If you’re after a mix of beach, desert adventures and rich culture – Tunisia might just surprise you. Think golden sands, ancient ruins, camel rides and visiting real movie sets from Star Wars, The English Patient, Indiana Jones and the Life of Brian. The kids will love the medinas that feel like an adventure maze, the water parks in the hotels will keep them occupied for hours and for the little explorers, there are many ancient Roman sites in the towns and mountains. It’s affordable, super friendly, just a 3.5 hour flight from Dublin and a refreshing change from the usual Mediterranean spots. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the warm welcome – especially for being Irish – really stood out. And yes, they do know the difference between Ireland and England!
Hammamet
Hammamet was our first stop, and it set the tone perfectly. The hotel’s close to the town, where you can explore the medina inside a scenic old fort near the beach. I stayed at TUI BLUE Palm Beach – a newly renovated, family-friendly resort right on the coast. It has spacious rooms and suites that can sleep a family of four comfortably, multiple pools (including indoor), a kids’ club and a relaxing spa. One of my favourite things was how tranquil the whole resort felt – lots of quiet corners, quirky fixtures scattered throughout and a pathway past the beach bar (make sure you grab a Palm Beach spritz) leading you straight to a private beach. The buffet offers a great mix of local and familiar dishes, plus there’s an à la carte option too. From here there are many sightseeing places to visit including the capital, Tunis.
Tunis
From the hotel, you can easily book day trips to Tunis or nearby Moorish villages. Tunis is a vibrant mix of English, French, and Mediterranean influences, with a UNESCO-listed medina that’s split between tourist shops and local shops. You’ll find everything from handmade slippers and jewellery to spices and mosaics – haggling is part of the fun! The Bardo Museum is a must for history lovers, with stunning artefacts and many historical pieces on display and very much intact. The quirky café inside the museum is a must for a coffee break. Carthage is about 30 minutes from Tunis and is another UNESCO site and well worth a visit. It’s best known for its fierce rivalry with Rome, but the main highlight now is the impressive ruins of the Baths of Antoninus. Nearby is the stunning Moorish village of Sidi Bou Said – a must for Greek vibes. With its blue doors, cobbled streets and marina views, it feels like a slice of Santorini. While there, try some local ‘Bambalouni’ – a popular Tunisian street food – fluffy, deep-fried doughnuts, sugar coated and best enjoyed hot, especially famous in Sidi Bou Said. Like most towns in Tunisia, they have beautiful bright coloured doors and Sidi Bou said is renowned for their blue ones.
Nabeul
Next stop is a visit to Nabeul, famous for its pottery, rush mats and its flower essences. We visited a local business who makes natural rose water and traditional ‘harissa’ (a hot chili pepper paste) from home grown ingredients. The Nabeul Archaeological Museum is a small, fascinating spot showcasing Tunisia’s ancient history. It features Roman mosaics, Punic statues and everyday artifacts from the old city of Neapolis – perfect for a quick cultural adventure with the family before heading off ‘ceramic’ shopping in the local medina. If you like traditional cuisine, sample the local produce from the vegetable and fish market. There is also a unique boutique hotel in the heart of Nabeul called Dar el Gaied, an exquisite place to completely switch off and a must stay for any curious traveller.
Zaghouan
I have never seen an abandoned Berber village but I did here – Zriba El OliaI. A mountainside historical gem and I felt lost in time here, wonderfully authentic. Also nearby, the ancient remnants of a Roman baths, Les Temples des Eaux, is still impressively in good condition. There is such a deep birthright to the Roman times and it is very apparent in the towns.
And if you like somewhere a bit different, Dar Zaghouan is tucked away in the Tunisian countryside. This eco-friendly farmhouse (you can also stay here) has rustic-chic vibes with mountain views, almond trees and the best homemade pastries. It’s the kind of place where the kids can run wild, adults can unwind in a traditional hammam (Turkish bath) and everyone can get a little taste of rural, Tunisian life. From hikes and horse rides, quad bikes to homemade food and even a farm museum, this is laid-back, local and just the right mix of adventure in the hillside.
