When travelers dream of the Mediterranean, their minds often jump straight to Italy, Spain, or the French Riviera. But just across the sea lies a region that offers the same sun-soaked coastlines, ancient history, and vibrant culture—often at a fraction of the cost. North Africa—specifically Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia—deserves a spot on your travel wish list. And hey, I’m not just saying that because we live in Tunisia half of the time these days – this part of the world really is that cool.
For those looking for something different, these destinations combine affordability, adventure, and authenticity in ways that rival (and sometimes surpass) their European neighbors. Having the Mediterranean on one side and the Sahara on the other, they offer a rare blend of beach relaxation, desert exploration, and cultural immersion.
Here’s why we think you should consider Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia for your next journey.
1. Cost Savings Compared to Europe
One of the most compelling reasons to look south of the Mediterranean is the value for money.
• Accommodations: Boutique riads in Morocco, seaside resorts in Tunisia, and city hotels in Algeria often cost a fraction of what you’d pay in Rome or Barcelona. Even the Four Seasons here in Tunis (yep, there’s one here!) is a fraction of the cost of the one across the narrow stretch of the Med in Taormina, Sicily.
• Dining: A multi-course meal of tagine, couscous, or freshly grilled seafood can be enjoyed for the price of a single appetizer in Paris. For example, we like to eat at Cult Bistro in Tunis – it’s world-class and would be on any Top 10 list if it were in a major international city. Dinner for two there with apps, entrée, and dessert is always less than $70.
• Experiences: Guided tours, desert excursions, and even private drivers are surprisingly affordable compared to European equivalents. Like, super affordable.
For travelers who want the Mediterranean lifestyle without the Mediterranean price tag, North Africa delivers.
2. Ancient Roman Ruins Without the Crowds
Europe’s Roman ruins are world-famous—but they’re also crowded. In North Africa, you’ll find equally impressive sites that are often blissfully uncrowded. We couldn’t believe it when we started touring them.
• Morocco: The ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcase stunning mosaics and sprawling remains of a Roman city, often with only a handful of visitors.
• Algeria: Home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins anywhere, including Timgad and Djemila, where entire city layouts remain intact. Walking through these sites feels like stepping back in time—without the tourist throngs.
• Tunisia: The Amphitheatre of El Jem rivals Rome’s Colosseum in scale and grandeur, yet you can explore it at your own pace, often without crowds. We have more experience touring sites in Tunisia, so we’re biased here. But wow; incredible. And if you can believe it, many of our friends that live here in Tunis have Roman ruins in their gardens. They’re EVERYwhere!
For history lovers, North Africa offers a chance to experience the Roman world in a more intimate, authentic way.
3. Beaches and Deserts in One Trip
Few regions in the world offer the chance to combine Mediterranean beaches and Sahara desert adventures in a single itinerary.
• Morocco: Relax on the Atlantic coast in Essaouira or Agadir, then head inland for camel treks and luxury camps under the stars in the Sahara.
• Algeria: Explore the Mediterranean coastline near Tipaza, then journey south to the dramatic dunes and rock formations of the Hoggar Mountains.
• Tunisia: Spend a few days on the beaches of Hammamet or Djerba, then venture into the desert landscapes that famously served as filming locations for Star Wars. Tattoine is 100% a place in Tunisia; crazy, right?!
This duality—sunbathing by the sea one day, stargazing in the desert the next—makes North Africa uniquely versatile.
4. Something Different Than Everyone Else
Let’s be honest: Europe is wonderful, but it’s also familiar. Paris, Rome, and Barcelona are on nearly everyone’s Instagram feed. North Africa, by contrast, offers the thrill of discovery.
• Wander the labyrinthine medinas of Marrakech or Fes, where spice markets, artisans, and centuries-old traditions thrive.
• Sip mint tea in a Tunisian café where locals outnumber tourists.
• Explore Algeria’s French colonial architecture and vibrant street life in Algiers. The Casbah of Algiers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can’t be missed. I’ve never seen anything like it; beautiful, mysterious, and full of history.
Choosing North Africa means choosing a path less traveled—one that sparks curiosity and conversation long after you return home.
5. Easy Add-On to a European Vacation
Another advantage is how accessible North Africa is from Europe. Budget airlines and short flights make it easy to combine both regions in one trip.
• From Madrid to Marrakech, flights can be under two hours.
• From Rome to Tunis, it’s about 90 minutes.
• From Paris to Algiers, flights are frequent and affordable.
This makes North Africa a perfect extension to a European vacation. Spend a week in Spain, then hop over to Morocco for a completely different cultural experience—without breaking the bank.
6. Visa Requirements: Simple for Most Travelers
For many travelers, entry is straightforward:
• Morocco: No visa required for many nationalities, including U.S. and most European citizens.
• Tunisia: Visa-free entry for many travelers as well.
• Algeria: The only one of the three that requires a visa, which must be arranged in advance.
This means that for most visitors, Morocco and Tunisia are as easy to enter as many European countries, while Algeria requires a bit more planning.
7. Deep Cultural Experiences
Beyond the sights, North Africa offers immersive cultural experiences that stay with you.
• Cuisine: From Moroccan tagines to Tunisian brik pastries and Algerian couscous, the food is rich, flavorful, and deeply tied to tradition. Pro tip – when you’re visiting one of the three countries and one of the locals asks you which country has the best couscous, it’s always the country you’re visiting. It’s like when your aunts ask you who makes the best rice; it’s always the one you’re talking to. Wait, is that only in Hispanic families? Either way, you get my point. 🙂
• Hospitality: North African cultures are known for their warmth and generosity—expect to be welcomed with mint tea and genuine smiles.
• Traditions: Music, crafts, and festivals provide windows into cultures that are both ancient and evolving.
These experiences add depth to your travels, making them more than just sightseeing trips.
8. Who Should Consider North Africa?
In my humble opinion, North Africa is ideal for:
• Travelers seeking value: Those who want a Mediterranean experience without European prices.
• History buffs: Anyone fascinated by Roman ruins, Islamic architecture, or colonial history.
• Adventure seekers: From desert treks to mountain hikes, the landscapes are diverse and dramatic.
• Cultural explorers: Those who want to go beyond the familiar and immerse themselves in something new.
Final Thoughts
For travelers looking to break away from the well-worn paths of Europe, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia offer a great alternative. With their blend of affordability, history, natural beauty, and cultural richness, these destinations provide experiences that are both unique and accessible.
Whether you’re wandering through uncrowded Roman ruins, riding camels across the Sahara, or sipping mint tea in a bustling medina, North Africa delivers the kind of travel stories that stand out. And with easy connections from Europe, it’s simpler than ever to add a North African chapter to your next adventure. So if you’re ready for something different—something that combines the familiar charm of the Mediterranean with the thrill of discovery—North Africa is waiting. And so are we! Whether you work with us on a trip or not, certainly feel free to reach out to us if you’re interested in visiting Tunisia. If we’re in town, we would be happy to make sure you have a great time and take you out for a bite to eat! 🙂
