Do I need to pay tourist tax on my holiday to Tunisia?

From 1st of January 2018, the Tunisian Govt. are charging a sustainable tourism tax on all overnight stays which will be payable on arrival in the hotel for all guests aged 12 or over: 4 & 5-star hotels: 3 Tunisian Dinars per guest, per night (approximately £0.80) 3-star hotels: 2 Tunisian Dinars per guest, per night (approximately £0.55) 2-star hotels: 1 Tunisian Dinar per guest, per night (approximately £0.30)

Tunisia Holidays 2024 | £30pp Deposits

From desert dunes and sand-lined beaches to charming villages steeped with history, a holiday under Tunisia’s sizzling sun is one you won’t forget.

Destination highlights

Year-round sunshine
Over 1,000km of coastline
Cultural hotspot for adventurers
Heaven for foodies

What are the best beaches in Tunisia?

Some of the most spectacular beaches in the Mediterranean await on your beach holiday to Tunisia. Check out this diverse range of beaches:

Hammamet – beaches are the star of the show in charming Hammamet, with their white sands, wealth of marine life and warm waters.
La Marsa – recognised as one of the most beautiful beaches in Tunisia, La Marsa features emerald waters and luxurious resorts.
Kelibia Beach – a favourite with the locals with the most pristine sands.
El Haouaria – a non-touristy beach surrounded by nature, known for its immaculate sands and waters.
Sidi Bou Said – a combination of African and Greek influences, with gorgeous, white-washed sands and buildings in the adjacent town.
Gammarth – renowned as the most luxurious beach in Tunisia, lined with palms and offering a range of watersports.

What are the top hotels in Tunisia?

This place is a blissful holiday destination for families, couples or groups of friends. Finding the right accommodation is key, especially if you're on the lookout for a cheap jolly to Tunisia, so keep an eye out for these top hotels:

Phenicia Hotel - tranquillity is the prime pull to this hotel with its location near Hammamet and its own private beach.
Iberostar Selection Kantaoui Bay - a five-star holiday is guaranteed in this luxury hotel with its beachfront location in Kantaoui Bay.
Iberostar Selection Royal El Mansour - a family-friendly hotel with something for everyone, situated on the beachfront and packed with activities for all ages.
Hannibal Palace - minutes away from the sands, this hotel has the traditional Tunisian appeal and a host of amenities.
El Mouradi Gammarth - luxury living and serenity couldn’t be easier in this hotel packed with top facilities.
The Sindbad - set on the beachfront of Hammamet, this five-star hotel has a contemporary appeal.
Marhaba Salem Hotel - a favourite for beach-lovers, located just minutes away from the sands.

Popular Tunisia hotels

Stunning Tunisia resorts

Sousse

Sousse is one of Tunisia’s most popular tourist cities and it’s not hard to see why. Offering a mix of traditional and modern surroundings, the city also...

Skanes

A modern beach resort located around 6 miles out of the city of Monastir; Skanes is perfect for those looking for a peaceful break in the sun. With a range...

Hammamet

Famous for its abundance of Jasmine flowers and located right on Gulf of Hammamet’s shores, it’s easy to see why the seaside town of Hammamet was Tunisia’s...

Mahdia

Mahdia is a pretty port in Tunisia, sitting on the coast between the resorts of Sousse and Sfax. Thriving markets, stunning scenery and plenty of history...

Port El Kantaoui

Launched as an exclusive tourism hotspot in the late 70s, pretty Port El Kantaoui ticks all the boxes for a deluxe sunshine break. With stacks of five-star...

Weather in Tunisia

JAN

16^°C

FEB

17^°C

MAR

18^°C

APR

22^°C

MAY

24^°C

JUN

25^°C

JUL

25^°C

AUG

25^°C

SEP

23^°C

OCT

21^°C

NOV

18^°C

DEC

16^°C

May to September? Tunisia's in full summer mode. Temps are sizzling between 25°C and 35°C. Perfect for those who love to splash in the Mediterranean or get their tan game strong on the beaches of Hammamet. And, honestly, who can resist an ice-cold drink on a hot Tunisian afternoon?

