Tunisia
Holidays
Tunisia is best for...
Couples: Tunisia is a fascinating getaway for couples looking for romance and adventure. Explore the medieval streets of Tunis's Medina, soak in the vibrant cafe culture, or unwind on the golden beaches of Hammamet. For a private getaway, the island of Djerba is ideal, with its tranquil beaches and artisan workshops. For a magical evening, try an intimate beachfront bar to enjoy live music under the stars—a memorable way to share Tunisia’s charm with your partner.
Families: From the sandy beaches of Djerba to the rocky coasts of Tabarka, enjoy the blue waters and child-friendly resorts along the coast. Families can take a camel ride in the Sahara to experience the beauty of the desert or explore the historic remains of Carthage together. Additionally, Tunisia organises a number of lively festivals all year long, like the International Festival of Carthage and the Tabarka Jazz Festival, where cultural events and music provide an entertaining experience for people of all ages.
Night-owls: When the sun dips below the horizon, Tunisia’s nightlife heats up. Enjoy a glass of Tunisian wine or a round of shisha in a relaxed neighbourhood cafe to start your evening before taking in the vibrant street life. For a more lively experience, visit the pubs and clubs in Sousse and Hammamet, where you can take in a traditional entertainment with fire breathers and belly dancers or dance to international beats. Enjoy the magic of the Carthage amphitheatre or see live performances under the stars at the International Festival of Hammamet if you're there in the summer. For those seeking a little adventure with their nightlife, the Tozeur Oasis Festival offers music and camel races to the sands for a desert twist.
Getting around Tunisia
By bus: Busses in Tunisia are inexpensive, fast and reliable means of travel. They offer a respite from the scorching summer heat as well, thanks to the air-conditioned insides. Aside from car hires, travelling by bus is one of the easiest options.
By train: Trains will take you to most places in Tunisia, but it won't be the fastest means of travel or the easiest. You might experience delays and slow travel times.
By louage: These minibuses, often white in colour, typically work as share-taxis with passengers going up to eight in total. Visiting certain set destinations, these louages will take you from one location to another comfortably, reliably and quickly, with each city having a dedicated louage station.
By car hire: One of the best ways to travel around Tunisia is by car hire, as the city is small and the road network is extensively designed. You can rent a car for the duration of your stay either at the airport or via a local agent in the city.
Fast facts for Tunisia
Language: Arabic. Most people speak English in more touristy areas but make sure to bring a phrasebook or a translation app if you’re going to visit the off-the-beaten-path locations.
Currency: Tunisian dinar
Local time: GMT+1
Fly to: Tunis-Carthage Airport
Flight time from the UK: It takes around 3 hours of flight from the UK.
Tourist Information: For more information on all Tunisia locations, please visit the official tourism website here.
Visa/health: If you are a UK citizen and have a valid passport, you do not need a visa for Tunisia holiday visits for up to 90 days. Visit the official UK travels website for restrictions, travel advice, visa requirements and health advice here.
More travel guides: Curious for more? We have a range of travel guides and holiday destinations from all over the world! Here are a few: Cyprus | Greece | Turkey | Canary Islands | Spain
Your Guide to Tunisia holidays
- Food & Drinks
- Beaches
- We Love
- At a Glance
Food & Drinks
Tunisian cuisine is a vibrant blend of Mediterranean, Arabic, and Berber influences, marked by bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a rich use of spices. At its core, the cuisine features olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs, with spices like cumin, coriander, and saffron adding depth and complexity to many dishes. Tunisian food is a celebration of the region’s history, geography, and culture, offering a unique and satisfying culinary experience for adventurous palates.
- Couscous (Couscous) is a comforting and flavorful staple that reflects the country’s rich culinary heritage. Served with lamb, chicken, or vegetables, it offers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors. For tourists, it's an ideal dish to experience the heart of Tunisian culture and enjoy a communal dining experience, making it a must-try for anyone looking to taste authentic North African flavors.
