From Monastir to Sidi Bou Said: An Unforgettable Tunisia Family Trip
If you’re looking for a beach holiday in a Mediterranean gem surrounded by beautiful beaches, charming architecture, delicious cuisine, and unforgettable sunrises and sunsets, Tunisia is the perfect destination. This North African country is rich in history and culture, home to calm sandy beaches, and far less overcrowded with tourists than many other Mediterranean destinations.
We visited Tunisia as our family summer holiday, and it turned out to be one of those trips that stays with you long after you return home.
We flew from Glasgow to Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport with EasyJet, and the journey was smooth and pleasant from start to finish. Arriving in Tunisia, we were genuinely impressed by how organised the airport was and how quickly the immigration process went; especially compared to another North African country we had visited years before.
To make things easier for our family of five, we had booked a private airport transfer, and honestly, it was absolutely worth it. After a flight, all you really want is to get to your hotel as quickly and comfortably as possible, and this made our arrival stress-free and easy.
Where We Stayed in Tunisia
For our stay, we booked the Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort, and we absolutely loved it. If you’re looking for a place to truly relax and unwind, this hotel is a fantastic choice.
It was located right in front of the beach and had two wonderful swimming pools, including a saltwater pool, which I personally loved. The whole atmosphere felt calm, easy, and perfect for a summer family escape.
One of my favourite things about this trip was experiencing the sunrises and sunsets in Tunisia. I’m passionate about watching the sky transform at those magical hours of the day, and Tunisia did not disappoint.
I would wake up around 4:30 am and quietly head to the beach to wait for the sun to slowly appear on the horizon. It was one of the most peaceful and unforgettable parts of the trip. Living in the UK, I rarely get the chance to properly enjoy both sunrises and sunsets like that, so it felt incredibly special.
Exploring Monastir and Sousse
The location of our hotel was also excellent because it allowed us to explore nearby places such as Monastir and Sousse.
We booked a taxi to both Monastir and Sousse, and we arranged everything directly through the hotel concierge, which made things much easier and more convenient.
If you’re planning to do the same, there are a few useful things to know:
- Take cash with you, as taxis usually do not accept card payments
- Agree on the price before getting into the taxi
- If you’re confident with bargaining or negotiating, it’s definitely worth trying as you may be able to get a better fare
These are small details, but they can make a big difference and help avoid confusion during your trip.
During our visits, we wandered through the local souks, tried traditional Tunisian food, and bought some beautiful handmade souvenirs to bring home.
And I have to say that I absolutely loved the food in Tunisia. Every dish we tried felt full of flavour, freshly prepared, and carefully cooked. Food is always such a big part of the travel experience for me, and Tunisia definitely delivered.
The weather was also simply gorgeous throughout our trip. It was warm, sunny, and incredibly pleasant; exactly what you hope for in a summer holiday.
Money Tips for Visiting Tunisia
One practical tip I would definitely recommend is to bring cash with you to exchange once you arrive in Tunisia.
It’s important to know that you are not allowed to enter or leave Tunisia with Tunisian currency, so you’ll need to exchange your money once you are in the country and use it during your stay.
We exchanged all of our money at the hotel, which was very convenient, although we did have to sign some documents during the process.
When leaving the country, airport security also checked and scanned bags to make sure no one was departing with Tunisian dinars, so this is definitely something to keep in mind before your return flight.
It’s one of those travel details that’s easy to overlook, but very useful to know in advance.
A Day Trip to Tunis, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said
One of the highlights of our trip was a day trip to the capital, Tunis, where we got to experience a completely different side of the country.
One of the places that impressed me the most was the Bardo Museum. I was amazed by the beauty of the mosaics, as well as the intricate craftsmanship of the walls and ceilings. It was such a fascinating place and a wonderful reminder of Tunisia’s rich historical and artistic heritage.
We also visited Carthage, which was incredibly interesting and such an important place to see when visiting Tunisia.
But if I’m being honest, Sidi Bou Said was the place I had dreamed most about before coming to Tunisia and it, absolutely, did not disappoint.
Why I Fell in Love with Sidi Bou Said
Sidi Bou Said was every bit as beautiful as I had imagined.
The whitewashed houses with their blue doors and windows, contrasted with colourful climbing flowers, created the most charming and picturesque setting. Everywhere I looked felt like a postcard.
And then there were the viewpoints overlooking the sea; absolutely breathtaking.
I completely fell in love with this place.
It was one of those destinations that feels calm, romantic, and visually magical all at once. Walking through its little streets, admiring the architecture, and soaking in those sea views made this day trip one of the absolute highlights of our Tunisia holiday.
Final Thoughts on Tunisia
Visiting Tunisia for our family summer holiday was truly magical and unforgettable.
It gave us a little bit of everything you look for on a summer holiday:
beautiful beaches, relaxing hotel days, fascinating history, delicious food, charming towns, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, camel rides at the beach, and unforgettable family memories.
Tunisia completely won me over, and I honestly can’t wait to return to this beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming country again.