A beach with white sand and palm trees on Djerba Island, Tunisia

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Holidays in Tunisia

Combining luxurious beach resorts and a long sandy coastline with lively cities and some of the world’s best preserved Roman ruins, holidays to Tunisia are the perfect package.

Set on the tip of Africa, Tunisia is a true jewel of the Mediterranean. With a glorious climate and soft sands running all along its eastern coast, its beach resorts are the ideal setting for a relaxing fly-and-flop holiday.

Snorkel in the pristine waters of Hammamet, sunbathe on Sousse’s wide, white-sand beach, or tuck into fresh seafood at Mahdia, a lively fishing town with lovely beaches. Further south, you’ll find Djerba, a tiny island of whitewashed towns and beautiful beaches almost everywhere you look.

Beyond the coast, Tunisia’s distinctive landscape has been the background for several hit films, perhaps most famously Star Wars. Take a break from the beach and explore set locations, such as Tataouine, used as Luke Skywalker’s hometown, and the amazingly well-preserved El Djem Amphitheatre, which appeared in Monty Python’s Life of Brian.

When it comes to history, Tunisia takes some beating. The country has numerous UNESCO-recognised Roman ruins, with many still in impressive condition. The must-sees for your list are the temple site of Dougga, and Utica, an ancient Phoenician city dating back to 1101 BCE. The spectacular city of Kairouan is also worth visiting for its impressive Islamic architecture – it’s some of the finest in North Africa.

To soak in the local life, spend time wandering the souks in a medieval medina. The capital city Tunis has the biggest and arguably most atmospheric, but most towns, including the major beach resorts, have an exciting central market to explore. Here you can barter for everything from jewellery and Arabic pottery to sticky dates and sweet-smelling spices.

Top destinations in Tunisia

Tunisia

Sousse

Tunisia

Djerba

Tunisia

Port el Kantaoui

For history lovers

Base yourself in Tunis for a city break with plenty of history. Here, you can explore the ancient medina, visit the UNESCO-listed Carthage archaeological site, and check out its grand mosque, Ez Zitouna. The Bardo National Museum, with its collection of Roman mosaics, is also worth a visit.

Alternatively, Monastir is a great choice to combine history with a bit of beach time. The coastal town has a historic medina, a fortress and a 9th-century mosque. It’s a good location for day trips to the El Djem Amphitheatre (an hour’s drive away) and Carthage (two-and-a-half hours).

For all-inclusive holidays

All-inclusive deals can be found in all of Tunisia’s main coastal resorts, with options for high-end luxury, family-friendly stays, and adults-only accommodation.

Hammamet is the country’s original beach resort and caters all travellers. You’ll also have watersports and nightlife on your doorstep here. Sousse also has plenty to offer for an all-inclusive beach holiday, with history and culture nearby. Mahdia is smaller but has some five-star luxury options and plenty of affordable hotels, too.

For couples

Home to cobblestone streets, whitewashed villas, and sweeping sea views, Sidi Bou Said – not far from Tunis – is a romantic setting for couples’ holidays in Tunisia. Add the beach, plenty of fantastic restaurants, and a more relaxed approach to nightlife than other areas, and it makes for an attractive base.

Alternatively, there are luxurious hotels and a marina to explore in Port el Kantaoui. As purpose-built resorts go, it has a charming atmosphere with traditional whitewashed houses and waterfront restaurants. For a memorable spa trip, try the five-star Four Seasons Hotel in Tunis.

From white sand to watersports, Tunisia’s long eastern shoreline is dotted with picturesque beaches just perfect for a day by the sea.

Hammamet

One of Tunisia's first beach holiday destinations, Hammamet has soft white sand, a warm turquoise sea and plenty of restaurants and hotels. It’s also one of the best places for scuba diving, with a World War II wreck to explore nearby.

Monastir

This historic port town has beautiful beaches and luxurious all-inclusive hotels. Its main beach, Plage Sqanes, is a long stretch of golden sand with plenty of opportunities for watersports and camel rides.

Djerba

Why have just one beach when you can have many? The island of Djerba is lined with idyllic white-sand beaches, with Plage Yeti, Plage Seguia Djerba, and Plage de Sidi Mahrez being some of the best.

Sidi Bou Said

On the coast near Tunis, this is a great beach if you’re staying in the capital. It’s a small stretch of sand with several shops and restaurants nearby, plus you can hire kayaks and paddleboards to explore the coastline by sea.

Mahdia

A long stretch of sand in a charming port town, you can spend days in Mahdia relaxing on a sunbed and eating seafood in cafes. The Zone Touristique here has several luxury hotels offering watersports, too.