- Brik is a delicious Tunisian snack or appetizer that consists of a thin, crispy pastry filled with egg, tuna, and capers, then deep-fried to perfection. It’s a beloved street food that's light yet satisfying—perfect for tourists who want to try something unique yet portable while exploring the country. The crunchy exterior and savory filling make it a crowd-pleaser, ideal for both quick bites and as a part of a larger meal.
- Make sure you don't miss out on Lablabi either! This hearty chickpea soup, often served with bread and topped with olive oil, garlic, cumin, and harissa, is perfect for cooler days. It offers an authentic taste of Tunisia's everyday comfort food and is great for food lovers seeking a warm, spicy, and filling meal. Lablabi is also customizable with toppings like eggs or sausages, making it a versatile dish that allows tourists to engage with the local food scene in a cozy and flavorful way.
Beaches
Tunisian beaches are renowned for their stunning beauty, crystal-clear waters, and diverse coastal landscapes. Stretching along the Mediterranean Sea, Tunisia offers a variety of beach experiences, from tranquil, secluded coves to bustling resorts with vibrant nightlife. The golden sands and warm, shallow waters make it a perfect destination for sunbathing, swimming, and watersports. Whether you're seeking relaxation by the sea or adventure on the water, Tunisia's beaches offer an ideal escape for every type of traveler.
- La Marsa Beach is one of the best urban beaches to visit during your travels to Tunisia. Loved by locals and visitors both, this Tunis beach offers a beautiful respite from the city life. By day you'll see fisherman milling about as sports enthusiasts enjoy the warm sands; as the sun sets, the beach welcomes romantic strolls and those wanting to quietly enjoy the views of Gammarth.
- Known for its calm waters and palm-fringed shores, Aghir Beach on Djerba Island is a paradise for those looking to escape to a tranquil, less crowded beach. The shallow, warm waters are perfect for families and those who enjoy watersports like kayaking or windsurfing. Djerba’s unique blend of Mediterranean and North African culture, with its charming villages and vibrant markets, also makes it an enticing destination for those who want to explore both nature and local traditions.
- Boujaffar Beach, located in the bustling coastal city of Sousse, offers a lively atmosphere for tourists looking for both beach relaxation and excitement. The beach’s golden sands are ideal for sunbathing, while its proximity to the city’s historic medina and vibrant nightlife makes it a prime destination for travelers who want to experience Tunisia’s rich history, culture, and entertainment all in one place. With plenty of beachfront resorts, restaurants, and activities, it’s the perfect spot for those who want to combine a beach getaway with a dose of local flavor.
We Love
Tunisia offers tremendous experiences for those looking to find out more about the country's history, or just hoping to see the historical monuments up close. Choosing from eight different UNESCO cultural sites might be a bit of a challenge, but the unforgettable sights and the stunning pictures will be worth cramming the visits into one holiday. If you can't make them all, there's always next time!
- The archeological site of Carthage is undoubtedly one of the best locations to visit during your holidays to Tunisia. This 3km long area has ruins from 5 different cultures and eras, from Phoenician and Roman times to Paleochristian and Arabian relics. It's definitely a perfect meeting of cultures, and their blending is a shocking sight that you shouldn't miss out on. Make sure to visit the Roman amphitheatre, Antonine Baths and the reconstructed Villa of the Aviary while you're there.
- For the film buffs, you do not want to miss the sets of Star Wars located in the southern deserts of Tunisia. Enjoy a camel ride into the deepest desert landscapes, get to know the Berber culture, experience a night spent in a cave or camp out in the desert - and don't forget to bring a screenshot or two, or five, of your favourite locations.
At a Glance
You can fly from all UK airports depending on the final destination in Tunisia.
Tunisia has a warm and enjoyable climate throughout the year, with summers seeing a peak in heat.
Time zone is GMT+1
travel advice
Get advice about traveling abroad, including the latest information on coronavirus, safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings on
FCDO website.