From desert dunes and sand-lined beaches to charming villages steeped with history, a holiday under Tunisia’s sizzling sun is one you won’t forget.
Destination highlights
Year-round sunshine
Over 1,000km of coastline
Cultural hotspot for adventurers
Heaven for foodies
What are the best beaches in Tunisia?
Some of the most spectacular beaches in the Mediterranean await on your beach holiday to Tunisia. Check out this diverse range of beaches:
Hammamet – beaches are the star of the show in charming Hammamet, with their white sands, wealth of marine life and warm waters, it'll be tough to go to any others.
La Marsa – recognised as one of the most beautiful beaches in Tunisia, La Marsa features emerald waters and luxurious resorts.
Kelibia Beach – a favourite with the locals with pristine sands to have your eyes watering.
El Haouaria – a non-touristy beach surrounded by nature, known for its immaculate sands and waters.
Sidi Bou Said – a combination of African and Greek influences, with gorgeous, white-washed sands and buildings in the adjacent town.
Gammarth – renowned as the most luxurious beach in Tunisia, lined with palms and offering a range of watersports.
Marsa Dhouiba - this is one of Tunisia's best-kept secrets, a place for nature lovers who wanna listen to lapping waves without all the mumbling chatter a busier beach might give.
What are the top hotels in Tunisia?
This place is a blissful holiday destination for families, couples or groups of friends. Finding the right accommodation is key, especially if you're on the lookout for a cheap holiday to Tunisia or last minute holidays, so keep an eye out for these top hotels:
Phenicia Hotel - tranquillity is the prime pull to this hotel with its location near Hammamet and its own private beach.
Iberostar Selection Kantaoui Bay - a five-star holiday is guaranteed in this luxury hotel with its beachfront location in Kantaoui Bay.
Iberostar Selection Royal El Mansour - a family-friendly hotel with something for everyone, situated on the beachfront and packed with activities for all ages.
Hannibal Palace - minutes away from the sands, this hotel has the traditional Tunisian appeal and a host of amenities.
El Mouradi Gammarth - luxury living and serenity couldn’t be easier in this hotel packed with top facilities.
The Sindbad - set on the beachfront of Hammamet, this five-star hotel has a contemporary appeal.
Marhaba Salem Hotel - a favourite for beach-lovers, located just minutes away from the sands.
Riadh Palms- a four-star jolly right on the beach - our namesake, so you know it's a banger complete with beachfront lagoon pool, pool bars and a boujee spa.
Popular Tunisia hotels
Stunning Tunisia resorts
Weather in Tunisia
JAN
16°C
FEB
17°C
MAR
18°C
APR
22°C
MAY
24°C
JUN
25°C
JUL
25°C
AUG
25°C
SEP
23°C
OCT
21°C
NOV
18°C
DEC
16°C
May to September? Tunisia's in full summer mode. Temps are sizzling between 25°C and 35°C. Perfect for those who love to splash in the Meddy or get their tan game strong on the beaches of Hammamet. And, honestly, who can resist an ice-cold drink on a hot Tunisian afternoon?
But here's where Tunisia tosses in a twist. December to February, things get a tad cooler. We’re talking 10°C to 18°C. So, if the thought of melting in the heat isn’t your jam, this is your time to shine - pun kinda intended. It’s the optimal chill to wander through ancient ruins or dive deep into bustling Tunisian markets.
Now, for those who can't pick a side, there's a middle ground. March, April, October and November see Tunisia striking a balance - not too hot, not too cold, Goldilocks would be allll over this. Ideal for, let's say, a camel trek or a leisurely day in Sidi Bou Said.
To wrap it up: Whether you’re about that sun-soaked beach life or keen on cooler adventures, a holiday to Tunisia has got your back.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Tunisia?
It takes around three hours to fly to Tunisia from the UK/Ireland - an activity an hour will break it up nicely.
What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Tunisia?
There is no time difference between Tunisia and the UK/Ireland - we were confused too.
What currency do they use in Tunisia?
The official currency of Tunisia is the Dinar.
What language do they speak in Tunisia?
