What is Tunisia like? I did not have the slightest clue at the time of booking my ticket. My friend continued talking about how good a trip it was, showing me pictures of blue doors and dunes, and I thought, “Why not? Best spontaneous decision ever. This Tunisia travel guide is basically me spilling all the tea on everything I discovered while visiting Tunisia: the good, the unexpected, and the absolutely amazing.
So what will Tunisia be like once you really get there? Alright, so you can wake up in a gorgeous beach resort in the morning, visit ancient Roman ruins literally larger than the Colosseum of Rome at lunch, and be totally lost in the spice-filled medina in the evening. The cultural history of this is crazy. I mean Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Ottoman Turks, French colonials and all that. When others come to me and ask what Tunisia is like as a holiday destination, it is like someone blended the best bits of Greece, Morocco and the French Riviera, then made it much cheaper.
Visiting Tunisia wasn’t even on my radar until last year. I kept seeing the same old European beach resorts, and I was ready for something different. Tunisia delivered big time. Also rode camels at sunset (it is a cliche but unbelievable), consumed my weight in couscous, and met some of the most hospitable people I have ever met during my travels. So is Tunisia worth visiting? Yes, yes, yes, after three weeks there, I am telling you, yes. Let me break down all the facts about Tunisia you actually need.
What is Tunisia like: Things To Do
What is Tunisia like for a holiday? The point is this: believed I would see everything in a week. Wrong. So wrong. How big is Tunisia? It is not huge, but there are things to do. Kept thinking I had the best moment, but then another topped it. These are the spots that genuinely blew me away and made visiting Tunisia one of my favourite trips ever.
1. Carthage
Carthage played with my head at its best. I had read about the Punic Wars in school, but to stand in the same place that Hannibal had walked? Different level. The ruins sprawl across this hillside overlooking the Mediterranean, and honestly, the views alone are worth it. I took a good four hours walking around the Antonine Baths, these gigantic Roman bath complexes, which made me realise how luxurious people were back in ancient times. The cool part? It is not as mad as other popular ruins.
I was able to have entire segments almost to myself, which is never the case in places such as Pompeii or the Colosseum. The mosaics of certain villas remain beautiful. Pro tip: It is a huge site, so you will get much more out of it if you grab a guide or read a little bit beforehand. This weird and interesting exhibition of Punic funerary material in the museum on Byrsa Hill is what makes history come to life.
2. Sidi Bou Said
Sidi Bou Saïd is essentially the Instagram heaven, but it is even better in reality. All the buildings are white, with these bright blue doors and shutters; it’s the law, I guess. The entire village is on a cliff, and thus, you have these ludicrous views of the sea on each turn. Picked mint tea in Café des Délices (apparently the hangout of tonnes of artists) and watched people for an hour.
The vibe here is super chill. It is touristy, alright, but in a cute manner. I roamed the paving, as I went down little art galleries, and purchased far more than I had intended of blue ceramic dishes. The sunset over the village top is wonderful, everything is turning golden pink. Do it, do it late in the afternoon; I tell you. It is a good morning, but that evening is magic.
3. Monastir
I was going to pass Monastir by, and I am glad I did not. The Ribat fort here is no mean thing: this great stone pile in the middle of the water, through which you can pass into the dungeons up to the watch towers. It was a workout to get to the top, but those 360 degree views? Worth every step. The entire coastline and the town are visible at a distance.
I was taken by surprise by the Bourguiba Mausoleum. Did not hope much, but the architecture is beautiful: this enormous golden dome, all that tilework, all that fancy marble. It is amazing even without being a political history student, and the building is amazing. Dinner at the marina area is ideal because I have discovered this unplanned seafood restaurant where the fish was very fresh, as if it had been swimming in the morning. Monastir is not as hectic as other coastal towns, but there is still plenty of action there.
4. El Jem Amphitheatre
El Jem is hands down one of the best things to do in Tunisia. This is the third-largest Roman amphitheatre in the Roman Empire, located in the small town of Tunisia. The contrast is wild. Entered and literally fainted. It’s that impressive. In contrast to the mad crowds in the Colosseum of Rome, I was able to walk at will, go beneath the ground tunnels where they used to house the gladiators and animals, and drink it all in.
The preservation is unreal. The pulleys and trapdoors that helped to carry animals to the arena to fight can still be seen. Arrived at the earliest time it was open, and for approximately an hour, there were ten other people present. Took some fantastic pictures without strangers in every picture. It has such fine acoustics that they still hold concerts here. It is one of Tunisia’s historical sites that should be visited. It’s worth the detour even if you’re sticking to the coast.
