What a tourist needs to know when traveling to Tunisia. What not to do in Tunisia (8 photos). Everything you need to know about Tunisia tourists

People go to Tunisia to relax in first class spa, bargain at the oriental bazaar, ride a camel through the largest desert in the world and, of course, it’s wonderful to relax in hotels by the sea. Holidays in Tunisia have become a good substitute for holidays in Egyptian resorts: tours here are cheap, service in hotels is decent, and there is enough sand in the Sahara and ancient ruins for everyone.

Visa

Visa to Tunisia for Russian citizens need not. All you need to visit Tunisia is to pay for a hotel, fly to one of the airports and fill out a short questionnaire.

Tours in Tunisia

Prices for tours for 2 people for 7 nights with departure from Moscow

Weather

If you are planning a beach holiday in Tunisia, then remember that the swimming season begins from the end of May to the end of October. For trips, it is better to choose the off-season - late autumn or mid-spring.

In the resort areas of Tunisia, there are many hotels that literally dot the entire coast. Those that are on the first line have a large area, their own beach area, garden and pools. Usually these are hotels of well-known international chains, but there are also local brands whose service is just as good. The most common category hotels 4 or 5 stars. We recommend choosing food by type "all inclusive".

Round trip flights to Tunisia

Ticket prices shown are for 1 person departing from Berlin

First of all, of course, it is worth planning a visit to, to the famous one - without visiting him, a trip to Tunisia will be incomplete. It will also be interesting to see the dwellings of troglodytes and the places where Star Wars episodes were filmed. You should definitely wander around the capital's medina, look at and take fantastic pictures in the blue and white city, feed the giraffe at the Phrygia Zoo.

Currency

Currency of Tunisia - Tunisian dinar. One Tunisian dinar is divided into 1000 millimeters and is equal to approximately 50 cents.

What to bring

The three most popular souvenirs from Tunisia - olive oil, ceramics and desert rose.

Olive oil has been produced in Tunisia for a very long time; endless olive plantations can be seen along the roads. Several varieties of olives grow in the country, so all kinds of oil are sold. It is only important to pay attention to acidity - it should not be lower than 1%.

"Desert Rose" is a beautiful souvenir that can only be found in the countries of North Africa. These are sand, salt and gypsum pressed by the wind, which form amusing shapes that look like flowers. The average price for one "rose" - one dinar, but you can bargain and get a bunch for a piglet.

Kitchen

Tunisia has long been under the rule of France, and this has left a big imprint on the national cuisine. For example, they still serve the freshest and most delicious baguette for breakfast and they know how to make croissants very well. Chefs are also good at dishes from cereals and legumes- for example, chickpeas or couscous. But with meat, everything is much sadder. Mainly mutton, cooked in the oven and generously flavored with spices so that it is almost impossible to recognize lamb.

Boiled vegetables (also with spices) are at a premium here. What Tunisians have no equal in is sweets. Nuts in honey, baklava, Turkish delight, nougat - you can’t list everything!

Transport

developed in Tunisia bus and train service as well as a taxi service. You can travel between cities by bus or train. The national carrier that controls the electric trains offers cars of varying degrees of comfort. Tickets are quite expensive - from 9 to 20 dinars. An amazing metro runs in the capital, like two drops of water similar to interconnected trams - almost all lines are ground, there are no transfers between them.

In resort towns, it is best to move from point A to point B by Taxi. It is very important to know a few rules in order not to end up on the outskirts of the city without money. First, remember that getting into a taxi is paid (about 250 millimeters). Secondly, always ask to reset and turn on the counter. Thirdly, be prepared for a rather dashing driving style. At night, a taxi rises in price by 50% - from 21:00 to 5:00 there is a special tariff. In general, traveling by taxi is convenient and very inexpensive, if you follow all the rules. A trip from to, for example, will cost about 4 dinars, and from a coastal hotel to the city center, to the medina - 2-3 dinars.

How to get there

Tunisia is a country in northern Africa, neighboring Libya and Algeria. Its shores are washed by the gentle waters of the Mediterranean Sea. About a third of the country's territory is occupied by the Atlas Mountains, and in the south of the country it begins.