But here's where Tunisia tosses in a twist. December to February, things get a tad cooler. We’re talking 10°C to 18°C. So, if the thought of melting in the heat isn’t your jam, this is your window. It’s the optimal chill to wander through ancient ruins or dive deep into bustling Tunisian markets.

Now, for those who can't pick a side, there's a middle ground. March, April, October and November see Tunisia striking a balance - not too hot, not too cold. Ideal for, let's say, a camel trek or a leisurely day in Sidi Bou Said.

To wrap it up: Whether you’re about that sun-soaked beach life or keen on cooler adventures, Tunisia weather has got your back.

Reviews

At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers on Tunisia Holidays for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.

By Anthony Tetley

Verified

Always use On the Beach for holidays...

Always use On the Beach for holidays abroad. Just an easy and simple way to book a holiday, and always had a great time.

By Tony Fletcher

Verified

Excellent

Always use on the beach and always have a fantastic pain free holiday, easy to use service and friendly helpful staff when needed, 😀

By Nigel Hancock

Verified

Absolutely brilliant service

Absolutely brilliant service and excellent customer support 👏

FAQs

It takes around three hours to fly to Tunisia from the UK.

There is no time difference between Tunisia and the UK.

The official currency of Tunisia is the Dinar.

The official language spoken in Tunisia is Arabic.

Explore the Medina of Tunis

The Medina of Tunis shows the authentic side of Tunisian culture with ancient walkways and some of the best markets you’ll ever experience. Plus, it’ll give you an opportunity to get a taste of the country’s history.

Visit the El Jem Amphitheatre

One of the world’s largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheatres - a great place to climb and see the city of El Jem.

Plan a trip to the Sahara Desert

It’s not a holiday to Tunisia without experiencing its desert side. There are plenty of ways to explore, including camel treks, 4x4 trips and overnight stays.

Go for a hot air balloon ride

Tunisia has so much to offer in every way, so what better way to see it than from above? Book a hot air balloon ride and experience a bird’s eye view of all the country’s highlights.

Wander around the souks

Shopping at souks (markets) is the best way to experience the traditional side of Tunisia and speak to many of the locals who are selling goods. It's a great way to soak up the culture, and it's the perfect opportunity to pick up some souvenirs!

What events can I go to in Tunisia?
From traditional cultural events to live music festivals, there's a lot going on in Tunisia. Here are some exciting events to check out:
- Festival of Ksour (March) - a celebration with music, authentic dance performances and traditional activities as the locals carve out underground rooms in the sandy rocks.
- Tabarka Jazz Festival (July) - the city of Tabarka hosts a selection of different jazz flavours to enjoy.
- Festival of Colours (June) - a musical and cultural celebration of colour, togetherness, and love, with a variety of international music.
- The Hammamet International Festival (July–August) - an exciting music festival held over most of the summer at the Hammamet Cultural Center, with a range of the most successful jazz and theatre performers.
- Festival of the Medina (August) - a festival hosting everything from live music and short films to plenty other fun shows.
- Eid Al-Fitr (May) - a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan - celebrated with games, rides and all kinds of food.
- Carthage International Film Festival (October–November) - an annual film festival designed to attract new Hollywood names and celebrate African and Arab films.
- International Festival of the Sahara (December) - an annual festival held in Douz with a whole host of events, including camel marathons and horse racing, as well as music and dancing at night.
Where's the best nightlife in Tunisia?
Tunisia’s nightlife scene is unique and offers something for everyone, from lively clubs on the coast to casual cafés. Check out these spots for a memorable night:
- Le Carpe Diem, Tunis - popular with the younger crowd, this exciting venue has the best cocktails, and music that’ll make you want to dance until the sun comes up.
- Le Boeuf sur le Toit , Tunis - loved by locals and tourists alike for its lively atmosphere, this venue offers great live music to accompany you on the dance floor all night long.
- Sidi Bou Hadid, Hammamet - a casual café by day, turned energetic shisha bar by night.
- Calypso Club, Hammamet - this party hotspot has your name written all over it, renowned for hosting unforgettable parties with the best DJs from all over the world.
What’s the food like in Tunisia?
Tunisian cuisine is a blend of flavours influenced by Arabic, European, and Middle Eastern cooking. You’re guaranteed to enjoy the selection of food on offer. Here are some dishes to try on your trip:
- Brik - a filo pastry pocket stuffed with parsley, tuna and egg, and then fried - it's the most famous Tunisian dish, and more appealing than the name suggests!
- Lablabi - a broth or soup made from chickpeas and flavoured with garlic and cumin
- Couscous - a classic dish made from semolina and typically served with meat or veg
- Harissa - a spicy paste made with garlic and chili peppers, used as a condiment with salad, fish or meat, or as a dip
- Tajine - the Tunisian version of a quiche, tortilla, or frittata with various vegetable fillings
Looking for places to eat in Tunisia? Check out these top dining spots:
- Dar el-Jeld, Tunis - set in a grand, 18th-century mansion in the heart of the medina, offering a traditional menu
- Chez Slah, Tunis - a tucked-away restaurant which is a favourite with the locals, offering a wide selection of the best Tunisian food
- Le Barberousse, Hammamet - the place to be for an upmarket meal with picturesque views and a refined menu
- Resto de la Plage, Hammamet - an idyllic beachfront venue serving up a mix of Mediterranean culinary dishes, perfect for a romantic dinner

