Editor: Irina
Today we will tell you about the country's resorts on "T" and this is not Turkey!)) There are also sandy beaches, you can relax without a visa and all inclusive is flourishing. Have you guessed? Tunisia, of course!
Reviews about the country are ambiguous - everyone seems to like it, but they add "if you don't find fault." We have already written enough texts about the season and the weather, and now we will analyze where is better in Tunisia. What places are more suitable for relaxation, where life is in full swing, and where can you go with a budget of $ 500 per person?
When is the best time to go on vacation to Tunisia? Season and weather
Which month to choose for exploring Africa? In a nutshell and briefly, then:
* follow the links - our analyzes of the weather by month
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
- off-season - season - 50/50
Massive tourists begin to come to Tunisia in May, and the season ends in early November. In June, the temperature reaches + 29 ° С, in July and August it is hot (more than + 30 ° С), and the sea is captured by jellyfish.
However, what time of year it is best to go is in the fall. Very comfortable in September and October: + 25 ° С ... + 30 ° С on the shore, at sea + 24 ° С ... + 27 ° С.
Closer to the middle of autumn, you can already look for tours with discounts;) The cheapest way, according to the classics, is at the beginning (end of April — first days of May) and at the end (mid-October — November) of the season: the cost of last minute tours starts from 35,000 rubles for two!
The climate in different parts of the country is approximately the same. If we consider the resorts of Tunisia, where it is better and warmer in the off-season, then this is the island of Djerba. There the season starts a little earlier - in May it is already good.
Where to look for cheap tours?
Tours to Tunisia can be inexpensive. But in order not to run from one tour operator to another, comparing prices, we look at the tours on aggregators - on one page they collect offers directly from leading tour operators:
- Travelata
- Level.Travel
- Onlinetours
You can choose the best tour by adjusting the search filters - stardom, line, etc. And if you need a hot and cheap one, immediately sort "from cheap to expensive."
✓ A tour with a flight from Moscow for 7 days per season costs from 50,000 rubles for two.
✓ Tours to Tunisia on the "all inclusive" system - from 55,000 rubles for the same period and composition.
✓ Relax for 10 days together - from 60,000 rubles.
✓ Well, a family tour (dad, mom, with a child) for 7 days - from 70,000 rubles.
Where is it better to go to rest in Tunisia? Popular resorts
Tunisia's resorts are few and far between, but there are options for those looking to hang out and those looking for silence. We will focus on 3 popular ones and tell you which resort to choose based on your means and desires.
Sousse
Everything you need to know about Sousse can be summed up in two sentences:
- This is the most crowded and lively resort city: restaurants, shops, casinos, and even attractions (for example, the old town of Medina, a mosque and a house-museum of a wealthy Tunisian).
- Budget beach vacation in Tunisia - it's here, weekly all inclusive tours start from 50,000 rubles for two.
The beaches in the country are public (and we will dwell on this in more detail below), and Sousse is a city with a significant share of the local population.
Therefore, the area, where it will be quieter, cleaner and less crowded, is located as far as possible from the Medina, towards sub-resort of Port El Kantaoui... But there it is also more expensive.
The entertainment in Sousse, in addition to the 3 places to “see”, is as follows:
* local currency - Tunisian dinar (TND). 1 TND ≈ 22 rubles
✓ Riding on bananas / buns and other inflatable structures - 10-20 dinars
✓ By parachute behind the boat - 30-60 dinars
✓ Excursion by the sea on a pirate ship - 20-40 dinars (reviews of tourists call for bargaining, which can significantly reduce the initial price)
✓ Diving - 60 dinars (for 1 dive)
✓ With children, you can go to the Acqua Palace water park - 35 dinars for an adult and 30 dinars for a child over 80 cm
Also from Sousse by train you can go to appreciate the beaches of Monastir and Mahdia (except for sand and hotels, of course, there is nothing there, but you never know). Travel time to Mahdia ≈ 2 hours.
Sousse hotels with good tourist reviews:
* tour price is indicated for 7 nights per season
- 4 * Marhaba Salem
Tour for two from 70,000 rubles - 5 * Jazz Tour Khalef
Tour for two from 85,000 rubles - 4 * Royal Kenz Thalasso & Spa (El Kantaoui area)
Tour for two from 80,000 rubles
Hammamet
If you recommend where it is better to go to rest in Tunisia, it is in Hammamet. Why?
- Hammamet is for fans of thalassotherapy and those who are just going to get acquainted with it.
- There are more hotels here than in other resorts, including five-star all inclusive ones. Almost everyone has a spa.
- As in Sousse, there is a nightlife here (albeit on a smaller scale).
Hammamet is divided into two parts: 1) the central old Medina + resort area with hotels up to the town of Mrezga, and 2) the modern and more expensive Yasmine Hammamet, with a beautiful port and above average restaurants.
The resort is good for family holidays: the water is cleaner than in Sousse, the entrance to the sea is shallow, the bottom is flat, just right for kids. And in the Yasmine-Hammamet area there is a whole amusement park.
