Tunisia holidays

Popular holidays

Tunisia holidays are your chance to enjoy sun-kissed breaks that are just a short, direct flight away. This North African favourite is a great value beach destination, pairing year-round sunshine with fascinating culture, history and excellent food.

Finding your perfect resort

Hammamet is a firm favourite for families, thanks to its wide beaches, family-friendly hotels and easy-going atmosphere. Sousse, known as “the Pearl of the Sahel”, combines historic medinas with lively beachfront resorts and some of the country’s best stretches of sand. Port El Kantaoui is the quintessential luxury resort for a holiday in Tunisia, with five-star hotels, golf courses and indulgent spas. For an island retreat, Djerba pairs long, sandy beaches with distinctive white-and-blue architecture, and a relaxed pace that’s perfect for couples. For a long weekend or an impulsive booking, Monastir is the easiest Tunisian destination to get to, thanks to its airport location and compact resort layout.

Year-round sun

Short, direct flights make Tunisia an easy escape at any time of year. The weather between May and October is particularly pleasant, with temperatures typically ranging between the mid-20s to the low 30s. If you’re chasing winter sun, Tunisia delivers – many coastal areas enjoy around 300 days of sunshine a year. With long, sandy beaches and blissfully warm seas from spring through autumn, it’s a reliable pick for both couples and family holidays.

Desert safaris and adventure

Add a sense of adventure to your holiday in Tunisia with unforgettable daytrips. Sahara Desert excursions take you into the vast landscapes of one of the world’s most famous deserts, where towering dunes meet palm-filled oases. Visit Matmata, a traditional Berber village famous for its underground homes carved into the earth. You may recognise it as a Star Wars filming location, where it doubled as Luke Skywalker’s home on Tatooine. For history lovers, the El Jem Amphitheatre is one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s among the most impressive Roman remains in the whole of North Africa and a must-see for culture seekers.

Popular hotels in Tunisia

Top things to see and do in Tunisia

Beaches

North African sands

Sweeping arcs of sand and calm waters greet you along Tunisia’s Mediterranean coast. The beaches here put their own African twist on the typical sun, sea and sand combo – expect camel rides along the shore and beachside cafés serving peppermint tea.

Shopping

Bargain buys

Haggle your way around Tunisia's souks and medinas and you’ll easily snap up a bargain. The Hammamet Medina on the mainland offer the best choice – the crooked streets play host to stalls that are heaving with handmade rugs, blue ceramics, Arabesque birdcages and chunky jewellery.

Designer buys

Tunis is great if you’re not on a budget. The capital specialises in big designer names, like Versace, Armani and D&G. The tree-lined avenues in the Le Lac district are a good place to start your shopping spree.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Nightlife in Tunisia tends to revolve around the hotels, with belly-dancing and Bedouin shows regular fixtures. If you’d rather get dressed up and go out, Yasmine Hammamet has a marina, which is accessorised with stylish bars and seafood restaurants.

Lively evenings

Hammamet has a lot to offer night owls. In the south of town, the main strip is dotted with karaoke bars and open-air lounges pumping out everything from house to salsa.

Food & drink

Brik

Tunisia’s twist on the Cornish pasty makes for a great snack in between trawling the souks. These delicious pastry parcels are stuffed with a lightly-cooked egg, which is accompanied by the likes of tuna, parsley and potato. The whole thing is then baked in olive oil until it turns crispy and golden.

Couscous

Couscous is Tunisia’s national dish. These fluffy semolina grains are mixed with everything from fish and hot peppers to crunchy vegetables. They’re usually topped with spicy lamb to create a giant, help-yourself stew.

Chorba

This Tunisian starter is a staple at Ramadan feasts. It’s a thick soup made with tomatoes, onions and pasta grains. Do as the locals do and enjoy it with crusty bread that’s been dipped in harissa – a hot chilli dip of crushed pepper, garlic and spices.

Mechouia

Usually served as an appetiser in Tunisia, mechouia is a fresh salad that’s made up of crunchy lettuce leaves, diced onions, red peppers and tomatoes. The whole thing is drizzled in olive oil and garnished with tuna and hard-boiled eggs.

Mint tea

Lots of hotels in Tunisia will offer you a cup of mint tea on a silver tray as a welcome drink. Traditionally, it’s served with fresh mint leaves floating in the cup, and in some regions it also comes with the addition of pine nuts. If you eat out, you’ll normally receive a complimentary cup after your meal – it’s great for washing your dinner down.

Facts about Tunisia

Capital

Tunis

Currency

Tunisian Dinar

(TND)

Population

10,549,100

Language

Arabic

Time zone

GMT +1

Flight duration

Enfidha – 3 hours from Gatwick

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

What's the nightlife like in Tunisia?

Nightlife in Tunisia varies by location. Resort areas offer entertainment with bars, live music, and cultural shows. Some coastal towns have beachfront clubs. In cities, you'll find cafes and restaurants open late, particularly during summer.

Where can I try local food in Tunisia?

Traditional Tunisian cuisine is often available at your resort's restaurants. Many offer themed nights featuring local dishes. For an authentic experience, ask your TUI rep about nearby restaurants that serve specialities like couscous and brik.

Should I tip in Tunisia?

Tipping is appreciated in Tunisia, but not obligatory. In restaurants, a service charge is often included. For good service, leaving 5-10% of the bill in Tunisian Dinars is common. Tipping hotel staff and taxi drivers in small amounts is also customary.

Are there any local customs I should know about in Tunisia?

In Tunisia, dressing modestly is appreciated when exploring local areas and markets. Greet people with 'Salam' or 'Marhaba' to start conversations warmly. If you're offered mint tea, accepting is a nice gesture. When visiting mosques, remember to remove your shoes. During Ramadan, it's polite to avoid eating in public during daylight hours.

What travel adapter do I need for Tunisia?

Tunisia uses Type C and Type E sockets, both with two round pins. Bring a European-style adapter for your UK devices. These adapters are widely available and will allow you to use your electronics throughout your stay in Tunisia.

What should I wear in Tunisia?

In Tunisia, wear light, loose-fitting clothing suitable for warm weather. At beach resorts, standard swimwear is acceptable. When visiting towns or cultural sites, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. We recommend bringing a light scarf for women to cover their heads when visiting mosques.

What should I pack for Tunisia?

For Tunisia, pack lightweight, breathable clothing, swimwear, and beach essentials. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses. We recommend comfortable walking shoes, a day bag for exploring, and any necessary medications. Include a light jacket for cooler evenings, especially in spring and autumn.

What are the best beaches in Tunisia?

Tunisia offers a variety of beaches along its coastline. Hammamet Beach is known for its golden sand and Mediterranean waters. Sousse Beach provides a long coastline suitable for water activities. On Djerba Island, you'll find beaches with shallow waters that are popular with families.

Where are the best places to shop in Tunisia?

Tunisia offers diverse shopping experiences. Medinas in cities like Tunis and Sousse feature traditional markets selling carpets, ceramics, and spices. Modern shopping centres near resorts provide familiar brands and local goods. For authentic souvenirs, look for olive wood carvings or colourful pottery in resort gift shops or nearby artisan markets.