Summer holidays feel like a distant memory, and the wait for the Christmas break seems endless. Copenhagen is getting darker and colder by the day, I can't help but wonder what if you could escape to an all-inclusive hotel with a private beach, delicious meals, endless activities, and unlimited drinks at the beach bar, paid with the Tunisian Dinar (TND), the local currency (1 DKK = 0.46 DT)—all for the price of a hostel in Copenhagen?
Tunisia is one of the few countries where the capital shares the same name as the country itself. With a Mediterranean climate in the north and along the coast, and a continental to Saharan climate in the center and south, Tunisia offers great weather year-round. From October to March, the afternoon temperatures range between 16-25°C—perfect for those escaping Nordic winters. While your colleagues back home are biking in freezing winds, you could be soaking in the sun and swimming in the sea.
Tunisia is highly accessible from Nordic countries, with nine airports across the country, you can fly directly from several European countries like France and Poland. It’s fairly easy to get around in Tunis, where Arabic is the official language, but if you speak a little bit of French, you will find it quite effortless to navigate. English, Spanish and German are also used, especially at tourist zones.
With 1,100 km of Tunisia's border touching the sea, the country is home to some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. Among them, the island of Djerba stands out—not only for its beautiful beaches and high-quality hotels but also as a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its own distinct culture.
To make the most of your trip when going to Tunisia, I'm going to give you a few tips for you to take into consideration.
6 Tips to Tunisia
1. Start the trip in Tunis Medina
The historic Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the best place to start your journey in the capital city of Tunis. Grab a mint tea from the local cafe and lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets filled with authentic shops selling spices and handmade crafts.
Spend your afternoon at Sidi Bou Said, an elegant village where the blue and white houses jostle with each other on the hillside, facing the sea. Sidi Bou Said was once a favourite holiday destination for the privileged families of Tunis. One of the houses, built in 1912 by a European named Baron Rodolphe d’Erlanger, has been transformed into a museum that you can visit.
An authentic door in Medina of Tunis city
Where to Stay: I stayed at Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Tunis, it offers direct access to the beach where you can find a fantastic bar, perfect to grab a beer when enjoying the sea wind.
Ramada also offers an indoor and an amazing outdoor pool, a sun terrace with a barbecue,a garden area, a children’s play area, tennis courts and a spa and fitness centre with beauty treatment rooms, to keep the whole family entertained.
Read more about the hotel Ramada
2. Explore Tunisia’s Rich Roman History: Bardo Museum and Carthage
For history enthusiasts, a visit to both the Bardo Museum and the Roman ruins of Carthage is essential.
Starting your next day with the Bardo Museum in Tunis,housed in an old beylical palace since 1888, it is one of the most important museums in the Mediterranean region. The museum has one of the largest collections of Roman mosaics in the world, thanks to excavations in various archaeological sites in the country including Carthage, Hadrumetum, Dougga and Utica. Generally, the mosaics of Bardo, such as the Virgil Mosaic, represent a unique source for research on everyday life in Roman Africa.
Afterward, head to the ancient Roman ruins of Carthage, just a short drive from the museum. Here, you can find the remains of the Antonine Baths, one of the largest Roman bath complexes, and the ancient amphitheatre. The site offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea along with its historical treasures.
Mosaic art from Bardo museum
Read more about museum Bardohere
3. Discover Djerba: Tunisia’s Island Paradise
Djerba is a dream destination, combining beaches with a rich cultural heritage.
Arriving in Djerba, I can't help but recall the story of Ulysses and his crew, who had all the trouble in the world to leave this Island of Lotus Eaters. It's easy to see why—autumn here brings warm weather and endless sunshine.
Beyond the beach, Djerba is rich in culture. The island is home to pottery workshops where local artisans craft traditional pieces by hand, and you can also explore the art of mat and basket weaving, skills that have been passed down through generations.
Djerba, photo from discovertunisia.com
Where to Stay: I stayed at Yadis Djerba Thalasso & Golf, a beachfront hotel known for its excellent service and all inclusive packages. You can fill your day with up to 24 different activities, including golf, dancing, yoga, and water polo. It's the perfect opportunity to pick up a new hobby.
Read more about Yadis Djerba Thalasso and Golf
4. Savour the Local Flavors
Tunisian cuisine is a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavours, heavily influenced by Berber,Arab, and French traditions. You simply must try local dishes like couscous and fresh seafood. For an unforgettable dining experience, head to Restaurant Haroun, known for its seafood and beautiful views over the harbour.
If you visit Djerba, don't miss the fish market auction where you can buy freshly caught fishand have it grilled right next to the market. After lunch, enjoy a refreshing mint tea.
A fisherman holding his shrimps
Book a table at Restaurant Haroun
5. Treat yourself with a relaxing SPA
For the ultimate relaxation, I spent an afternoon at Ulysse Thalasso & SPA. The experience began with a sauna session to open poles. Following that, I enjoyed a body scrub, leaving my skin feeling refreshed and renewed. The highlight of the day was a luxurious oil massage, which melted away any remaining stress. The calming atmosphere, skilled therapists, and serene surroundings made it a perfect way to recharge after a day of sightseeing or beach activities.
If you're looking to indulge in some self-care, this spa is a must-visit during your stay on Djerba.
After lunch, enjoy a refreshing mint tea. Once the heat of the day subsides, it's the perfect time to explore the vibrant art neighbourhood, where colourful murals show the creativity of local and international artists.
SPA, photo from discovertunisia.com
Book a SPA session at Ulysse Thalasso and SPA
6. Explore Djerba’s Vibrant Art
End your trip with a city walk through Djerbahood, an open-air street art museum located in the heart of Djerba. International and local artists have decorated the village with colourful murals that reflect the island's diverse cultural influences. Remember to get yourself a guide as every piece of art has a story behind it. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your Tunisian adventure.
Djerbahood
To conclude, Tunisia exceeded all my expectations. From the historical charm of Tunis to the relaxed beach vibes of Djerba, this North African country offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a culture nerd, a foodie, or someone who just wants to lay on the beach, Tunisia has it all—and at an affordable price. I left Tunisia not only with beautiful memories but also with a sense of its rich history and welcoming spirit.
This article was created in partnership with Inspiring Tunisia. Special thanks to them for making this trip possible!
