Tunisia Holidays

Historical sites

Tunisia has plenty of ancient cities and old ruins to explore.

• The ancient ruins of Carthage – A recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site with roots in the Phoenician era. You can wander past the remains of temples, baths and theatres, all set out across a wide-open site. What sets it apart from many ancient ruins is its seaside location – the coastal views add to the experience and make it a memorable historical spot.

• The medina of Tunis – Wandering around here is like stepping back in time – it’s a labyrinth of traditional buildings, bustling souks and historic mosques, plus it’s UNESCO-listed. Traders sell spices, perfumes and handwoven carpets here, and it’s also home to Zitouna Mosque, with its grand courtyard and intricate tilework. Add the Dar Ben Abdallah museum to your sightseeing list, too – it’s housed in an opulent Ottoman palace.

• The amphitheatre of El Jem – The El Jem Amphitheatre is referred to as the ‘African Colosseum’ and is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. The architecture is impressive – you can easily picture the gladiator battles that took place, partly because this is where Gladiator was filmed.

Beaches

Holidays to Tunisia have plenty of beaches, from urban spots to island escapes.

• Hammamet Beach – Hammamet is Tunisia’s most popular beach resort, with golden sands and the Mediterranean Sea. The whole area has an authentic charm, with a whitewashed old town, historic fort and lively nightlife. The beach also has watersports available, from jet skiing to windsurfing, and the palm-lined promenades are full of seafood restaurants and beach clubs.

• Sousse Beach – In one of Tunisia’s liveliest cities, Sousse Beach is a bit more urban. The beachfront is lined with luxury resorts, with sunloungers and private access to the water. Beyond the most common beach activities, Sousse is close to the historic medina, so you can mix some cultural exploration with your beach holiday. As the sun sets, the waterfront becomes busier, with its rooftop bars and beachfront lounges.

• Djerba beach – Djerba Island feels quieter than many of the mainland resorts, with beaches framed by palm trees and traditional whitewashed villages. The island’s coastline is famous for its shallow, clear waters that are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, and there’s a blend of Berber, Arab and Jewish influences in its beachside cafés and artisanal markets. If you’re looking for a slower pace, this is the place.

Active adventures 

No trip to Tunisia feels complete without time in the Sahara. It sits right on the country’s doorstep and offers a very different side to a beach‑led break.

• Camel trekking in the Sahara Desert – Riding through the Sahara on a camel is one of the experiences many visitors choose when travelling inland. The landscape is made up of wide, rolling dunes, open skies and long stretches of quiet that are hard to find elsewhere. Compared to 4x4 experiences, camel treks are slower and more relaxed, giving you time to take in the scale of the desert without rushing through it.

• Watersports – If you like your holidays with a bit more pace, Tunisia’s Mediterranean shoreline delivers plenty of options. Hammamet Beach is known as the main hub for watersports, with activities like jet skiing, parasailing and windsurfing. Over on Djerba Island, shallow lagoons and reliable winds make it a popular spot for kitesurfing. In Sousse and Monastir, you can also find speedboat trips and wakeboarding sessions.

• Scuba diving and snorkelling – Tunisia has a varied marine environment that suits both divers and snorkellers. Tabarka is well known for its red coral reefs and colourful sea life, while Cap Bon’s Second World War shipwrecks add an extra layer of interest for more experienced divers. Around La Galite Island, clear and largely untouched waters make it one of the strongest snorkelling areas in the country.

• Quad biking – For something more hands‑on, quad biking is widely available in different parts of Tunisia. In places like Douz and Ksar Ghilane, routes take you straight across desert dunes for a fast‑paced ride through the Sahara. If you prefer uneven ground and steeper trails, the forested mountains around Ain Draham are more of a challenge. There are also coastal tracks near Sousse and Hammamet that combine beach stretches with pine forests.

Daytrips

See as much of Tunisia as you can and plan in some daytrips while you’re there.

• Sidi Bou Said – Set high on a clifftop overlooking the Mediterranean, Sidi Bou Said is known for its striking mix of Andalusian and Moorish design. The village has long attracted artists, writers and musicians. So, take time to wander the narrow, cobbled streets, stop for mint tea at the well‑known Café des Nattes and browse the small art galleries dotted around the village. Sea views stretch out below and, at sunset, it feels especially calm and atmospheric.

• Dougga – Dougga is Tunisia’s best‑preserved Roman city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike Carthage, which sits close to modern development, this site feels remote and largely unchanged, surrounded by olive groves and rolling countryside. Popular sites include the Capitol Temple, the impressive Roman theatre and the remains of ancient bathhouses. Many visitors pair a trip here with a simple local lunch, often featuring grilled merguez sausages and freshly baked flatbreads, to finish the day.

• Star Wars filming locations – Head south into Tunisia’s Sahara region and the landscape quickly shifts to dunes, underground homes and famous film sets. The troglodyte houses of Matmata give a glimpse into traditional desert living and Ong Jemel is a dramatic rocky outcrop that was used for the Mos Espa scenes in Star Wars. Camel rides across the sands near Douz offer a slower way to take it all in, while guided 4x4 trips take you deeper into the desert, often finishing with a Bedouin‑style dinner under clear, star‑filled skies.

Shopping

From traditional souks to shopping malls, Tunisia has it all.