5. Sahara
My holiday was spent in the Sahara. I am referring to the entire camel riding, camping in a Berber tent among a billion stars, the entire nine yards. I have arranged a two-day tour in Douz, and have done three days. Riding a camel into the dunes at sunset, it sounds cliché, but it truly was one of those bucket-list moments when you think cannot believe it is real.
We had a very simple camp that was good. Guides in Berber style, roast food, and mint tea that never ended. The sky literally burst into stars after dinner. I have never witnessed anything of that kind.
It was a clear Milky Way that I could distinguish separate clusters of stars. There is no light pollution, only a desert and sky on and on. Caution: the temperature fluctuations are crazy. The technique involved boiling during the day and then freezing at night. I mean layers and a sleeping bag. But to rise and see the sun come up over the dunes the following morning? Absolutely worth any discomfort.
6. Hammamet
Hammamet served as my base for sightseeing and was required after everything. The beaches are beautiful, with soft white sand, deep blue water, and much less crowded than I thought they would be in such popular resort towns. Just kept switching between lying on the beach, eating seafood, and exploring the old medina in case it got hot.
The medina in Hammamet is cool. These 15th-century walls surround it, and the inside is narrow streets, traditional shops, and locals going about their day. Much more natural than the resorts went to the Kasbah and watched the sunset over the town and the Mediterranean. The Yasmine Hammamet is a more modern area, with large hotels, a marina, restaurants, etc. Was more inclined toward the elder section of town, although they are alike. Hotel options in Hammamet are numerous, ranging from enormous all-inclusive hotels to smaller boutique hotels.
7. The Capital, Tunis
Tunis surprised me. I wasn’t expecting much from the capital, but the Medina of Tunis is absolutely worth visiting. It is this great labyrinth of covered souks that I lost my way in several times, with side aisles of every kind of spices, leatherwork, and, to these, delicate bamboo lamps. As soon as you enter, you are greeted by the scent of jasmine, mint and what seems to be approximately forty spices.
Had spent half a day in the Bardo Museum, which has the finest collection of Roman mosaics in the world. As room after room of these unbelievably meticulous floor mosaics, which are 2,000 years old yet appear to have been created yesterday. The whole experience is enhanced by the fact that the building itself was a palace. The Avenue Habib-Bourguiba is the central one, a broad avenue with cafes and shops, excellent for watching people. Do not forget to have brik, which is a fried pastry filled with an egg, which is sloppy and good.
8. Sousse
The city of Sousse turned out to be one of my favourite cities in Tunisia, and I ended up spending much longer than I had anticipated. This medina is not so touristy and has a more lived-in character than others. It is not a tourist show, people can see real people shopping, children playing, older men sipping coffee. This ancient fortress/monastery, with a tower where you can climb for a panoramic view of the entire city and coastline, is called the Ribat.
The Archaeological Museum in this place is second only to the Bardo Museum. More incredible Roman mosaics, and several other artefacts which actually tell the story of Tunisia. The beach promenade is ideal for walking in the evening, with palm trees, an ocean breeze, and local people taking a stroll or just sitting around. The hotel prices in Sousse are absurd. I have spent less than a hostel in most European cities, staying in a four-star and right on the beach. History, beaches and the real life of the city are combined to make Sousse more realistic than the resort towns of reality.
9. Friguia Park
Friguia Park was certainly a departure from historical locations. It is the primary zoo and wildlife reserve in Tunisia and has lions, elephants, giraffes, and all that safari-like stuff. Is it the San Diego Zoo? Nope. However, it is quite done and I was glad to see some conservation efforts. The African theme is cool, and the fences are designed to replicate the natural habitat.
Attended because I was transporting my cousin’s children, and they really enjoyed it. The entire process of reviewing everything was comfortable and took approximately 3 hours. There are feeding performances and educational lectures during the day. It is between Sousse and Hammamet and, therefore, extremely easy to visit if you are in the area. It is a very pleasant rest after spending days and days on the ruins and in museums. The children were much more impressed by the lions than by Roman mosaics.
10. Djerba
One could have thought that Djerba was a different Tunisia. This island has its own atmosphere; it is more relaxed, with other architecture and fantastic beaches. It was cool to drive over a causeway and get there. Settled in the capital city, Houmt Souk, the quaintest in terms of medina and the best fresh fish market I have ever encountered. The seafood is on a different level, seriously.
