Tunis: A Mediterranean capital in North Africa
Are you looking for a destination that combines the familiar Mediterranean aura with exotic elements? If so, it's time to visit Tunisia, a country that awaits, those who are looking for a special travel experience. Set foot on the African continent in a low budget destination, that is only 2 hours away from Athens.
Islamic art is present everywhere in Tunisia
In Tunisia the population is about 12 million, with the vast majority of the inhabitants being Arabs. The country is also known as Ifrikiye, it is located in North Africa and Tunis is its capital. It is the largest city in Tunisia, it is by the sea and every summer it is filled with European tourists, looking for blue waters and a hot sun. If you look at Tunisia on the map, 40% is covered by the Sahara desert, while it also has many beaches and islands. This is a true collage of cultures from all the peoples that have passed through the land, such as the Phoenicians, the Romans and the Arabs. Where the desert ends, historical monuments and cosmopolitan beaches with luxury hotels begin. In Tunisia, travel packages usually combine air tickets with accommodation, while some also offer desert safaris. Four days are enough to visit the most important monuments and natural beauties of the country.
Medina, which in Arabic means: "city"
What to see in Tunisia
One of the most famous attractions of the capital, as well as of the entire country, is the Medina. It means "city" in Arabic, and it is a labyrinth surrounded by the walls of the ancient city of Tunis. On your walk through the alleys, you will find the famous local bazaars, hammams and mosques, while you can try the local cuisine. When you see the word “brik” in the menu, it's not the salmon eggs, but a kind of street food, made of pancake, tuna fish, egg and mashed potatoes.
The Bardot National Museum is a must visit, if you wish to see Roman mosaics and works of Islamic pottery. Due to its large collection of finds, it is one of the most important museums in Africa and the Mediterranean in general.
Don't miss a visit to the Bardot Museum
Carthage is located on the outskirts of Tunis and it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The center of the ancient Carthaginian civilization and the first Christian city of Africa were located on today's preserved ruins.
But the rest of Tunisia also has attractions, such as El Jem, the third oldest Roman amphitheater reminiscent of the Colosseum in Rome. It is located in the city of Sfax and next to the ruins of the amphitheater, you will find a museum with exhibits from the Roman era. Many areas of Tunisia, such as Djerba and Sidi Bou Said, are reminiscent of Greek islands, with their white-washed houses and blue windows.
El Jem in Tunisia will remind you of the Colosseum in Rome
In Tunisia, the weather varies by region, as it is partially covered by the Sahara. Thus, the northern part has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Spring is an ideal time to go on a tour starting from Tozer and its 500,000 date palms and continuing to the Chot el Jerid lake, which is usually dry and covered with salt. The route ends at Douz, the "gateway of the Sahara". It is 480 km from Tunis and here you will find everything you need, to explore the desert: Offices that organize tours with camels or special vehicles, street vendors selling dates, shops for food and souvenirs.
If you decide to go during the summer, choose areas such as the Monastir and the islet of Djerba for your stay.
An astonishing beach in Djerba
How to go to Tunisia
Tunisia is connected to Athens by air with direct flights from the Tunisia - Carthage International Airport, located in the center of the capital. La Goulet is the port of Tunis and one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. It is connected to Genoa, Palermo, Salerno and Civitavecchia. Click Let's Ferry to see all the available itineraries and take a different trip to the Mediterranean, by ferry. Other major ports in Tunisia are in the cities of Sfax, Bizerte, Gabes.
In order to travel you need a valid passport. The official currency of the country is the Tunisian dinar. In Tunisia, the cost of living is low and one euro equals about 400 dinars.
Explore the desert on a camel!
A holiday in Tunisia is a good opportunity to brush off your high school French, since it is the second language spoken by the inhabitants, with Arabic being the first. The country is a major film set, as scenes from famous productions, such as the series "Jesus of Nazareth" and the films "The Gladiator", "The English Patient" and "Star Wars Episode IV" have been filmed here. The best time to visit Tunisia is from autumn to spring, since during the summer temperatures are unbearable, especially if you plan to go to the Sahara. Add an oriental flavor to your trip and pack your bags for a country with many beautiful contradictions!