Destination Tunisia

Discover Tunisia

The mild Mediterranean coast framed by beaches, with a jasmine scent and sea breeze, and where the fish is always fresh, Tunisia is a perfect destination for a beachfront vacation. But the country goes far beyond its beautiful beaches: it's an exciting and underrated destination, where distinct cultures and contrasting landscapes, such as forests in the coastal region and the sandy seas of the Sahara in the south, can be explored in just a few days.

When is the best time to visit Tunisia?

The country receives the highest flow of visitors in the months of July and August, corresponding to the vacation period in Europe. The low season, when prices are slightly lower, as well as the number of visitors, is between September and November or between April and June.

Winter, between the months of December and March, lowers temperatures in coastal and mountainous areas, but it's a good time to visit the Sahara, keeping in mind that winter nights are cold there.

Weather in Tunisia

Tunisia has a Mediterranean climate on the north coast, with mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers. Its interior has a semi-desert or desert climate. The east coast, from the Gulf of Hammamet to the south, receives little rain, with it becoming increasingly scarce the further south you move.

Top city and attractions to visit in Tunisia

Tunis

The laid-back capital of Tunisia has two distinct personalities. The new city, created by French colonists in the 19th century, is tidy, with wrought-iron balconies, cafés and pastry shops lining palm-lined avenues. Passing through Port de France, you leave the European side behind, entering the labyrinth of the Medina, filled with old palaces and antique dealers.

Although Tunis seems to be more urban compared to the rest of the country, the beach isn't far away. The neighborhoods stretch along the blue banks, creating an eclectic mix of Carthaginian ruins, beautiful houses, beach bars, and fishing ports. Cartago is a great choice for short trips, with great beaches, something that Tunis, although on the coast, does not have.

Medina

The vast maze of streets and alleys is a national treasure. There are numerous cave-like souks that sell everything from shoes to hookah pipes, cafés, artisans at work, and residential areas punctuated by large, brightly painted doors. Historic palaces, mosques, and madrassas are scattered everywhere. The recommendation is to explore early in the morning, when it's still serene and less warm.

Bardo National Museum

The country's main museum has a magnificent and unmissable collection, offering a vibrant view of ancient North African life. Located in the original and glorious Husseinite Palace, the museum now connects with an austere and dramatic contemporary addition, doubling the exhibition space. The highlights are a huge stock of amazingly well-preserved Roman mosaics, rare Phoenician artifacts, and early Islamic ceramics.

Carthage

This Punic and Roman site is located northeast of Tunis and requires an imagination, as the ruins are scarce and scattered over a wide area, but they include impressive Roman baths, houses, cisterns, basilicas, and streets. The Cartago Museum supports the imagination of former glories with discoveries of monumental statues, mosaics, and everyday items, including razor blades and kohl jars.

Hammamet

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Tunisia is Hammamet, a city that used to be a fishing village that reinvented itself to attract visitors, something unique in the country. The first thing you notice about the city is that it seems to be in a huge garden, filled with orange, lemon and other citrus trees as well as olive groves.

The city receives a large number of visitors during the high season and one of Hammamet's main attractions, in addition to its gardens, are the white sandy beaches. The water is surprisingly clear and many tourists choose the city as a destination to take advantage of the beach and the available sports options.

Although it has great tourist appeal, Hammamet is also a cultural destination, with archaeological sites, potteries and museums. Throughout the city, visitors will smell jasmine, as local residents are obsessed with the plant, which grows almost everywhere.

Hammams

A vigorous experience that must be tried at least once is the hammam (Turkish bath) in Tunisia. The best and most historic houses are in Tunis, although it is possible to find them around the country. After a period in the sauna, a thick glove is used to remove dirt and dead skin, with the treatment ending with a massage.

Thalassotherapy

From Greek for “sea treatment”, thalassotherapy is a variety of therapies that use seawater to relax, revitalize, and alleviate pain, including seaweed and water jet treatments. In Tunisia it is possible to find thalassotherapy for a much lower price than in Europe and many luxury hotels are equipped with specialized spas.