There are 9 airports in Tunisia, but Russian tourists land at 4 of them. Capital (Tunisia-Carthage) accepts regular flights. New Enfidha airport c accepts charters from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Russian cities (Perm, Tyumen, Kazan and others). The transfer will take approximately 45 minutes.

Charters with Russian tourists also land at Habib Bourguiba Airport in Monastir. Before

Safety

In 2015, another revolution shook Tunisia and the unrest has not yet passed. On excursions you can see fortified police and military vehicles. From time to time, local radicals arrange clashes, most often this happens in the capital, in resort towns such a rarity. After the sad case of a terrorist attack on a hotel, the resort administration has stepped up security - the territories are equipped with video cameras, the hotels are guarded by people in uniform.

Good to know

• Time in Tunisia is two hours behind Moscow.
• Sockets in Tunisia do not differ from Russian ones, no adapter is needed.
• The jellyfish season on the coast begins in August and lasts until early September.
• Large shops are open until 19:00, small shops - until 23:00.
• It is better for women not to appear in places that are not too crowded without an accompanying man and not to go alone to coffee shops with a male audience.

Tunisia is not the most popular country among tourists, but the pleasant climate, sandy beaches and the absence of a large number of noisy guests from other countries will clearly appeal to many vacationers, and especially families with children.

There are no large hotel complexes in Tunisia, but they are not needed for a comfortable stay - after all, you will spend most of the time on the beach and visiting local attractions.

Climate of Tunisia

The most pleasant thing in Tunisia, perhaps, is the dominance of the Mediterranean climate. At the same time, even in July-August, the hottest months, a temperature of +35 ° C is not perceived badly here, due to the fact that the air is very dry. And the swimming season here is very long - from May to the end of October. So those who have a vacation in the middle of autumn can comfortably relax here.

Visa regime

The good news is that for those who fly to Tunisia on a tour from Russia, Belarus or Ukraine, it is a visa-free country - you only need your passport. This will significantly save time on the collection of documents. A tourist visa allows you to stay in Tunisia for about a month, which is quite enough for a comfortable vacation.

Sea view.

Rent a Car

If you are going to Tunisia with the whole family, then you will simply go broke on public transport tickets. Where is it better to rent a car, especially since it is very simple. It is enough to have a license, more than a year of experience and an age of 21 or more. You can rent a car right at the airport.

Safety

Tunisia is considered a fairly safe country. You should not worry about vaccinations, even for children - no diseases are common in Tunisia. Theft is poorly developed here - just keep an eye on expensive things. And remember that Tunisia is a Muslim country, so dress modestly and don't take photos of people without permission.

Street in one of the cities of Tunisia.

The beaches of Tunisia

The entire coast of Tunisia is one large sandy beach. Most of the beaches are municipal, and you can stay on them for free. Some hotels have their own beaches, and only hotel guests have access to them.

Beach near the medina of Sousse.

Food in Tunisia

In Tunisia, food is very much spiced with various spices, so if you don’t like them too much or don’t want to give your child, then carefully monitor all the dishes served to you. It is also worth remembering that tuna is added to almost all dishes here. Otherwise, Tunisian cuisine is not too unusual for us.

Resorts of Tunisia

Sousse is a bustling youth resort;

Hammamet is a multinational fairly large city;

Mahdia - a resort with the best beaches with white sand;

Monastir is a resort for those who are interested in the culture and history of the country;

Acute Djerba is the warmest and most popular resort among tourists;

Nabeul is a quiet resort, ideal for a relaxing family holiday with children.

City in Tunisia.

Sights of Tunisia

In Tunisia, there is sure to be something to see. It is worth visiting the town of El Jem with its Colosseum, the second largest in the world after the Roman one. In the town of Matmata in the mountains of Tunisia, you can meet the Berbers - the local population, which still lives in caves.

Colosseum in El Jem.