• Tunisia’s souks – Tunisia’s souks are a big part of everyday life, and the Medina of Tunis is home to some of the most popular. You’ll find a varied mix of goods, from hand‑woven carpets and detailed ceramics to gold jewellery and aromatic spices. Souk El Attarine dates back to the 13th century and is still best known for perfumes and essential oils, or Souk des Chéchias, specialises in the country’s classic red woollen hats. Berber rugs, painted pottery and leather goods are easy to come by anywhere, and bargaining is expected, so it is worth giving it a try.

• Modern shopping – Alongside its traditional markets, Tunisia also offers a more modern shopping scene. Tunis City Mall, in the capital, brings together international brands and Tunisian designers focusing on high‑end fashion and handcrafted jewellery. Or, Mall of Sousse is another large shopping centre with a wide choice of stores. In resort areas like Hammamet and Djerba, smaller boutiques tend to focus on locally made items, including kaftans, leather sandals and Tunisian cosmetics created with natural ingredients such as olive oil and jasmine.

Festivals and events 

Tunisia also hosts a range of festivals and events through the year.

• International Festival of Carthage, July-August – Held in the historic ruins of Carthage, this annual summer festival turns the ancient Roman amphitheatre into a stage for music festivals. The programme ranges from orchestral concerts and opera to modern pop and traditional Tunisian music.

• Hammamet International Festival, July-August – This festival hosts a line-up of music, theatre and dance performances in an open-air amphitheatre, overlooking the Gulf of Hammamet.

• Festival of Ksour, March – Deep in Tunisia’s desert region, the Festival of Ksour celebrates the country’s Berber heritage and the iconic troglodyte dwellings of the south. You can catch traditional music and re-enactments of desert life, explore the ancient, fortified granaries, known as ksour, and get an authentic glimpse into the traditions of Tunisia’s indigenous communities.

Classic dishes

Tunisia holidays serve up plenty of flavour, with lots of North African dishes to try.

• Couscous – Tunisia’s best‑known traditional dish consists of steamed semolina wheat and is often served with a rich, spiced broth and topped with meat (usually lamb, chicken or fish), vegetables and chickpeas. It’s found in nearly every Tunisian restaurant and is a classic to be served at family gatherings and celebrations.

• Brik – This Tunisian pastry is thin and crispy, stuffed with egg, tuna, capers and parsley, then deep-fried until golden. It’s a staple starter in traditional restaurants and a popular dish to break fast during Ramadan.

• Mechoui – Lamb or beef is slow-roasted or grilled and then seasoned with Tunisian spices and served with harissa. Order it in traditional grill houses – Mechoui restaurants – and especially in cities like Sousse and Tunis.

• Mint tea with pine nuts – It’s a delicacy here, especially in Sidi Bou Said.

Street food

Street food is the easiest way to eat how the locals do in Tunisia.

• Merguez sandwich – Grilled spicy lamb sausages are stuffed into a French baguette with harissa, salad and olives. It’s a popular street food in Sousse, Tunis and Hammamet, especially at local markets.

• Kafteji – A mix of fried potatoes, peppers, tomatoes and pumpkin, topped with a fried egg and sometimes meat. It’s a popular snack, sold in market stalls and small street-side shops, especially in Tunis and Sfax.

• Bambalouni – A deep-fried, sugar-dusted ring of dough, which is light and fluffy inside, like a doughnut. They’re especially common in Sidi Bou Said, where vendors sell them fresh out of the fryer.

• Lemonade – Freshly squeezed lemon juice with sugar, sold by street vendors.

Nightlife

Tunisia holidays are good for both day and night activities.

• Beach clubs & nightclubs – Hammamet and Sousse have a good range of beach clubs, where DJs play house, techno and Arabic music until the early hours. Popular venues include Bora Bora and Calypso in Hammamet, and Platinum in Sousse.

• Rooftop bars & lounges – For a quieter evening, Tunisia’s rooftop bars and lounges offer city and sea views. These venues are ideal for cocktail evenings, date nights, and for something a bit more relaxed. Some options include Le Carpe Diem in Tunis and Bellini Rooftop in Sousse. A lot of venues have dress codes, so it’s best to wear something smart-casual.

• Sahara Desert nights – For a more unique nightlife experience, take a tour into the Sahara Desert for an evening of Bedouin music, traditional Tunisian food and campfires under a sky full of stars.

Car hire 

If you want the freedom to explore at your own pace, renting a car is one of the best ways to travel around Tunisia, especially for visiting less touristy areas like Dougga, Kairouan or the Sahara Desert. Driving in Tunisia is considered safe but traffic can be very busy in bigger cities like Tunis and Sousse. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is also recommended, but EU licenses are accepted.

Taxi 

Taxis are easy and affordable in Tunisia but try to use metered taxis to avoid overpaying. Bolt is available in Tunis, Sousse and Monastir, while Yassir is the local alternative to Uber, which allows you to fix a fare upfront and pay by card. It’s advised to at least always ask the driver to use the meter (fauteuil means ‘meter’ in French). You can expect to pay 5-10 TND (€2-€4) for short rides and, for longer distances, make sure to negotiate a fixed price before setting off.

Train 

Tunisia has a well-developed rail network, making trains one of the most affordable and comfortable ways to travel between major cities. SNCFT (Tunisian National Railways) operates all trains.