Tunisia - Greece without the Crowds

While many travellers once knew it only for beach resorts, Tunisia has matured into something far more compelling - a destination full of luxurious comfort with history and fantastic hospitality.

If you’re looking for a different kind of Mediterranean escape, Tunisia delivers far more than expected.

Where to Stay - Sidi Bou Said

Located right above the Gulf of Tunis, Sidi Bou Said is Tunisia’s most photogenic village, and one of its most best places to stay. Buildings here have classic Whitewashed walls, blue shutters, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and alleys which make it feel like a North African Santorini, only with fewer crowds.

This is where artists, writers, and thinkers came to recharge - Paul Klee, Simone de Beauvoir, and André Gide among them. The village still draws a creative crowd, but it's also a great base for exploring the capital and nearby ruins.

Hotel Pick - La Villa Bleue

Located on a hillside with views of the sea, La Villa Bleue is a boutique hotel that mixes traditional Tunisian design with luxury. The interior has arched doorways, handcrafted tilework, and private terraces that open out onto the Mediterranean. It’s tailor-made for guests who want immersion without sacrificing comfort.

There’s also an excellent in-house spa, and the staff can arrange everything from private guides to local cooking classes. You’re a short walk from the heart of Sidi Bou Said, but far enough to sleep without a single disruption.

Where to Eat - Dar Zarrouk

Just a short walk away from La Villa Bleue, Dar Zarrouk serves some of the best food in the region with one of the most enviable views. The menu is full of local ingredients - grilled fish fresh from the gulf, traditional couscous with lamb or octopus, and inventive desserts using dates, pistachios, and orange blossom.

It’s popular with locals so reservations are smart, especially for a table on the terrace at sunset.

What to Do

Start with a visit to the Bardo Museum in Tunis, just a 30-minute drive from Sidi Bou Said. It houses one of the world’s finest collections of Roman mosaics, many excavated from Tunisia’s archaeological sites.

Next, take a half-day to explore the ruins of Carthage - the ancient Phoenician city that was once Rome’s fiercest rival. The remains are scattered, with highlights including the Antonine Baths and the Byrsa Hill acropolis, which overlooks the sea.

Back in Sidi Bou Said, spend time just walking around. Visit Ennejma Ezzahra, a palace-turned-museum built by a wealthy French musicologist, showcasing traditional Tunisian design and hosting occasional concerts. Then finish your day with mint tea and pine nuts at Café des Nattes.

Tunisia offers the Mediterranean without the crowds, and Sidi Bou Said is the ideal base for both relaxing and exploring!

Getting There with Aer Lingus

Reaching Tunisia from Ireland is increasingly convenient, especially during the spring and summer months. Aer Lingus offers seasonal direct flights from Dublin to Tunis-Carthage International Airport, typically operating several times per week.

The flight takes just under three and a half hours, making it a relatively short hop to North Africa. For those visiting Sidi Bou Said, the village is less than a 30-minute drive from the airport. Return fares generally range between €180 and €280, depending on the season and how early you book.