Tunisia holidays: beaches, Carthage and the Sahara
Mediterranean sun under three hours from London, Roman ruins next to the beach hotel, and desert that starts where the palm groves end. Tunisia is more than a week in Hammamet.
Sidi Bou Said
Photo: ferdaous fellah / Unsplash
Tunisia at a glance
It is seven in the evening in Sidi Bou Said and the sun is setting over the Gulf of Tunis. Below you is the harbour, behind you the white houses with blue shutters, and the capital is half an hour away. Tunisia is the smallest country in North Africa, yet it holds long sandy beaches, some of the best preserved Roman ruins anywhere and the northern edge of the Sahara.
Arabic is the official language, though French is used throughout the tourist industry. The currency is the Tunisian dinar, which cannot be taken out of the country, so only change what you need. For more of the continent, see our Africa travel guide.
Which area suits you?
Hammamet and Sousse, for an easy beach holiday
Most hotels are here, with long beaches and an old medina for evening walks. Port El Kantaoui near Sousse has a marina and golf courses.
Djerba, for island life
The southern island is flat, warm and quiet, with white beaches and a long Jewish and Berber history. The El Ghriba synagogue is one of the oldest in Africa.
Tunis, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said, for history
The medina of Tunis and the ruins of Carthage are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Bardo Museum holds one of the world's largest collections of Roman mosaics.
Tozeur and the Sahara, for the desert
Palm groves, the Chott el Djerid salt lake and Star Wars film sets lie in the south-west. Stay at least two nights so you have time for sunrise over the dunes and the mountain villages.
Sahara
Photo: Greg Keelen / Unsplash
When to go
April to June: warm, green and comfortable. The best window for both beach and desert.
July and August: hot and busy, especially in Hammamet and Sousse. The desert is too hot for long excursions.
September and October: the sea is still warm and prices drop.
November to March: mild but not beach weather. Good for Tunis, Carthage and the Sahara.
Good to know
Bring cash in euros or pounds and change it locally. Cards work in larger hotels, less often in the souks.
Dress modestly in the medinas and in mosques. Normal swimwear is fine on hotel beaches.
Haggling is expected in the souks. Start low and keep it friendly.
Check current travel advice and entry rules before you book.
Where to stay
The best luxury hotels are in Gammarth and Sidi Bou Said north of Tunis, in Hammamet, on Djerba and in the desert near Tozeur. We have picked eight of them in our Tunisia hotel guide. For more warm options, see where is hot in May.
Frequently asked questions about Tunisia
When is the best time to visit Tunisia?
April to June and September to October. It is warm enough for swimming without the worst of the summer heat.
How long is the flight to Tunisia?
Just under three hours from London to Enfidha or Monastir.
What currency is used in Tunisia?
The Tunisian dinar. It cannot be exported, so keep your exchange receipts and change money back before you fly home.
Is Tunisia good for families?
Yes, especially Hammamet, Sousse and Djerba, where the hotels sit right on the beach and have kids' clubs.