Popular hotels in Hammamet:
- 3 * Hotel Mediterranee Thalasso-Golf (center)
Tour for two from 70,000 rubles - 4 * Lella Baya & Thalasso Hotel (Yasmine)
Tour for two from 70,000 rubles - 4 * Le Hammamet Resort (center)
Tour for two from 75,000 rubles - 4 * Sentido Phenicia (center)
Tour for two from 80,000 rubles
Djerba
In Tunisia, where it is customary to rest in the summer, you can arrive early and catch the hot sun and the bathing sea. But only one resort - the most southern - and that is the island of Djerba.
A place for lovers of secluded retirement rest and nature. If you decide which is better: Hammamet, Sousse or Djerba, decide if you need a cultural and educational program. If so, then the island is not an option. From "what to see" there is only a crocodile farm, a museum and a synagogue. And getting to everything else on your own is problematic, the island after all.
Tourists in Djerba rest exclusively in the northeast, around / in the cities of Midoun, Mezraya or Aghir. And a small plus: the southern resort of Tunisia is a fishing center, and here the most delicious and fresh fish.
Reviews help to choose a good hotel. Here is the best place to relax in Tunisia in 2021 in the Djerba area:
- 3 * Djerba Sun Club
Tour for two from 65,000 rubles - 4 * Royal Karthago
Tour for two from 75,000 rubles
Holidays in Tunisia with children - where should you go?
Beach vacation in Tunisia: where is it better with children? To begin with, it is worth noting that the direction itself is a good one for a "children's" vacation, because the sea is with a long and smooth sunset, and the sand is ideal for making castles. But at the same time there are problems, such as sluggish animation in hotels and the absence of the concept of "children's table".
And we are looking at the following resorts:
✓ Mahdia - deserted kilometers of beaches and relatively new hotels on the coast. The prices are not low, but this is the kind of Tunisia where it is best, in a relaxed atmosphere, to relax with a child.
✓ Monastir is an inexpensive resort, 20 km from Sousse. There are no noisy establishments, but there are gentle sandy beaches.
✓ Hammamet and Djerba are also worthy options. But it is better to refuse Sousse - it is too noisy and crowded.
From excursions, parents actively take a visit to the Phrygia Zoo ($ 30- $ 40 per person) and go to the Carthageland amusement park (Hammamet) - a basic ticket of 25 dinars (550 rubles) for everyone who is above 130 cm, and 20 dinars (440 rubles) for those who is below.
What are the most recommended hotels?
* the cost of the tour for mom, dad and child during the season for 7 nights
- 5 * Iberostar Royal El Mansour (Mahdia)
Tour for three from 115,000 rubles - 4 * LTI-Mahdia Beach (Mahdia)
Tour for three from 100,000 rubles - 4 * Palm Azur (Djerba)
Tour for three from 110,000 rubles - 3 * Sahara Beach Aquapark Resort (Monastir)
Tour for three from 85,000 rubles - 5 * Magic Hotel Manar (Hammamet)
Tour for three from 130,000 rubles
Tunisia beaches - which one is better to choose?
The beaches of Tunisia are all municipal. Therefore, the status "priotelny" does not stop traders, masseurs and camel riders from inviting tourists to their services.
By the way, they note that the "friends" of the security guards who do not live in the hotel can sit on the sun loungers belonging to the budget "three rubles".There is no such thing in 4 and 5 stars.
These are all little things, because the main advantage of Tunisia is the wide stripes of white fine sand, reminiscent of powder, not at all like in Turkey! And a comfortable, gradual entrance to the crystal clear sea.
"A fly in the ointment" manifests itself after a storm - catching up with a dense carpet of algae and debris. With which, however, local employees cope in a timely manner.
Where is the best place to spend your beach vacation?
✓ Hammamet: nice clean beaches with fine sand. Some tourists call them the best in Tunisia.
✓ Mahdia: wide, well-maintained white sand beaches. Suitable also for families with children.
✓ Djerba: sandy beaches, rocky areas in some places, a lot of greenery around.
✓ Monastir: narrow, gentle beaches with long shallow waters. The "frog", great for children.
✓ Suss: people are literally on top of each other. You can find deserted areas, but this is not a panacea. The resort is very popular, which negatively affects the quality of the beaches.
✓ Gammarth: wide and uncrowded beaches. Bonus - planes approaching for landing, the seat is located near the airport. If you want epic photos, this is the place for you.
Tunisia or Turkey - where is the best place to relax?
Turkey receives 20 million more tourists annually than Tunisia. We have already discussed in detail where is better: Tunisia or Turkey.
Let's recall the main theses:
- Turkey is a little bit (about 10 thousand rubles, if you compare tours), but cheaper.
- Beaches: in Tunisia, the white sand of the Sahara, in Turkey - yellow or gray sand and pebbles (you cannot find Tunisian soft sand!).
- Hotels in Tunisia are thalassotherapy and spa, in Turkey - high-quality animation, service and entertainment.
- There is no such "all-inclusive", as in Turkey, in Tunisia - the kitchen and the bar are more modest here.
Conclusion: Tunisia is interesting for getting new impressions, however, alas, it will not be able to take Turkey's place in the hearts of Russian tourists.