Well, you should definitely visit Carthage - an ancient city in which burials are still being excavated. And not far from Carthage is the Le Bordeaux Mosaic Museum, the largest in Africa and even in Europe.

Mosaic Museum Le Bordeaux.

Tunisia as a tourist destination is regaining its position. The authorities of the country declare that the security system for tourists has been completely redesigned, the infrastructure has been updated. At the same time, a big stake is placed precisely on the Russian tourist flow.

After the crisis in the Tunisian tourism industry in 2015 and the opening of the Turkish destination in 2017, the number of Russians going on vacation to Tunisia has significantly decreased. In 2018, the Arab country is preparing to receive about 800 thousand tourists from Russia - a record number of all time. Such initiatives are also supported by Russian tour operators: today a variety of tours to Tunisia are actively offered. And, as representatives of travel companies note, applications for this direction are received in large numbers, there are practically no last-minute tours. Why is Tunisia so attractive to travelers?

Tunisia: general information, geography, history

Tunisia is the place where noble Europe meets exotic Africa. The country is located on the African coast of the Mediterranean Sea, so people come here primarily for a beach holiday. It has everything you need for this: snow-white fine sand, clean and warm waters of the sea, a fairly high service and hotels located in close proximity to the sea. And all this can be found in abundance in any Tunisian resort.

However, the attractiveness of tours to Tunisia is explained not only by the sea and beaches. Adventure seekers are attracted by the Sahara desert with its endless sandy seas and dunes. It was here that George Lucas recreated the landscapes of the planet Tatooine - one of the key places in the entire Star Wars saga. The richest historical heritage is also impressive - the ancient powerful city of Carthage was located on the territory of present-day Tunisia.

Cities and resorts of Tunisia

Monastir is the administrative and business center of the country, which has a separate airport, a variety of hotels with individual features, a luxurious and modern Congress Palace. The highlight of Monastir is an authentic historical center, preserved to this day in perfect condition. Also near the city there are numerous white beaches, excellent conditions for a relaxing holiday, the relative availability of recreation and proximity to the city of Sousse - the center of youth recreation.

Sousse is a noisy, crowded resort, where there is always an atmosphere of fun. Tourists can choose from a variety of accommodation conditions - from affordable 2-star hotels to luxurious 5 * hotel complexes that meet all international standards of first-class recreation. Numerous cafes, bars, shops with souvenirs, clubs are located on the embankment.

Hammamet is a respectable resort town that attracts tourists of mature age. It is surprisingly green and well-groomed. Numerous cafes and restaurants are located on the cozy streets. And hotels offer the widest range of services, including thalassotherapy programs - an indispensable element of any tour to Tunisia.

Mahdia - a real Moorish atmosphere is combined here with magnificent beaches and exotic bazaars selling seafood. Holidays in Mahdia will appeal to those who appreciate the atmosphere of privacy and silence.

Korba is another center of calm, secluded recreation. There is only one hotel here, near which there is a market with local products, a residential area and a port. The main attraction of Korba is the picturesque lagoon, which is home to a huge variety of exotic birds. There are also beautiful beaches, where, however, it is never crowded.

Djerba - this resort is located on an island in the Mediterranean Sea. It has a surprisingly mild, comfortable climate, clear sea waters, and beautiful beaches. This is a great option for a quiet, imposing holiday away from noisy cities.

Sights of Tunisia

Tours in Tunisia are not only beaches and the sea. Each city in this ancient Arab country boasts unique attractions that give it a special flavor. In the capital, tourists are attracted by the old city, which began its history in the 8th century, a colonial avenue with extraordinary architecture and a special atmosphere. You should definitely visit the Zituna Mosque, the majestic mausoleum of Torbet el-Bey, luxurious Moorish palaces.

Of course, the main attraction of Tunisia is Carthage. Appearing before Rome, for a long time he fiercely resisted the Roman Empire. Today it is the most attractive place in all of Tunisia. The local amphitheater is not inferior in showiness to the Colosseum. The National Museum of Carthage and the Cathedral of St. Louis, ancient Roman baths from the time of Emperor Pius.