The northeast coast beaches are beautiful, long lines of smooth sand and blue water, with no giant resort buildings like in other regions. Hired a scooter and went for a ride. Visited these small fishing villages, local mosques, with distinctive architecture and El Ghriba Synagogue, one of the oldest and ancient synagogues in the world. The history of the Jews here is interesting. Pottery is also popular in Djerba. Took pictures of artisans and purchased some beautiful painted ceramics. Djerba is your place if you want to relax and experience culture.
11. Kairouan
The fourth most sacred city in Islam is Kairouan, and it can be felt upon visiting. The Great Mosque of Kairouan is quite beautiful, constructed in 670 AD, having its own forest of columns and a massive, peaceful court. Non-Muslims are allowed to enter most places, but not the main prayer hall. Such a feeling of the past and reverence is overwhelming even in its own right in the courtyard.
The easiest place for me was the medina. Not so polished, not so many tourist shops, more normal Tunisian life. I loved it. The Aghlabid Basins are massive ancient water reservoirs which are evidence of the high level of Islamic engineering of medieval times. Kairouan is also known for its carpets throughout Tunisia. Observed weavers labour at these highly intricate designs and studied the symbols in various designs. It is approximately 90 minutes in Sousse or Tunis, and it can be a day trip. Just wear decent clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
Tunisia Tours & Activities
I’m normally a DIY traveller, but some tours in Tunisia are totally worth booking. The filming sites of the Star Wars tour were outrageously entertaining. Yes, I’m a nerd. You are taken to the real sets of the films, such as Luke’s dwelling house and the Mos Espa set from The Phantom Menace. They are simply sitting in the desert of Tunisia, slowly being consumed by the sand. Any Star Wars fan will find this super surreal.
Tours of the desert by different companies are available in half-day and multi-day formats, the latter leading deep into the Sahara. Completed one two-day one, which should have booked more. Another highlight was a cooking lesson that took in Tunis. I was taught how to prepare couscous and tajine by myself, and we consumed all we prepared. Tours of the medinas are also good if you would like to taste local specialities, and someone will tell you what they are and their cultural meaning. There are water sports, diving, jet-skiing, parasailing and whatever you feel like doing in the coastal towns.
what is Tunisia like: Getting There
The holiday to Tunisia was much easier than I thought. The vast majority of international flights pass through Tunis-Carthage International Airport, which offers direct service to dozens of European capitals, including Paris, Rome, London, and Frankfurt. It was only some 2.5 hours, and I flew out of London. Several low-cost carriers operate flights to the destination, making them affordable.
The airport is also modern and efficient. The immigration process took perhaps fifteen minutes, and my bag emerged. It is approximately 8 kilometres away in downtown Tunis. Took a taxi to my hotel to ensure you would agree on a price before they charged by the metre. Others will go through the broken metre trick. Please don’t fall for it.
If you are arriving in Africa from elsewhere, it has links to different hubs. Other board ferries in Italy or France are cool, but flights are faster and competitively priced. Had an encounter with a couple who had taken the overnight ferry between Italy and liked it, but they had booked a hotel night in and made the ride part of the adventure.
what is Tunisia like: The Weather
Knowing the weather in Tunisia helped me make the right packing choices. The climate along the coast is typical of the Mediterranean: hot and humid in the summer, with more desert conditions like those in the southern areas with higher temperatures. I went there in April, and the weather was simply incredible. It is warm enough to visit the beach, but not so hot that you would be uncomfortable going sightseeing.
The coast summers are really hot and dry. In winter, it is rather mild, with some rain. Sahara is a completely different monster, as it gets scorching during summer (we are talking 40°C and more) and unbelievably cold during winter nights. When people ask about the best time to visit Tunisia, always say it depends on what you want to do. Beach holiday? The crowds are good year-round. Deserts and historical sites?Spring or fall, hands down.
Average Temperature
I want to deconstruct what I have seen and what locals have said. The temperatures of the coasts during summer months (June-August) are roughly 28-33degC that is very hot but is handled by the water. The Sahara reaches up to 45 °C or more- I do not even contemplate being there at the height of summer. Sounds miserable.
During these seasons (December-February), 10-16 °C at the coast, with intermittent rainfall. No vacation weather, but nice sightseeing. The desert can actually drop below freezing at night during winter, which shocked me. The golden time is spring and fall: along the coasts, the temperature is approximately 18-25 °C, and even in the Sahara, it is enough to reach 20-30 °C during the day.