The official language spoken in Tunisia is Arabic.
Explore the Medina of Tunis
The Medina of Tunis shows the authentic side of Tunisian culture with ancient walkways and some of the best markets you’ll ever experience. Plus, it’ll give you an opportunity to get a taste of the country’s history.
Plan a trip to the Sahara Desert
It’s not a holiday to Tunisia without experiencing its desert side. There are plenty of ways to explore, including camel treks, 4x4 trips and overnight stays.
Go for a hot air balloon ride
Tunisia has so much to offer in every way, so what better way to see it than from above? Book a hot air balloon ride and experience a bird’s eye view of all the country’s highlights.
Wander around the souks
Shopping at souks (markets) is the best way to experience the traditional side of Tunisia and speak to many of the locals who are selling goods. Soak up the culture, and make sure you take advantage of the perfect opportunity to pick up some souvenirs!
May the Force Be With You
Tunisia is a treasure trove of hidden gems, and George Lucas thought so too - if you take a lil trip to the town of Matmata you can get a glimpse at the troglodyte dwellings beneath the ground where, if you're a Star Wars fan, Luke Skywalker lived with his aunt and uncle in A New Hope - it's basically a two birds, one stone kinda sitch.
What events can I go to in Tunisia?
From traditional cultural events to live music festivals, there's a lot going on in Tunisia. Here are some exciting events to check out:
Festival of Ksour (March) - a celebration with music, authentic dance performances and traditional activities as the locals carve out underground rooms in the sandy rocks.
Tunis International Book Fair (April) - books and holidays go hand in hand, so what better way for all you book worms to get your fix than at this huuuuge book festival with signings, workshops, and of course plenty of books (over 100,000 actually).
Eid Al-Fitr (May) - a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan - celebrated with games, rides and all kinds of food.
Festival of Colours (June) - a musical and cultural celebration of colour, togetherness, and love, with a variety of international music.
Tabarka Jazz Festival (July) - the city of Tabarka hosts a selection of different jazz flavours to enjoy.
The Hammamet International Festival (July–August) - an exciting music festival held over most of the summer at the Hammamet Cultural Center, with a range of the most successful jazz and theatre performers.
Festival of the Medina (August) - a festival hosting everything from live music and short films to plenty other fun shows.
Tunisia Golf Festival (October) - bring your best putting arm and all the skill for a few hole-in-ones for this festival that sees tournaments take place throughout the region, amateur or proffesh, this festival welcomes all under the mid-Autumn Sun.
Carthage International Film Festival (October–November) - an annual film festival designed to attract new Hollywood names and celebrate African and Arab films.
International Festival of the Sahara (December) - an annual festival held in Douz with a whole host of events, including camel marathons and horse racing, as well as music and dancing at night.
Where's the best nightlife in Tunisia?
Tunisia’s nightlife scene is unique and offers something for everyone, from lively clubs on the coast to casual cafés - you name it, Tunisia has it. Check out these spots for a memorable night:
Le Carpe Diem, Tunis - popular with the younger crowd, this exciting venue has the best cocktails, and music that’ll make you want to dance until the sun comes up.
Le Boeuf sur le Toit , Tunis - loved by locals and tourists alike for its lively atmosphere, this venue offers great live music to accompany you on the dance floor all night long.
Sidi Bou Hadid, Hammamet - a casual café by day, turned energetic shisha bar by night.
Calypso Club, Hammamet - this party hotspot has your name written all over it, renowned for hosting unforgettable parties with the best DJs from all over the world.
Living Room Lounge Bar, Sousse - a sophisticated setting for crafty cocktails, chill vibes and live music - when we say time to unwind, this is exactly what we're getting at.
What’s the food like in Tunisia?
Tunisian cuisine is a blend of flavours influenced by Arabic, European, and Middle Eastern cooking. You’re guaranteed to enjoy the selection of food on offer. Here are some dishes to try on your trip:
Brik - a filo pastry pocket stuffed with parsley, tuna and egg, and then fried - it's the most famous Tunisian dish, and more appealing than the name suggests!
