Excursions and StarWars Excursions.
Tunisia Journey Trivia: enjoyable information!
About to move off to Tunisia and need to study some extra? In your approach again and in search of some information to impress your pals? 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 often called Carthage, was based and dominated by Dido. In line with the mythology of Virgil’s Aeneid, Dido was compelled out of her house and regarded to discovered a brand new kingdom. She bartered right into a deal that she may rule nonetheless a lot land she may cowl with the conceal of a bull. Cleverly, Dido reduce the conceal into skinny strips and fashioned a strategic circle that she then made into the 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, benefiting from its considerably other-worldly panorama.
- Tunisia is house to Islam’s 4th most necessary metropolis! The primary three you in all probability know: Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. However subsequent in line is Kairouan, Tunisia! The town is a website of pilgrimage for a lot of in addition to an UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
- 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 most important historical amphitheater in North Africa, and one of many largest on the planet. You will have even seen it in Monty Python’s The Lifetime of Brian or a Nike business!
Tunisia journey information abstract
If you happen to’re a very adventurous traveler, you may 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 solution to recognize it with out visiting and experiencing it. The images I’ve included of main points of interest don’t do them justice. And, after all, your personal 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 record, and that you simply’ll preserve Tunisia in your radar for future journeys. You possibly can’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 pupil and part-time traveler born in Amsterdam, raised in Boston, and presently residing in Dublin. A primary-year in college, he explores Europe on the weekends and books flights throughout class. You possibly can (attempt to) sustain along with his adventures at @evanbedler.
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