Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. To find out more, please read our Cookie Notice. Close
Tunisia’s toasty temperatures and Caribbean-esque white sand may fool you into thinking it’s a beach-only destination. But, there’s a whole lot more on offer in this colour-popping pocket of North Africa. In fact, it’s packed out with plenty of medinas, promenades, museums, waterparks and ancient monuments ripe for exploring. And the best bit? Tunisia’s just a three-hour flight from the UK. Here’s where to go see the top tourist attractions…
Sousse is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site that doubles up as a prime shopping spot thanks to its centuries-old medina. Head to its twisted backstreets to find stall-after-stall of glittering wares and alleys packed with artisans busy at work. Here, you’ll find sellers hawking everything from traditional Tunisian jebba dresses to colourful ceramics from Nabeul. Refresh between shopping sprees with a traditional mint tea and eye up the architecture while you relax. As space within the medina’s original walls ran out, residents built upwards, constructing vaults and rooms above the streets that create towering examples of Islamic art at its best.
Forget Rome’s colosseum, El Jem is the one of the best preserved Roman archaeological sites in the world. Capable of holding over 35,000 spectators, the sheer scale of the monument makes it more than worth a visit. Roam the Gladiatorial Arena where many a gruesome battle took place and walk through the same winding tunnels where fighters would have been led through before entering the arena. And, for panoramic views across the surrounding valley, climb high in the stands to snap some pics.
Whitewashed buildings and cobbled streets circle the sleek marina that takes centre stage at Port El Kantaoui. While you’re there, pick from its generous serving of restaurants and taste some traditional Tunisian dishes. Dig a fork into Brik, crispy pastry parcels filled with onion, parsley and tuna or opt for lamb served with mountains of harissa-seasoned couscous.
Head back in time to the Roman Empire with a visit to Carthage, an ancient town destroyed in 146BC. This UNESCO-listed World Heritage site offers up well-preserved ruins comes with a Roman Amphitheatre with Antonin Baths just down the road. Don’t forget to save some time for Carthage Land, either. This theme park offers spinning teacup rides, a 5D cinema and a log flume.
Hammamet is Tunisia’s go-to beach spot, with 10 kilometres of talc-soft sand. And, it’s just as impressive underwater. Dip below the surface to snorkel among coral reefs, old shipwrecks and hidden deep-sea caves. Once you’ve dried off, you’ll find Hammamet’s medina perched just along the coastline. Here, you’ll uncover North Africa’s oldest mosque and an ancient Kashbah ripe for exploring. Another beach spot to try is the island of Djerba – a strip of sand that’s known for its comparisons to the Caribbean.
It’ll come as no surprise that Tunisia’s home to 40,000 square of desert. And, the best place to get close to the Sahara has to be The Grand Erg Oriental. Its name translates to field of dunes – just to give you an idea of the scale of sand to expect. Take on its dunes on camel-back or on a 4x4 jeep safari.
Often touted as one of the most important museums in the Mediterranean, the Bardo Museam doesn’t disappoint. Packed with intricate mosaics, this place offers up serious #interiorgoals. You’ll spot everything from marble statues and Roman jewellery to ancient artefacts excavated from famous shipwrecks – including a bust of Aphrodite carved out of marble.
The entire town of Sidi Bou Said is perched on the top of a steep cliff overlooking the Med, so it’s not hard to imagine why people come here for the views alone. The town itself is a bit of a looker, too – in fact, it’s the face of most postcards from Tunisia. Pretty much every house is whitewashed with blue-painted doors and window shutters – so photo opportunities come thick and fast. It’s no surprise, either, that many artists have lived in Sidi Bou Said in the past to get inspiration from their surroundings.
Fancy it?
Take a look at our deals to Tunisia. Or, if you’re still on the look-out for holiday inspiration, find out why Egypt's the best place for diving.
Author: Lucy Perrin
The TUI MAGIC LIFE Africana has everything from beach days to glitzy shows on its mile-long CV.
Expect a Sandside location, a trio of eateries and a plush spa at the TUI BLUE Oceana Suites.
The TUI BLUE Scheherazade has an enviable postcard, with a back garden that gives way to a private beach.
Our top deals tailored to you, straight to your inbox Sign up for offers
Holiday Types
Popular Destinations
Mid/Long haul
Short Haul
Flights To
Cruise
Hotels
More from TUI
About TUI MyTUI app Cookies Notice Manage Cookie Preferences Privacy Notice Terms & Conditions Credit card fees Media Centre Travel Jobs Affiliates Discover Lakes & Mountains Discover Weddings App Store for Ios Google Play Store Travel Money Holiday Budget Calculator TUI Group First Choice Holiday Brochures Travel After Brexit Holiday Weather
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.
See gov.uk/travelaware and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK on Twitter and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel - for the latest general FCDO travel advice, including coronavirus travel guidance, security and local laws, and passport and visa information.
See gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice - for FCDO travel advice about individual destinations.
See Travel Aware page - for travel advice from TUI.
See travelhealthpro.org.uk - for current travel health news.
The advice can change so check regularly for updates.
All the flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Some of the flights on this website are also financially protected by the ATOL scheme, but ATOL protection does not apply to all flights. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each flight before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk. ATOL protection does not apply to the other holiday and travel services listed on this website.