Sousse
Sousse is the third largest city in Tunisia after Tunis and Sfax and is hailed as the ‘Ibiza’ of Tunisia because of its bustling nightlife and atmosphere. It has a more cosmopolitan vibe and also plenty to do and see. For contemporary art lovers, there’s a quirky museum, Dar am Taieb, dedicated to local artist Taieb Ben Hadj Ahmed. The museum is his home and gives a real glimpse into his world. His sculptures and art, made from all sorts of recycled materials, are full of character and imagination.
The town of Monastir is about an hour from Sousse and is famous as the location of ‘The Life of Brian’ movie. It is a beautiful seaside town with a marina and plenty of coffee shops. The main visitor attraction here for locals and tourists is the Bourguiba Mausoleum where the Tunisian former president, Habib Bourguiba is actually buried. He was known as the father of Tunisian independence and died in 2000. You can go into the mausoleum and the interior is as magnificent as the exterior, well worth a visit.
I stayed at the TUI SUNEO Royal Kenz in Sousse. Despite having 900 rooms, it never felt overcrowded – most hotels here sprawl outwards, not upwards. The hotel has two great pools, plenty of bars and dining spots and a lovely Moorish café for a chilled, Tunisian-style siesta. It’s located in the beautiful Port El Kantaoui area, with white buildings, cobbled streets, chic cafés and a marina. There’s even a PGA golf course and a gorgeous beach where you can stroll back to the hotel. The spa treatments in both hotels are amazing – and way cheaper than at home. One guest had 15 in two weeks… so of course, I had to try too!
Mahdia
This spot is super relaxed and non-touristy – a favourite with locals for a beach day. The sea feels endless and the sand stretches out like a magic carpet. The town has a mix of Greek and Tunisian vibes. About an hour away is El Jem, which was a real highlight for me. Did you know there is a Roman amphitheatre in Tunisia? This Roman Colosseum is, in my opinion, even more impressive than the one in Rome – and without the crowds! A must-see.
If you’re like me and love a bit of craft shopping, the medinas are full of quirky ornaments and handmade mosaics – beautiful, affordable and always worth a haggle. I lost count of how many times I was called “princess” or “beautiful” (especially after I’d bought something!).
Tunisia’s got loads to offer Irish holidaymakers – a short direct flight from Dublin and you’re stepping into sunshine, culture and serious value for money. Think easy, cheap taxi rides to stunning resorts, bustling medinas for a spot of haggling, delicious local food and wine and every kind of day trip you can imagine – camel rides in the desert, hot air ballooning, Roman ruins, or even horse riding along the beach. North Africa suddenly doesn’t feel so far away and the warm welcome from locals makes it all the better. You might just come home with a few rugs and a heart full of Tunisian magic.
TUI holidays offer packages including flights (every Monday), hotels and transfers from Enfidha airport in July 2025 for approx. €894pp all inclusive. Yvonne was a guest of the Tunisian National Tourist Office.
Things to know before you go –
• Tunisia is 99% Muslim but not overly strict – more culturally Islamic than religiously enforced.
• No need to cover up, just dress respectfully outside the resorts.
• I felt very safe – some visible security at checkpoints, museums and attractions.
• Medina sellers love a haggle (even though prices are low). They’re friendly, not pushy – and even know the difference between Irish and English! One greeted me with “Conas atá tú?”
• Bring some local currency (Tunisian Dinar) for tips – 100 Dinar is around €30. You can’t take it home, so spend it there.
• Taxis are cheap – agree on a price. For longer trips, try a ‘Louage’ (shared minibus) from local ranks.
• Hammamet and Sousse are both about 40 mins from Enfidha airport – taxis cost around €20 – €30.
• Both hotels I stayed in were family-friendly. Some even have on-site water parks for the kids.
• Lots of cobbled streets, so pack comfy, flat shoes for exploring.
Published in the Irish Daily Mail 12/7/2025
Check out all you need to know about Tunisia here – www.discovertunisia.com