I came in April and only needed light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. In the desert, which is often cold in the evenings, even a light jacket would suffice. The Mediterranean is the hottest in August (about 25 °C), yet it can still be swum in June-October. I entered the water in April, and although it was slightly cold, it was all right after the first jolt.
what is Tunisia like: Where to Stay
So what is it like to stay in Tunisia? Even better than I thought, truthfully. The variety is enormous, including not only backpacker hostels but also luxurious five-star resorts, and the value is unsurpassed throughout the board. The tourism facilities in Tunisia are well established, particularly along the coast. I was really impressed by the quality you can get at a given price compared to other Mediterranean destinations.
1. Hotels In Sousse
My experience at the Sousse hotel was excellent. I splurged on the Mövenpick Resort & Marine Spa Sousse for three nights, and it was worth every penny. On the beach itself, there were several pools, a fantastic spa, and food in their various restaurants was not bad (which is hardly the case in all-inclusive places). The rooms were so big, the staff was accommodative and the personal beach area was immaculate.
When it comes to the mid-range, the Sousse Pearl Marriott Resort and Spa is not that expensive and offers a comparable vibes. Hotel Sousse Residence is recommended for budget travellers, as it is clean, comfortable, and near both the beach and the medina, allowing one to walk there. Hotels in Sousse are typically of crazy good price. Most of them offer half- or full-board services, which are cost-saving since dining out can be very expensive.
2. Hammamet Hotel Choices
Hammamet hotel selections touch all the styles and prices. I spent four days at the Hasdrubal Thalassa and Spa, which was beautiful. Direct access to the beach, multiple pools, and this unbelievable thalassotherapy spa, which uses seawater. The rooms were up to date, the staff were attentive, and the variety of restaurants ensured I was not bored with the food.
To capture the atmosphere of the boutique setup, La Badira is a super-sophisticated and adults-only right on the beach resort. Pricier but worth it for a romantic trip. Mid-range restaurants such as Vincci Marillia are not too expensive and have good quality. The Yasmine Hammamet neighbourhood is home to many all-inclusive resorts ideal for families. Reservations are usually cheaper than those on online travel sites, whether direct or package.
3. Hotels In Tunis City
The decision to stay in Tunis allowed me to experience modern life in Tunis and to be relatively close to historical sites. I would choose the Mövenpick Hotel du Lac Tunis. It is located on a lake, offers beautiful views, is comfortable, and is accessible to the airport and the city centre. Their rooftop bar offers good sunset views and strong cocktails.
To be more central and atmospheric, Hotel Dar El Medina is a well-restored traditional house in the very middle of the medina. Boutique, full of personality, and you are literally feet away from all the souks. The Tunisia Palace Hotel is decent and well-located, close to the Avenue Habib-Bourguiba. La Maison Blanche Hostel is clean and social, located in the medina, and budget travellers should check it out. Met some nice individuals there as I dropped in for a coffee.
what is Tunisia like: Getting Around
Navigation in Tunisia was not very difficult once I learned how to work the system. I took a combination of transportation tools. To travel between cities, the most common mode of transportation is louage (shared taxi), which is inexpensive, frequent, and fairly comfortable. They are filled to the brim, and so there is no schedule, though I never spent longer than half an hour. You squeeze in with locals, who actually enjoy it. Made some friends that way. The trains connect to major cities like Tunis, Sousse, and Sfax. Cosy enough, extremely cheap. The train from Tunis to Sousse cost me more than 3 dinars and took about 2 hours. Yet not everywhere the trains will go, not down south or to little towns.
In the southern desert areas, hired a car, which was a good choice. This flexibility to stop wherever I wanted, explore faraway places, and go at my own pace was unbelievable. It is easy to drive in Tunisia; the roads are generally of good quality, road signs are posted in Arabic and French, and roads outside towns are well maintained. Urban driving can become hectic, with a lot of honking and innovative lane manoeuvring, and you get used to it. Rental rates are reasonable.
Cities have cabs all over, and they are cheap. Never settled on the metre or negotiated the price beforehand. Other drivers will charge you unreasonable prices, like tourists do. Tunis has an established tram system that is useful in moving around the city centre. Tours can also be the most convenient choice for long-distance trips or any organised desert trip, since they handle all the arrangements, provide guides, and often accommodate and feed their clients.
