Tunisia holidays

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? Tunisia is full of plant-based eats. Use HappyCow to find them.

❗ Top tip: Many traditional Tunisian dishes include meat, fish, or egg, so it’s important to ask or specify “sans viande / sans poisson / sans œuf.” Larger cities and popular tourist spots like Tunis, Hammamet, and Djerba tend to be more vegan-friendly than smaller towns. Stick to vegetable couscous, grilled veggies, legumes, olives, nuts, and dates, and you’ll have a delicious and worry-free experience!

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

Map of Tunisia

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12-34 ℃

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

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3.5 Hours

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

Tunisia holidays are best for...

History lovers: Follow in the footsteps of the mighty gladiators at the impressive ruins of the largest colosseum in North Africa at El Djem. Sousse Archaeological Museum claims to house the second largest collection of mosaics in the world.

Movie lovers: Filming for numerous Star Wars films has taken place in Tunisia’s deserts and mountainous regions. Kairouan’s medina was the stunt double for Cairo in Raiders of The Lost Ark. While Monastir’s Ribat was the double for Jerusalem for the 1970s TV series Jesus of Nazareth. The set was then reused for Monty Python's Life of Brian, with further locations in Sousse, Carthage and El Djem also being used.

Magical medinas: Get lost in the narrow bustling streets of Sousse, Monastir and Kairouan, where you can soak up the atmosphere, haggle for a bargain and breathe in the aroma from the coffee and tea shops. Sousse’s medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Fast facts for Tunisia

FCO Travel Advice: Before you book, visit gov.uk for travel advice before making your decision.

Language: The main language spoken is a local Tunisian dialect that combines Arabic with some French. Most locals speak French and hotel staff will usually speak English. Signage is usually in both Arabic and French and at tourist attractions there’s usually signage in English as well.

Currency: The currency used in is the Tunisian Dinar (TND) which you can only buy in Tunisia itself.

Local time: Tunisia is the same time as GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Enfidha Airport. Transfers take between 30 and 45 minutes.

Flight time from UK: Transfers to hotels in Port El Kantaoui take around 30 minutes. Sousse and Hammamet are around 40 minutes away, while Skanes and Monastir are around an hour away.  Note: While there is an airport in Monastir, which is closer to Sousse than Enfidha, there are currently no flights from the UK.

Tourist Information: Further Tunisia tourist information can be found at https://www.discovertunisia.com/en/.

Visa / Health: Before you travel, visit gov.uk for recommendations and advice on visas and health for your holiday to Tunisia.

Tourist tax: You'll be charged 2-3 Tunisian Dinars per night, depending on the star rating of your hotel. The star rating refers to your chosen hotel's official star rating system, not Thomas Cook’s. The maximum number of days of tax to be paid is 7, and children under 12 won’t be charged.

Holiday destinations related to Tunisia:

Getting around Tunisia

By louage: Shared minibuses, or louages, are the fastest way to travel between towns and cities. Ridesharing apps like Bolt are also available in major cities, and yellow taxis can be hailed on the street too.

By train: Tunisia’s trains link major cities along the coast like Tunis, Sousse, and Sfax. Affordable and comfortable, they’re perfect for scenic intercity journeys. Local rail services also operate in the metropolitan areas of Tunis and the Sahel region, including Monastir and Mahdia.

By bus: Local buses reach towns and neighbourhoods that trains can’t. Tickets are cheap, but expect a slower pace.

❗ Top tip: Make sure taxi drivers use the meter ('compteur'), or agree the fare before getting in.

Events in Tunisia

🌸 Spring: Experience Tunisia's unique Orange Blossom festival from March to April in Nabeul, Hammamet and Menzel Bou Zelfa. Spring also brings vibrant Eid al-Fitr celebrations to mark the end of Ramadan, Independence Day parades and fireworks, Passover celebrations in Djerba, and The International Festival of the Ksour Sahariens in Tataouine.

🌞 Summer: Enjoy the International Festival of Carthage and the Hammamet International Festival in July and August. Summer also brings the Djerba International Festival, the Sousse International Festival, the Hammamet International Festival, and the International Symphonic Music Festival in El Jem. Perfect if you have a passion for music and art, experience Tunisia's culture firsthand this summer!

🍂 Autumn: Listen to talented Tunisian artists at classical annual music festivals, like Musical October in Carthage and Musiqât in Sidi Bou Said. Autumn also brings the Carthage Film Festival to Tunis and the Hot Air Balloon and Paragliding Festival held across Djerba, Douz, and Tozeur.

❄️ Winter: Held in November or December, the iconic Festival of the Sahara in Douz celebrates traditional desert culture with vibrant Bedouin music, dance, and storytelling, along with local handicrafts and cuisine. Enjoy sunrise treks and sand dune excursions for an unforgettable desert experience.

Tunisia safety and security

What about my passport?

You’ll need a valid passport to travel to Tunisia. For stays lasting up to three months, your passport must be valid for the length of your stay. It doesn’t need to be valid for longer than this. If you’re a dual Tunisian-British national, you should enter and leave the country on your Tunisian passport.

There’s a tourism tax (link below), which is payable for stays of up to seven nights. It doesn’t apply to guests under 12 years old. We suggest taking some British bank notes with you, as you'll likely need to exchange some money on arrival to pay the tourism tax.

For all the latest Tunisia passport information, head to www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tunisia/entry-requirements. For more information on holidays to Tunisia, keep scrolling to read our Tunisia holiday FAQs.

Do I need a Tunisia visa?

British citizens don’t need a visa to travel on their holidays 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.

Should I get travel health insurance?

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.

Any other tips?

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.

For more information and Tunisia travel advice, head to https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tunisia/safety-and-security.

Tunisia weather

Temperature: Mid-30s (°C) in July and August.

Best time to visit: Tunisia is an African country, but the climate is surprisingly Mediterranean. Summers are hot and dry, and the thermometer regularly rises to 30°C and beyond in July and August. The Sahara Desert location means sea breezes are rare and the midday sun can be pretty intense, so make sure you’re prepared for this.

Prefer a slightly cooler climate? Spring or autumn are the best times to visit Tunisia. Temperatures hover around the mid-20s, so you’ll feel more comfortable.

No matter what time of year you visit, make sure you carry bottled water at all times, especially if you’re going sightseeing.

More hotels in Tunisia

Popular Tunisia holiday resorts

Tunisia FAQs

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.

Popular Tunisia destinations