Treasures of Ancient Civilisations and Beach Sunsets in Tunisia

My Easyjet flight couldn't have been smoother, and at with a flight time just under three hours long, Tunisia is a perfect destination for those looking for some sunshine without a long flight.

The first hotel of my stay was the five-star Iberostar Selection Kantaoui Bay, situated on one of the best beaches in Tunisia, and just over 10km from historic Sousse. The second was Iberostar Selection Royal El Mansour, also situated on the beachfront and next to the old town. Both hotels are impressive, with spacious and inviting communal areas, and despite being quite large hotels they never felt busy in the bars, restaurants or pool areas. The rooms I stayed in were faultless - clean and beautifully decorated with very comfortable beds and certainly a lovely environment for a stay of a week or more.

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With a variety of restaurant and bar options at each hotel, the food available was a nice mix of local specialities and home comforts. A particular favourite of mine was Brik, a crispy, deep fried pastry parcel filled with mashed potato, egg and tuna, and a popular Tunisian favourite, the staff were very attentive, and nothing was too much trouble for them.

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Both hotels had large outside and indoor pools, as well as access directly to the beach from the hotel grounds, and Iberostar have three further hotels located on the northeast coastline of Tunisia, all offering the same luxe facilities and service.

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There are some fantastic tourist attractions in this corner of Tunisia. A trip to capital city of Tunis is well worth it. I visited the Bardo Museum to see the Roman mosaics and antiquities, and the Old Medina, which was a bustling hub of market stalls selling a range of products, from hand-carved wooden gifts and perfumes to spices and local food.

Fort Hammamet is an important historical site with views across the city and there are a lot of market traders here - be prepared to haggle for the best price! The small fishing town of Hergla is a popular tourist spot with stalls selling woven products made locally by the women who live in the village. I spent an afternoon at Sidi Bou Said, also known as the "Santorini of Tunisia," with beautiful views of the mountains across the Gulf of Tunis. The white and blue buildings are reminiscent of the Greek Island, and it's a charmingly picturesque location for a walk and a photo opportunity. Another fantastic photo opportunity is at Monastir where the Ribat Fortress offers views across the city from the top of the tower.

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Further treasures from ancient civilisations await at Carthage, where there is an ongoing excavation being carried out at the Roman Baths of Antoninus, with stunning views across the Gulf of Tunis. Also the Colosseum of El Djem - a beautifully preserved Roman Amphitheatre, just as stunning as its counterpart in Rome, and used as a filming location for Monty Python's Life of Brian.

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My top tips would be booking organised excursions over travelling around independently, as they offer good value and local know how, and on the return flight be sure to allow plenty of time at the airport as security processes are slower-paced in Tunisia.

Iberostar hotels offer a great alternative to a resort stay in Turkey, Morocco or Egypt – Tunisia is just a short flight away, yet still offers wonderful weather in the right times of year. Prices of food, transport and souvenirs are lower than I was expecting, and don't be afraid to haggle –this is all part of the sales process! The resorts are perfect for those looking to relax next to a pool or on the beach, with fantastic tourist attractions available for a wander around the medina or to marvel at some treasures from ancient times. Then its back to the pool for a cocktail and some Brik!

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You can find Sian at our Eastbourne branch in East Sussex.

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