Tunisia is undoubtedly one of the destinations that pays the most when it comes to value for money. It is good because it is a country that is relatively close, but that is very different from the western world. It is beautiful because it houses several architectural wonders and beautiful landscapes. Finally, it is cheap since it is the foreign destination that is the best price in relation to everything it offers.
Two hours by plane from Barcelona there is one of the most interesting North African countries to visit: Tunisia, the Europe of the poorest continent in the world. Every year thousands of people from very different places come here to appreciate its history, its culture and, above all, its way of understanding life, so different from ours. The accommodation is very interesting since 3 and 4 star hotels and full board are awaiting you.
The adventure begins with the arrival at the Monastir airport and as soon as you cross the customs control you see that you are in another country: the palm trees, the vehicles, the people, the smells, the climate …
You don’t have to worry about the language . In Tunisia, everyone who works for the public knows our language, and at least ten other languages. In addition, the savvy and open character of the Tunisians and the large television satellite dishes that are seen in each house, make sure that no detail of our customs is lost and you do not have any problem understanding yourself. Tour the country from end to end
The first trip leaves you in Kairouan , in the interior of the country. It is considered the fourth holy city of Islam . Surely you will find the first souvenir stalls, where it is likely that a seller will chase you insisting that you buy a necklace and before making the purchase you already wear it. There it is unforgivable not to visit the Great Mosque of Kairouan , one of the most important and one of the few where non-believers are allowed in. There is a very religious and very puritanical atmosphere and, if you are attentive, you will be able to feel the calls of the religious leader to the believers to come to pray. It is said among the Muslim community that going to Kairouan seven times is equivalent to a visit to Mecca .
At 12 noon it is very common for you to go to eat. In Kairouan you will find the Le Flore restaurant , where they serve local cuisine and where you can try a kind of spring rolls (but Muslim) made with vegetables, eggs and a little meat. You can also taste camel meat , very typical in the country’s menus. But undoubtedly the palm is the dessert. The most common are some kind of sweet rolls made with honey and dates , fruit par excellence, that will serve you throughout the trip.
After traveling about 350 kilometers to the south, we reach the city of Tozeur , where the predominant green landscape from before begins to change: we approach the desert area. In Tozeur the most important thing is to see its incredible oasis , considered the largest in the country. The most normal thing is to have free time to visit the town and to go shopping in the Medina , that is, the market where all the shops and stalls are located, basically intended for tourists. Important: the buying technique is haggling . You have to take into account a series of basic rules such as patience and cunning, since they will always try to sell you at a high price.
If you like the oasis, a few kilometers from Tozeur is Nefta , which has another large one. It is a small Muslim town, quiet and not used to the presence of tourists. The latter is noticeable just by taking a walk through its narrow streets and mingling with its citizens. If you meet a group of children, surely they will not hesitate to ask you for any alms such as candy, stylos (a pen), a coin, etc. You do not have the obligation to give them anything, since many times with a simple smile they are satisfied.
Live a Berber party
Douz is the entrance to the desert , the last oasis before the march to the Sahara , especially for some Bedouins who still practice this legendary nomadic custom. This factor gives rise to the possibility of carrying out some complementary activities, such as the camel or 4 Ă— 4 routes , in order to appreciate the desert in all its splendor and its magnificent sand dunes .
Another very interesting and recommended option is to go to a Berber party in the middle of the desert at night. At dinner, under some haimes (a kind of native tents), you will taste the so-called Tunisian soup , reddish in color and slightly spicy. As a second course, they offer you the quintessential Muslim food: couscous , accompanied with camel meat.
Where to buy?
If you want to buy very cheap and with variety, visit the Mercado de las Espécies de Gabés , a city bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, before spending the night in Sfax . The latter is the economic capital of the country , a great city open to the world, where it is common to see women without the usual veil and even wearing short skirts. Right away you can see a great metropolitan movement and, above all, it is where you can see the great economic difference between the north and the south.
Ancient Rome and the Phoenician Empire
Transport yourself to the Rome of the Emperors through the great colosseum that can be enjoyed in the city of El Djem , the best preserved in Africa and the third in world importance. It is in very good condition to visit. It had a capacity for 45,000 spectators . At the exit, take the opportunity to do some shopping at the many stores and surely you will not be able to resist and take a nice stuffed camel with you.
To continue admiring the Roman legacy, you cannot miss a visit to Carthage , located in the north of the country, a few kilometers from the capital. In particular, enjoy the panoramic view of the Punic ports and do not forget its amphitheater, the Roman baths of Antoni Pius , the theater and the Christian basilica Damous Karita .
Take the opportunity to visit the small town of Sidi Bou Said , of great beauty, built with Andalusian art and known as the "city of painters" , where the houses are all white with blue doors and windows. Do not hesitate to try the dates that you will find at the stops throughout the population and drink the typical Tunisian coffee on a terrace overlooking the sea.
The coin
They use the Tunisian dinar , which is divided into 1,000 millimas (cents). The coins are 1 DT and 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.
1 dinar equals 0.60 euros . You can exchange at the airport or at the hotel, but it will be cheaper to do so at a Tunisian bank.
Some arabic words
As-salaam-alaykum (hello)
Ma’as-salama (goodbye)
Shukran (thank you)
Bikam? (How much is this worth?)
Min Fadilak (please)