You May Also Like
Morocco is worth adding to your list of North African destinations if Tunisia has you all excited. The same mixture of Arab culture, a Mediterranean coastline, desert landscapes, and the Atlas Mountains. Egypt is indispensable to all lovers of ancient history: the Pyramids, the Nile Valley, the Valley of the Kings everything marvellous.
Among Mediterranean destinations in the area, Sicily is only a few minutes away by ferry from Tunisia and has several historical links, both Roman and Arab. Malta boasts of interesting megalithic temples and that Mediterranean island feel. Algeria has amazing Roman ruins at Timgad and Djema el-Asri, as well as impressive Saharan scenery, but it is far less visited.
Suppose you were fond of Tunisia’s beach resorts. In that case, the same experience can be had on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast (also known as the Turquoise Coast), which boasts beautiful beaches and many historical attractions. Greek islands are places where one can experience the typical Mediterranean and their own distinct flavours. The Dalmatian coast of Croatia has rightly gained much of its popularity: lovely beaches, a town from the Middle Ages, and reasonable prices relative to Western Europe.
So what is Tunisia all about anyway? It is a place which continuously shocks me in the most desirable ways. Since the moment I landed, until I was forced into the airport, I was spellbound by the way Tunisia has incorporated history, nature and culture into one of a kind. Visiting Tunisia showed me that sometimes the best travel experiences come from places that aren’t constantly flooding your Instagram feed or topping every “must-visit” list.
The best things to do in Tunisia span from wandering through ruins older than most civilisations to floating in crystal-clear Mediterranean water, from sipping endless mint tea in impossibly picturesque villages to falling asleep under desert stars. Its cultural history is rich and Phoenician, Roman, Arab, and French, all overlapping and blending to form something impossible to find anywhere else.
Is Tunisia worth visiting? Without a doubt. Are you still asking yourself what it is like to have a holiday in Tunisia, or are you already tempted to grab your ticket? This North African beauty will have more than a surprise in store. Affordability, diversity, safety, and genuine experiences make Tunisia one of the most value destinations in the Mediterranean.
I booked my holiday through World Holiday Vibes, and to tell the truth, the entire process was very seamless. Helped me find great deals and made planning this trip much easier than it would have been otherwise.
Fill your bags, study some Arabic and French terms (you must believe me, they will help), and plan a holiday that will make a lasting impression on you even after you get back. Tunisia surprised me to hell, and I think it will do the same to you.
what is Tunisia like: FAQs
Is Tunisia worth visiting?
One hundred per cent yes. Within three weeks of travelling around Tunisia, found immeasurable value, experiences, and the sincere kindness of locals. Tunisia is the place to be, whether you are a history buff, beach person, or a desert person. Besides, it is not full of tourists like other Mediterranean destinations, which makes for a more authentic experience.
What is Tunisia like for a holiday?
It is such a satisfying experience. You have beaches as good as those of Spain or Greece at half the price, archaeological sites as good as those of Italy, and Sahara camping, something you will never find in other parts of the world. The food is good, a fantastic combination of Arabic, Mediterranean, and French cuisines. Have never felt unsafe; people were very friendly, and the place is much less crowded than other tourist attractions.
When is the best time to visit Tunisia?
The best time to visit Tunisia really depends on what you want. Beach holiday? The months of June to September offer hot, sunny weather and warm water. Touring around and visiting ruins?Spring (March-May) or fall (September-November), when the weather is ideal for being outdoors. The spring or fall are the best seasons to go on desert trips without being exposed to the severe summer heat. Winter is economical if you are on a tight budget and do not mind the colder climate, with lower rates and fewer tourists, as well as a few coastal hotels that close down.
What are facts about Tunisia I should know?
Here are essential facts about Tunisia: It’s the smallest North African country, but geographically diverse as hell. The country’s language is Arabic, and many individuals speak French. The currency in use is the Tunisian Dinar. Tunisia is primarily Muslim but more secular than some Middle Eastern countries. Felt largely secure as a tourist, but common sense should be used when following travel rules. One should expect to tip approximately 10% in restaurants. Friday is the day of the primary prayer, so shops often have short hours or are closed.
How big is Tunisia?
Approximately 163,610 square kilometres, which is approximately the area of Florida. The geographical variety is insane, even though it is comparatively small. The Mediterranean coast to the Sahara Desert can be covered by driving within a few hours. This is why Tunisia would be ideal if you want to visit various landscapes and weather conditions without wasting time on commutes.
