Tunisia is experiencing a 19% year-on-year increase in bookings, according to travel experts at First Choice, as British holidaymakers seek better-value, last-minute alternatives to crowded European hotspots. Flights from London Luton to Enfidha start at £43 one-way in September, while five-star hotel rooms can be found for as little as £100 a night.
Sidi Bou Said: The Santorini of Africa
Just 30 minutes from central Tunis, the coastal town of Sidi Bou Said sits perched above the Mediterranean. Its whitewashed buildings with bright blue shutters have drawn comparisons to the Greek island of Santorini, but without the crowds. French-Tunisian journalist Hedi Mehrez describes the town as a 'true source of pride' for Tunisians. 'It is always one of the first places I take my foreign friends, as it beautifully showcases the rich culture Tunisia has to offer,' he said. 'I am truly attached to Sidi Bou Said. I often go simply to take in the breathtaking views.'
Visitors can sample local delicacies like Assida Zgougou, a custard-like dessert made from Aleppo pine powder and topped with crushed pistachios, or grab a cold brew at trendy Ben Rahim Coffee. The cobbled streets are lined with shops selling locally-made jewellery and hand-crafted ceramics, as well as art galleries like Nomad, which showcase both traditional and modern pieces honouring Tunisia's history.
La Marsa and Gammarth: Coastal Living and Nightlife
Next to Sidi Bou Said lies La Marsa, a larger coastal town where Tunisians come to unwind. The seafront promenade is popular with teenagers skating, families playing in the sand, and friends enjoying cocktails at rooftop bars. 'Considering the lack of third spaces in London, it is both sad and inspiring to see that community lies at the heart of daily life in Tunisia,' the article notes. 'Whether it’s feeding animals at the beach, sharing food with neighbours or simply gathering at the local café for late-night conversation over a sizzling shisha, connection here is everything.'
Nearby Gammarth, once a small fishing village, blossomed into a resort after Tunisia's independence from French colonial rule in 1956. Today it is a buzzy nighttime hub with nightclubs, five-star hotels and sprawling beaches. Venues like Foll'Amour, Zebra, Molo and Gingembre offer music ranging from Latin trap to Arab tunes from the 2000s, with local lager Celtia available.
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
Public transport can be confusing, so taxis are recommended. A drive from central Tunis to Sidi Bou Said should cost around 20 TND (£5). 'Considering that the average monthly salary in the country is £400 – and an Uber ride in London for a similar distance could cost up to £50 – it is a small price to pay,' the article states. Haggling is common. Uber does not operate in Tunisia; Bolt services were suspended recently due to money laundering allegations. Local ride-share apps like Yassir, eTaxi or inDrive are alternatives. A few words of French or Tunisian Arabic are helpful.
Beyond the Coast: Historical Sites
Day trips from Tunis include the Roman amphitheatre of El Jem, where parts of the Oscar-winning film Gladiator were filmed. Only the Colosseum in Rome and the ruined theatre of Capua are larger. The Great Mosque of Kairouan, about 2.5 hours from Tunis, is the oldest Muslim place of worship in Africa and the fourth holiest site in Islam.
