Holidays to Tunisia

Tunisia Holidays

Your guide to holidays in Tunisia

When you book holidays in Tunisia, you get a unique blend of sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline, vast desert landscapes, and centuries of rich history. It's a place where you can relax on a white-sand beach one day and explore the ruins of an ancient civilisation the next. From the bustling energy of the souks to the calm of its coastal resorts, Tunisia offers a North African adventure for every type of traveller.

Explore Tunisia's top coastal resorts

Tunisia's coastline is dotted with resorts perfect for a beach holiday, each with its own distinct character. Many hotels here offer great value with all inclusive options, making your getaway even more relaxing.

Hammamet

Hammamet is one of Tunisia's most popular resorts, known for its long, sprawling beach that never feels too crowded. The water is clear and warm, ideal for swimming. Behind the beach, you'll find a charming old town – or medina – with a maze of narrow, cobbled alleys lined with independent shops and cafés. For a change of scenery, the mountains behind the resort are filled with trails for walking.

Sousse

Sousse is a vibrant city that combines beach life with history and culture. Its main beach, Bou Jaafar, has powder-fine sand and a wide promenade that's always active with walkers and cyclists. The city is also home to a historic medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can wander through ancient streets. The Sousse Archaeological Museum has one of the most significant collections of Roman mosaics in the world.

Monastir

Just a 10-minute taxi ride from the relaxed resort of Skanes, Monastir is a major cultural hub. You can visit the impressive fort, watch boats sail in and out of the busy marina, or simply relax on Qaraiya Beach in the heart of the old town. Monastir offers a great balance of historical sights and seaside relaxation.

Port El Kantaoui

Designed to resemble a traditional Tunisian village, Port El Kantaoui is an upscale, purpose-built resort. Life here centres around the chic marina, which is lined with smart cafés and restaurants. It's also one of Tunisia's premier golfing destinations, home to the well-regarded El Kantaoui golf course.

Skanes

If your main priority is to unwind, Skanes is an excellent choice. It's a quiet and laid-back area with little to do other than relax on the beach with a good book. When you're ready for a bit more action, the lively city of Monastir is only a short trip away.

Mahdia

In Mahdia, you can enjoy two distinct areas. You have the 'local' city with its food markets and patisseries, and the more tourist-focused old town on the peninsula. It's ideal if you want the comforts of a resort while also getting a glimpse into everyday Tunisian life.

Djerba

For a taste of island life in Tunisia, look no further than Djerba – a charming island just off the coast of Tunisia. Here, you can expect a tapestry of history and culture, tied together with peaceful seaside living. Visit Djerba for the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, and stay to explore towns of whitewashed buildings, domed mosques, and colourful markets.

A journey through history

Tunisia's past is visible everywhere, from its ancient cities to its remarkable Roman ruins. Exploring these sites gives you a fascinating look into the layers of history that have shaped the country.

Ancient medinas

The walled old quarters, or medinas – found in cities such as Tunis, Sousse, and Hammamet – are atmospheric worlds of their own. Get lost in the warren-like streets, browse the souks for handmade crafts, and discover crumbling kasbahs that offer panoramic sea views.

Carthage and Roman ruins

Tunisia is home to some of the most impressive Roman sites in the world. The ruins of the ancient city of Carthage, just outside Tunis, are a popular sight. Further south, the Amphitheatre of El Djem is a spectacular structure, impressive for its scale and level of preservation.

Sidi Bou Said

Step aside, Santorini! Perched on a clifftop overlooking the Mediterranean, the town of Sidi Bou Said is known for its striking white buildings with bright blue doors and shutters. Its winding streets are decorated with colourful flowers, making it a beautiful place for a leisurely stroll.

The taste of Tunisia

Tunisian food is a delicious fusion of Mediterranean and North African flavours, featuring aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and fiery harissa.

Couscous

As the national dish, you'll find couscous on almost every menu. It's typically served with a flavourful stew of meat or fish and vegetables, and each restaurant will have its own unique version.

Brik

Brik is a popular street food and starter. It's a thin, flaky pastry parcel, traditionally filled with a whole egg and tuna, then deep-fried until crisp.

Harissa

No Tunisian meal is complete without harissa. This smoky, spicy chilli paste is used to add a kick to stews and couscous, but it's also served on its own with bread for dipping.

Beyond the beach to the Sahara Desert

A trip to Tunisia also offers the chance for a truly memorable adventure – exploring the Sahara Desert. You can take tours to see the vast, rolling sand dunes and timeless landscapes. It's an opportunity to see a completely different side of the country and its traditional Berber culture.

Whether you're looking to relax on a white-sand beach or explore thousands of years of history, Tunisia offers a memorable North African holiday.

For the real sun-worshippers, July and August are the best months to visit. However, if you want good weather without too much heat, spring and autumn are ideal times to go. Early spring may not guarantee you wall-to-wall sunshine but you’ll find it ideal for exploring on foot and catching the wildflowers and apricot trees in blossom. Although January and February may not be considered peak beach weather, it’s the perfect time for heading out to see the vast desert landscape of the Sahara.
Known for its sandy beaches that hug this part of the Mediterranean coastline, you’ll have plenty of choice here. Tunisia has many beachside resorts. Head to Port El Kantaoui, where you can enjoy a day relaxing on sandy beaches, followed by an evening dining at one of the portside restaurants. Or take in Hammamet’s shoreline location, dotted with white-washed buildings and lush green palms. Here you can enjoy a scenic spot for sunbathing, swimming or trying your hand at watersports. And the long golden sands at Sousse are hard to fault either.
Apart from its warm climate, Tunisia is known for its location between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara. This enviable position has given Tunisia a good reputation as a holiday destination with long sandy beaches and awe-inspiring dunes. But this country’s link to ancient history can’t be ignored, with its wonderfully preserved buildings and thriving traditional culture. From the Roman Amphitheatre at El Djem to the remarkable ruins at Carthage, Tunisia is a popular place to explore some of the world’s best heritage.
With both Mediterranean and North African influences, Tunisian cuisine features an aromatic mix of herbs, spices, chickpeas, fresh vegetables, fish and fiery harissa. As the national dish, you’ll find couscous on many menus, although every restaurant will have its own flavoursome version. Brik, a hot, filled pastry, is another Tunisian staple. But this deep-fried eggy delight isn’t the only food you might get a taste for, if the doughnuts glazed with honey and cakes laden with almonds or dates catch your eye. Refreshing mint tea and local wine can be enjoyed with many restaurant meals, but the aroma of strong Tunisian coffee is never far away.
Tunisia has a lively calendar of public holidays, religious celebrations and traditional festivals. Traditional celebrations are scattered throughout the year, including the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. As in many countries, the summers are filled with music and arts festivals that bring a lively atmosphere to the evenings. International festivals in Hammamet and Sousse take place in the height of summer. This is a great time to catch films, live music and dance performances. More traditional festivals with horse and camel racing are still popular in the country too.
Tunisia is a popular destination for families looking to enjoy long days on the beach combined with resort attractions. Children will love visits to the water parks and wildlife parks. However, Tunisia also offers plenty in terms of history and culture, making it a great destination for children and adults alike. With its shimmering coastal towns, colourful souks and authentic restaurants, couples looking for a relaxing break will find much to love. And, for the more adventurous, a trip out to the desert or an archaeological tour to the country’s best Roman landmarks will surely be memorable.