The sunny beach resorts are located a long way from the main problem areas of Tunisia, meaning that the majority of holidaymakers experience a trouble-free time during their stay.

The government do recommend that tourists should be alert around crowded places whilst on their travels here. Although the coastlines beautiful beaches rarely see any trouble, so you can relax on your getaway and enjoy the sunshine.

We are currently closely following the COVID-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to Greece on the FCDO website.

Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

From 1st of January 2018, the Tunisian Govt. are charging a sustainable tourism tax on all overnight stays which will be payable on arrival in the hotel for all guests aged 12 or over:

4 & 5-star hotels: 3 Tunisian Dinars per guest, per night (approximately £0.80)
3-star hotels: 2 Tunisian Dinars per guest, per night (approximately £0.55)
2-star hotels: 1 Tunisian Dinar per guest, per night (approximately £0.30)

Please be aware that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan will take place between 22/03/2023 and 20/04/2023. During this time, eating, drinking and smoking will be restricted to the hours between sunset and sunrise, and visitors are expected to observe these practices in public spaces as a sign of respect, meaning many cafés and restaurants will close during the day, restrictions on alcohol sales may be in place, and hotel dining for non-Muslim guests may take place in private rooms. Playing music, dancing, and eating in public areas may also be restricted during this time.

Tunisia Holidays

Destination highlights

What are the best beaches in Tunisia?

What are the top hotels in Tunisia?

Popular Tunisia hotels

Sahara Beach Aquapark Resort

Iberostar Selection Kuriat Palace

Marhaba Club

Occidental Sousse Marhaba

Iberostar Selection Kantaoui Bay

Iberostar Selection Diar El Andalous

Jaz Tour Khalef

Sentido Phenicia

Occidental Marco Polo

Iberostar Selection Royal El Mansour

Royal Nozha

Nozha Beach & Spa

Iberostar Averroes

Houda Yasmine Hammamet

Hotel Liberty Resort

Riadh Palms

Hannibal Palace

Marhaba Royal Salem

Hammamet Garden Resort

Barcelo Concorde Green Park Palace

Stunning Tunisia resorts

Sousse

Skanes

Hammamet

Mahdia

Port El Kantaoui

Weather in Tunisia

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

View destination on a map

Reviews

Always use On the Beach for holidays...

Excellent

Absolutely brilliant service

FAQs

How long does it take to fly to Tunisia?

What’s the time difference between the UK and Tunisia?

What currency do they use in Tunisia?

What language do they speak in Tunisia?

Explore the Medina of Tunis

Visit the El Jem Amphitheatre

Plan a trip to the Sahara Desert

Go for a hot air balloon ride

Wander around the souks

What events can I go to in Tunisia?

Where's the best nightlife in Tunisia?

What’s the food like in Tunisia?

Key facts about Tunisia

Flight Time

3 hrs

Time Difference

No difference!

Currency

Dinar

Language

Arabic

Is Tunisia safe?

Will COVID-19 affect my holiday to Tunisia?

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Tunisia?

Do I need to pay tourist tax on my holiday to Tunisia?

Observing Ramadan