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As fall quickly approaches and North America and Northern Europe grow colder, travelers are beginning to turn their attention to sunnier destinations where temperatures will take longer to drop.
Understandably, Many of them will flock to the Mediterranean.
Bordering not one but three continents, the ancient sea remains warm well beyond the summer months, offering visitors a much-needed subtropical retreat when the cold autumn winds begin to blow. Not only is it still warm and pleasant to visit, but it can also create a nice atmosphere incredibly cheap holiday.
That is, if you’re not heading to the usual hotspots of Spain, Croatia or Greece – and don’t worry, this isn’t another article about not so secret anymore Albania:
Everyone, meet Tunisia
This autumn, one of the warmest and cheapest holidays will actually not take place in Southern Europe. Along the coast of North Africa, on the shores of the azure Mediterranean Sea, lies the historic and yet common overlooked nation of Tunisia.
Being on the ‘wrong’ side of the basin, it is largely ignored by sun seekers who normally ‘play it safe’ while island hopping in Greece or traveling along the Dalmatian coast on the more developed, touristy European Mediterranean.
However, as you are about to learn, Tunisia has done just that a relatively large tourist offerand because there are fewer tourists, it is less crowded than its European competitors and also much more affordable.
Is the dollar to euro exchange rate hurting your wallet lately?
Do not despair: in Tunisia, your tourist dollars will stretch a lot of furtherand you get that long-awaited beach holiday out of season at much more attractive rates.
Tunisia is incredibly cheap
You see, Tunisia is neither in Europe nor in the Eurozone, and one US dollar can buy a whopping three Tunisian dinars. In Tunis, the capital and largest city of Tunisia, the estimated monthly expenses of a single person are around 1,389.30 Tunisian dinars without accommodation.
In dollars, that’s about $449.20. Compared to Malta, one of the trendiest autumn destinations in the Mediterranean, Tunisia is average 51% cheaper.
According to BudgetYourReisa week’s stay at a mid-range hotel on Tunisia’s turquoise coast costs a very reasonable $344, with an average nightly rate of just $49.
Naturally, you could easily exceed that and splurge on an all-inclusive five-star deal, but the point is, if you’d rather save some money while still treating yourself to a Mediterranean vacation, there are tons of options available.
The average price for a luxury hotel in Tunisia is still $92 BudgetYourReis.
When it comes to food, a meal at a cheap restaurant will cost you a negligible $3.23based on data collected by Numbeowhile a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range eatery in an upmarket area of Tunis or Sousse will cost you $19.40.
In any case, a holiday in Tunisia will hardly cost a lot of money, whether you are a big spender or a budget-conscious traveler.
Why give Tunisia a chance?
You already know that it’s shockingly cheap compared to other Mediterranean destinations, especially in Europe, but if you’ve never heard of Tunisia, you might be wondering why this relatively unknown North African country is worth a visit.
Firstly, it has a thriving hospitality scene, especially in Djerba, an island off mainland Tunisia best known for its Mediterranean sandy beaches and whitewashed towns, heavily influenced by Berber culture – a group originating from North Africa and the Central East.
Djerba is home to several Tunisian countries most luxurious and expensive hotelssuch as the Hasdrubal Prestige Thassala & Spa, equipped with a lagoon-style pool dotted with islets, linked by walkways and charming seaside villas.
In September, an overnight stay at the Hasdrubal costs $139. To make a comparison, even for $150 you won’t get anywhere near the Hilton Diagonal Mar in expensive Barcelona.
Fascinating culture
On the mainland, popular holiday resorts include Hammamet, where tourists will find water parks and golf courses, as well as a whitewashed citadel dating back thousands of years that overlooks the clear blue sea.
Sousse is also not to be missed for its contrasting cityscape, where both ancient and modern monuments coexist.
From ancient cobbled streets leading to a majestic Arabic fortress and Roman amphitheatres, to a palm-lined promenade lined with restaurants and charming boutique hotels, you’ll find the best of both worlds here.
And then there is Tunis, the vibrant Tunisian capital and the financial center and beating heart of the country. However, Tunis has much more to offer than just government buildings and clusters of skyscrapers: it is home to some of the most beautiful French colonial architecture you will ever see in Africa.
Central Tunis is especially famous for its colonial-era Art Deco, which is not exactly well-maintained but, even if dilapidated, is still a source of fascination.
Just an 18-minute drive from Tunis, tourists will find another of Tunisia’s ancient wonders: the ruins of Carthageone of the most powerful and legendary Mediterranean states of antiquity.
It is now an archaeological site and it costs only 12 dinars, about four dollars, to visit.
Tunisia is still warm this season
According to Thomas Cooka British-based travel agency, Tunisia sees an average maximum temperature of 31 degrees Celsius in September, or 87.8°F, and the seas remain incredibly warm too, with a maximum water temperature of 82°F on the shallower beaches.
In the evening temperatures can drop to a pleasant 19 degrees Celsius, ideal for a relaxing stroll along the promenade in Sousse or for an evening of sightseeing in central Tunis.
Learn more about this fascinating country here – and be inspired.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
