Vacations to Tunisia
Top destinations in Tunisia
Tunis
With a labyrinth of ancient streets, colorful markets and centuries-old mosques, Tunisia’s vibrant capital is a kaleidoscope of culture and history.
Sousse
Sousse is a treasure trove of Tunisian culture. Step back in time with its maze-like medina, majestic fortresses and mosques. But don’t forget to lounge on its golden beaches.
Hammamet
Charming blue-and-white buildings meet the glittering Mediterranean Sea in Hammamet, the perfect backdrop for beach breaks with plenty of historical charm.
Tunisia: fast facts
| Language | Arabic |
|---|---|
| Currency | Tunisian dinar (DT) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
Tunisia vacation highlights
Wander the medinas
There are so many things to see in Tunisia’s maze-like ‘medinas’ (historical districts). In Tunis, Ez-Zitouna Mosque, founded in AD 734, is a good reference point for the district. Enjoy some good-natured haggling while shopping for perfume and woven rugs. Feeling overwhelmed? A fortifying mint tea or retreat into the ‘hammam’ (traditional bath house) will set you right.
See ancient ruins
Tunisia boasts an impressive collection of Roman ruins. Picture gladiators fighting to the death in El Jem’s remarkably preserved colosseum, while the Baths of Antoninus form the largest bathing complex outside of Rome. In the summertime, head for the ancient Roman settlement of Dougga, where a packed amphitheater plays host to the North African sounds of the Dougga Festival.
Sleep in the Sahara
Any desert adventure starts at the gateway city of Douz, where thousands descend in December for the International Festival of the Sahara. Camp among the dunes in a traditional Bedouin tent or visit the Amazigh village of Matmata. Its cave-like dwellings doubled as Luke Skywalker’s home planet in ‘Star Wars.’
Things to do in Tunisia
Top attractions
Just outside Teboursouk, Dougga offers a striking look at Roman life, with remarkably preserved ruins of theaters, temples and bathhouses. You might recognize Ksar Ouled Soltane from ‘Star Wars,’ but this 15th-century Amazigh complex is fascinating on its own. A highlight of the Tunis medina, the Souk Ech-Chaouachine features lively cafes and shops selling ‘chechias,’ traditional Tunisian hats.
Beaches
Be prepared to encounter caravans of camels on Tunisia’s beaches, especially in tourist areas. And don’t miss Sidi Bou Saïd, a hilltop village famed for its picture-perfect blue and white aesthetic and views of the sea. For a taste of the Maldives, check out Ghar el Melh beach, where you’ll be ferried by boat to your personal shack and a freshly caught lunch.
Nature
Set sail in the wake of Barbary pirates, who patrolled this coastline centuries ago. Keep watch for dolphins from your replica pirate ship before stopping for a swashbuckling lunch on Flamingo Island. Chebika is an oasis at the foot of the Djebel el Negueb mountain range. Hike the loop trail before cooling down in the waterfall and in the shade of date palms.
Culture and museums
The museums in Tunisia focus on the country’s rich archeological heritage. Located within a former Beylic palace, the Bardo Museum in Tunis covers the breadth of Tunisian history — its collection of Roman mosaics is the largest in the world. You can also see Greek masterpieces recovered from the Mahdia shipwreck. These ancient treasures lay hidden underwater for nearly 2,000 years.
Cuisine
The restaurants in Tunisia showcase a fusion of North African and Mediterranean flavors, leaning more toward the spicier side than its neighbors Morocco and Egypt. For an on-the-go snack, pick up a ‘fricassee,’ a deep-fried sandwich stuffed with tuna, egg, potato and enough harissa to make your lips tingle. Green tea is popular — introduced by the British, it’s elevated with sugar and fresh mint.
Family friendly
On the island of Djerba, enjoy calm waters, sandy beaches and the Djerba Explore Park, featuring traditional crafts, Islamic art and crocodiles! The lakes and hills of Ichkeul National Park are perfect for hiking and bird-watching. Science fiction fans can join a ‘Star Wars’ tour to visit filming locations and sets across southern Tunisia.
Find the best time to visit Tunisia
Weather in Tunisia
March – May: Olive and orange blossoms mark the arrival of spring. Temperatures are mild, though the Mediterranean is too chilly to swim comfortably until mid-May.
June – August: On the coast, expect warm weather and lots of sunshine for perfect beach days. In the desert, temperatures soar above 104°F. But it’s a dry heat, and things cool off significantly at night.
September – November: Fall enjoys mild days and cool nights, making it the perfect time to explore the desert. The sea stays warm enough to swim in through September, and October brings rain to the coast.
December – February: Days are usually mild, with temperatures in the low 60s°F. Nights in the desert can drop below freezing, and the mountains often see snow.
Events
Dougga International Festival (June to July): Ancient culture meets contemporary cool at this music festival, held on the grounds of the archeological site at Dougga. The Roman amphitheater comes alive with lights and sound, showcasing performances by renowned and up-and-coming artists from Africa and beyond.
International Festival of the Sahara (December): Nomadic desert culture is the star at this festival in Douz. You’ll be amazed by displays of camel riding, traditional crafts and colorful dance routines.
Festival of the Medina (varies): Every year during Ramadan, the ancient streets of the Tunis medina are transformed by art installations, musical performances and dance. The festival highlights the art and culture of the Arab world, from traditional crafts to cutting-edge choreography.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, especially in rural areas and at religious or cultural sites. Women don’t need to cover their hair. During Ramadan, most Tunisians fast during the day. If you’re visiting during this time, be respectful by refraining from eating, drinking or smoking in public.
Health and safety
Before your trip, check for recommended vaccines like hepatitis A and typhoid. The summer heat can be intense, especially in the desert. Wear appropriate sun protection and drink plenty of cool liquids. Tunisia’s water contains high levels of chlorine, which can cause an upset stomach. You may want to stick to bottled water.
Budget
You don’t have to work hard for a cheap vacation to Tunisia. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can set you back as little as ten Tunisian dinars (TND), while a cappuccino costs less than TND3. Save on transportation by riding public buses.
Getting around Tunisia
Public transportation
Buses: Many cities and regions in Tunisia operate their own regional bus services, like TRANSTU in Tunis. National operators provide intercity connections, although service isn’t always reliable. The best way to travel between cities is by taking a ‘louage’ (minibus). But be aware thatthere are no set schedules — the louage leaves as soon as it’s full.
Trains: Tunisian Railways (SNCFT) services major cities in the northern half of the country, but journeys can be slow. To see the stunning canyons of southern Tunisia outside your window, check out the Red Lizard tourist train.
Boats: A car ferry connects Djerba to the mainland. Waits can be long, so you may prefer to drive across the Djerba-Zarzis Roman Causeway Bridge.
Domestic flights
Air travel is a great way to see more of the country in a short time. Tunisair provides domestic connections to major airports in Tunis, Monastir and Djerba.
Driving
Driving in Tunisia is easy with well-maintained motorways. The A1 toll road — also called the Trans-Maghreb Highway — connects Tunis to Ben Guerdane on the southern coast. Watch for unexpected speed bumps when entering towns.
