EasyJet has launched a new route from Newcastle to Enfidha, Tunisia, with fares starting at £44, offering a budget-friendly alternative to popular destinations like Majorca. The flight takes just over three hours, followed by a 45-minute transfer to the resort town of Hammamet on the north-eastern coast.
Hammamet provides a genuine and affordable holiday experience, with five-star quality at three-star prices. The writer stayed at Les Orangers Garden Villas and Bungalows, praising its value compared to other sought-after destinations. The pound stretches significantly further in Tunisia, especially in local markets.
The Old Medina of Hammamet is a highlight, featuring ancient whitewashed walls, a mosque, and traditional hammered doors. The souk offers a bargaining culture similar to Egypt or Turkey, but traders are respectful and leave uninterested visitors alone. Female travellers reported feeling safe, with vendors focusing on goods rather than compliments.
Cats are abundant and well cared for by the local community. The coastline offers turquoise waters reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast, Costa del Sol, or Santorini, but with fewer crowds and cheaper cocktails. A day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Carthage reveals remarkably preserved Roman and Phoenician ruins.
The town of Sidi Bou Saïd, settled between the 12th and 13th centuries, is considered Tunisia's cultural heartland. Locals are eager to share their history, making the destination both enriching and accessible for budget-conscious travellers.
