British holidaymakers may usually flock to Spain, Greece and Turkey, but one North African destination is quietly making a comeback this summer.Travel experts at First Choice revealed a 19 per cent year-on-year rise in bookings to Tunisia, with more Britons opting for the destination as a lower-cost alternative to Europe’s busiest beach resorts.Leading the trend is Hammamet, a seaside resort on Tunisia’s Cap Bon peninsula, where bookings have surged by 24 per cent compared with last year, making it one of the fastest-growing destinations for 2026.The resort is known for its long sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and historic medina, while also offering a wide range of modern all-inclusive hotels. Its appeal comes as overtourism continues to affect many of southern Europe’s most popular holiday destinations, prompting travellers to look further afield.There has been a year-on-year rise in bookings to Hammamet | FIRST CHOICEWith direct flights from the UK taking around three hours, Hammamet also offers a convenient option for those planning a last-minute summer escape.Managing director at First Choice, Kevin Nelson, said: “We’re seeing more customers look beyond the traditional hotspots as resorts become busier. Hammamet stands out because it offers the same all-inclusive experience at a great price point, but with a more relaxed feel.”The savings are note-worthy, according to the travel experts. A seven-night all-inclusive stay at the SplashWorld AQI Venus Beach in Hammamet starts from £487 per person, while a comparable holiday in Rhodes over the same dates costs £717 per person, making the Tunisian resort around 47 per cent cheaper.Visitors can choose between two distinct areas. Hammamet Old Town is centred around a historic fishing village and 15th-century medina, with independent restaurants, traditional markets and beachfront hotels.Meanwhile, Yasmine Hammamet, around 10km to the south-west, is a purpose-built resort featuring luxury hotels, a marina and palm-lined promenades.For those keen to experience the local culture, First Choice’s product portfolio executive Sarah Jooste shared her recommendations. She said: “For anyone staying in Hammamet old town, I’d recommend heading into the medina in the evening and trying some of the smaller, well-rated local spots.”Le Barberousse is one of the best-known restaurants in the area, set right on the medina walls with sea views, and it’s a great option for reasonably priced seafood.The town is a more affordable alternative to popular tourist spots | TUI”For something more traditional and budget-friendly, Chez Achour is a popular choice, known for its local dishes and relaxed atmosphere.”I’d also suggest stopping at Café Sidi Bouhdid for a mint tea, it sits right on the edge of the coastline and is one of the best spots in Hammamet to take in the views over the Mediterranean.”For Britons yet to book a summer getaway, Hammamet could be one of the best-value under-the-radar destinations, combining Mediterranean sunshine, rich history and affordable all-inclusive holidays.