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Best hotels in Tunisia

Things to do

Holidays to Tunisia: Souks, Spices, and Desert Dreams

Craving an unforgettable escape, where ancient ruins whisper tales of empires past and turquoise waters tickle your toes on golden beaches? Tunisia is calling! Wander ancient ruins by day, drift under starlit desert skies by night, and soak up scenery straight out of a movie.

Tunisia holidays are made for romantics, beach-lovers, barterers and adventurers alike. With idyllic Mediterranean shores, sweeping golden dunes, grand villas and intricate mosaics, it’s no wonder the Romans fell in love with this land - and so will you!

5 reasons to fall in love with Tunisia holidays

  1. Sun-kissed sands - Tunisia’s stunning North African coastline is made for relaxing. From the serene, palm-fringed beaches of Le Palm and Sidi Mahrez on Djerba Island to Port El Kantaoui's lively resort-style beaches, sink your toes into golden sands and enjoy the sparkling turquoise waters that stretch as far as the eye can see.
     
  2. Fascinating history - With nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Tunisia is a living museum where every stone tells a story. Wander through ancient ruins and towering fortresses that whisper tales of empires past. And if you’re a Star Wars fan, the desert might look oddly familiar - that’s because you’re actually walking on Tatooine! From history buffs to sci-fi lovers, there’s adventure around every corner.
     
  3. Beachfront castles & kasbahs - Discover iconic landmarks like Monastir’s Forte El Ribat, perched majestically on the seafront, or Hammamet’s 13th-century Kasbah - a perfect mix of architecture and history.
     
  4. Zesty marina vibes - For a taste of classic Tunisian culture, stroll along Monastir’s marina. Admire the colourful boats, mingle with locals, soak up the lively atmosphere, and try some fresh seafood at one of Monastir's top-rated restaurants.
     
  5. Buzzing bazaar adventures - Dive into the heart of Tunisia at Hammamet’s Medina. Explore winding streets filled with vibrant shops, artisan crafts, souvenirs and classic street foods like “Brik” (thin pastry with eggs and other fillings) and “Bambalouni” (sweet doughnuts) to make your Tunisia holiday truly unforgettable.

🥦🥗 Veggie or vegan? Tunisian coastal resorts often only have only one vegetarian restaurant per town. Use HappyCow to find it.

Explore North Africa & The Med | More Travel Guides

Want to explore more of North Africa or the Mediterranean? Don't miss these travel guides from our destinations experts: Djerba | Hammamet | Port el Kantaoui | Sousse | Morocco | Egypt | Malta | Italy | Sardinia | Costa Del Sol

12-34 ℃

Hot temperatures can reach the mid-30s in summer, and there’s comfortably warm weather in winter.

View live forecast

3.5 Hours

Enfidha Airport (NBE), around 100km from the capital, Tunis.

Map of Tunisia

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Tunisia FAQs

Do UK citizens need a visa for holidays to Tunisia?

British citizens don’t need a visa to travel to Tunisia. You just need a valid passport and proof of your hotel reservation. For all the latest Tunisia visa information, head to www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tunisia/entry-requirements.

What do I need to visit Tunisia from the UK?

  • • A valid passport; you’ll want at least 6 months left on your passport to avoid problems with flights, immigration, or extending your trip
  • • Proof of return or onward ticket
  • • Proof of sufficient funds
  • • Proof of hotel booking confirmation
  • • Any vaccinations recommended for Tunisia
  • • Medical fees in Tunisia can be very high, so it's a good idea to get travel insurance

Which UK airports fly direct to Tunisia?

You can fly from a variety of UK airports, including London, Manchester and Edinburgh.

What's the best month to go to Tunisia?

Want to beat the crowds and save £££? Visit Tunisia in May and September to bag the best beach holiday bargains. Or if you prefer the idea of sightseeing without the summer heat, November to March tends to offer the best deals on cheap holidays to Tunisia. You might get a few rainy days along the northern coast, but it’s nothing compared to a typical UK winter!

Expect warm temperatures in May and September, hitting sunny averages of 26°C-30°C. November and March still feels warm in Tunisia, with daytime temps reaching 18-23°C. December to February is much cooler, perfect for exploring Tunisia's endless historical sites, desert adventures in the Sahara, and enjoying activities like offroading and hiking.

Planning a deep dive into the local culture or maybe you're searching for your next dose of Mediterranean sunshine? Whatever brings you here, prepare for hot, dry temps between 30-35°C on the coast and 40°C+ in desert areas in the summer months.

Planning a holiday to Tunisia? Keep in mind:

  • • December, January & February = mild days, cool nights 😎
    Experience Tunisia's iconic Festival of the Sahara in Douz, savour winter dishes like lablabi (hearty chickpea soup), explore historic sites and enjoy less crowds on beaches like Hammamet and Djerba.
     
  • • March, April & May = mild to warm 🌞
    Visit Tunisia's Orange Blossom festival, experience The Festival of the Ksour in Tataouine, enjoy snorkelling in Tabarka’s extensive coral reefs.
     
  • • June, July, August & September = hot and dry 🔥
    Relax on the golden beaches of Hammamet and Sousse, experience the International Festival of Carthage in the historic Roman amphitheatre, enjoy scuba diving near Djerba.
     
  • • October & November = warm days, cooler evenings 🍂
    Go on a thrilling desert safari, float above the Saharan dunes of Douz in a hot air balloon, take a boat tour to Flamingo Island, see remarkable Roman mosaics at the Bardo National Museum.

Which Tunisian resorts are best for families or couples?

