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We said affordable.
It is not Italy and its Blitish coast of Amalfi, not Spain and its sun -drenched Costa del Sol, and certainly not Greece and its expensive, overcrowded Cycladian islands: the treasures stolen in the Mediterranean Sea all The spotlights are currently Tunisia.
It is spread over the age -old sea officially added 10 million visitors in 2024 For the first time, second records started, 250,000 participants before the previous record in 2019, and it is time for us to look at some of the main reasons why:
What is really so special about Tunisia?
First of all: where is Tunisia anyway?
Contrary to what many Americans may think, the Mediterranean Sea does not only hug the southern coasts of Europe: it also surrounds West Asia (Hello Turkey?) And the North African coast, where the unusual country is in question.
However, before you start evoking images of rustic huts in a savannah and rituals that cause scars, we must remind you that it is one terribly Other Africa:
Tunisia Only 61 nautical miles From Lampedusa, the southernmost island of Italy, and if you were to take a rubber boat and sail in a straight line north over the sea, starting from the port of Bizerte, you would probably reach Sardinia.
It is not that it has never been tried before.
In other words, Tunisia is located on the Mediterranean Sea And participates in that wider, ancient Greek-Roman culture-albeit with Arab influences, after all it is a country with a Muslim learness.
So what’s with Tunisia that Westerners made so addicted, and why should it be on your bucket list for 2025?
It has beautiful nature
With the exception of large islands such as Djerba, the coastline of the Tunisian mainland extends no less than 713 miles along turquoise waters, and surprise, surprise, most lies largely undiscovered by foreign tourists.
For example, take a look at Sidi Bou Said: it is located on a front mountain with a view of the ocean, is crossed by paved streets and is dominated by a blue and white cityscape.
It almost feels … Santorini-like, minus the crowds.
Then there is the lively monastir, full of cozy Tunisian dining options, richly decorated Madrasasand littered with the characteristic square minarets of Tunisia, and only half an hour west, Sousse is the third largest city in the country, and one bustling coast:
Famous for its long white sandy beaches, in particular a Bou Jaafar that is ready for a postcard, and the hot -lined waterfront, offers part of that relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere without the usual hectic scenes that are associated with Italy in the summer.
If you are looking for those less well -known places, REALGA is a must visitWith its whitewashed low houses, brightly colored blue shutters and a monumental amphitheater that leads to the translucent sea – and there is a large selection of charming boutique hotels, such as Dar Khadija.
Old culture, almost everywhere you look
It is not a holiday resort on the Mediterranean Sea without a good portion of ruin research, and we are happy to report that along the entire coast, where many civilization were developed and tragically perished, Numerous old wonders to be found.
This includes the amphitheater of El Jem, perhaps the second most impressive Roman arena after the Roman Colosseum, and a UNESCO World Heritage Location.
Although it has only been partially preserved and part of the oval structure has collapsed, it offers a rare glimpse into what life was like in a Roman province in Africa. For the cinephiles outside it is the place where gladiator scenes out Ridley Scotts Gladiator were shot.
In Dougga, surrounded by the green countryside, you will find a vast Roman settlement strewn with almost intact temples, bathhouses and even A theater with 3500 seats.
Of course, let’s not forget the destroyed city of Carthage, currently located in the municipality of contemporary Tunis, the Tunisian capital:
It is the former capital of the Punic Empire and later a area controlled by the Romans. It has a huge collection of theaters, villas and temples with columns. one of the most picturesque archaeological zones In the Mediterranean, opposite the Gulf of Tunis.
Cheap prices of course
Tunisia seems to meet all the requirements, which makes an escape from the Mediterranean Sea great, but what about the prices?
Whether it is a stay of a week at Djerba, an emerging island destination for holidaymakers, or a cultural expedition along the Tunisian coast, you will see that the exchange of southern Europe for this North African gem will not hurt your wallet.
An overnight stay at A Radisson Blu In Houmt Souk, with its own private beach and world-class facilities, costs $ 64, while the all-inclusive, only for families and couples Al Jazira beach and Spa cost A surprisingly affordable $ 94 to book per night for 2 adults.
In Tunis, the vast capital and gateway to the ruins of Carthage, you will stay in a luxurious vest In the heart of the Medina (the oldest, most historic part of the city) costs you $ 87 as a couple, and you can even get it much cheaper in Sousse, with centrally located two -star hotels from just $ 14 Per adult.
Food is also incredibly cheap by Western standards:
According to NumbeoThe average price of A three -course menu costs $ 18.67 in a local restaurant, and that is if you manage not to be scammed as a result of the widespread scams in the medina.
Just say.
Here you can read how you can travel to Tunisia this year
The last point, and that cannot be easily underestimated, is that the visa -friendly policy of Tunisia makes it a no-brainer For budget travelers who dream of a Mediterranean summer this year.
Compared to neighboring Algeria, where Americans can only come in if they request a visa from a consulate in advance and consult a whole pile of documents, Tunisia lets the most Westerners visa -free.
This includes passport holders of the United States, Canada, the European Union (with the exception of Cyprus) and the United Kingdom, who may enter the country without prior visa applications and stay in place for a maximum of 3 months.
There are no forms, no digital travel commissioning systems and no complicated rules when landing: simply show your passport at the immigration desk and tell them that you are coming as a tourist.
You get a stamp of 90 days, it’s that simple.
Although Canadians can fly from Montreal Non-Stop to Tunis-Carthage (Tun), believe it or not, Americans have no direct connections with the North African state, so in most cases To get there, a stopover in Europe will entail.
The good news is that if you book return flights for Europe and build a trip to Tunisia, there are flights as cheap as $ 58 one way From a number of European metropolises, in particular London, Paris and Rome.
The lack of non-stop transatlantic flights does not mean that you cannot go; You just have to be smart at it.
And hey, have you thought this is part of the reason why Tunisia is largely unspoilt?
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