Also during a tour to Tunisia it is worth visiting:

• The amphitheater in El Jem is another grandiose monument of the era of Ancient Rome.
• Mustafa's fortress in Djerba, built in the 9th century.
• Medina in the capital of the state - the city of Tunis - is a bright, original area, representing in all its glory the exoticism of the Arab world.
• The National Bardo Museum is a magnificent collection of ancient Roman monumental painting.
• Fort Hammamet is an ancient fortress, from the walls of which a truly stunning view opens.
• Sahara desert - tours to Tunisia offer a variety of travel programs in the most famous desert on the planet. On an individual request, simple sightseeing trips, visits to the scenery of the planet Tatooine from Star Wars, and extreme tours can be organized.

Seasonality and climate

The weather in Tunisia is formed under the influence of the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert. In summer it is on average 22-32 degrees of heat, in winter the average temperature is +5 ... -12 degrees. The northern part of the country is dominated by a subtropical climate, with hot and dry summers and cool and wet winters. The winds blowing from the north are delayed by the mountains, so in the autumn-winter period there is quite a lot of precipitation. On the eastern Tunisian coast, the winds cool the hot air somewhat, creating comfortable conditions even in summer. In the southern regions, the climate is tropical, hot all year round.

The tourist season in the resorts of Tunisia lasts from late April to early November. At this time, the most pleasant air and sea temperatures are here.

Types of recreation

Tours to Tunisia offer a variety of pastime options. First of all, this, of course, is an excellent beach holiday, here many kilometers of sandy beaches washed by the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea await tourists. You can choose from noisy crowded beaches with a rich life, as well as secluded remote corners.

In addition, Tunisia is known as a center of thalassotherapy - these are wellness treatments using sea water. Such water has an excellent healing effect, fills the body with essential minerals and helps to remove decay products from the body. A course of thalassotherapy will help you get rid of excess weight, strengthen and rejuvenate your body. Such services in Tunisia are offered by every decent hotel, and almost everywhere they are performed at the highest level. This is a real panacea for both the body and the soul.

Not to mention the vibrant nightlife. Numerous clubs, discos and casinos await vacationers in Sousse. Young people from all over Europe flock here, who know a lot about entertainment.

Kitchen Features

In many ways, Tunisian cuisine is similar to European, but it is much more spicy and fragrant - local chefs use a large number of different spices. Most dishes are based on vegetables, fish, meat, various combinations of spices and olive oil.

The most popular fish in Tunisia is tuna, which is cooked here in a huge variety of species. Beef, lamb and poultry are widely used. Spicy sauces based on olive oil give them a special piquancy. Local dishes are served in large, hearty portions.

They also love hot appetizers in Tunisia:

• Brik is a local analogue of chebureks;
• kefta - a special kind of meatballs;
• tazhim - omelette with chicken.

A standard lunch includes a thick, rich soup, some second dish reminiscent of couscous, and national sweets. Drink in Tunisia green tea with sugar or strong coffee. Alcoholic drinks are widely represented - both world hits and local products.

Currency, time zone, visa

The currency in Tunisia is the dinar (TND), the local penny is called the millim. You can bring both dollars and euros with you. Exchangers are available in banks, local post offices, hotels and just on the street. At the same time, the rate will be almost the same everywhere - the country has a very strict monetary policy. An important point is that it is forbidden to take the Tunisian currency out of the country, so leave the receipts of the exchangers in order to exchange the remaining money for dollars or euros before departure.

The time difference between Tunisia and Moscow is 3 hours, and the direct flight time from the capital's airports is 4 hours. Therefore, having departed from Moscow at 10 am, you will arrive at the point of arrival at 11 am on the same day.

A visa is required to visit an Arab country. You can get it at the Tunisian Embassy, ​​located in Moscow at st. Malaya Nikitskaya, house 28/1. A candidate for a visa will need a completed application form, a valid passport, an invitation from the host party or confirmation of a hotel room reservation, 1 photo and a medical insurance policy. On average, visa processing takes 2-3 working days.