Offering a wide range of activities, from exploring Roman ruins to exhilarating watersports to chilled days at the beach, Tunisia holidays cater to all ages and tastes.

Best resorts in Tunisia for families include:

  • • Djerba: stunning beaches and a large selection of resorts with water parks, kids' clubs and playgrounds.
  • • Sousse: packed full of family-friendly resorts, beaches, activities and history to keep your little ones entertained.
     

Best resorts in Tunisia for couples include:

  • • Hammamet: Yasmine Hammamet marina combines waterfront dining and scenic views, perfect for adventurous couples seeking vibrant nightlife and dynamic grown-up getaways.
  • • Monastir: Relaxing and packed with culture, Monastir offers calmer vibes than more bustling Tunisian resorts - think sunrise strolls, sunset cruises and dreamy scenery.

Are All Inclusive packages worth it in Tunisia?

100%! It will vary from hotel to hotel what’s included, but you can expect flights, accommodation, food (three meals a day plus snacks), and unlimited soft and local alcoholic drinks, usually for 12 hours a day. All Inclusive Tunisia escapes for families usually benefit from a kids’ club too. While Tunisia 5 star hotels tend to throw in some fancy extras, such as cocktails or branded spirits, a pillow menu, themed a la carte restaurants and watersports.

Do you need travel insurance for Tunisia holidays from the UK?

In Tunisia, there’s no provision for free medical care. Doctors’ fees, medication and hospital visits in private clinics must be paid for at the time. As these costs can be high, it’s sensible to buy travel health insurance and have funds you can access.

If you have a regular prescription, be sure to bring along copies in case you lose them and need to get replacements.

A good travel insurance policy will also protect you against trip cancellations, loss/theft of belongings, delays/missed departures and legal costs/expenses.

Offering optional coverage for certain adventure and sports activities, subject to policy terms, we've teamed up with the Post Office to offer you award-winning travel insurance cover where kids go free on family policies*. Ideal for planning your next family holiday to Tunisia.

* Kids (under 18s) can be covered at no extra cost on the single-trip and annual multi-trip policies, provided they have no medical condition

How can we stay safe in Tunisia?

Always take care of yourself and your personal belongings and be aware of pick-pockets. Try to avoid carrying all your important documents (for example, your passport, money and valuables) in the same bag.

> More info & Tunisia travel advice

What should I pack for my Tunisia holiday?

Your holiday wardrobe will depend on what time of year you’re travelling and the activities you’re planning. It’s wise to check the weather forecast before you go.

During the summer, loose, cotton clothing can help keep you cool when the temperature rises. Dressing conservatively is also advised (Tunisia is a Muslim country). For example, women shouldn’t wear mini-skirts, and a headscarf must be worn when visiting a mosque, while men should avoid shorts and vest tops when visiting religious sites.

Even though it’s hot during the day, it’s worth packing something a little warmer to wear in the evening; in certain parts of Tunisia, temperatures can actually fall below 0°C when the sun goes down, especially in the more mountainous areas.

Planning on hiking? You’ll need hiking boots to take on those sandy deserts and rocky paths, so make sure they’re sturdy and comfortable.

Do and don'ts in Tunisia?

Although Tunisia’s main tourist resorts are generally considered safe, be mindful of these five do's and don'ts to make the most of your Tunisia holidays:

DO:
🏛️
Respect local laws and customs
🪪 Carry a copy of your passport photo page at all times
💧 Use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth
🧕 Dress modestly and limit public affection
🦟 Bring mosquito repellent

DON’T:
😎 Forget sun cream or sunglasses
🥂 Drink alcohol in public spaces or purchase alcohol in supermarkets on Fridays
📷 Take photos of government or military sites
💸 Carry large sums of money around
💰 Take Tunisian dinars home

What are the top things to do in Tunisia besides the beach?

Want to explore beyond the sun and sand? Here are some alternatives to consider:

  1. See Tunisia's nine UNESCO World Heritage sites up close; Dougga, Kairouan, the medinas of Sousse and Tunis, the Punic Town of Kerkuane and its Necropolis, the archaeological site of Carthage, the amphitheatre of El Jem, the island of Djerba, and Ichkeul National Park.
  2. Explore sand dunes, oases and Star Wars filming locations with an exciting 4x4 tour of the Sahara desert.
  3. Based on ancient myths and legends, visit North Africa's largest theme park; Carthage Land, in the medina of Yasmine Hammamet.
  4. Hike Tunisia's stunning mountainous regions, like Jbel Hammamet or Bizerte.
  5. Discover Djerbahood, an open-air street art museum on Djerba Island featuring 250 murals by 150 artists from over 30 countries - one of the largest street art projects in the world.

> More things to do in Tunisia

Are there any hidden costs to watch out for in Tunisia?

Good question! Hidden costs to consider when planning your Tunisia holiday include:

  • • Tourist taxes, e.g. Accommodation Tax
  • • Booking fees
  • • Baggage fees
  • • Airport transfers


We’re committed to transparency and your consumer rights, so any additional costs are clearly disclosed at each step of the booking process. With tiered pricing, planning a trip to Tunisia can be tricky. Thomas Cook package holidays to Tunisia take care of it all - flight  tickets, transport, reservations - keeping your trip smooth and stress-free.

> Thomas Cook Booking Terms and Conditions

Is Tunisia safe at the moment from the UK?

Tunisia is generally considered safe for travel in tourist areas. That said, always make sure you're aware of the latest travel advice on entry requirements, passports and health information before booking holidays to Tunisia. Use this simple colour-coded map that shows the latest high and low-risk areas.