You’d be forgiven for wanting to focus your Tunisia holiday on the beaches – they are some of the most beautiful on the Mediterranean Sea, after all. However, if you fancy adding history, local culture and cuisine to your trip, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy.

Tunis

Spend a day or two exploring Tunisia’s capital, Tunis – you can lose hours in its sprawling medieval medina while browsing the busy souks.

When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the atmospheric food market Marché Centrale for lunch. Try local dishes such as brik a l’oeuf (deep-fried pastry with egg yolk) and makroudh, a sweet filled with dates and nuts.

For culture, visit the Bardo National Museum to see the collection of Roman mosaics.

History and culture

Tunisia’s history is long and fascinating, stretching back thousands of years and seating one of the ancient world's most influential empires – the Carthaginian Empire. It also has some of the finest Roman ruins outside of Rome, many of which are relatively quiet compared to their European equivalents. The cavernous El Djem Amphitheatre, once able to hold up to 35,000 people, is one of the most impressive.

Inland, Dougga is another must-see ruin in excellent condition. You’ll see bathhouses, a theatre and temples that give insight into how wealthy Romans lived. Meanwhile, at Utica, you can explore the amphitheatre’s basement and learn about the Punic era at the National Museum of Utica.

Medinas

Shopping in Tunisia is more than simply buying souvenirs – wandering the busy souks is an experience in itself. Barter with local jewellers, soak in the scent of herbs and spices and seek out unique gifts, such as Berber instruments or Arabic pottery.

Tunis’ sprawling medieval medina is one of Tunisia’s largest, while Sousse’s labyrinth of alleyways is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Sfax also has an impressive medina, less visited and much more local.

Food and drink

Whether it’s eating fresh seafood along the coast or sampling locally produced olive oil in the rural north, Tunisia has much to offer when it comes to gastronomy. Be sure to try shakshuka (a hearty tomato-based stew), lablabi (a chickpea stew served over bread), and sweet honeyed dates.

For a more traditional experience, try having lunch at a dar (similar to a riad). These hotels are often converted historic houses and offer home cooked-style meals.

The peak season in Tunisia runs from July to August, when the weather is hot (average temperature is 27C with highs of 34C), prices increase and the resorts fill up.

If you can avoid the summer, spring or September and October have milder weather and fewer people around. Expect average temperatures to hover around 20C with plenty of sunshine. Winter is the coldest time to visit (temperatures can drop as low as 10C), but there are still opportunities for shopping, sightseeing and exploring.

During Ramadan, some opening hours may differ. Eid, the end of Ramadan, includes colourful celebrations and fireworks, but again the schedule may change (Ramadan lasts for 30 days but its date changes every year. Be sure to check before you travel).

When is the cheapest time to visit Tunisia?

You’ll stand a good chance of finding cheap deals for Tunisia either side of the summer season – especially if you spend some time comparing prices in advance of your holiday. If you’re not bothered about sunbathing, winter has bargains too. Otherwise, consider September or October, when the weather is good and the sea is still warm enough to swim in.

When should I go for the best weather?

If you’re seeking a beach break in Tunisia, summer has the hottest temperatures – and the highest prices, so be sure to compare holiday prices and look for deals well in advance of your break. May also has great weather, with plenty of sunshine and average temperatures in the low 20s. September offers a great mix of good weather (25C average) and price, while October is slightly cooler (21C average).

Good to know

Flight time

2 hrs 54

(from London)

Currency

Tunisian dinar (DT)

Language

Arabic, French

FAQs about holidays to Tunisia

Is it safe to go to Tunisia?

There are travel warnings for some areas of Tunisia. However, all of the major tourist spots are considered safe by the British government. For the most up-to-date travel advice for Tunisia, check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Do I need to have a visa to go to Tunisia?

You don't need a visa for stays of less than 90 days if you hold a British passport.

What vaccinations do I need to go to Tunisia?

Hepatitis A and tetanus vaccinations are recommended, and some travellers are advised to have hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid jabs. Find out more on the NHS website or consult with your GP for advice.

Are there any local customs I need to be aware of?

Tunisia is an Islamic country, so dress modestly when outside beach resorts, especially when visiting religious sites.

What is the best way to travel around Tunisia?

Tunisia has a train network, coaches and domestic flights linking the main cities. In Tunis itself, take the metro to explore the city's key attractions. Hiring a car is a convenient way to visit lots of historical sites without joining a tour but driving can be a challenge on some roads. You'll need a 1968 International Driving Permit if you choose to drive – get one before you travel.