Tunisia

Tunisia is a 40-minute ferry from Sicily and has Carthaginian ruins that rival anything in Italy. Yet it gets a fraction of the tourists. Travel warnings scare people away, even though the coastal regions and tourist cities are genuinely safe.

The ruins at Dougga and El Djem are extraordinary — Roman temples, amphitheaters, and city layouts that show how people lived 2,000 years ago. The prices to visit are $3–5 per site. The roads are good. The people speak French and English among younger generation.

The food is a North African fusion — Mediterranean (olive oil, seafood, vegetables) mixed with Arabic and Berber influences. Méchoui (slow-roasted lamb), brik (crispy pastry with egg and cheese), couscous served multiple ways, fresh grilled fish, and harissa (chili paste) as a condiment. A meal costs $3–6. The wine (Tunisian red and white) is good and cheap ($3–5 a bottle).

The beaches are Mediterranean perfect — Djerba island is quiet and relatively undeveloped. Hammamet is a beach town with good food and accommodations. Sfax is a living city (not a tourist town) with markets and local authenticity. Tunisia is what Southern Mediterranean travel was before it got expensive and crowded.

Dougga Roman ruins: One of the best-preserved Roman towns in North Africa. Half-day trip from Tunis ($5 transport), $5 entry. Hire a local guide for $20–30 (worth it for historical context).

El Djem amphitheater: A massive 3rd-century Roman amphitheater. Similar in scale to Colosseum. $8 entry. 2–3 hour south of Tunis.

Djerba island beaches: A quieter alternative to Corsica/Sardinia, with white sand and clear water. Stay 2–3 days, relax, eat seafood. $20–40 accommodation.

Medina of Tunis: The old city with souks, mosques, and hammams (bathhouses). Wander, get lost, eat street food. $0–15 depending on purchases/activities.

Budget:: Dar El Hana Hostel (Tunis) — traditional riad converted to hostel, central medina location. Dorms $8–12, privates $30–45.

Mid-Range:: Dar Anika — boutique riad with courtyard, excellent restaurant. $70–110/night.

Splurge:: Djerba Eldorado Resort — beachfront with pools, spa, restaurants. $180–280/night.

Méchoui: Slow-roasted lamb, falling off the bone, wrapped in thin bread. A feast, $6–10 per person.

Brik: A crispy pastry triangle filled with egg, cheese, and sometimes tuna. Fried until golden, served hot. $1–2.

Couscous: Steamed semolina served with meat stew, vegetables, and broth. Every region has its variation. $3–6.

Grilled fish: Fresh Mediterranean fish grilled whole with olive oil, lemon, and salt. Coastal towns, $6–12.

Harissa: A spicy chili paste served as a condiment (not a main). A touch transforms a dish. Comes in jars for $1–2.