Since we are comparing, then ... Cyprus or Tunisia? The hotel base in Cyprus is more modern, the beaches are cleaner (many have Blue Flags). Many are unambiguously in favor of Cyprus. On the other hand, Cyprus is Europe, and Tunisia belongs to the Arab world. Quite different planes, in our opinion. Including the cost.
Reviews of tourists about Tunisia
A trip to Tunisia is a good option for the first acquaintance with Africa. Thalassotherapy, ancient monuments, Sahara, fresh vegetables and fish. Tourists complain that the resorts are boring. There really is no Turkish animation here, but going to Tunisia with the expectation that it will be like in Turkey is strange. Different countries, different vacations. If you want Turkish frenzy - you need to go to Turkey.
What to bring as a gift from Tunisia? In fact, there is really nothing special. Dates, olives and olive oil, halva. But the feedback on leather products is not very good. |
Pros and cons of Tunisia
To recap: the pros and cons of a Tunisian vacation.
+ Short flight. Well, or relatively short: about 4 hours in the sky.
+ Visa-free!
+ Tour prices. Yes, there are expensive accommodation options, but in general, the cost of vouchers to Tunisia will be sufficient even for a person with a limited budget.
+ Developed "all inclusive".
+ Beaches. They are different here: white and soft sand on the entire coastline of Tunisia.
+ Mediterranean Sea. There are no cold currents in it, it warms up quickly enough, so the beach season starts in June.
+ Thalassotherapy. Many tourists (especially Europeans) come to the country for this very purpose - the treatment procedures here are at a decent level, and the prices are half the same as in France.
+ Safe. Thieves are not observed, in the cities of mass tourism it is calm, the locals are adequate, driving a car is more or less civilized.
- Old hotels. The number of rooms in Tunisia is really lame: there are some changes, but in general everything is old and shabby. This is probably why it is compensated by prices.
- Poor and dirty. Everything is decent on the territory of the hotels, but in the nearest lane ...
- The service is suffering. Very. It's all about tips, not reputation.
- Lack of animation. If you need colorful shows, this is definitely not in Tunisia.
- Municipal beaches. They are open to everyone. On the one hand, you can take a coastal tour. On the other hand, it may turn out that everything is occupied by Tunisians.
- The language barrier. Few people know Russian, in contrast to the beloved Russians of Turkey and Taya.
How much money to take to Tunisia?
How much does a vacation in Tunisia cost? Is it true that you can fit the entire budget of the trip into $ 500?
Let's go over the mandatory and possible out-of-tour spending (counting in dollars):
- Tourist tax at the hotel (from each tourist for the number of nights, but the maximum is taken for 7, even if you are for 10 nights).
- 4-5 stars - 3 dinars ≈ $ 1
- 3 stars - 2 dinars ≈ $ 0.7
- 2 stars - 1 dinar ≈ $ 0.3
- Tours.
- 2-day trip to the Sahara - $ 100-120 per one (cheaper on Djerba)
- Overview Carthage-SidiBuSaid-Tunisia - $ 40-50
- An alternative is car rental.
- Mechanics - $ 35 per day
- Vending machine - $ 42 per day
- Gasoline - $ 0.6 per liter
- Simcard (buy at the airport).
- 3 gigabytes of internet for a week - 11 dinars ≈ $ 4
- 25 gigabytes - 30 dinars ≈ $ 10
- Food in the cafe.
- Breakfast - $ 3 per person
- Dinner with wine and seafood - $ 7 per person
- Alcohol (sold in stores, despite the fact that the country is Muslim).
- Beer - from $ 0.7
- Wine - from $ 3
The range of prices for tours to Tunisia is very wide: a burning weekly "breakfast only" can keep within 40,000 rubles for a couple, a ticket to a 5 * hotel can cost 150,000 rubles for two or more.
Therefore, let's take the average: for two in summer for 7 days with "all inclusive" in a 4-star hotel:
- Tour - 60,000 rubles (prices from Travelata service)
- Tours collection - $ 14
- Excursions (1 to the Sahara + 1 overview of the country) - $ 300
- One SIM card for two - $ 4
- Other expenses (souvenir / a couple of times a cafe / bottle of local alcohol) - $ 100
Total for two: 60,000 rubles per tour and $ 420 with you.
We increase "with us" to $ 500 - we rest like kings; we leave one less expensive excursion - we get $ 200 in total for spending.
About currency exchange.
They go to Tunisia with dollars or euros (the first is better). Changing them on the spot for dinars is not a problem. There are nuances:
- The rate is regulated by the government, it is almost the same as in a state bank, in a hotel, or in an exchange office.
- Rubles are difficult to accept. Take your dollars.
- Tours can be paid in dollars / euros.
- Export of dinars from Tunisia is FORBIDDEN. You need to change them back.
- Therefore, take and SAVE all the pieces of paper that will be given when exchanging dollars for dinars - only with this document will they give out currency.
- The return exchange can be done at the airport or hotel.
- Bank cards are in use in Tunisia, but you still can't do without small cash.