Exploring the Hidden Gem of North Africa: Discovering the Beauty of Tunisia
Strolling through narrow streets, orange blossom scent in the air, it’s hard to believe I’m in Africa. Just a short hop from Sicily, Tunisia is often overlooked as a holiday destination but it offers the same draws as many top European countries — for a fraction of the price.
Uncovering the Charm of Sidi Bou Said: A Mediterranean Oasis
A 22-minute train journey from the capital Tunis to the quaint seaside village of La Marsa costs just 30p. With a typical Tunisian earning the equivalent of £300 a month, the cost of living is much lower, making this an affordable holiday hotspot. The charming town of Sidi Bou Said could easily be mistaken for Greece’s Santorini, but a three-course traditional Tunisian meal is £10 at its best-value restaurant, Café Restaurant Chargui, and a night’s stay at quaint bed and breakfast Boufares is £15.
Immersing in Rich History at Thugga: Exploring Roman Ruins
At Thugga — Tunisian for high cliff — the ruins of a Roman-occupied city remain so intact it’s comparable to Italy’s Pompeii. Huge temples dominate the skyline, and the streets offer visitors the chance to imagine life as a Roman citizen. Among the buildings uncovered were baths, known as Hammams, a brothel and a market, in which you can still see where each stall was divided by walls.
Indulging in Tunisian Culinary Delights: A Gastronomic Adventure
Food really is a highlight of any visit here, and no place whips up traditional Tunisian grub better than Dar Zaghouan. It’s almost a couple of hours drive east of Thugga, but it’s worth the journey. The restaurant’s owner Skander Zeribi has spent the last 20 years transforming what was once empty arable land into a paradise. After a stroll through colourful gardens surrounded by peaceful birdsong and the faint smell of food cooking in smoke, we sit down for a meal at the three-star boutique’s restaurant.
Don’t Miss Out on the Cheese and Pomegranates of Testour: Shopping Extravaganza
For something a little less extravagant, the town of Testour is famed for its cheese-making and pomegranates. And at popular shop L’Artigianno, you can buy one kilogram of its famed mozzarella for just £5. That certainly puts the supermarket shops to shame back home. Just make sure you bring an empty suitcase so you can cram it full.
GO: TUNISIA
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 5H Magic Life Africana hotel in Hammamet is from £594.14pp, including flights from Gatwick on April 26. See tui.co.uk. For more info: see discovertunisia.com/uk.