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?

Tunisia offers a lively nightlife scene with bars and cafes mainly found in tourist areas and hotels. Head to Hammamet or Sousse for beachfront bars and live music venues, while Tunis has cafes and cultural performances in the medina.

Where can I try local food in Tunisia?

Traditional Tunisian cuisine can be found in local restaurants and markets. We recommend trying couscous, brik (a savoury pastry), and tajine in authentic eateries. Many resorts also offer Tunisian dishes, and you can explore local cafes for specialties like mint tea and sweet pastries.

Should I tip in Tunisia?

Tipping in Tunisia is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, it's common to leave around 10% if a service charge isn't included. For other services like taxis or hotel staff, rounding up the bill or giving a small amount is a kind gesture.

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

When visiting Tunisia, it's polite to greet people with 'as-salaam-alaikum'. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or local areas. During Ramadan, we recommend being considerate of those fasting by avoiding eating in public during daylight hours.

What travel adapter do I need for Tunisia?

When visiting Tunisia, you'll need a European-style two-pin plug adapter. Most sockets accept the round Type C or Type E plugs. We recommend bringing at least one adapter for your devices, as UK-style plugs are not commonly found in Tunisian hotels.

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, bring light, breathable clothing for warm weather, comfortable walking shoes and beachwear for hotel pools and beaches. Include sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and insect repellent. When visiting religious sites, pack clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and women should bring a headscarf.

What are the best beaches in Tunisia?

Tunisia boasts Mediterranean beaches with clear waters in Hammamet, ideal for relaxation. Sousse offers a mix of resort beaches and watersports, while Djerba island is known for its tranquil, palm-fringed coastline. Many beaches feature soft sand and calm conditions suitable for families and swimmers.

Where are the best places to shop in Tunisia?

Shopping in Tunisia features medinas in Tunis and Sousse with craft markets selling ceramics, textiles and spices. Head to Avenue Habib Bourguiba in Tunis for modern shops, or explore artisanal districts in coastal towns for local handmade goods.