Italy and Greece might top your Euro travel list, but this country should be your number one choice.

Each year when May rolls around, everyone in Australia falls into two camps: those who've booked a trip to Europe for the summer, and those who wish they'd booked a trip to Europe. 

Of course, the main thing holding most of us back is the cost – even before rising rent and grocery prices, a trip to Europe was tricky to wrangle. But that doesn't mean you have to miss out. 

Let me introduce you to the North African country of Tunisia, just an hour's flight from Rome. 

If you're itching for a relaxing Mediterranean holiday but can't fork over the cash for a White Lotus-style holiday, Tunisia is the answer. It's got the beaches, the history, the food, and the friendly locals, for a fraction of the cost of typical Euro summer destinations. 

Watch: Unconvinced? Still itching for that Europe holiday? Here's a cool way to do it. 

Here's everything you need to know. 

Getting around Tunisia.

Though it's a huge country, I'd say there are three main places that tourists tend to gravitate toward. 

Tunis.

Don't be tempted to skip the city in favour of heading straight for the beach, there's plenty to see and do in Tunis, the capital. From the busy city market to the picturesque seaside, you'll want at least a few nights here. 

Northern coastline.

The beautiful beaches along the coast between Tunis and Sousse are popular with tourists from Europe. Here you'll find a great mix of trendy cities, resorts, and small coastal towns, all set against the bright blue Mediterranean sea. It's a great place for a road trip –– public transport isn't great and having a car means you can explore far more. 

Sahara Desert.

If you're up for an adventure, the Sahara stretches across the southern region of Tunisia, where you can ride camels across dunes, sleep in tents and experience Berber culture. Jebil National Park is a must-do, as is a tour of the Star Wars filming locations. Though you can explore this region on your own, you'd be better off booking a tour to keep everything stress-free.

Things to know before visiting Tunisia.

Though Arabic is the official language, most Tunisians speak some French, and many also speak English. It's just as easy to get around and communicate with locals as any European country. 

Renting a car is the best way to navigate Tunisia, but the roads can get a bit crazy. In Tunis, it's not uncommon to see five cars driving abreast on a three-lane road. I witnessed someone parking in the middle of a roundabout while they stopped for coffee. On the highways, people will zoom past you at 150km/hour. It's a little stressful, but all part of the fun!

Things you must do and see in Tunisia.

Wander around the Tunis Medina.

The bustling capital is a hot, loud, dusty place, but once you're inside the Medina, it's like a switch has been flicked. While it's still pretty crowded (try to go on a weekday afternoon), the tall white walls keep you cool and the endless alleys of stalls can keep your attention for hours. 

There are plenty of cafes where you can stop for a cool tea or strong coffee, but I'd recommend setting your sights skyward and finding a rooftop from which you can take it all in. Cafe Panorama, tucked on top of a rug shop, is a stunning spot to rest your feet and admire views of the city. 

Swim in crystal-clear water.

If you're there in summer, dedicate at least three nights of your trip to staying by the beach. While the whole coastline is gorgeous, offering clifftop hikes and wide sandy beaches, I'd recommend heading to Cape Bon, just outside Tunis.

Here you'll find some of the best beaches for swimming (navigate to Hammem Laghzez Beach as a starting point), which you can explore to your heart's content.

Image: supplied.

Visit Africa's answer to Santorini.

Sidi Bou Said is a small clifftop town near Carthage, perched above the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Aim to get there around lunchtime for a half-day trip, fill up on seafood at a local eatery, then wander through the picture-perfect blue and white streets until you get to the beach.

Be sure to visit Dar El Annabi, a tiny museum in an old house that showcases a traditional Tunisian lifestyle. It's an amazing little spot that also offers a great view from their rooftop. And if you're still around at sunset, head to Cafe Des Delices for an evening cocktail.

Image: supplied.

Soak up the history at Carthage.

With ruins from both Phoenician and Roman times, this sprawling UNESCO site is a must-see for history buffs out there. I'd recommend hiring a guide or taking a rental car as many of the sites are spread out and it can be hard to get to everything in one day. 

Don't skip out on stepping into the National Archaeological Museum while you're there to get a brief history refresher and an explanation of what you'll see across Carthage's archaeological sites. 

Image: supplied.

Stay at an all-inclusive resort.

I'm not opposed to roughing it while on holiday to save a bit of cash. But when I found out that we could stay at an all-inclusive resort right on the beach for about the same price as a hostel bed in Mykonos, I was more than ready to give it a go. 

There are plenty of options to choose from. You can go all out and stay in a bougie adults-only resort, or do what we did –– picked a mid-tier beachfront hotel that seemed to be popular with Italians on package holidays. 

Image: supplied.

For two nights we ate buffets for every meal, lounged by the pool, played golf, splashed in the ocean, drank beers and cocktails, and watched soccer games at the hotel bar with the other guests. There was even a random talent quest performance one night, and aqua aerobics in the pool in the mornings. 

El Jem amphitheatre.

When I visited the Colosseum in Rome, I paid $40 to traipse around, being jostled by crowds and craning my neck to be able to see anything of interest. But at El Jem – the largest Roman amphitheatre in Africa – after paying a $5 entry fee, we encountered about 30 other people in the whole complex.

Image: supplied.

Built in 236 AD, the huge structure is still impressively intact. You can walk through the underground passageways that used to hold animals and prisoners in their final moments before battle, clamber up the tiered seating for a view of the arena, and marvel at the grandeur of the Roman architecture. 

Should you visit Tunisia?

It's a hard yes from me. Whether you make it your main holiday destination or an additional stop on your Euro summer tour, I promise it'll be one of your more memorable vacations.

Feature: Supplied.