Transport

Tunisia has a well-developed railway network - they connect all the main settlements of the country. The trains here are modern, comfortable and fast. For passengers, several categories of carriages are offered, differing in terms of convenience and price. A light metro runs through the center of the capital and the northern suburbs, including the tourist magnets of Carthage and Sidi Bou Said. Such transport connects the cities of Sousse, Monastir and Mahdia, which are popular among tourists. There are also buses in Tunisia. From the stations of Tunisia, you can take a bus to almost any part of the country. Buses are quite comfortable and fast.

In cities, you can ride buses, trams, fixed-route taxis. There are practically no timetables for any intracity route; all designations are made in Arabic. There are also full-fledged taxis. All of them are equipped with counters that start when you get into the car. There is also a day and night rate, the difference in price is quite significant. And you need to remember that the change of the tariff on the meter occurs automatically.

If you are going on vacation to Tunisia, then you will simply need to do the following there:

1. Walk through the ruins of Carthage.
2. Organize a photo shoot in the authentic Moorish quarter of Sidi Bou Said.
3. Experience the amazing effect of thalassotherapy for yourself.
4. Be impressed by the ruins of the colosseum in the city of El Jem.
5. Soak up the gentle rays of the Sun on the best beaches in North Africa.
6. On a separate request, organize a tour to the Sahara and enjoy sand songs there.
7. Taste local delicacies.
8. Meet the sunrise on the shores of the salt lake Chott el-Jerid.
9. Eat dates.

Prices for tours to Tunisia

The cost of rest in Tunisia is quite affordable. It consists of the price of air tickets, payment for accommodation and food - these are priority expenses. On average, a package tour of 7 nights costs from 30,000 rubles. For this money you will receive a round-trip flight and accommodation in a good hotel. Meals are included in the price optional.

Many tour operators offer 4- and 5-star hotels by default, however, an ordinary “three-ruble note” here can be very good. In addition, the price is seriously affected by the season - in winter you can fly to Tunisia much cheaper than in the high summer season.

An adventurer who finds himself on a hot continent for the first time runs the risk of getting into a mess. In an Arab country, finding yourself in a difficult situation due to ignorance of customs is elementary. So, what should you never do in Tunisia?

1. Refusing kisses

Tunisians are very fond of kissing - both with close people and with friends of friends and with distant relatives of a new friend. When meeting, it is not customary for them to hug or exchange friendly glances eye to eye. Two kisses on one and the other cheek - that's what you need! In the same way, they express longing after a long separation, and the joy of a new acquaintance, and an everyday greeting. True, such kisses are permissible only among people of the same sex. A man with a woman at a meeting will get by with a dry handshake, which seems rather unusual for a person with a European consciousness. But if you are lucky enough to come to a Tunisian wedding, then here you will have to kiss all the guests indiscriminately. Do not be shy and smile brightly at everyone, Tunisians love people with an open mind, as they themselves say.

2. Flirt outside

What can I say, the Russians, who have been living in Tunisia for a long time, would not be advised to respond to any claims of people on the street. Locals in this regard can be extremely intrusive. If a person decides to meet you in one of the tourist areas, then he will follow you and try to start a conversation by any means. It will not be difficult for a skilled Tunisian to talk to you and find out information about whether you came to Tunisia for the first time, where you live and where you are going in the evening. Then he will come to you in terrible dreams ... Calls and SMS from a new friend will become an integral part of every day of your vacation. Therefore, if you have no desire to make spontaneous acquaintances, then go your own way and do not turn around. Your silence will not offend anyone much, but it will help preserve the right to personal space in a foreign country. Do not flatter yourself when you hear in your address: “Shakira, Shakira, ochen krasiva” - this is shouted to every fair-haired person passing by. Love for the Colombian singer has grown into a household name here and is promoted at every turn.