Lablabi - a broth or soup made from chickpeas and flavoured with garlic and cumin
Couscous - a classic dish made from semolina and typically served with meat or veg
Harissa - a spicy paste made with garlic and chili peppers, used as a condiment with salad, fish or meat, or as a dip
Tajine - the Tunisian version of a quiche, tortilla, or frittata with various vegetable fillings
Hungry? Yeah, us too. There's a tonne of places to bag some grub, so check out these top-notch spots:
Dar el-Jeld, Tunis - set in a grand, 18th-century mansion in the heart of the medina, offering a traditional menu
Chez Slah, Tunis - a tucked-away restaurant which is a favourite with the locals, offering a wide selection of the best Tunisian food
Le Barberousse, Hammamet - the place to be for an upmarket meal with picturesque views and a refined menu
Resto de la Plage, Hammamet - an idyllic beachfront venue serving up a mix of Mediterranean culinary dishes, perfect for a romantic dinner
La Voisinage, Sidi Bou Said - this place is written next to scenic in the dictionary. Tuck into Meddy and Tunisian classics on the terrace and soak up the stunning views of the Mediterranean while your delish dishes make their way over to you.
Places to visit
Djerba Island
We didn't wanna limit you to one place, so have a whole island. You can get here by plane, train, ferry or even the handy dandy bridge (originally built by the Romans) - basically any will there is a way and it's not one to miss. You can make a shopping day of the bustling market towns for all your souvenir and silly little treat needs, kick back and relax under the sun on one of the lush, sandy beaches, take a stroll along the crystal shorelines or eat and drink yourself into a self-inflicted coma that only some tanning time can solve. There's even a pirates castle to be explored and an open air museum with pieces from around the world - how could you not wanna make the trip here?
Atlas Mountains
This hikers dream is over 2000KM of prime mountany goodness just begging to be treked through. Head to the Tell Atlas range in North Tunisia, strap your boots on and start your stroll along the green foothills and by the lush forests - and the best part, this is an oft untravelled road so it's unlikely you'll bump into many people while you're getting reacquainted with nature. It's the perfect place to clinch some bragging rights by spamming your Insta with snaps of the Mediterranean from on high and definitely a sure-fire way to get your steps in and then some.
El Djem
This amphitheatre is hailed as the largest colosseum in North Africa and it's no reason why, found in the small village of El Jem, this gigantic structure gives you an echo of a time long, long ago - like 3rd Century old guys, super old! It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site too so the conservation work that has been done will rival that of your year 7 history castle building project - except here you can treat yourself to a swanky tour of the place and get a feel for what it would've been like to battle it out in front of 35000 spectators, hope you don't get stage fright.
Key facts about Tunisia
Flight Time
3 hrs
Time Difference
No difference!
Currency
Dinar
Language
Arabic
Is Tunisia safe?
The sunny beach resorts are located a long way from the main problem areas of Tunisia, meaning that the majority of holidaymakers experience a trouble-free time during their stay.
The government do recommend that tourists should be alert around crowded places whilst on their travels here. Although the coastlines beautiful beaches rarely see any trouble, so you can relax on your getaway and enjoy the sunshine.
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Tunisia?
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tourist tax on my holiday to Tunisia?
Yes, the following tourist tax applies on holidays to Tunisia:
4 Dinars (£1) per night for 2-star hotels
8 Dinars (£2) per night for 3-star hotels
12 Dinars (£3) per night for 4 & 5-star hotels
The charge applies for up to 10 nights of your stay (so you'll never pay more than £30 per night in tax), and it's applicable to everyone over the age of 12. You can simply pay the tax at reception when you arrive at the hotel.
Observing Ramadan
Please be aware that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan will take place between 10/03/2024 and 09/04/2024. During this time, eating, drinking and smoking will be restricted to the hours between sunset and sunrise, and visitors are expected to observe these practices in public spaces as a sign of respect, meaning many cafés and restaurants will close during the day, restrictions on alcohol sales may be in place, and hotel dining for non-Muslim guests may take place in private rooms. Playing music, dancing, and eating in public areas may also be restricted during this time.