3. Eating Pork in Ramadan

It is widely known that Muslims do not eat pork under any circumstances. In addition, people who honor their faith will not even put a piece of bread in their mouths during Ramadan until 20:00 pm. Tunisians limit themselves to food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Therefore, if you suddenly find yourself in Tunisia in mid-July and take a serveral stick with you in reserve, do not rush to eat it in public. This will doubly offend the feelings of believers. Hungry and tired Tunisians who are fasting will look with contempt at any "chewing" in the daytime. Out of respect and tolerance for a different culture, it is better not to even drink water on the street. Eat whatever you want, but at home or in your room, and in the evening you can have an unforgettable time and visit the most popular places. After dinner, full and happy Tunisians will go to listen to street concerts, eat bamboloni (donuts with powdered sugar), cooked in boiling oil right there, and go shopping in the medina. Join now!

4. Ask unnecessary questions

Do not try to find out how some Tunisians can spend whole days in a cafe, lazily sipping espresso. Take it for granted: they sit, they sat and they will sit. Sometimes it’s even incomprehensible how this endless sitting is combined with work and where does the money for coffee come from? All street cafes are filled with local men who smoke cigarettes, drink coffee and smoke again, but this time hookah. They think about something and occasionally exchange a couple of phrases, but mostly just look at passers-by and cars passing by. After a couple of weeks of living in the rhythm of Tunisia, you begin to get used to this atmosphere and you feel in your gut that it's not so bad. Every time you spend more and more time in the cafe, it no longer seems strange that the menu often contains nothing but coffee (and it only costs a dinar!) and tea. Thoughts follow each other in their turn, and what is happening around becomes more and more exciting.

5. Push in a taxi

When you learn to ride in a taxi according to local customs, you will face two things: good and bad. Tunisians, getting into a taxi in a tourist city, say "par place" ("for a place") and four of them travel in one car. The driver collects other passengers along the road, so in most cases he travels along one, well-known route. The undoubted advantage of such movement is cheapness. In such a situation, you will definitely not overpay and get to your destination with a breeze for only 600–900 millimeters (less than one dinar, about 30 rubles). We must not forget about the reverse side of the medal - it will be crowded. Perhaps you will feel a not always pleasant closeness with a neighbor who accidentally presses you to the window. Or find yourself in the middle, between two Tunisians who are impressed by the appearance of European beauty in their area. Be friendly and greet everyone: “Aslemah!” ("Hello"). To the question "how are you?" answer: “Hamdullah” (stretching out the sounds). This phrase means "thank God". Even if the Tunisian is not in the best mood, but in a mess in life, he still answers this way, thereby emphasizing that he accepts all the difficulties, because this is the will of God.

6. Get naked in public

In Tunisia, you will see people dressed in many different ways: hippie-style youth in Bob Marley T-shirts, Salafi-style men in traditional long robes, fashion beauties in mini shorts or ripped jeans. But it is better for visitors to be discreet in their clothes, despite the deadly heat. Especially girls, especially in cafes, where, as we remember, local men spend their time. Muslim women are also stuffy, but they wear long dresses and find an opportunity to look attractive. Feminine floor-length dresses, openwork transparent scarves with colorful decorations and original accessories will come in handy in your wardrobe. Tunisians will appreciate this, because each of them, wherever he works, is always dressed smartly and neatly.

7. Take pictures with the police

It is in Tunisia that one is drawn to take a selfie with a man in a police uniform. After all, they are so cute ... These smiling charming guys and girls do not create a frightening impression at all. Even machine guns thrown over a thin shoulder are not very alarming. But the Tunisians themselves say that now the country is “such an unstable situation” that it is not worth distracting law enforcement officers for the sake of a couple of dozen likes on Instagram.

8. Don't like children

In Tunisia, everyone, absolutely everyone loves children. Especially men. They try to dress their child beautifully and according to the latest fashion, carry them in their arms and indulge all children's whims. On the street you will not meet angry mothers screaming at their naughty babies. The religion of the country teaches parents patience and boundless love for little fidgets. Dads are happy to frolic with children both at home with their families and on big holidays. Therefore, aggression towards children is not accepted here. If you are a strict parent and encourage your child with a whip more often than with a carrot, leave your harsh habits at home. In a warm country, smile more often and take the tricks of the child for granted.